129 posts
Yesterday, we spent 9 hours giving a hotel owner 45–60 extra mins back every morning. We did it by building an AI executive assistant for their boutique hotel in the South of France. Not a chatbot.… | Piers Thackray
Yesterday, we spent 9 hours giving a hotel owner 45–60 extra mins back every morning. We did it by building an AI executive assistant for their boutique hotel in the…
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The Hotel Website Is About to Split in Two
In my last post, I wrote about how the discovery layer in hospitality is being rewritten — AI agents mediating the guest journey before a traveler ever visits your website…
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By 2026, AI Systems to Autonomously Plan and Execute Business Strategies, Enhancing Productivity and Opportunities
🤖 In 2026, AI agents autonomously strategize for businesses, acting beyond passive tools to independently plan, execute, and optimize tasks. In e-commerce, they manage marketing and logistics, while in manufacturing, they design workflows and fix inefficiencies in real time. This evolution boosts productivity and opens new opportunities, prompting a reevaluation of leadership and trust in AI as strategic partners. Are we ready to embrace this transformative shift in automation and delegation?
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Raja Ampat and Komodo Offer Distinctive Liveaboard Diving Experiences, Crucial for Tailored Hospitality Recommendations
🌊 Raja Ampat and Komodo, two of Indonesia’s premier liveaboard diving destinations, cater to distinct traveler profiles. Raja Ampat appeals to those seeking biodiversity and remoteness, often influencing longer journeys. Conversely, Komodo offers dynamic experiences with easier access via Labuan Bajo, ideal for travelers with limited time. Understanding these differences helps hospitality professionals tailor recommendations, enhancing guest satisfaction and trip design. Both destinations are memorable, yet fulfill different expectations, emphasizing the importance of matching guests with appropriate experiences.
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Cancelled Meeting in Dubai Highlights Importance of Genuine Hospitality During Crisis and Uncertainty
🗺️ October 2023, Dubai: A two-hour meeting was canceled, leaving travelers stranded due to unforeseen circumstances, including sirens, alerts, and flight cancellations. The past few days highlighted the essence of genuine hospitality amidst chaos. Travelers encountered both challenges, like renegotiating hotel rates and witnessing empathy through gestures like complimentary breakfasts and rate adjustments. This experience underscores that in crisis, true hospitality shines through, revealing a brand's character beyond just policies.
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Robinhood Launches $695 Annual Fee Platinum Card to Capture High-Spend Customers and Boost Transaction Revenue
💳 Robinhood's new Platinum Card is priced at $695 annually and targets high-spend customers, aiming for durable revenue from daily transactions and transaction data benefits. Interchange fees remain a clean revenue stream for consumer fintech, improving with better approvals and customer retention. Despite predictions, decentralized money platforms face challenges in replacing credit cards due to consumer demand for credit, rewards, and fraud protection, along with merchants' preference for high conversion and compatibility without altering global operations.
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RevPAR Growth in 2026 Expected to Be Modest, with Occupancy and ADR Showing Minimal Increases
📈 Bashar Wali, CEO of This Assembly, discusses 2026 hospitality trends. RevPAR is expected to grow modestly, and occupancy may decline, with STR and Tourism Economics predicting 62.0% occupancy, ADR up 0.9%, and RevPAR up 0.5%. FIFA 2026 will drive demand spikes from June 11 to July 19 in 11 U.S. cities. Labor challenges and capital market constraints persist. Success in 2026 requires meticulous planning, liquidity protection, and effective asset management. The year rewards execution over enthusiasm.
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JLL Report Projects Luxury Hotels as Leading Investment Due to 9.6% Global Wealth Growth by 2025
💸 In 2026, JLL predicts RevPAR will vary across markets, with luxury positioned as a top investment due to consumer spending surpassing economic growth. From 2015 to 2025, global wealth increased at a 9.6% annual growth rate, boosting luxury hotel demand. However, ultra-luxury supply lags behind, enhancing its long-term value. High-net-worth individuals remain highly price-elastic, driving demand for unique experiences. The growing number of billionaires will further boost ultra-luxury sector performance.
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