Travel Weekly Group Ltd

🚀 IBS Software announces the successful launch of its cloud-native iLoyal platform with Emirates Skywards, serving over 35 million members globally. This marks a long-term innovation partnership to modernize the loyalty program's ecosystem. The iLoyal platform aims to drive real-time personalization, enhancing customer engagement. Emirates Skywards, in collaboration with IBS Software, seeks to deliver more rewarding experiences, laying a foundation for future innovation and growth.

💻 Travel professionals face intense competition and rising client expectations, with 92% happy in their jobs despite challenges. Major hurdles include searching for deals (notably in GCC at 52% and Asia at 49%) and maintaining income levels (15% concerned). RateHawk’s survey of 1,300 professionals highlights demand for tech solutions, with 29% seeking better access and 33% desiring improved mobile booking. Automation tools are preferred by 50%, especially in North America and Europe. Technology adoption remains a challenge, particularly in Asia.

🏨 More than half (56%) of hotels feel tech upgrade pressure, reveals Hotels.com’s 2025 Hotel Room Innsights survey. This global survey of 450+ properties highlights ‘ComfortTech’ trends like smart fans and TVs, and calls out tech confusion, with 52% of hotels now offering verbal tech walk-throughs. While 70% of guests prefer face-to-face interaction, hotels aim to integrate AI concierge services and voice controls. Hotels.com is updating booking software for intuitive use and personalized experiences.

💻 Travel tech firms Amadeus and Shiji have partnered in 2025 to create a comprehensive hospitality technology suite for hotels. The collaboration aims to integrate products like Shiji Daylight PMS, Infrasys POS, and Amadeus HotSOS, among others, into a single product. Although both companies will continue to operate independently, the integration addresses challenges like fragmentation and connectivity. Kevin King, CEO of Shiji International, and Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, president of hospitality at Amadeus, highlight the benefits of this cutting-edge solution.

🌍 Explore Worldwide launched a digital tool to help UK holidaymakers plan their ideal micro-retirement trips. Survey results show 29% of UK workers are considering extended breaks, with 48% motivated by travel. Popular destinations include Europe (37%), New Zealand (30%), and Australia (26%). Financial constraints (49%), employer support (26%), and family responsibilities (22%) are main barriers. Post-sabbatical, 84% feel positive returning to work, and 96% have renewed purpose. 🌍