Innovation

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Focus Group launches cyber security…

💻 Focus Group has launched Hospitality Cyber, a modular cybersecurity framework for hotels, restaurants, and venues via its Focus on Hospitality division, supporting 200+ UK businesses. This service targets rising cyber threats like phishing and fake OTA campaigns, especially with digital check-ins and cloud PMS. The platform integrates 24/7 SOC, Cyber Essentials, and ZTNA to secure connections, ensuring compliance with GDPR and PCI DSS. Monthly vulnerability scans and advanced email protection enhance security measures.
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Sojern forms its first European…

🗺 AI-powered platform Sojern launched its first European Destinations Advisory Board for 2025. This inaugural meeting took place in Paris with notable members from across Europe, including Emma Gordon from Marketing Manchester and Eleni Mitraki from GNTO. The board focuses on audience measurement, sustainability, and AI-led personalization to bolster destination marketing. Sojern's initiative aims to drive Europe's tourism industry forward by collaborating with tourism leaders to develop innovative solutions for global growth.
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AI seen as the next big force in hotel sourcing

💻 Oct 29, 2025, a BCD Travel survey reveals: 61% of travel buyers see AI and automation as crucial for future hotel sourcing, yet only 15% currently use AI. Meanwhile, 42% are exploring AI options. Other trends include multi-year supplier agreements (46%) and dynamic pricing (45%). Cost control remains a priority for 86% of buyers. High costs and rate fluctuations are key challenges. [Read more](https://news.bcdtravel.com/bcds-report-highlights-how-organizations-source-and-manage-travel-suppliers-to-leverage-their-travel-programs/).
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Booking.com reports early gains from generative AI rollout

🗺️ On October 29, 2025, Booking Holdings reported success with its generative AI tools enhancing platforms like Booking.com, Priceline, and more. These AI solutions speed up search, improve conversion, reduce cancellations, and increase satisfaction. Notable tools include Agoda's chatbot, Kayak's natural-language search, and Booking.com’s Smart Messenger. Leads from large language models and traditional search are both growing. CEO Glenn Fogel emphasized AI’s role in their “Connected Trip” strategy for personalized travel experiences.
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Hotels face a new kind of gatekeeper

🤖 Oct 29, 2025: AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini are revolutionizing travel booking. Booking.com and Expedia are leading, integrating with OpenAI’s marketplace. They manage over 1 billion bookings annually, reaching 100 million daily users. The EU’s Digital Markets Act doesn’t regulate AI assistants, risking small hotels’ visibility. Policy changes are urged to ensure fair access and transparency, or Booking.com and Expedia may dominate, impacting independent hotels’ viability.
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Apple maps to introduce ads for local businesses next year

📱 Apple plans to introduce ads in Maps by 2026, allowing eateries and businesses to pay for enhanced search visibility. This aligns with Apple's strategy to boost its ad revenue, already seen in App Store Search Ads. AI will tailor ads for contextual relevance. While aiming for a cleaner interface, this move raises concerns about the increasing commercialization of iOS, potentially clashing with Apple's premium brand at a time when iPhones can cost up to $2,000.
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It’s official: Google’s AI Mode destroys informational clicks

💻 October 28, Scott Purcell will present at Mumbrella Publish conference. Google’s AI Mode for informational queries shows a 92-94% reduction in external clicks. Shopping-related queries remain high with near 100% click-out rates. iPullRank study reports only 2-5% user adoption for AI Mode. Users spend 60-100 seconds on AI answers, shifting focus from clicks to brand visibility and recall. Emphasizing expert content and diverse traffic sources are key in adapting to this change.
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RateGain, Royal Orchid Hotels, and ICONIQA Hotels & Resorts Join Forces to Redefine Guest Experience

📈 Noida, 28th October 2025: RateGain Travel Technologies Limited partners with Royal Orchid Hotels to expand its portfolio. Royal Orchid, with 123 hotels, plans to grow beyond 250 locations. This partnership focuses on adopting RateGain’s AI-first UNO suite to enhance direct bookings and profitability. ICONIQA, a luxury brand under Royal Orchid, will also benefit. RateGain, founded in 2004, serves 3,200+ customers across 100+ countries, emphasizing AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry.
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The AI slowdown that isn’t

💻 Oct 28, 2025. Despite AI's growing pains and market jitters, companies continue investing, with no public budget cuts. Notable pullbacks, like Klarna’s hiring reversal, signal course corrections but no wholesale retreat. Economists highlight the historical time needed for technological transformation, suggesting adoption will be gradual. Executives cite execution issues, not AI’s capability, for pilot failures, maintaining experimentation. Unspoken caution exists as firms silently reconsider AI investment scales or timelines. [Source](https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/28/1126687/an-ai-adoption-riddle/)
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