Innovation

📱 80% of organisers expect RFP responses within four days, yet delays are a significant challenge. Venues lag in AI adoption due to legacy systems. Thynk, powered by Salesforce, offers a modern, AI-native platform integrating CRM, sales, operations, and financials. Convention centres moving to such platforms will set future standards, boosting speed, personalisation, and service. AIPC leads convention centres in adopting these technologies for improved venue management.

💻 GreenStar Hotels, Finland's first carbon-neutral hotel chain, has adopted Canary Technologies' digital solutions to enhance operations across its five locations. Canary's platform includes digital check-in/out, AI Guest Messaging in 100+ languages, and Dynamic Upsells to boost revenue. These tools align with GreenStar's sustainable and efficient hospitality goals. Canary, a leader in hotel tech, serves 20,000+ hotels globally, including major brands like Marriott and Four Seasons.

📈 AI is reshaping hospitality search strategies, enhancing rather than replacing them. Google search activity increased by over 20% following AI integration, with a 49% rise in impressions. However, zero-click search rates are now around 58-60%. ChatGPT, with 900 million weekly users, handles 12% of Google's daily searches, yet Google retains over 70% of the market share. Successful hotels focus on enhancing visibility, trust, and recommendation through accurate data and optimized content across AI platforms.

📺 SMARTBOX2 serves over 2 million rooms across the nation, redefining free-to-guest video distribution in hospitality. The recent upgrade introduces the Edge Server Blade, enabling live linear television over the internet (IPLL). This innovation integrates internet-delivered TV with traditional satellite TV, enhancing the viewing experience.

🏨 In the past 12 months, major hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Accor launched AI tools. Hilton introduced its AI Planner in March 2026, while Marriott's Ask Bonvoy is now in beta for 283 million members. These tools are designed to guide direct bookings on their platforms. However, searches often start on platforms like ChatGPT and Google, complicating the tracking of direct bookings. Hilton's CIO highlights the challenging role of AI in future distribution landscapes.

📱 In San Antonio at HITEC, industry discussions highlighted hotel technology challenges: complex systems, vendor management, and integration needs. Hoteliers prioritize simplicity and seek reliable partners to streamline operations. Integration has become a business priority, with the focus on seamless, scalable, and connected systems. Flexible technology and strong partnerships are essential for adapting to growth. The ultimate goal is smarter, simpler technology that enhances guest experiences and reduces operational burdens.

💻 Shiji deployed its Infrasys POS system for Suncani Hvar Hotels in Berlin, Germany, standardizing operations across 40+ outlets on the island of Hvar, Croatia. The launch on April 25, 2026, unified order management, invoicing, payment processing, and reporting across nine properties. This initiative is part of Suncani Hvar's modernization strategy, aiming to improve efficiency and service consistency using a cloud-based platform. It simplifies workflows and enhances decision-making through real-time reporting.

💻 Berlin, Germany – On October 2023, Shiji announced two new features for Meridian Experiences: Scheduled Activities and Resource Commissions. These capabilities, integrated within Daylight PMS, allow full-service hotels to manage group-based experiences and commission structures directly. They streamline operations, enhance revenue through scalable session-based experiences, and enable staff incentives. Shiji's platform serves over 91,000 hotels globally, providing comprehensive technology solutions for the hospitality industry.

🏖️ Fitzroy Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef partners with Agilysys for a digital upgrade. The resort reduced night audit workloads by 50%, saving four hours per shift, and implemented automated financial reporting, enhancing staff efficiency. Staff swiftly adopted the intuitive platform, rejecting older systems. The resort plans to use Agilysys Book and Reserve modules for visitor tracking and coordination of conservation efforts. Agilysys enhances operations with rapid deployment and user-friendly technology.

📱 On 13th June 2026, YOTEL will launch the Anti-Appy Hour in select hotels globally, including the US, Europe, and Japan. This initiative, created with Bloom, encourages a one-hour break from apps using Bloom's app-blocking card, which 91% of users say enhances focus and reduces screen time. Guests can block apps, enjoy a Bloom cocktail, or send complimentary postcards. Bloom cards will be available at a 10% discount at participating locations.