Innovation - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 247

2 min

Perplexity enters the travel game

🗺️ May 21, 2025, Perplexity, a promising generative AI platform, unveils a travel-focused search experience launched in March 2025, offering curated destination content, trending destinations, and inspiration cards. The interface can suggest hotels with reviews and practical details. The move aligns with Perplexity's goal to evolve agentic AI travel assistants for real-time trip management. Monetization began in 2024 through Sponsored Questions, providing a unique ad model compared to competitors like ChatGPT.

2 min

Hotels.com’s new AI chatbot falls short of expectations

🛠 May 21, 2025, Expedia Group launched an AI-powered chatbot in the Hotels.com app to boost brand performance. While the redesigned app and smart filters increased conversions by 35%, the chatbot struggles with accuracy and lacks key functionality like flight booking and accurate location recommendations. Listings have correct pricing, and users can save hotels to trips, but flights and activities need manual entry. The chatbot suggests restaurants and attractions but lacks booking integrations.

2 min

Cendyn and Loyalty Juggernaut Unite to Reinvent Hotel Loyalty at Enterprise Scale

🏨 Otelier partners with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, joining its Alliance Partner Program to offer business intelligence solutions globally. Preferred Hotels & Resorts, featuring over 600 luxury properties in 80+ countries, enhances guest experiences via Otelier's IntelliSight, which centralizes data across revenue streams like F&B, spa, and retail. IntelliSight aids hotels in making informed decisions, replacing spreadsheets with visual insights for trend spotting and opportunity identification, improving operational and financial performance.

2 min

Accor Unveils Sweeping Tech Overhaul for Meetings & Events Ecosystem

🛌 Otelier partners with Preferred Hotels & Resorts in a global Alliance Partner Program. With more than 600 luxury properties in over 80 countries, Preferred Hotels & Resorts enhances member services through Otelier's IntelliSight, a business intelligence solution. IntelliSight centralizes data from all revenue outlets, replacing spreadsheets with visual dashboards. This aids hotel teams in making informed decisions and improving guest experiences. Otelier CEO Rob Lawrence emphasizes empowering hotels to deliver exceptional service.

5 min

11 Things to Consider When Choosing A Machu Picchu Package Tour

🗺 Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? Modern tour packages include virtual previews, AR on-site enhancements, and immersive audio guides to enrich your journey. With real-time translation and interactive maps, you’ll explore the ruins with ease. Safety is prioritized through wearable tech, while eco-friendly practices reduce environmental impact. Virtual reality add-ons allow remote family participation, and pre-trip simulations prepare you for altitude and trails. Choose packages wisely to blend history and technology seamlessly.

2 min

TripStax forms strategic partnership with…

💻 TripStax partners with One Global to provide Track and Mobile products to over 20 TMC partners worldwide. The OneTRACKER and OneMOBILE, integrated with TripStax Core, ensure seamless data accuracy and traveler tracking. OneTRACKER offers 24/7 traveler visibility with real-time alerts, while OneMOBILE serves as a travel companion app, featuring a 'Locate Me' safety function. This integration centralizes data, transforming One Global's technology offerings.

2 min

Travel operators lack mobile-first booking…

📱 Fewer than 31% of travel operators use mobile booking apps, according to a TravelTech Show survey. Held on June 25-26, 2025, in London, the survey noted barriers like complexity (37%) and security concerns (15%). Despite 98% of Millennials and Gen Z owning smartphones, 83% of operators avoid cryptocurrency payments. Security investment is rising, with 10% planning to invest in security tech within 12 months, up from 4% in 2024. Mobile app usage aims for $212BN by 2035.

1 min

RateHawk partners with travel management giant

📈 GlobalStar, a global travel management organization, partners with RateHawk, a B2B booking platform, in May 2025. This collaboration grants GlobalStar partners access to RateHawk’s inventory of over 2.7 million accommodations, sourced from 320+ suppliers and 130,000+ directly contracted properties. RateHawk’s AI tools prioritize competitive rates, and support is available in 32 languages. Initial feedback is positive, with plans for further engagement.

Lastminute reclaims its legacy in new…

💰 European Travel-Tech leader lastminute.com launched a new marketing campaign targeting UK, France, Germany, and Italy, with a strategic entry into Sweden. Leveraging trends of bookings within 30 days of departure, the campaign aims to boost summer bookings and brand awareness. CEO Alessandro Petazzi emphasizes their expertise in last-minute travel deals. Chief Marketing Officer Paul Cumiskey stresses the message's consistency, reassuring travelers of great last-minute deals without stress. The campaign highlights customer convenience and emotional connection.

Building rate confidence to drive direct bookings

🛑 May 20, 2025, travel industry: Real-time pricing tools like BenchDirect and price comparison widgets are crucial for hotels to maintain competitiveness and boost direct bookings. Implementing price match features and offering exclusive direct perks, such as complimentary drinks, can differentiate hotel sites from OTAs. Engaging guests with personalized and predictive messaging can further enhance conversion rates, while smart targeting helps protect margins by showing offers only when necessary.

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