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Mark Fancourt

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  • 2 min

Lost in Loyalty

💳 Loyalty in hospitality transcends transactional programs. Historically, recognition meant knowing guests personally, not through points or cards. The article argues that genuine connection has been replaced by gamified systems, diluting true loyalty. High-touch hotels excel without complex loyalty programs, focusing on personalized recognition. True loyalty fosters long-term connections, emphasizing the human aspect over digital solutions. The article is part of a newsletter available weekly, with insights from a hospitality technology consultant.
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Hard AI is Here: How CES 2026 Changed Hotel Ops Forever

🤖 CES 2026, Las Vegas: Robotics and AI revolutionize hospitality. Soft AI now instructs Hard AI, enabling robots to autonomously perform complex tasks like cleaning. High-torque, liquid-cooled actuators allow robots to navigate human environments seamlessly. Operators must manage Singular Task Robots for repetitive tasks and Multi-Task Humanoids for varied roles. Emerging technologies like Tensor Robocar redefine guest experiences. Future infrastructure requires high-density energy setups and advanced fleet management to fully integrate AI and maximize operational efficiency.
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The Take by TRAVHOTECH – CES 2026: A Hospitality & Travel Industry Story

🛫 2026, Las Vegas hosted CES, attracting 150,000 attendees from 150 countries, utilizing 150,000 hotel rooms, and contributing over $300 million in economic impact. CES highlighted the pivotal role of Hospitality & Travel as the infrastructure enabling the innovation economy. Technology showcased included NVIDIA agents, Zeroth’s W1 robot, and UniXAI, all emphasizing task replacement. Mobility innovations featured the Vegas Loop and autonomous vehicles. Despite automation, human interaction remains essential for building trust and creating memorable experiences.
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Bed Time Stories by Testbed Vegas: The CES 2026 Edition

📱 CES 2026 in Las Vegas draws 140,000 attendees focused on "Agentic" tech. Key innovations include LG's CLOiD robot with "Affectionate Intelligence," Supernal S-A2 eVTOLs, Nvidia’s ACE for AI NPCs in casinos, and robots in restaurants. Sierra Space's "Dream Chaser" spaceplane highlights Space Tech, while Nvidia’s "Omniverse" offers digital twins for simulations. Las Vegas aims to integrate these technologies to enhance hospitality and travel experiences.
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The Take by TRAVHOTECH – CES 2026 Day Three

🤖 NVIDIA's "Agentic World" showcased AI agents performing tasks like robotic testing and managing wind tunnels on Day Three at CES 2026. Surgical AI was demonstrated, offering real-time surgical guidance. Quantum computing by Helios, discussed by Dr. Alistair Milne, highlighted the practical use of atoms in processing data. Autonomous robot cars and holograms were featured, along with delivery robots in China. Meta's AI glasses were in high demand, and Samsung had concluded its participation. The event wrapped up with discussions on future tech implications.
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The Take by TRAVHOTECH – CES 2026 Day One

🤖 Flying vacuums like the MOVA Pilot70, smart clothing with self-regulating temperature by Mode Wearables, and Dutch solar city cars by Squad Mobility showcased on Day One of CES 2026, highlight a future of autonomy. Amazon's Project Kuiper aims to enhance B2B infrastructure in remote areas. Innovations such as intelligent planters, personal automated cocktail bars, and smart toilet consoles exemplify the shift toward automation in hospitality and lifestyle sectors.
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🛌 Bed Time Stories by Testbed Vegas 💡 – 1 Dec 2025

💻 Las Vegas is navigating economic challenges by integrating AI into its core industries. RCG Economics reports that up to 95% of hospitality jobs in Southern Nevada are at risk by the end of next year. Despite a 4% visitor drop, tech conventions boosted October attendance. NoMad Las Vegas will be rebranded in early 2026. The Culinary Union guarantees six-month notices for tech affecting jobs. AWS re:Invent 2025 introduced Marengo 3.0, enhancing video analysis. Zoox expands its robotaxi fleet, enhancing Las Vegas transportation.
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Is your hotel distribution model ready for 2030?

📈 Hotels, by 2030, must embrace AI-Native, API-first models to stay visible in AI-driven travel systems. Key strategies include investing in Unified Data Architecture for real-time data via robust APIs, leveraging loyalty programs as algorithmic currency, and strengthening direct booking channels to reduce OTA reliance. Speed, data completeness, and strategic control are crucial to avoid the "AI Transaction Tax" and maintain market control. The transformation is essential for competitive advantage in the evolving hospitality landscape.
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🚀 The Take by TRAVHOTECH – 18 Nov 2025 | Mark Fancourt

📰 Marketing Convergence: A significant tech acquisition merges demand intelligence and performance marketing. Distribution Defense: A major GDS is countering the rise of Agentic AI. Operational Integrity: Essential tech ensures high-volume casino cash flow. Automated Service: A fast-food giant launches an AI and robotics-driven restaurant model. Travel Infrastructure: Advances in sub-orbital tech aim to shrink global distances. The Smart PMS: A cutting-edge PMS acquires intelligence for autonomous hotel operations. #HospitalityTech #TravelTech
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🛌 Bed Time Stories by Testbed Vegas – 17 Nov 2025

📰 MGM Resorts plans to implement digital keys across U.S. hotels next quarter, enhancing the guest experience. Harry Reid International Airport tests AI for smoother passenger flow, reducing wait times. Nevada lawmakers propose a blockchain study for casino auditing. A Las Vegas restaurant partners with a vertical farm for local ingredients. A local plant secures a lunar rover contract, boosting tech jobs. The Sphere debuts an augmented reality app. These initiatives showcase Las Vegas's integration of tech, hospitality, and sustainability.
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