Innovation

🚀 Acai, an AI-powered travel platform, clinched the top prize at the TravelTech Show’s Trailblazer Awards. Competing against four finalists, Acai's technology integrates with CRMs and GDSs, automating tasks and enhancing service. Winning provides Acai a stand at next year’s show, a ticket to the Phocuswright Conference Europe 2026, a speaking role at the 2026 panel, and mentorship. The event will return to Excel London on 24-25 June 2026.

📱 Mindtrip has launched a mobile app powered by OpenAI technology. This "on-trip companion" offers personalized, location-based recommendations, utilizing a knowledge base of 10 million points of interest and insights from over 30,000 local experts. Features include an interactive map, itinerary organization, and a "magic camera" that provides information and translations. The app enhances travel experiences by combining multimodal AI capabilities with real-time location intelligence, ultimately aiming to revolutionize trip planning and exploration.

🛳 Traveltek and Traverse Automation are launching AIVA, an AI-powered cruise booking assistant, in July 2025. AIVA processes natural language queries, providing personalized cruise quotes in under three seconds. Currently in BETA, it will be available exclusively via iSell Connect. The system analyzes over 1,000 options simultaneously, simplifying complex searches for agents. This innovation aims to enhance service and competitiveness by bridging the gap in instant, personalized customer service.

📈 Jun 27, 2025: Cloudbeds' report states AI search engines, like ChatGPT, are transforming hotel discovery. Branded hotels dominate with 2 out of 3 AI recommendations and OTAs cited in over 55% of results. AI visibility correlates with digital presence—98% on YouTube, 97% on travel blogs, 95% on Reddit. Independent hotels must enhance OTA strategies, maintain updated websites, and manage reviews to improve AI visibility, embracing "Generative Engine Optimization" (GEO).

🥗 Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, acquired by Denny’s in 2022, is expanding with 73 locations and over 140 in development. Partnering with PAR Technology, Keke's is enhancing its operations using PAR POS and PAR Pay systems. These upgrades enable efficient order-taking via mobile tablets, reducing wait times and improving service. This tech transformation aligns with Keke’s brand evolution, including new store designs and a family-focused menu. Savneet Singh, CEO of PAR Technology, emphasizes the blend of smart technology with breakfast hospitality.

🥞 Fast-growing Keke’s Breakfast Cafe partners with PAR Technology Corp. to implement PAR POS, PAR Pay, and hardware solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and guest experiences. Acquired by Denny’s in 2022, Keke’s expanded from Florida to 73 locations, with 140 more planned. The tech upgrade aligns with a brand transformation featuring new designs and menus. Mobile tablets streamline service, reducing wait times and enhancing interaction, supported by PAR’s cloud-based platform for seamless system integration.

💻 Lighthouse launched Connect AI in Denver, providing an AI engine for hotels to connect with AI travel platforms. It enables AI-driven bookings via platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. Data shows 50% of travelers will use AI for leisure travel in the next 12 months. Connect AI boosts hotel visibility, information access, and direct bookability. Lighthouse supports over 80,000 hotels, handling 1.7 billion daily price changes globally, ensuring data accuracy and integration with various booking engines.

🚢 River cruises offer sustainable luxury travel with lower emissions due to smaller ships. They use solar panels and hybrid engines, reducing fuel use by up to 40%. Plastic reduction initiatives include replacing single-use plastics with bamboo and glass alternatives. Water-saving systems achieve 40% savings, and new innovations like waste-to-energy systems and electric propulsion are being adopted. Guests contribute by using digital documents, refillable bottles, and participating in local clean-up efforts, enhancing eco-friendly travel experiences.

🖥 Amazon predicts AI could lead to job losses, particularly beyond property level in hotels. Rembrand's digital ad insertion in influencer videos is costly for hotels due to inventory constraints. B2A marketing focuses on AI agents aiding consumer purchases, but its practicality is debated. Mandarin Oriental secured a brand color with Pantone, raising debates on brand color stability. Hotels could capture EV-friendly guests by installing slow overnight chargers for $10/charge. At HITEC, innovation was driven by people, not just tech.