Travel Weekly Group Ltd

✈️ SITA, in partnership with easyJet, launched the SITA Agent App after a year of collaboration, tested at Gatwick and four other UK airports. The app allows ground crew to assist passengers anywhere in the terminal, freeing them from fixed desks. During trials, over 1,000 crew members issued 40,000 boarding passes and checked in over 30,000 passengers, boarding 5 million travelers. At Gatwick, 1.4 million passengers were boarded in eight months, streamlining operations and reducing infrastructure costs.

📹 Expedia's "The Science of Wanderlust" study surveyed 7,000 travelers across seven markets, revealing key content preferences. Video influences travel decisions three times more than static images, with 71% favoring video. Authenticity builds trust, with 52% valuing transparency. Optimal video length is 2-9 seconds. 41% value AI content with human input. Generational divides show younger audiences prefer videos and influencers, while older groups favor brand messaging. Partnered destinations include GoTürkiye and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

💻 Kadam Jeet Jain appointed as CTO of the roomangel Foundation. Tasked with enhancing AI capabilities for their Hive platform, Jain's experience includes co-founding Treebo Hotels and scaling it to over 1,000 hotels in 120 cities. Roomangel's Hive analyzes billions of hotel rates daily, aiming to improve yield and reduce intermediary dependency. The platform aspires to be the AI engine for verified hotel data, transforming travel through real-time, authentic information.

💻 Simpson Travel launches the 'Dreamcrafter' holiday finder, a pioneering AI tool, in October 2025. This innovation helps agents find the perfect villa or boutique hotel for clients, offering a personalized, image-led experience. Clients search using terms like 'best infinity pools' or 'uninterrupted sea views.' Managing Director Ed Pyke emphasizes the tool's focus on subjective preferences, enhancing the decision-making process. Head of Trade Sales, Hannah Naylor-Vane, highlights its usefulness for agents and client interaction.

💻 Mews, a hospitality operating system, acquired US-based AI company DataChat. DataChat's expertise in natural language processing and data-driven automation will enhance Mews’ development of autonomous agents for hotel operations. These agents will optimize reservations, distribution, and guest experiences. Richard Valtr, Mews' founder, emphasized that the integration will unlock data for smarter operations. Viken Eldemir, CEO of DataChat, highlighted the transformational potential for intelligent personalization in hospitality, advancing Mews' AI roadmap for improved revenue and cost optimization.