Innovation

📈 Actabl collaborates with 90% of the top 50 U.S. hotel management companies, using technology to streamline budget planning with tools like ProfitSword. Founded in 2001, ProfitSword is nearly 25 years old and aids hoteliers in data aggregation and budget forecasting. Recent investments in technology have reduced task time from days to hours, enhancing efficiency. Actabl's other solutions include Hotel Effectiveness, ALICE, and Transcendent, focusing on labor, guest services, and asset management.

💻 German firm AIntensify, a Travolution Award 2023 winner, rebrands as Alyza. Profitable since January, Alyza operates in multiple languages with three products, including newly launched Otimyza, an AI assistant. CEO Markus Stumpe emphasizes Alyza's ambition to lead in AI-powered customer experience, expanding into insurance, banking, telecoms, and energy over the next two years. The rebrand reflects Alyza's focus on smarter, human interactions, aiming to cut costs and boost revenues globally.

📈 Hoteliers are emphasizing speed as a critical factor, with rapid responses and personalized proposals essential for success, says Ilaria Marinoni, Head of Sales at Thynk. Repetitive tasks drain energy, while outdated information hinders decision-making. Clean data is now strategic, enabling prompt, precise actions. Technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction, fostering client relationships. Agility is key to sustainable growth, balancing speed with maintaining the human touch.

💻 Revenue managers, September 2025, AI revolutionizes tasks by automating competitor rate checks, report generation, and inventory updates. The focus shifts to strategic planning with Total Revenue Management, leveraging BI tools for profitability and guest-centric management. By utilizing AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT, managers can innovate and integrate technology with hotel strategies. Emphasis on storytelling, leadership, and creative problem-solving remains key. Future-proofing involves embracing AI to transition from tactical to strategic roles.

💻 Noida, 2nd September 2025: RateGain Travel Technologies Limited (NSE: RateGain) launches the first Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration for its Booking Engine. 66% of consumers use AI tools. This innovation allows seamless conversational booking, enhancing guest experiences without heavy investments. RateGain partners with 3,200+ customers and 700+ partners in 100+ countries, including 26 of the Top 30 Hotel Chains and 25 of the Top 30 Online Travel Agents. Founded in 2004, headquartered in India.

💳 Guests can now skip the front desk by using wallet-based room keys on their phones or watches. This digital innovation, integrated by Mews, eliminates app downloads and plastic keycards, reducing hotel staff workload and environmental impact. It's compatible with devices like ASSA ABLOY Vostio NFC door locks, offering a seamless experience expected by guests. This technology enhances sustainability and guest satisfaction, marking a step towards future hotel technology.

🚗 Europcar Mobility Group UK partners with Octopus Electroverse for a groundbreaking EV rental service. This collaboration allows Europcar customers to access over one million public chargers throughout the UK and Europe using Octopus's Electroverse app. The initiative aims to streamline EV usage by offering route planning, discounted charging, and seamless payments through a single platform. Europcar's EV Guide supports this transition, providing resources and incentives for cost savings and emission reductions.

📚 September 2025: Steven releases a children's book illustrating diverse hospitality careers, aiming to spark interest in the industry. COVID-19's impact on hospitality inspired this initiative. Steven notes that traditional school systems lack vocational inspiration and emphasizes that hospitality fosters connection and kindness—critical traits amidst growing technology and cultural shifts. With AI, services like personalized greetings enhance guest experiences, but human kindness remains irreplaceable, making hospitality an evergreen career choice.

📱 Worldwide, in August 2025, Mews launched a digital room key feature for smartphone wallets, developed with Vingcard (ASSA ABLOY). Available for compatible door locks, this innovation allows access via web browsers. Hey Lou HOTELS in Germany is the first to implement it. CEO Matt Welle notes that over 33% of guests deem keyless entry essential, and 70% prefer skipping front desk queues. This upgrade enhances convenience and personalization in hotel stays.

💻 On August 29, 2025, Vanshikha Dhar explored Guestline alternatives for Malaysian hotel chains. These Property Management System (PMS) solutions include central dashboards, OTA synchronization, billing, and multilingual support, offering scalable options for hotel groups in Malaysia.