Innovation

🛡️ Travel companies often claim to automate processes, but many only use tools that support manual processing. True automation removes repetitive tasks, freeing staff for more value-added roles. This mindset shift from cost-cutting to resilience allows agencies to handle demand fluctuations without hiring pressure. Automation should start with simple, high-volume tasks to build confidence. It supports stability amidst unpredictability, letting staff focus on growth rather than routine tasks.

💻 Visit Group, a Swedish travel tech company, acquired Iceland-based GODO, enhancing leadership in the Nordic region. The acquisition includes Travia, a real-time supplier connection platform. A €100 million investment from PSG Equity in early 2024 aims to accelerate growth. Richard Wiegmann is now CEO, succeeding James Dixon, who is now COO. This strategic move aims to improve direct sales, distribution, and guest experiences in the hospitality industry.

🛬 Global technology provider Etraveli Group and Mastercard Gateway have partnered to enhance fraud prevention in the travel industry. This collaboration integrates Etraveli's PRECISION, a travel-focused risk management solution, with Mastercard's secure global payments network. PRECISION handles multibillion-dollar transactions in over 200 territories and supports over 30 payment methods. The partnership aims to deliver accurate fraud detection and seamless payment experiences, empowering travel merchants globally and reducing fraud-related challenges.

💻 Agilysys, Inc. announced at HITEC 2025 (June 17-19, 2025) in a booth #1611, the Intelligent Guest Profiles, powered by guestsense.ai. This technology offers a unified guest data interface for hotels and resorts, enhancing personalized service, upselling, and guest loyalty. It integrates with Agilysys PMS and ancillary systems, collecting comprehensive data including RFM metrics to improve revenue strategies. Attend Rohith Kori's presentation on June 18, 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., Exhibit Hall, Tutorial Stage A: Booth 801.

💰 Indianapolis, March 2025—Zucchetti North America launched Lybra Assistant, a next-generation revenue management system (RMS) at HITEC Indianapolis. With over 1,600 European hotels using it, Lybra Assistant improves revenue and efficiency by analyzing real-time demand data and flight searches. Designed for properties with over 20 rooms, the system offers automated rate recommendations for 365 days. Fulvio Giannetti, CEO of Lybra, highlights its AI-driven approach, aiming to enhance North American hotel profitability.

📺 INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana—In June 2025, LG Electronics unveiled Pro:Centric+ at HITEC, transforming hotel TVs into business tools. This platform allows seamless integration of third-party services, enhancing energy management, advertising, casting, location services, and WiFi monitoring. LG showcased partnerships with Anacove and TraknProtect, providing AI-enabled energy solutions and employee safety features. The new web interface simplifies device management, offering smartphone or tablet access for wireless provisioning, aiming to reduce costs and boost hotel profitability.

🏛 E20X HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis celebrated its 10th anniversary. Eight start-ups vied for the Judge’s Choice Award and People's Choice Award, both won by Levee. Levee, co-founded by Al Lagunas, showcased an AI housekeeping assistant enhancing inspection efficiency and accuracy, winning a $5,000 prize. Other notable pitches included Albie by TAG, Bookboost's CRM, Ediphi’s AI trainer, and SEE Carbon ZERO's sustainability platform. The event provided exposure and mentorship to all participants.

💻 Hospitality leaders in 2025 leverage AI and IoT for enhanced guest experiences and operational efficiency. Unified, cloud-based AI platforms enable predictive decision-making by consolidating data on guest preferences, energy use, and staff activity. AI-driven systems optimize resource usage, personalize guest services, and support sustainability goals with intelligent HVAC and water management. Moreover, AI asset tracking and staff safety systems improve service speed and safety, fulfilling sustainability and personalization demands while reducing costs.

📁 Mark Fancourt, founder of TRAVHOTECH, shares insights into hospitality technology's evolution. His expertise spans both hospitality firms and solution providers. Check his article on hotel PMS software's role in tech stacks. Listen to his podcast replay for more. Subscribe for episode insights, or join discussions on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Explore advertising options with Hospitality Daily. Music by Clay Bassford from Bespoke Sound enhances the show.

🛳 Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Orient Express are entering the luxury cruise market. In October 2025, Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara will host a seven-night Mediterranean voyage with Sotheby’s art events, visiting Portofino, Livorno, and Mallorca. Orient Express' Corinthian, debuting June 2026, will be the largest sailing yacht, featuring 54 suites, hybrid technology, and dining by Yannick Alléno. Both ventures target affluent travelers seeking luxury and cultural experiences on the sea.