Travel Weekly Group Ltd

🗺 AI-powered platform Sojern launched its first European Destinations Advisory Board for 2025. This inaugural meeting took place in Paris with notable members from across Europe, including Emma Gordon from Marketing Manchester and Eleni Mitraki from GNTO. The board focuses on audience measurement, sustainability, and AI-led personalization to bolster destination marketing. Sojern's initiative aims to drive Europe's tourism industry forward by collaborating with tourism leaders to develop innovative solutions for global growth.

💻 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.

💻 Focus Group has launched Hospitality Cyber, a modular cybersecurity framework for hotels, restaurants, and venues via its Focus on Hospitality division, supporting 200+ UK businesses. This service targets rising cyber threats like phishing and fake OTA campaigns, especially with digital check-ins and cloud PMS. The platform integrates 24/7 SOC, Cyber Essentials, and ZTNA to secure connections, ensuring compliance with GDPR and PCI DSS. Monthly vulnerability scans and advanced email protection enhance security measures.