Innovation

📰 Independent hotels currently have an edge due to AI discovery tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews prioritizing rich, guest-focused content from individual hotel websites, Google Business Profiles, and guest reviews. Brand hotels mainly depend on corporate websites that lack local content, storytelling, and FAQs, making them less visible. The shift in AI-driven guest booking journeys highlights the need for brand hotels to adapt or face significant challenges. Independent hotels can capitalize on this trend for increased visibility.

📰 Marketing platform Sojern partners with PubMatic to enhance targeted advertising. Agencies and advertisers can now utilize Sojern's real-time travel data insights with PubMatic's inventory, offering precise and privacy-compliant targeting. This collaboration employs a multi-ID approach for creating personalized campaigns using Sojern's travel segments and premium inventory. Curation optimizes in real-time, improving transparency and performance, while maintaining privacy and brand safety, according to Josh Beckwith of Sojern and Mark Williams of PubMatic.

✈️ Shell Aviation, Accenture, and Amex GBT announced the evolution of Avelia to a multi-supplier model, enhancing access to SAF's GHG benefits. By 31 March 2025, over 57 corporations and airlines participated, executing 900 retirements. This led to 33 million gallons of SAF injected globally, reducing over 300,000 tonnes of CO2e. SAF could cut emissions by 80%, but only 0.7% production is expected by 2025. Avelia aims to aid the aviation sector in reaching climate objectives.

📰 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts used Amperity to streamline customer data, enhancing loyalty memberships and direct bookings. Operating over 9,100 hotels in 95 countries, Wyndham unified data from various channels, enabling real-time insights. This led to £1.75 million in annual revenue from new loyalty members, a 35% reduction in media costs, and a 60% rise in conversion rates. Michael Shiwdin highlighted the improved campaign targeting, benefiting both guests and franchisees.

🌐 Accenture surveyed 18,000 consumers in 14 countries. In 2025, 80% of travelers use generative AI (Gen AI) for travel discovery, surpassing social media and OTAs. 73% face "information overload," leading them to avoid hotel or flight bookings. 93% of active Gen AI users value personal connection, with 78% open to AI shopping assistants. 81% seek immersive experiences, and 42% would switch to brands offering real-time solutions. AI enables personalized, memorable travel experiences, enhancing decision-making and engagement.

🚀 Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, visited Bhutan last week to launch the Kingdom’s partnership with Binance Pay. Since the announcement in May 2025, Bhutan’s crypto-enabled merchants increased tenfold to over 1,000. This initiative supports Bhutan's financial inclusion and tourism diversification goals, allowing visitors to use cryptocurrency for various services. Influencers experienced this firsthand, showcasing its impact on travel. The new Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region is integral to enabling digital technologies.

💻 Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced AI Mode, a conversational search experience, already live as a separate tab before full integration. AI Mode transforms user interaction, offering dynamic conversations like a personal travel agent. Brennen Bliss, CEO of Propellic, predicts it will dominate search within 12 months. Currently, Google’s search ads generate nearly 80% of Alphabet’s revenue, with AI integration dependent on monetization success. Travel brands must adapt quickly to remain visible in this evolving search landscape.

📈 Dr. Rik van Leeuwen’s research at Ireckonu, involving a North American hotel chain, identifies a 75% churn risk threshold. Reacting with a 20% discount email boosts rebooking rates. The study applies a BG/NBD model and reinforcement learning, focusing on transparent, actionable retention strategies. Ireckonu plans to integrate these insights into its offerings, transforming AI’s role in hospitality. Dr. van Leeuwen emphasizes actionable AI in his PhD research, supported by Ireckonu, to enhance guest loyalty.

🚪 Hospitality cloud provider Mews expands its Digital Key solution to integrate with Salto smart locking technology. This update allows hotels using Salto's access system to offer keyless entry via mobile devices. Matt Welle, CEO of Mews, highlights operational efficiency and guest satisfaction benefits. Nora Urquiza from Salto Systems emphasizes the commitment to a seamless digital experience. This integration addresses the rising standard of digital room entry in the hospitality industry.

🛍 Sona, a workforce management software firm, has launched the first agentic AI platform for hospitality operators. The software features thousands of autonomous agents, acting as digital employees, which analyze data patterns to provide real-time insights. These agents assist in various tasks like approving leave and updating schedules. Ben Dixon, Sona's CTO, highlights this innovation as the first of its kind, enhancing decision-making and optimizing operations across hospitality businesses.