Innovation

💻 London, 23 March 2026: Independent Accommodation Day (24 March) highlights the adoption of AI by independent accommodation providers to enhance efficiency. PwC forecasts 1.5% RevPAR growth and 1.2% occupancy growth in the UK hotel sector for 2026. A survey of 1,485 European hotels reveals 41% of independents use AI, with 16% planning adoption. Meanwhile, 78% of hotel chains use AI, yet only 7% have a company-wide strategy. AI helps independents maintain personalized guest experiences.

💻 Operto launched the GEO Consultant, an AI tool for hotels in Vancouver, Canada. The tool evaluates hotel visibility on AI platforms, providing insights within minutes. Users can enter their website and preferred prompts to receive a visibility indicator, GEO score, and improvement suggestions. Part of Operto ONE’s Distribution AI team, it aims to enhance online presence and direct bookings. CEO Tim Major emphasizes its role in understanding AI-driven visibility.

New tool gives hotels direct visibility into how they appear across generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini, with recommendations to improve discoverability Vancouver, Canada, 23 March 2026 – Operto today…

🏨 Aven Hospitality and Hovr partnered on March 2026, in Southlake, Texas, to integrate Hovr's video technology into Aven's booking system, enhancing video deployment for hoteliers. This strategic collaboration aims to provide an immersive video experience at the booking process's final touchpoint, improving guest satisfaction and loyalty. Aven’s Ethan Wiseman and Hovr’s CEO Jason Craparo emphasized addressing evolving consumer habits seeking video content in the travel industry.

💻 Lisbon, Portugal, March 23, 2026: The Hyatt Regency Vilamoura enhances guest services by implementing Infrasys POS across seven outlets, including Brasa and Lumen. This cloud-based system, integrated with Portugal fiscal systems and Adyen payments, ensures seamless service while complying with local regulations. Shiji's platform supports over 91,000 hotels globally. General Manager Javier Soler emphasizes the focus on memorable guest experiences through reliable technology.

🏨 March 22, 2026: AI's impact varies by industry. Pure software and consulting firms may struggle, as AI efficiently handles tasks like coding and data analysis. However, hospitality thrives, emphasizing human presence and experiences. Hotels will evolve into two models: budget hotels using AI and automation for efficiency, and premium hotels focusing on human touch, with AI in the back office. The key is understanding each hotel's identity and maintaining its unique value proposition in an AI-driven world.

🏨 On March 31, in London at ExCeL's Hospitality Leaders Forum, the Hospitality Tech360 session titled “Humans As Luxury: Redefining Value in an Automated Hospitality Future” will explore the impact of automation on hospitality. The talk will emphasize the strategic scarcity of human presence in an increasingly automated industry. A potential visit to the David Bowie exhibition at the V&A East Storehouse is also planned. Shoutout to Pieter Baecke, Terence Ronson, and Bruno Saragat for their contributions.

🏨 89% of travelers say personalized service affects their hotel loyalty, while 68% feel it enhances satisfaction. Segmentation is crucial for effective personalization. Hotels should identify Ideal Customer Profiles (ICP) to focus resources on high-value guests. A case study of a +200 room resort in England highlights successful segmentation across business and leisure segments. Automation and CRM systems streamline personalization without burdening staff. Segmentation ensures relevant guest experiences, boosting engagement and profitability.