Innovation

📈 Meta plans to acquire Manus AI for an estimated $2-3 billion. Manus, an execution layer AI, reportedly attracted 2 million people to a waitlist after its spring 2025 debut, reaching $100 million ARR within eight months. Meta aims to integrate Manus into platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, transforming AI from assistance to execution. A legal case between Amazon and Perplexity AI, initiated in November 2025, may influence AI agent commerce, with implications for the travel industry’s future.

📊 In Milan, Italy, the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo now monitors Milan Cathedral's visitor numbers in real time using Affluences' technology, which employs 3D and AI-powered counters. Approximately ten counters track entries at the cathedral, ticket office, and terraces. This data is accessible online, helping visitors plan their visits to avoid crowds. The initiative aims to enhance visitor experience and protect the monument from damage due to overcrowding. Museum Connections in Paris will feature this system.

📱 In 2025, AI dominated, but smart glasses gained traction. Notable moves: Apple Vision Pro's 2024 launch flopped, priced at $3,500. Meta's Ray-Ban glasses launched in September 2025 for under $800 with XR displays. Google demoed AI-powered glasses, while Amazon's delivery glasses targeted logistics. Samsung released new XR hardware. Patent activity in VR/AR remains high. The travel sector sees smart glasses enhancing accessibility, breaking language barriers, and revolutionizing navigation, offering a seamless travel experience.

📈 In 2025, over 21,000 hotel properties in 310 cities reported spending two full workdays weekly on reports. A benchmark study found 49% of hoteliers struggle with data access, while 40% cite disconnected systems as primary obstacles. AI can streamline operations, with hotels losing 286 hours annually due to system switching. Despite AI's potential, consolidation is prioritized over AI spending. AI offers proactive decision-making, moving beyond dashboards, enhancing revenue and operations with actionable insights.

With over 24,000 hours saved across key hospitality operations, RobosizeME brings OHIP-integrated automation to the forefront at Oracle’s premier global event PRAGUE, 8 January 2026. RobosizeME, a leading provider of…

📈 Hotel sales professionals face administrative burdens, with manual data entry into PMS and CRM systems, inefficient negotiation processes, and time-consuming Friday reporting. Demand Calendar offers a specialized CRM for hotels, automating data processes and saving 40 hours per month. This leads to €1,800+ in monthly value per salesperson. By integrating with PMS and offering dynamic tools, the CRM eliminates repetitive tasks and improves workflow efficiency, allowing sales teams to focus on revenue generation.