Innovation

🌍 Google, on April 1, 2025, boosted AI in travel with new Search, Maps, and Gemini AI features, targeting earlier user engagement and rivaling AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Perplexity now partners with TripAdvisor and Selfbook, and may add more services. Google Gemini might collaborate with OTAs for agentic AI. Expedia and Booking.com are enhancing their own AI tools, relying on customer data and loyalty programs. AI platforms prefer aggregator partnerships, with potential shifts anticipated as AI evolves. Full story at Benzinga.

🏖️ On Apr 1, 2025, Icelandair launched a campaign for authentic destination marketing, responding to a study showing 12% of Americans use AI for travel planning, while 16% support AI in tourism marketing with 52% opposed. The campaign targets AI companies to promote real images of Iceland.

🍴 TouchBistro’s 2025 American Diner Trends Report surveyed 1,500 U.S. diners, finding a 12.5% increase in restaurant spending, despite higher living costs. Weekly dining frequency rose from 39% to 42%, with 28% ordering more takeout/delivery than last year. DoorDash leads delivery apps at 73%, followed by Uber Eats (56%) and Grubhub (34%). Loyalty program engagement jumped to 47% from 34% in 2023. Lower-income households dine out less, with only 27% of those making under $50k dining weekly, versus 64% of households earning $200k+. Gen Z, despite lower incomes, are influential diners, with 20% eating out daily and 50% planning to order more takeout/delivery. Tipping averages 16%, yet 27% tip between 20-24%, balanced by 15% tipping 5% or less. Gen Z tips the least at 13%. The report suggests restaurants minimize menu price hikes, expand delivery/takeout, leverage limited-time offers, boost digital presence, and experiment with tech.

🍴 TouchBistro's "2025 American Diner Trends Report" surveyed 1,500 U.S. diners, revealing an optimistic outlook for the restaurant industry despite a 12.5% increase in dining and takeout costs. Weekly dining out increased slightly from 39% to 42%, with takeout and delivery up 28% from last year. DoorDash leads delivery apps at 73%, followed by Uber Eats (56%) and Grubhub (34%). Loyalty program engagement is up to 47% weekly. Inflation impacts lower income households more, with only 27% of those earning under $50k dining out weekly compared to 64% of households earning over $200k. Gen Z, despite lower income, has 20% dining out daily and 48% planning to eat out more. Average restaurant spending rose to $54, with a 16% average tip, but Gen Z tips less at 13%. Five strategies are suggested for restaurant operators in 2025, including minimizing price increases and leveraging limited time offerings.