Innovation

This article was written by Lodging Magazine. Click here to read the original article LISBON—The NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, in collaboration with RateGain…

This article was written by Lodging Magazine. Click here to read the original article Photo Credit: Cloudbeds RMS SAN DIEGO, California—Cloudbeds launched Cloudbeds RMS, a new revenue management system that…

📈 In 2026, AI adoption in hotel distribution exceeds 50% among 58,000 properties, yet transformative impact remains below 10%, with OTAs maintaining dominance. Key barriers include fragmented data architecture and unclear success metrics. Only 7% of PMS vendors provide fully public API documentation, hindering AI performance. Despite a 4.4% RevPAR increase due to the World Cup, U.S. hotel GOP margins lag behind 2019 levels. Rio de Janeiro hotels achieved a decade-best August RevPAR at BRL612.29 driven by major events.

💻 Managers in 16 countries now use generative AI daily, with individual usage soaring from 15% in 2024 to 49% in 2026, but team adoption lags at 7% (Capgemini Research Institute, 2026). A book launch on September 15, 2026, addressed this gap, using case studies to highlight AI's role in enhancing team decision-making. Key challenges include data reliability and secure AI tools, as most organizations lack suitable company-wide solutions, a point emphasized during the Harvard Business Review Press webinar.

💻 September 15, 2026, Las Vegas: UrVenue is hosting an Open House at their new Las Vegas Strip HQ on September 30, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event will showcase technology for non-gaming resort experiences through four interactive stations. Visitors can book 30-minute guided sessions. Attendees include 25,000 gaming, resort, and hospitality executives. UrVenue’s solutions are trusted by top brands like Caesars and MGM Resorts. Contact [email protected] for appointments outside Open House hours.

📊 Based on insights from 270 hotel brands and 58,000+ properties across 141 cities in 53 countries, the "State of Distribution 2026" report reveals that over half of hotels use generative AI, though less than 10% see over 30% reduction in manual work. While OTAs generate twice the bookings of hotel-owned channels, technology budgets are rising, focusing on optimizing existing systems. Mid-sized hotel chains show the strongest AI governance and reporting automation. The survey covers hotel operations from December 2024 to November 2025.

🤖 Ford recently acknowledged AI's limitations, rehiring human engineers, while 55% of employers regret AI-driven staff cuts, and 91% report AI failed to meet expectations (Forrester). A UC Berkeley study noted increased workloads for AI users. In hospitality, a May 2026 report highlighted Las Vegas housekeepers using apps for task management, impacting autonomy. Despite a 4.4% growth in five-star reviews, North American guest ratings remain flat, signaling service concerns amid AI's rise in hospitality.

📈 Agilysys's Frank Pitsikalis is speaking at NoVacancy 2026, ICC Sydney, from 23-24 September. On 23 September, he will present at 10:40 a.m. and join a panel at 12:15 p.m.; on 24 September, he'll participate in another panel at 10:40 a.m. Topics include AI in hotel operations, changing guest expectations, and maximizing revenue beyond room bookings. Agilysys will exhibit at Booth #941, showcasing their comprehensive hospitality technology.

💻 [15 September 2026, Dallas, Texas] Unifocus unveiled Unifocus Claira, an AI-driven platform for the hospitality industry, offering end-to-end workforce management. Claira integrates labor forecasting, budgeting, scheduling, and operations in one system, enhancing decision-making and performance. With over 25 years of expertise, Unifocus targets the underserved select service segment, providing comprehensive AI insights and real-time assistance. This innovation aims to streamline operations, improve guest experiences, and boost profitability for hoteliers.

Developed with NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and HEDNA, the report draws on 58,000+ hotel properties and finds AI adoption running ahead of real impact. Lisbon, 15 September 2026: RateGain Travel Technologies Limited (NSE: RATEGAIN, BSE: 543417), a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality, together with the NYU […] The post More Than 50% of Hotels Use AI, but Under 10% See Real Impact, Finds RateGain’s State of Distribution 2026 appeared first on RateGain.