Innovation

📲 Square launched Square Handheld, a portable POS device, today. Weighing 11 ounces, under an inch thick, with IP54 rating, 6.2" Gorilla Glass touchscreen, barcode scanning, 16 MP camera, full payment functionality, and integration with Square's software ecosystem. Square Handheld operates with the unified Square Point of Sale app, featuring seven customizable modes like Quick Service, Bar, and Retail. The device is essential for various businesses, especially restaurants and retailers, which composed 50% of Square's GPV in 2024. Available for $399, with Belkin SheerForce cases starting at $39. This release is part of Square Releases, a biannual product launch event.

📖 The Conrad N. Hilton College at the University of Houston is launching an online Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership program this fall. It's a three-year program for those with a master's degree or equivalent in hospitality management. Classes cover real-world research applications, and the course is designed for educators, professionals, and industry executives for career growth in teaching, consulting, and senior leadership. Kiran Wadhwa from New York is among the first enrollees.

🔔 IHG Hotels & Resorts implemented Genesys Cloud to enhance guest services and unify global call center operations, with features like booking in Rome, extra pillows in Paris, or room upgrades in Kyoto. Executing one of its largest transformations, IHG migrated thousands of agents and toll-free numbers across eight global sites without downtime. The advanced Genesys Cloud platform includes AI capabilities, voice and digital channels, workforce engagement, and intelligent routing to optimize operations and improve guest interactions.

🏡 UK: The 2025 Serviced Apartment Awards were held at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, celebrating their tenth milestone on May 2025. Over 250 international guests attended. The event was hosted by Jake Lambert and Eloise Hanson. Categories included Best Operator, Best Property, and Best Design. Winners included Sercasa, Urban Chic, and Staycity Group, among others. An Outstanding Achievement award was given to Marcus Angell of Habicus Group. Awards were judged by industry experts and SAN readers.

🏨 Ascott plans to open over 300 properties by 2028, creating more than 12,000 jobs, including 1,500 leadership roles. To support this, they launched Ascott Accelerate with three tracks: Aim, Advance, and Aspire, for leadership development. A digital platform complements the program, offering flexible learning in key operational areas. Ascott also promotes global exposure through the Ascott Global Exchange Programme and industry events. This strategic talent development aims to ensure sustainable growth in hospitality.

🏨 In 2022, Hotelverse emerged in the post-pandemic era, focusing on hyper-personalization in hospitality. Guillermo González discussed with Florencia Cueto how "attribute-based selling" enables precise room selection, enhancing guest satisfaction and revenue. Guests pay a premium, 1.5%-15% of ADR, for preferred rooms. Integration of digital twins allows virtual room tours, boosting pre-arrival engagement. Technology connects hotel systems, freeing staff for guest interactions and upselling opportunities, transforming the booking process into a personalized experience.

📑 May 14, 2025, Ben Wolff, co-founder of Onera and CEO of Oasi, discusses the barriers to innovation in the hospitality industry. He emphasizes how unique properties outperform others. This episode is featured on the Hospitality Daily Podcast. Wolff's insights aim to encourage leaders to innovate for better business outcomes.

📱 Today, Square launched Square Handheld, a portable point-of-sale device available for $399 online at Square Shop. Weighing 11 ounces and less than an inch thick, it features a 6.2" Gorilla Glass touchscreen, barcode scanning, and a 16 MP camera. Designed for fast-paced businesses, it supports tap and dip transactions and integrates with Square’s software ecosystem. In 2024, restaurants and retailers accounted for 50% of Square’s gross payment volume. Belkin offers cases starting at $39.

💻 Spotnana has introduced Spotnana Cloud for TMCs, enhancing travel management companies' efficiency and customer experience. The suite includes advanced TMC management tools, contact center features, and significant updates to the Agent Desktop. Sarosh Waghmar highlighted the global Travel-as-a-Service platform's benefits, while Christal Bemont and Geert de Boo emphasized improved customer experiences and innovative capabilities. The solution offers a unified platform, benefiting TMC partners like Direct Travel and JTB Business Travel in delivering superior services.