Innovation

💻 Hotel groups aim to leverage AI effectively, but data readiness is crucial. CEOs are concerned with integrating AI into strategy. Current challenges include fragmented, unstructured data silos. Blent emphasizes the necessity of unified data for strategic decisions. By 2026, efficiency will depend on a comprehensive view of portfolios and ecosystems. Data, not just reports, fuels AI-driven decisions. The focus is on bridging software gaps to optimize AI benefits and maintain a competitive edge. #BusinessIntelligence #HospitalityTech #AI

🚩 In the hospitality industry, complex tech stacks can be chaotic and detrimental to profits. Charles Groce points out issues like spam flooding CRMs, difficult attribution, and delayed changes. A common problem is vendors controlling crucial systems, leaving operators without ownership. This tech chaos impacts guest experiences. The article provides a playbook to identify red flags, establish minimum viable control, and regain tech stack management without resorting to full DIY. Check who currently owns your domain, hosting, forms, and analytics.

🤖 Jul 20, 2025: Industrial robots are revolutionizing the workforce, excelling in repetitive tasks such as welding, painting, and assembly line operations. This technological shift addresses labor shortages by integrating AI with robotics, transforming labor dynamics. The article received 14 reactions, highlighting growing interest in how embodied AI can reshape the future of work.

🍴 In the past year, restaurants spent $47,000 on technology like QR codes, tablets, and chatbots, but guest satisfaction decreased. Despite tech investments, human interaction—like attentive servers and hosts—is irreplaceable in creating memorable experiences. Technology handles transactions, but hospitality requires human touch. Current successful restaurants focus on genuine connections rather than tech, emphasizing that tech should enhance rather than replace human interaction. When did a guest last rave about a QR code?

💡 Preciosa Lighting unveils Drifting Lights at Downtown Design 2025. This new Signature Design uses fused glass panels within stainless steel frames to create a serene, atmospheric light experience. Using 3D spatial mapping and RGBW technology, light flows across glass, reminiscent of water or clouds. The design blends traditional craftsmanship with digital precision, offering a customizable experience via the Signature Design Generator, enabling designers to adapt scale, form, and intensity for diverse environments.

💵 Mobile payments have revolutionized travel over two decades, enabling seamless trips and boosting revenues for providers. Frictionless payments allow for easy transactions, such as boarding city trains or buying museum tickets. Airbnb reports 20% of guest spend from upsells. Despite under 50% of tour bookings being online, platforms like GetYourGuide and Tiqets are expanding. With Expedia acquiring Tiqets, the industry's connected trip ambition becomes increasingly strategic. Cash-in-travel could soon be as rare as paper boarding passes.

💰 Vueling, part of the IAG Group, is rolling out its revamped Vueling Club loyalty programme in the coming weeks. This program introduces a four-tier structure: Basic, Smart, Pius, and Premium, enhancing recognition for frequent flyers. Members can earn and redeem Avios, maintaining consistency across IAG airlines. Tier Points, based on spending rather than flight count, will determine membership levels, offering more tailored benefits throughout the travel experience.

💻 Navan and Booking.com have enhanced their integration via a direct API announced in Palo Alto. This expansion increases accommodation access and offers reserved rates to simplify business travel bookings. The collaboration targets travelers, travel managers, and finance teams by providing a smoother booking and payment experience, reducing transaction failures, and expanding inventory. Booking.com aims to grow its corporate market presence, while Navan enhances its platform's content and compliance.

📅 June 15, 2026, Anna Blue and Anthony Melchiorri launch the Hospitality Creator Summit (HCS) in partnership with HITEC at the world's largest hospitality technology conference. This invite-only event will unite content creators and hospitality leaders with sessions in keynotes, workshops, and networking. The Creator Lab, a content production hub, will be on the HITEC floor, encouraging collaboration and innovation. HFTP, established in 1952, facilitates this vision with extensive resources and international reach.