Innovation

📈 Jean-Dominique Brivet, Chief Product Officer at D-EDGE, emphasizes AI's transformative role in hotel distribution akin to the Internet's impact. AI should enhance, not complicate, commercial decisions. D-EDGE already integrates market data, pricing, and booking systems. They offer AI-driven price recommendations based on competitor pricing and historical data. A three-step AI evolution: highlight information, suggest actions, and eventually automate. Trust is crucial; changes should be incremental, balancing human oversight with AI's capabilities.

🏨 The Independent Hotel Show takes place at Olympia London on October 5-6, 2026. Key spaces reflect the theme "Shaping Tomorrow" with designs by Merav Bustan, Obradov Studio, Design Command, and TUNTU. Designs focus on sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and adaptable elements. The innovation stage is like a "jewelry box" with deep green tones, while the Members Suite uses Nordic-inspired elements. This event showcases how design can influence hospitality with a focus on sustainability and sensory experiences. Register at independenthotelshow.co.uk.

💻 dormakaba, on September 2026, signed an agreement to acquire Alliants, impacting over 100,000 hotel rooms globally. This acquisition aims to enhance dormakaba’s hospitality services by integrating Alliants' guest experience technology, offering seamless digital engagement and access solutions. The financial terms remain undisclosed, and the transaction is expected to close this year, pending regulatory approval. dormakaba operates in over 130 countries, emphasizing growth in the hospitality sector. Both firms will maintain interoperability with other tech providers.

📱 In 2027, hotels aim to enhance F&B profits by leveraging mobile ordering technology. Reports show a 20-40% increase in average transaction value with digital ordering. Integrating multilingual, digital menus and upselling features simplifies guest experiences and boosts revenue. Additionally, IRIS clients reported delivery-time savings of over 10 minutes per order. This shift turns all hotel areas into potential F&B revenue opportunities, while reducing staff workload and improving operational efficiency.

📚 Bethesda, MD | September 16, 2026 | Stayntouch achieved a Level 4 Global Customer Support Certification from Hotel Tech Report, scoring a perfect 34/34. Valid from July 2026 to July 2027, it reflects their robust support ecosystem, which includes 24/7 multilingual assistance, real-time SLA monitoring, and a strong NPS score. Over 100 reviews give them an average support rating above 4.5/5. Their customer-centric approach ensures seamless hotel PMS implementation and ongoing customer success.

🏨 IDS Next celebrates over 25 years of partnership with ITC Hotels, facilitating operations across 150+ hotels in 90+ locations, including India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The collaboration, noted for its use of cloud and AI technologies, has evolved to encompass wellness, sales, and catering. Amandeep Singh Sarna, ITC Hotels’ Chief Digital Officer, highlights IDS Next's understanding of hospitality needs. IDS Next's platform aids visibility, standardization, and data-driven decisions across ITC Hotels' seven brands.

💳 Hapi and Upgrade partnered to integrate modern payment options like Flex Pay into hotels' systems, automating Virtual Credit Card processes. The solution is already used in thousands of hotels, reducing payment errors and mishandlings. According to NerdWallet, 17% of travelers in summer 2026 plan to use Buy Now, Pay Later for travel. This integration streamlines payment processing, enabling hotels to support flexible payment options without changing existing systems, addressing an estimated $1.5 billion in reconciliation inefficiencies.

🤖 84% of U.S. customers believe AI in customer service should allow easy access to humans. 71% think AI makes reaching a person harder. Companies with accessible human support can gain a competitive edge. Shep Hyken emphasizes that while customers appreciate self-service, they value human interaction when needed. The notion of a “premium experience” emerges as human support becomes rarer. This balance can influence customer preferences and justify higher pricing for enhanced service.