Innovation

💰 Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel earned $126.4 million in 2024, while Expedia’s new CEO Ariane Gorin received $37.3 million. The company's median employee salary was $96,228, setting a CEO-to-employee pay ratio at 466:1. Fogel's compensation reflects Booking's record results, growth in short-term rentals, expansion of the Genius loyalty program, and AI integration.

💰 Aimbridge Hospitality has partnered with Canary Technologies to adopt a digital tipping solution for over 1,000 properties worldwide. The solution allows guests to tip staff via mobile devices, streamlining the process and integrating with HR systems. This adoption reflects a shift towards cashless solutions in the hospitality industry. Aimbridge's VP of HR, Conrad Riddle, notes the move enhances guest experiences and staff satisfaction. Hotels using Canary’s system report a 5-10% rise in guest satisfaction and up to 75% reduction in staff turnover.

📝 Digital Sardine sponsors a newsletter edition, suggesting PPC strategies for Q2 to boost travel businesses. Most-clicked link in last issue was about applying timing patterns to travel tech. AI's role in creating "balanced" products is discussed, with examples of Hubspot's blog-focused strategy, Costco's limited inventory, and Five Guys' handmade burgers. EasyJet's premium-priced front-row passengers get guaranteed overhead bin space, a simple innovation without tech. US software dev job postings have dropped since the 2022 peak, potentially due to AI, global hiring, and lean remote teams. A GetYourGuide report on 3.1 million verified reviews reveals that reviews significantly impact conversion rates and search rankings in the travel industry. Booking.com leads monthly web traffic among the top 30 travel websites with 517M visits. Turkey is highlighted for its growth in medical tourism, particularly hair transplants.

🎰 Bally's Baton Rouge Hotel, formerly Belle of Baton Rouge, in Alpharetta, Georgia, partners with Agilysys, Inc. for technology solutions, including Versa PMS and InfoGenesis POS. Slated to open fall 2025, pending Louisiana Gaming Commission approval, the complex will feature 25,000 sq ft of gaming, various lounges, casual and fine dining, and a renovated 242-room, 10-story hotel. The hotel aims to revitalize downtown Baton Rouge with land-based casino, entertainment, and hotel experiences. Agilysys will provide 11 solutions to enhance staff and guest interactions, enable mobile services, contactless payments, digital marketing, and manage bookings and services.

🍷 EuroCave launches Harmonie, a wine cellar that doubles as furniture with a horizontal design and shallow depth. It features two independent temperature compartments, available in light oak, pure white, and smoked brown finishes, with customizable lighting, shelf finishes, and an optional engraved plaque. The connected cellar can be managed via the EuroCave Connect app, providing real-time temperature monitoring and advice for wine preservation. EuroCave, established nearly 50 years ago, continues to lead in wine preservation innovation.

📊 Google released a list of 601 AI use-cases highlighting travel industry innovation. The Q1 2025 Guest Experience Benchmark report revealed a guest satisfaction level of 86.7%, the highest in four years. The cruise industry stands out for significant R&D investment, outpacing airlines in innovation. BAIN's study suggests AI as the emerging middleman in marketing, challenging OTAs' traditional roles and potential commissions. The concept of branding is emphasized as a key to business independence and long-term value, transcending mere aesthetics to encompass customer experience and reputation.

💎 ADA Cosmetics, founded in 1979 by Andreas Dahlmeyer, revolutionized the hotel luxury cosmetics sector with the "press + wash" system in 1990. A pioneer in sustainability, the German brand developed SmartCare, a single-material, easily recyclable, and hygienic liquid skincare dispenser that protects against bacteria. A Rhine-Waal University study found almost 70% of refillable soap bottles can develop harmful bacteria, unlike SmartCare. Columbus Monte Carlo Hotel, using SmartCare since 2018, reports guest satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. ADA Cosmetics, reducing emissions by 35% by 2026, focuses on recyclability and sustainability, advising against greenwashing. New developments are expected in late 2025.

🎉 Mews Community has reached 3,000 members, including hoteliers and hospitality professionals, since its launch in 2023. With over 9,000 posts, 7,300 replies, and 1,700 topics started, the platform fosters collaboration and innovation within the hospitality industry. Members enjoy exclusive benefits such as early access to new features, like the beta program for Multicurrency, and invitations to exclusive events like the 2025 product roadmap webinar. In-person gatherings, like Mews Unwind, are hosted to foster real-life connections, with the next event scheduled for April 29 in Amsterdam. Members praise the direct interaction with the Mews team and the sharing of best practices and insights.

✈ Star Alliance, celebrating 27 years, launched "Rhythm of Excellence" campaign to highlight seamless interline journeys across its 25 member airlines. The ad, showcasing check-in, baggage, lounge access, and loyalty benefits, was filmed at Tokyo Narita and Singapore Changi airports. It was produced with The Secret Little Agency (TSLA) to portray the alliance's purpose as a cinematic experience, as explained by VP Renato Ramos.

📈 IDeaS, a hospitality revenue management software provider, launched IDeaS Spotlight in July 2025—a demand intelligence tool that utilizes advanced analytics and AI to aid marketers in creating effective demand-generating campaigns. Spotlight integrates demand forecast and price sensitivity capabilities, enhancing campaign conversion and response speed. Initial availability is exclusive to IDeaS clients, with registration currently open.