Innovation

💸 Global fintech company Revolut acquires AI travel agent startup Swifty, integrating its technology to enhance Revolut's loyalty and lifestyle products. Cofounders Stanislav Bondarenko and Tomasz Przedmojski focus on improving customer experiences for over 65 million users. Swifty’s AI handles travel bookings autonomously, offering personalized, seamless experiences. Christopher Guttridge highlights this move strengthens Revolut’s position in finance, AI, and lifestyle. This acquisition aims to simplify money matters and expand the lifestyle ecosystem for Revolut's global customer base.

💻 July to September 2025, Travelgenix onboarded 15 new travel agencies, marking a 200% increase compared to the previous year. Agencies leverage Travelgenix for fast quoting, dynamic packaging, and seamless online checkout to compete with major players like easyJet holidays, TUI, and Jet2holidays. The AI-driven platform allows for real-time pricing and availability across various services, enhancing efficiency and conversion rates for independent agencies. CEO Andy Speight emphasizes the importance of frictionless customer experiences.

💻 Technology in the hospitality industry evolves rapidly. In 2025, outdated channel managers and booking engines can cost hotels by failing to integrate with new OTAs, lacking real-time updates, and not providing analytics. Manual processes and poor integration with PMS, RMS, or CRM increase workload and errors. Modern systems must be integration-ready, scalable, mobile-friendly, and provide data insights. STAAH offers future-ready solutions with features like real-time updates and dynamic pricing to help hotels remain competitive.

📰 14 October 2025, Paris: Influence Society published Q4's Societies Quarterly, exploring design and technology's impact on hospitality. Highlights include Dubai and Abu Dhabi's electric flying taxis, Barcelona’s Hotel Praktik Bakery's integrated retail model, and Porsche's Cayenne EV with wireless charging. The edition is available online, offering insights for hospitality leaders seeking future guest experience trends. Influence Society focuses on blending design, technology, and hospitality to craft future-ready, narrative-rich brand experiences.

📈 Hospitality industry leaders face challenges during seasonal surges, when increased bookings lead to higher stress and burnout among customer service agents. Real-time automation helps by adapting workloads, offering breaks, and providing coaching. AI tools flag early burnout signs, allowing interventions. Leadership should prioritize employee well-being, use technology empathetically, and maintain transparent communication. Investing in adaptable tech and people-first strategies ensures employee well-being and customer satisfaction, ultimately safeguarding brand reputation.