Kate Harden-England1 - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 33

2 min

Copenhagen Airport partners with iCoupon…

💳 iCoupon, Copenhagen Airport, and 7-Eleven Go collaborate to accept vouchers at airport vending machines. Currently active in 36 7-Eleven Go self-service kiosks and 12 stores, it offers 24/7 access to snacks and drinks. Aimed at expanding to all iCoupon-integrated airports globally, the initiative by Instant Systems enables digital voucher redemption, enhancing traveller convenience and potentially increasing revenue for retailers, airports, and airlines. Copenhagen Airport is the first to implement this service.

2 min

High AI satisfaction for disabled…

🏃 An AI travel planning survey by Matador Network found 82.5% user satisfaction among those planning for disabled persons. 19.9% specifically used AI for disability travel planning. 89% of those users are likely to repeat usage for upcoming summer travel. GuideGeek offers free AI travel assistance, supporting accessible accommodation and activity discovery. Matador Network, led by CEO Ross Borden, commits to enhancing travel accessibility through AI innovation.

2 min

Trip Affiliates Network launches Hotel…

🏨 Trip Affiliates Network launches Hotel Switch, a connectivity platform for travel agents to access over 200,000 hotel affiliations worldwide. The tool features instant booking, real-time updates, and VCC payment support, aiming to enhance accommodation variety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Josef Foo, the managing partner, highlights Hotel Switch's ability to improve travel agents' productivity and profitability by streamlining operations and offering competitive room rates and promotions.

2 min

Sykes Cottages’ parent company Forge…

🏖️ Forge Holiday Group, owner of Sykes Cottages and Forest Holidays, plans to invest £150 million over the next three years in UK property portfolio, technology, and customer and owner services. Developing over 50 cabins in Glentress Forest and expanding at Strathyre Forest, the group's revenue for the year ending September 30, 2023, grew 22% with a 3% increase in like-for-like sales. Despite a "broadly flat" profit of £60.7 million due to inflation, net property portfolio grew by 6% to 32,921, serving over 3 million customers. £8.5 million was invested in technology infrastructure.

1 min

Trending Travel names Hollie Race as…

📱 Hollie Race appointed as influencer marketing director at Trending Travel, previously content and brand manager at Travel Counsellors for nearly two years. Race has experience from In The Style as a senior creative executive and creative manager, and held a senior brand manager role at The Fragrance Shop. Kieran Shew, managing director, and CEO Keith Herman of Trending Travel welcome her expertise to enhance influencer campaigns.

3 min

AMEX GBT reveals lack of accessible…

♿ American Express Global Business Travel survey in June 2024 found 50% of disabled UK workers declined job offers due to travel requirements, with 65% feeling unable to travel for business. Surprisingly, 61% canceled crucial trips over accessibility issues, while 63% perceive able-bodied colleagues advancing faster career-wise. Despite 74% viewing business travel as career-critical, 48% report a lack of understanding about travel needs, 31% experience inadequate hotel accommodations, and 37% encounter prejudice. Amex GBT's end-to-end accessibility solution, launched with IBM in December 2023, offers specialized service through the Travelers Requiring Specialty Assistance desk. Over a dozen customers have since adopted the framework, extending its benefits to Amex GBT employees.

2 min

Snaptrip Group expands brand portfolio with…

🏨 Snaptrip Group, including LateRooms, Snaptrip, and Dog Friendly Cottages, acquired The Hotel Guru, an international hotel website, for a seven-figure sum. The Hotel Guru, known for prioritizing guest experience and having a significant presence in the US, will help Snaptrip Group expand globally. Matt Fox, CEO of Snaptrip Group, aims to make it the go-to accommodation platform in the UK and beyond. Hugh Graham-Watson remains The Hotel Guru's MD post-acquisition. Snaptrip Group has been backed by Bestport Private Equity and Forward Partners, aggressively growing since 2017 with acquisitions like Last Minute Cottages Ltd and LateRooms.

2 min

Cloudbeds says travel landscape set for…

✈ Cloudbeds' 2024 State of Independent Lodging Report highlights experiential travel, inflation-busting travel hacks, and skill demands for hoteliers. Findings reveal 81% of travelers plan to maintain or increase travel in 2024, nearly 70% are likely to travel for concerts, and 47% of US travelers book destinations for specific restaurants. Over 50% would book a surprise trip. By 2027, 42% of business tasks to be automated. Currently, 91% of hotels use a PMS, 64% have a booking engine, and 33% utilize a channel manager.

2 min

Journey Mentor partners with Tappit on…

📅 Tappit and Journey Mentor announce a five-year partnership to develop a loyalty and customer experience program using Tappit’s white label technology for mobile payments and real-time data insights. Customers of Journey Mentor can utilize features like wallet charging, holding balances in various currencies, and wallet-to-IBAN/card transfers. Tappit’s CEO Jon Romm and Journey Mentor’s CEO Paul Sies aim to transform customer experience and set new industry standards.

2 min

Roomex joins forces with SQUAKE to launch…

📊 Roomex partnered with SQUAKE to introduce a carbon reporting feature for travel and accommodation for businesses, driven by client demand. The feature uses SQUAKE’s API and provides insights via monthly statements using the HCMI or DEFRA frameworks. According to Roomex's 2023 YouGov market research, 12% of businesses consider sustainable reporting a top challenge in corporate travel. Roomex CEO Garry Moroney highlighted the move as a step towards sustainable travel practices.

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