Innovation

🏨 Red Roof is expanding with 50 hotel openings and 65 agreements in 2025, focusing on their four brands and a dual-brand option. The company emphasizes core values through its "HABITS" framework—hospitality, adaptability, belonging, impact, trust, and success—and aims for a 92% franchisee satisfaction. Initiatives like RIDE with Red Roof and SHE programs have increased women franchisees by over 30 since June 2023, promoting inclusivity. Tech partnerships with HotelIQ, FreedomPay, Sojern, and ibex enhance operations and guest experiences.

🤖 Businesses must adapt as ChatGPT and Gemini LLM platforms redefine search and interaction. With LLMs potentially capturing 20% of queries, companies should focus on AI optimization (AIO) by expanding accessible content, using consumer-centric language, and valuing content volume over strict SEO structure. Analytics for LLMs remain nascent, requiring cautious experimentation. To thrive, brands must integrate AIO with SEO, optimizing for both traditional search and conversational interfaces.

📈 Shiji, a global hospitality tech leader based in Berlin, achieved the fastest growth in the past three years, thanks to Daylight PMS. As of August 25, 2025, Shiji ranks third in the global PMS market, serving over 91,000 hotels worldwide. Daylight PMS advanced from “Contender” in 2022 to near “Leader” status, reflecting strong hotel adoption. With support centers in major regions, Shiji enhances scalability and compliance for hoteliers globally.

📰 Aug 25, 2025 - Deepfakes, posing a $200 million threat in early 2025, are a rising cybersecurity issue for hotels. Hotel staff, especially at front desks, are vulnerable due to insufficient training, with nearly 50% of leaders acknowledging this gap. Projected fraud losses may hit $40 billion annually in the U.S. by 2027. Heavy reliance on third-party platforms adds risk. AI-based detection tools and strong vendor partnerships are essential for protection.

💻 In 2024, SynergySuite raised $12 million, led by Oyster Capital (Dublin), with contributions from First Analysis (Chicago) and Lago Innovation (Chicago). The funding supports global expansion and product innovation for its AI-powered platform for restaurant operations. The platform helps optimize labor, reduce waste, and improve profitability across thousands of locations. Founded in Dublin, SynergySuite is headquartered in the U.S., and is used by brands like Pollo Campero. In 2025, it received awards for innovation and customer service.

🏨 Global hotel transaction volume in H1 2025 was $24.5 billion, down 17.5% from H1 2024 and over 30% from 2019. There were 600 transactions, 16.7% less than in H1 2024. The U.S. accounted for over half, with transaction volume at $9.7 billion, up nearly 4% from H1 2024. Global RevPAR saw uneven performance, with Middle East/Africa leading at 9.3% growth. JLL anticipates muted supply growth due to high construction costs.

📖 August 22, 2025, the TrustYou Editorial Team, a group of hospitality and tech experts, shared insights on AI's role in the industry. Their content aims to aid hospitality professionals in enhancing business growth and guest satisfaction by leveraging AI innovations. Their expertise provides valuable resources for staying competitive in the hospitality sector.

🚀 SynergySuite raised $12 million to expand its AI-powered restaurant platform. The funding, led by Oyster Capital in Dublin with support from First Analysis and Lago Innovation, will support global growth and product innovation. The platform offers real-time inventory tracking, AI forecasting, labor planning, and more, enhancing operational efficiency for brands like Pollo Campero and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. In 2025, SynergySuite earned multiple awards for innovation and customer impact, solidifying its industry leadership.

📱 Google introduced the Magic Cue feature with its Pixel 10 series. Unveiled in 2023, this AI-driven tool offers personalized suggestions by analyzing multiple apps like Calendar, Chrome, and Gmail. Although currently limited to Google apps, Magic Cue will soon support third-party apps. It provides information like appointment details during calls or restaurant recommendations in messages, using on-device processing for privacy. Users can opt-out if unsatisfied with its accuracy.