Innovation

📶 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.

💻 2024 saw a pivotal shift as smaller AI models, one-hundredth the size of older models, began outperforming larger ones in tasks like natural language processing. Nearly 90% of AI models are now developed by companies, focusing on real-world needs. Open-weight AI models became a practical choice by early 2025, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness. These advancements enable hospitality businesses to improve efficiencies and customer experiences, reducing dependence on cloud infrastructure and proprietary systems.

📈 Select-service hotel brands require a lean yet effective revenue strategy. Their limitations complicate the use of traditional RMS, designed for larger operations. Enter GameTime—a cloud-based RMS tailored for select-service hotels, offering automated rate updates, pricing every 8 hours, and forecasts up to 365 days ahead. It includes features like Autopilot, mobile access, and fast onboarding, improving operational efficiency and revenue growth. Join the GameTime webinar on July 16 for a live demonstration.

📞 1 in 5 Americans find their calls to restaurants often ignored, and 69% might abandon a restaurant if unanswered. Among millennials, this rises to 72%. 89% of Americans, led by 95% Gen Z, 92% of Millennials, and 80% of Baby Boomers, are open to AI agents for tasks like reservations (47%) and order tracking (42%). Hostie, an AI platform, helps restaurants manage communications. Survey conducted by The Harris Poll, May 29-June 2, 2025, with 2,065 U.S. adults.

🤖 In 2025, agentic AI is highlighted as the top trend in Gartner's report. This AI type functions autonomously, enhancing industries by executing complex workflows and adapting to changes. In hospitality, agentic AI boosts customer service by managing simpler tasks and optimizing resources. However, clear goals and robust data management are crucial, with Master Data Management ensuring unified, accessible data. The AI transformation demands an architectural shift for better collaboration, aiming to elevate customer satisfaction through advanced automation.

💸 Hospitality groups face complex challenges in managing employee benefits billing, especially across multiple states with various benefits plans. Manual billing processes often result in errors, leading to overpayments and disrupted coverage. Automated solutions can identify discrepancies, averaging around 5% of total premium expenses, and save significant costs. Anthony Farinella from Triton Benefits & HR Solutions highlights that unchecked billing errors can lead to hundreds of thousands in overpayments annually. Automation provides clarity, scalability, and accurate property-level cost allocation.

🏨 March 2025, Josiah Mackenzie and Wil Slickers explore major hotel industry changes, emphasizing real-time data and innovative strategies. Key topics include operational efficiency (04:25), profitability significance (07:06), technology integration challenges (10:50), and diversified revenue streams (19:22). Their discussion addresses the industry's shift beyond traditional metrics (06:02) and leveraging high-potential operational points (14:27). For a deeper dive, listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

💻 US: In 2025, RMS launched an upgraded booking engine with mobile-first functionality and faster load times. The system features room listings that highlight views or bed types and includes a 24/7 AI front desk assistant. It supports chatbot integration across digital channels for automated inquiries and payments, utilizing RMS Pay for seamless transactions. CEO Adam Seskis aims to increase direct bookings, reduce reliance on third parties, and enhance guest experience to grow revenue and lower costs.