Innovation

💻 As of 2025, 45% of Gen Z have used or plan to use AI for holiday planning. The Opinium survey by Multitrip.com shows 25% of this group used AI to choose destinations, up from 20% in 2024. Millennials' usage rose from 18% to 22%, while Gen X jumped from 4% to 10%. However, Baby Boomers remain at 3%. Across ages, 31% plan to use AI in the future, while 55% will not. AI is becoming vital for travel planning.

📱 Michael Sien and Niko Papademetriou from Qu highlight tech innovations at the NRA show. With startups focusing on back-of-house solutions like inventory and supply chain, the industry sees a shift. Jace Kovacevich of Dish.io identifies increased traffic as 2025's primary restaurant challenge. Dish.io, in South Hall, introduces a marketing platform using QR codes to engage guests and boost return visits, stressing the importance of mobile presence with users spending 5-6 hours daily on phones.

🛩 DoorDash and Wing launched drone delivery in Charlotte, NC. Customers within four miles of The Arboretum Shopping Center can order from local and national restaurants like Matcha Cafe Maiko and Panera Bread. This follows their 2022 Australia launch and US expansions to Southwest Virginia and Dallas-Fort Worth. The service aims to redefine local logistics and enhance customer experiences. Eligible addresses can access the service via the DoorDash app, with live tracking provided for deliveries.

💰 Annemarie Gubanski, CEO of Taktikon, discusses the evolution in the hospitality industry's revenue, distribution, and commercial management. Traditional silos are breaking down, leading to integrated strategies. Dynamic pricing is crucial, optimizing public and corporate rates. Hyper-personalization and AI are emerging trends. Effective strategies include balancing direct bookings and OTA dependency. Cross-department collaboration is essential for success. The blend of human intuition and AI optimizes decision-making in revenue management.

🌐 TPConnects Technologies plans to integrate AI into its Astra and Iris platforms by H2 2025. The Trip Captain AI combines natural language processing, deep learning, and travel data for seamless travel planning. Key features include multi-language support, automated workflows, and rich media integration. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs for airlines and travel sellers, with future updates introducing voice-driven booking capabilities.

🛫 In over 130 countries, SITA’s Managed Satellites offer airports and airlines resilient connectivity using low Earth orbit satellites. The service ensures continuous communication during outages from events like natural disasters, offering primary, secondary, and emergency connectivity options. It supports operations in remote areas, off-airport locations, and during network congestion. This cost-effective solution, backed by 24/7 support, enhances operational performance, adapts to various transport sectors, and optimizes investments in diverse computing environments.

🌏 WeRoad launched WeMeet in 2024, bringing over 50,000 attendees to local events across 30+ European cities, including London, Berlin, and Paris. The app facilitates in-person connections to combat loneliness, a global public health threat per WHO, affecting 30% of young adults. WeMeet offers 300 events like hikes and workshops, accessible to all via a multilingual app. Co-Founder Erika De Santi emphasizes its mission to foster daily social interactions beyond travel.

💻 Sunnyvale, CA, May 27th, 2025 – LodgIQ partners with French PMS provider Medialog to integrate AI-powered revenue management in France's hotel market. This seamless connection enhances predictive revenue optimization for French hotels, aligning operations with dynamic pricing strategies. Medialog, a key player in France, sees 35% of its clientele from luxury hospitality. The integration simplifies data processes, offering mobile-first usability. LodgIQ, serving over 550 hotels globally, aims to expand further in Europe.