Innovation

🏨 Limehome is converting an unused building in Burgos' historic center into a 50-room hotel, located between the Cathedral and Plaza Mayor. The renovation, part of Limehome’s northern and central Spain expansion, will conclude by 2028. Founded in 2018, Limehome operates over 10,300 units across 153 European cities, with 650 in Spain. In 2024, they plan for 600 new units in Madrid and Valencia, emphasizing sustainable urban development and digital accommodations.

🏨 Meininger Hotels achieved over 200 million EUR in total revenue with 4.5 million overnight stays and nearly 80% occupancy. By 2025, they'll open their first Spanish property in Barcelona and re-enter the UK market with Edinburgh. Renovations were completed in Berlin, Munich, and Paris. Digital initiatives include self-service group bookings and a fully digital check-in by 2025. Sustainability efforts include EV charging and green electricity use. Employee retention rose by 8% in 2024.

📈 Canadian hoteliers are transitioning from Preno to alternative Property Management Systems (PMS) as of June 19, 2025. These alternatives offer real-time updates, better group management, and local support, enhancing operations for boutique hotels. The shift aims to improve efficiency and customer service in the competitive hospitality market. 🌐 Hotelogix is a resourceful platform providing insights and trends on these developments.

📺 LG Electronics unveiled Pro:Centric+ at HITEC 2025 (June 16–19, Booth #3805). Pro:Centric+ integrates third-party services into hotel TVs, reducing operating costs and increasing safety while simplifying installation and management. The platform supports energy management, advertising insertion, casting services, location services, and Wi-Fi monitoring. Anacove and TraknProtect showcase integrations for energy savings and staff safety. A new web interface simplifies device management. LG emphasizes revenue opportunities through advertising and monetization programs for hotel owners and brands.

🛡 TravelPerk's research highlights that 44% of business travelers lack official company travel insurance. In the UK, 62% of employees have company-provided coverage, compared to 51% in Germany. TravelPerk launched a new medical and baggage insurance product for European business travelers, addressing issues like uncovered medical incidents (30%) and lost luggage (39%). The insurance, available via the TravelPerk Platform, offers comprehensive protection powered by battleface, ensuring seamless coverage for global business travels.

📶 Awareness of eSIMs is low in the US, UK, and China, with only 33% of consumers globally aware. A YouGov survey of over 6,500 adults shows 52% of US respondents are unaware of eSIM technology. China leads in usage, with 27% having tried it. Despite this, 49% of consumers are open to using eSIMs for travel, with higher interest in the UK (56%) and China (60%). Companies like Revolut and Carrefour are already offering travel eSIM services.

🌏 Sunweb, a major tour operator, partners with Hubby to provide eSIM-based internet access in 200+ destinations, enhancing travel experiences for customers from the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, UK, Sweden, and Denmark. Customers traveling to Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt can use their regular mobile numbers without roaming charges. The 1GB eSIM is activated upon arrival, offering a simple solution for connectivity through Sunweb’s branded app.

📈 Direct bookings and online agency bookings represent 21% of total hotel bookings. Data from December 2024 to March 2025 across 21,000 properties in 310 cities shows 20% through global distribution systems, 19% from walk-ins/groups, and 18% via direct calls. Marketing teams now use third-party agencies, with 66% on social media and 57% on digital marketing. Hotels face challenges with data integration and demand tracking; 80% of them spend up to two days weekly on manual reporting. AI investment is a low priority.

📈 Amadeus partners with Microsoft, leveraging OpenAI on Azure for AI tools in hospitality. By 2024, Amadeus Advisor Chat integrated into Demand360, offering insights across sales, operations, marketing, and distribution. Demand360 uses data from 44,000 hotels and 35 million rentals for occupancy forecasts and market ranking. AI tool Email to RFP enhances group booking efficiency within MeetingBroker. Amadeus plans Microsoft Teams integration and individual AI agents for faster response and increased business conversions.

📺 CHARLOTEE, North Carolina—PPDS launched the foldable and height-adjustable 135” Philips Unite LED 6000 Series All In One. This energy-efficient display reduces power and running costs, suitable for hotel lobbies and event venues. Overcoming size-related installation challenges, it addresses accessibility issues with larger displays. Jeroen Brants, PPDS's global product director for LED, highlighted its ease of transport and installation, preventing costly damage or installation delays.