Innovation

📶 Hotels are upgrading to WiFi 7 and Optical LAN for better connectivity. WiFi 7 enhances speed and device density, but requires multi-gigabit connections. Optical LAN, using fiber optics, supports up to 25Gbps speeds and is ready for future upgrades to 50Gbps and 100Gbps. It uses 70% less cabling, offers up to 50% cost savings, consumes 40% less power, and has a lifespan over 50 years. This infrastructure is already in use in numerous hotels worldwide.

📺 Kara Heermans, SVP at SONIFI, highlighted in-room TVs as revenue drivers at HITEC, moving from static fixtures to dynamic tools with QR code bookings and FAST channels, offering new revenue streams. Integrations enhance trust and reduce scams. SONIFI's AMP platform aids proactive issue resolution, minimizing downtime and support calls. TV-enabled services like late checkout improve RevPAR without app downloads. AI aids efficiency, enhancing guest interactions while preserving human hospitality.

📶 Todd Johnstone, CEO of Allbridge, emphasizes the need for modernizing hotel tech infrastructure, since entering the sector in 2021. Outdated systems lead to poor guest experiences. Allbridge advocates integrating tech in the design stage, similar to plumbing or HVAC. Their Skyway platform, developed over eight years, operates in over 7,000 properties, offering seamless connectivity and predictive support. Long-term investment in tech infrastructure is essential, especially as hotels face staffing challenges.

📈 Bill Fanning, CRO of Stayntouch, spoke at HITEC 2025 after Stayntouch was named Hotel PMS of the Year by TravelTech. Stayntouch, known for its mobile-based PMS launched 10 years ago, manages over 1,200 integrations with an open API. Fanning highlighted AI's role in speeding market entry and improving sales support, mentioning tools like Staircase. Future products will include AI-assisted solutions for predictive analysis and virtual hotel assistants, with announcements expected later this summer.

📈 At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, Natalie Kimball of Shiji Group discussed hotel content management, data accuracy, and distribution in China. Iceportal Content manages non-rate data, offering real-time updates. Shiji's Horizon Distribution provides direct access to Chinese travel agents, addressing transaction complexities. Kimball emphasized AI's reliance on accurate data and warned against eliminating entry-level roles in hospitality. Shiji supports 91,000 hotels globally with over 5,000 employees, ensuring operational flexibility and innovation.

💰 Ennismore, led by VP Development Nicolas Stachowiak, is focused on disrupting hospitality by rethinking lifestyle experiences. With over 180 hotels open and 140+ in the pipeline, they prioritize creating cultural and culinary destinations. Their strategy involves significant tech investment, including AI for demand analysis and guest interaction personalization. Ennismore emphasizes brand integrity, with founder-involved teams, and sees future trends leaning towards experiential, culturally rich stays. Half of Ennismore's revenue comes from F&B, integral to guest experiences.

📊 Dan Frommer, July 2025, highlights in a 125-slide Consumer Trends Report with Coefficient Capital, how over 3,000 US consumers view AI, longevity spending, and pets as a market. The report shows Gen Z's AI perceptions, trust in podcasts over news, and membership options at $200/year or $20/month. Survey conducted with Toluna. Sign up for free access or subscribe to The New Consumer for deeper insights.

💻 At the Skift Data + AI Summit, Marriott’s Naveen Manga proposed a revolutionary view of AI in luxury hospitality. He suggests AI should "Automate, Assist, Augment, Aid" to enhance guest experience. The focus is on emotional intelligence and creating human moments, such as anticipating guest needs like preferred wine and room service. AI should align operations and enhance connections, ensuring guests feel unique and valued, driving the future of luxury. #HospitalityInnovation #LuxuryIsFeeling

💻 Travel Manitoba tackles digital challenges with AI by structuring content like FAQs to enhance visibility, using tools like ChatGPT to check response accuracy. They focus on digital inclusion and forming partnerships with authoritative brands. Traditional KPIs like pageviews are shifting to measure influence beyond clicks, using tools like Adara and Sojern. Travel Manitoba emphasizes authentic storytelling to combat AI bias. They monitor AI model citations for content exposure, expanding metrics to include AI influence without clicks.