Innovation

4637 posts

[[ 9 ]]

View Post
  • 1 min

What to expect in digital advertising and commerce in 2026

💻 In 2026, business growth is set to accelerate with Gemini 3, the most intelligent model yet, powering ad tools. Google Ads Asset Studio introduces creativity-driven tools like Nano Banana and Veo 3, enabling studio-quality work in minutes. In 2025, Gemini-generated assets saw a 3x increase, with nearly 70 million creative assets produced in Q4 alone. AI is becoming a real-time creative partner, marking a scalable reality for generative media.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 3 min

Shiji Enters Pakistan with Daylight PMS Go-Live at Pearl Continental Rawalpindi

💻 February 16, 2026, Dubai: Shiji, a leader in hospitality tech, launched its cloud-native Daylight PMS at Pearl Continental Hotel Rawalpindi, a Hashoo Group property, marking Pakistan's first deployment. This collaboration ensures enhanced hotel operations and guest experience, with plans to expand using Infrasys POS. The setup involved detailed system mapping, scripting, and training. Shiji's entry into Pakistan aims to modernize hospitality with secure, scalable technologies.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 2 min

Kolet and Philippine Airlines partner to…

📱 Kolet partners with Philippine Airlines to launch the myPAL eSIM in 2025, offering passengers 1GB of mobile data for two days upon landing. This service activates on arrival, selecting the best local network for seamless connectivity. The initiative aims to simplify travel by providing immediate access to data, ensuring smooth transport and communication. Kolet, recognized for its social and environmental efforts with a B Corp certification, has similar agreements with Air France‑KLM, Vietnam Airlines, and others.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 2 min

LuxGroup launches luxtraveldmc.asia and…

📅 Vietnam’s LuxGroup will launch luxtraveldmc.asia at ITB Berlin 2026. This B2B platform focuses on travel advisors, tour operators, and wholesalers, aiming for global sales expansion. The site offers resources in five languages and covers Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and emerging Asian markets. It emphasizes sustainability, offering Green Education Tours. LuxGroup targets B2B growth in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Portuguese-speaking regions, alongside promoting Saigon River cruising with Amiral Cruises.
View Post
Share

Airbnb tests AI search for bookings

💻 Feb 16, 2026, Airbnb is testing an AI-driven search with a small user group to enhance trip discovery, booking, and host support globally. The AI search allows conversational queries about travel. Currently, an AI chatbot manages one-third of North American customer service inquiries, with plans for international expansion. No public launch date is set as it's in testing. Airbnb aims to embed AI across booking, customer service, and more, signaling a strategic AI shift in travel planning.
View Post
Share

Booking.com’s connected-trip strategy faces market skepticism

🏠 Feb 16, 2026: Booking Holdings' stock has plummeted 27% due to AI disruption, competition, and economic uncertainty. The company is expanding its "connected trip" strategy, promoting multi-service bookings (hotels, flights, attractions) in one ecosystem. Early results show growth and margin improvement. AI partnerships aim to boost booking conversions and trip personalization. The success of these initiatives in achieving long-term growth amidst changing travel dynamics remains uncertain.
View Post
Share

AI and hotel metasearch: disruption or evolution?

🛫 Feb 16, 2026, AI-driven booking agents are transforming travel metasearch platforms like Google Hotels, Kayak, Skyscanner, and Trivago. AI assists in hotel price comparisons through APIs and personalizes recommendations, suggesting trips proactively. Despite potential, technical barriers like real-time pricing and complex infrastructure delay full automation. A hybrid model is emerging where AI coexists with traditional platforms. Future shifts include platform consolidation and a focus on storytelling by hotels to leverage AI's inspiration-driven searches.
View Post
Share

Direct booking decline across global experiences industry

🏠 Feb 16, 2026, the global tours and attractions sector surpasses pre-pandemic levels. Online travel agencies (OTAs) now hold 37% of bookings, up from 33% in 2024, while direct website bookings fell from 29% to 25%. Operators face higher marketing costs and competition, with AI adoption accelerating. Asia Pacific shows strong growth, Europe remains stable, and U.S. inbound demand is uncertain. About 50% of operators are using or testing AI, especially among enterprises.
View Post
Share