Innovation

🏨 By 2025, hotels are embracing AI, voice controls, and data-driven services to enhance guest experiences. The article details the innovative tech trends within the hospitality industry, showcasing how hotels are evolving to meet modern demands.

💸 In 2024, OYO UK saw a revenue increase of 15% and outperformed the market which declined by 2.8%. The company's Average Daily Rate (ADR) and per room revenue (RevPAR) rose by 2% and 4% respectively, against the market's 4.5% fall. CEO Gautam Swaroop attributes success to AI-driven pricing and self-check-in tech. Over 200 hotels across 65 UK cities contribute to growth, with aggressive expansion plans to open 40 premium hotels. OYO's SUNDAY Lansbury Heritage was launched in Canary Wharf, expanding its premium segment presence.

🛫 66% of airlines have implemented New Distribution Capabilities (NDC), but only 27% have begun Offer and Order transformation, as per the Future of Airline Retailing Report by Accelya and Atmosphere Research Group. Despite 72% recognizing the importance of Offers and Orders for modernizing retail and increasing revenue, 53% lack an Offers and Orders strategy and 19% have no retailing objectives. By 2028, 83% see continuous pricing as important, while 44% aim to transition to Retailing Platforms by then and 38% anticipate using legacy PSSs until at least 2029. Accelya advocates for a gradual shift from legacy to retailing-friendly systems.

🏠 Stay22, a Canadian travel tech company, has launched a new feature increasing user engagement rate by fourfold. This feature, a button on their map, simplifies and expedites the booking process for accommodations and events, resulting in over a 50% conversion rate increase on mobile devices. Mobile clicks dominate at 85%, while desktop clicks stand at 41%. Lucille Pickering and Jeff Goodman, Enterprise Partnership Leads at Stay22, emphasize the feature's importance in streamlining booking on mobile and expanding partner revenue potential.

💸 Hi Auto raised $15 million in a Series A funding round, totaling $23 million in capital alongside a $4 million credit line. The AI-driven platform for QSRs boasts over 96% order accuracy and over 90% completion rate, helping combat labor costs like California's $20/hour minimum. Hi Auto's clients include Bojangles, Checkers & Rally's, and Burger King New Zealand, among others. Founded in 2019 by Roy Baharav and Eyal Shapira, the company now employs 100 people globally. Dynamic upselling has increased average ticket sizes for Hi Auto's partners.

🏦 Hi Auto, an AI voice technology startup for the QSR industry, raised $15 million in Series A funding, totaling $23 million in capital, plus a $4 million credit line. Backed by Delek Motors, Zisapel Family, others, it delivers 96% order accuracy and over 90% completion with its SaaS platform. The tech enables dynamic upselling, boosting ticket sizes, and is used by Bojangles, Checkers & Rally's, and others. Founded in 2019 by Roy Baharav, Eyal Shapira, and Zohar Zisapel, the company now has 100 employees. 🌐

📢 AI Voice Agents are transforming hotel operations by providing 24/7 support, handling booking inquiries, offering multilingual support, reducing staff workload, and creating personalized guest experiences. They differ from chatbots, Siri, and Alexa by engaging in nuanced, real-time voice interactions tailored for hospitality. Hotels using AI Voice Agents can capture every booking opportunity, focus staff on high-value interactions, and drive revenue through upselling and cross-selling. The technology enables hoteliers to offer efficient service without losing the human touch, giving them a strategic advantage in the AI-driven future of hospitality. Michael J. Goldrich, Chief Experience Officer at The Hotels Network and Founder of Vivander Advisors, underscores the significant shift in guest service driven by AI Voice Agents.

🔔 Unifocus announced Inventory, a module for hotels in Dallas, Texas, to track reusable items and supplies for preventive maintenance. Inventory provides Check-In/Check-Out Tracking, Preventive Maintenance Support, Consolidated Cost View, and Multi-Property Visibility, optimizing operations for single properties and multi-location brands. It allows quick fulfillment of guest requests and efficient preparation for maintenance tasks, offering a centralized view of labor and material costs.