Innovation

💻 Global hotel operators are expanding brands to meet growing guest demands, risking the "cookie cutter" brand label. Hotels are advised to standardize technology systems to improve operations. The tech stacks in hotels evolve over time, often resulting in inefficient setups. Establishing a unified "brand book" for technology aids in consistent standards. This foundation allows hotels to innovate on top, enhancing guest personalization and experience. Ultimately, consistency in systems simplifies operations and facilitates learning across hotel estates.

✈️ Global tech firm DerbySoft partners with AirAsia Group to implement its Global Data Network (GDN) for Flights. The decentralized, API-first network promotes direct connections among airlines, OTAs, and more, enhancing distribution control and access to traveler data. Amanda Woo, AirAsia’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasizes future growth in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. DerbySoft’s GDN architecture fosters a continuously expanding, intelligent ecosystem, benefiting all participants and ensuring efficiency and profitability.

🏆 The 26th shortlist for the 34 Travolution Awards categories has been released, including the Mastercard B2B Payments Award. Five finalists excelled in innovation and market success. The awards ceremony will occur on Tuesday, December 2, at City Central, HAC, London. Last year's event drew over 450 attendees. Other awards, like Rising Star of the Year, remain unrevealed. Sponsors include Gail Kenny Executive Recruitment, Icelolly.com, TravelSupermarket, HolidayPirates Group, Slalom, Trip.com, and WEX.

💻 Phoenix, Arizona—In February 2025, BWH Hotels introduced AutoClerk Atlas, powered by HotelKey, as their new property management system. Bill Ryan, BWH Hotels' CTO, highlighted its scalability and ease of use, enhancing guest and staff experiences. Features include one-day onboarding, automated payments, and deep connectivity. HotelKey's Aditya Thyagarajan and CEO Fareed Ahmad emphasized operational excellence and innovation. This collaboration aims to simplify hotel processes and improve guest interactions.

📍 NUMA Group has launched "Native by Numa" to expand its hospitality brand across Europe. The Berlin-based group targets urban markets like Rome, Paris, and Athens, focusing on properties with 80-300 units. Their digital model automates 90% of operations, enhancing profitability and guest experience. NUMA operates 10,000 units in 42 cities across 15 countries, with assets over €2.5bn. Their gross operating profit margins are 55–60%. "Native by Numa" currently has 20 properties and 1,000 signed units in the UK.