Innovation

IRIS , the market leader in digital ordering and guest experience solutions, has been selected by Canopy by Hilton Istanbul Taksim , the stylish lifestyle hotel in the heart of Istanbul, to grow and enhance guest engagement and service delivery with its digital guest directory. The Hilton-approved IRIS Guest Directory solution was implemented in April 2026, in a bid to move away from traditional printed guest directories that were difficult to update, lacked personality and failed to reflect the hotel's distinctive brand. The 110-room Istanbul hotel now provides guests with instant access to hotel information, dining, concierge services, local recommendations and hidden gems directly from their own mobile device. Commenting on the partnership, Berk Akgun, Front Office Manager, Canopy by Hilton Istanbul Taksim said, “Our guests increasingly expect instant access to information when on their travels. Our central location appeals to many of our guests who want to explore Istanbul and the hotel’s surrounds. “Implementing IRIS’ comprehensive and feature-rich Digital Guest Directory has been critical in enabling us to meet and exceed those requirements. Whether guests want to find out more about our facilities or concierge experiences or wish to plan their day in Istanbul, everything is available within a couple of clicks. “As well as being able to customise the platform with our brand identity, what has been particularly valuable for us from an operations perspective, is the capability to manage the content in real time. It is convenient, live, dynamic and accurate to both build trust with guests and provide additional support for staff.” Canopy by Hilton Istanbul Taksim is located close to famous landmarks and destinations including Topkapi Palace, Taksim Square and the bustling Istiklal Street. It offers a choice of two restaurants and meeting space, alongside its own heritage wine cellar and fitness centre. The IRIS Guest Directory has enabled the team to accelerate engagement with its guests by providing a branded, mobile-first experience. Staff can upload and update a comprehensive range of information – from guest services and hotel facilities, to activities and recommendations on what to see and do in the local area. It is all readily available via QR codes located throughout the hotel so guests can access the directory at a time and location that suits them, be it via the in-room TV or their preferred mobile device. Reassuringly for guests and staff alike the team can tailor the Guest Directory to be fully bespoke to the hotel, customised to the distinctive Canopy by Hilton branding to ensure it is both recognisable and easy to navigate. Operationally, the Guest Directory fulfils many routine guest requests, allowing staff more time to focus on building guest relations and the hotel to operate more sustainably, without the need for costly paper re-prints when information needs to be updated. Marcus Bird, Head of Commercial, IRIS adds: “The team at Canopy by Hilton Istanbul Taksim has been keen to engage with the implementation of the Guest Directory from the beginning, working alongside us to ensure all staff

🛫 Expedia acquired Layla on Tuesday 2026; IHG launched AI conversational search last week. Radisson expanded ChatGPT booking. Phocuswright Europe highlights that AI improves travel planning efficiency but fails to boost consumer booking conversions. In H1 2026, travel agencies saw an 11.8% growth in hotel bookings, outpacing OTAs’ 6%. China expects 1,100+ hotel openings in 2026. In the U.S., Q2 hotel sales hit $3.8 billion, a 20% increase. 72% of U.S. travelers find AI bookings stressful; 46% have abandoned due to complexity.

🏨 In luxury hospitality, wellness has shifted from an amenity to a key expectation, with steam and sauna spaces exemplifying this trend. Designers face the challenge of creating durable, appealing spaces that last up to a decade. Thermasol's Ombra and Aalto saunas integrate seamlessly into hospitality and residential settings, using materials like Stopsol Bronze glass and IPE Lapacho wood. These spaces, designed for lasting appeal, form powerful rituals that encourage repeat bookings.

🗺️ U.S. travelers face complexity in booking, with 46% abandoning bookings due to complications, and 69% feeling overwhelmed by options. AI's role varies: 53% trust AI for flight recommendations, yet 72% experience stress from AI booking. Only 8% use AI for final bookings, citing trusted content needs. Price transparency is crucial, with 61% prioritizing clear pricing and 32% frustrated by fees. Travelport aims to enhance AI infrastructure for clarity and confidence in travel decisions.

This post was originally published on this site. The TMG Hospitality Trailblazers welcomes the latest addition to the series, Kim Wootteon, Sr. VP of Commercial Strategy at Kampgrounds of America,…

📈 Over 9% RevPAR growth for 7 Hospitality Management after implementing Access Hospitality's RMS. Occupancy increased from 38% to 51%, saving 5 hours weekly in manual rate management. The system optimizes pricing in real-time, offering a 12-month performance view and ensuring consistent, data-driven decisions. Properties in Aberdeen, Ayrshire, and Gloucestershire benefit from this intelligent automation, leading to better strategic planning and improved financial performance.

💰 In Orlando, Safemark unveiled the CG15, a luxury in-room safe, featuring a modern, minimalist design with a tempered glass front and a sleek arc silhouette. The CG15 is crafted for hoteliers seeking aesthetic appeal without compromising security. Key features include a cold-rolled steel door, 1.5mm steel body, and two 19mm locking bolts. It offers a five-year warranty and a $10,000 warranty against forced entry. The CG15 launches at BDNY 2026, Booth #847, November 2026.

💻 In 2026, 53% of hoteliers find AI useful in daily roles, yet readiness is lacking. Disconnected systems waste 13% of operational expenditure in hospitality. Champa Magesh of Access Hospitality emphasizes effective AI use through connected systems, trusted data, and trained staff. AI search traffic boosts conversions by 11.4%. Training is crucial, as 65% of hotel staff value development. Prioritize data integration and accurate content to enhance AI readiness and improve guest experiences.

💻 Canary Technologies, a leading AI platform for hotel management, has integrated with Host Hotel Systems, enhancing guest engagement for hotels in Portugal, Spain, and Latin America. This integration automates workflows via Host PMS, offering Mobile Check-In, Dynamic Upsells, and AI Guest Messaging. Trusted by over 20,000 hotels in 100+ countries, including major brands like Marriott and Four Seasons, Canary boosts operations and revenue while elevating guest experiences. The integration is available now for mutual customers.

📰 Now Now NoHo, New York’s first sleeper cabin hotel, and Carimar Beach Club in Anguilla, are adopting dailypoint’s Customer Data Platform (CDP) to enhance guest communications and loyalty. Carimar Beach Club features 24 beach villas and is the first in Anguilla to use this technology. The platform integrates with Stayntouch's PMS, improving data accuracy and communication. Dailypoint serves over 1,500 hotels and was named the #1 Hotel CRM & Email Marketing Solution in 2026.