Innovation

💸 Global eSIM pioneer Holafly has exceeded $500 million in revenue since the pandemic. Founded in 2017, it hit $200 million in 2024 alone, selling over 15 million eSIMs across 200 destinations. eSIMs support 18 languages with 24/7 assistance. The market is projected to grow at 31.8% annually through 2030. Holafly plans to expand in English-speaking markets, having recently appointed Allan Kenedy and Melanie O’Bernie to senior roles. Additional hires are anticipated.

✈️ JFK Terminal 4 is utilizing inclusive design and AI-driven insights to enhance passenger experience. By focusing on diverse user needs, airports can improve accessibility, reduce stress, and increase commercial value. AI helps manage passenger flow, reducing queuing times and enabling frontline staff to assist passengers better. Such approaches transform technological upgrades from cosmetic changes to strategic impacts, ensuring that future airport innovations prioritize human-centered experiences over mere technological advancements.

🚀 Rome2Rio partners with Mozio, integrating Mozio's network of over 3,000 transport partners across 188 countries and 3,400 airports. Launched this week, the integration allows users to book Mozio's shuttles, ferries, helicopters, and more via Rome2Rio, enhancing its transport coverage. Features include 24/7 customer service and free cancellation on 99% of bookings. This collaboration simplifies global travel planning, offering more comprehensive point-to-point solutions through Rome2Rio’s platform.

🏠 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai will feature a dedicated Tech & Innovation Hub, with 180 exhibitors from 30 countries across two halls, from 4-7 May. The theme is "Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology." Discussions will cover AI, immersive commerce, and green tech. Travel tech market expected to grow over 6% annually, reaching US$18.6 billion by 2033. 84% plan to use AI in travel. 55,000 professionals from 166 countries expected to attend.

📱 Net Affinity launched an enhanced product suite for 2025, designed to streamline hotel operations and increase revenue. The Smart Payments system automates virtual credit card charges and integrates PIN terminals, simplifying payment processing. The Smart Channel Manager centralizes channel management, enabling real-time rate and availability updates to prevent overbookings. William Cotter, Net Affinity's founder, emphasized the importance of these tools in reducing manual tasks and boosting hotel profits through automation and integrated solutions.

💻 Sudima Hotels improved operations with Shiji's platform. Automation saved 1-2 hours daily per property, while errors and duplicate bookings reduced significantly through real-time reservation management. Processing speeds increased by 30-40%, ensuring near-zero downtime. Astral Payments and Stellaris Digital Payby ensured secure, PCI DSS-compliant payment processes. Staff now focus more on guest engagement, with enhanced system stability and performance during peak times. Tokenization and secure payment links have bolstered guest trust and compliance.

Annual Hospitality Conference, Manchester, 29 September 2025 – RMS, a leading hospitality platform for hotels, motels, serviced apartments, and short-term rentals has announced an integration with ResDiary, an Access Group company and specialist…

🏨 Kondody Hotels & Resorts in Kerala, India, enhanced operations with STAAH’s real-time channel manager. Prior issues involved booking sync delays across multiple channels. STAAH’s system enabled instant updates for better efficiency and guest satisfaction. Key benefits include centralized inventory management, real-time sync, and error-free operations. Time saved on manual coordination is now spent enhancing guest experiences. This partnership prepares Kondody for seamless future growth in hospitality.

💻 In hospitality, AI Agents such as TrustYou’s enhance guest experiences across five stages: Pre-arrival, Arrival, Stay, Departure, and Post-Stay. They offer 24/7 booking support, reduce website drop-offs (typically 98%), and personalize recommendations. AI minimizes friction during check-in, improves service through digital concierges, and facilitates check-out with automated processes. Post-stay, AI encourages reviews and loyalty engagement. The result: increased conversions, reduced costs, and a stronger reputation, crucial for thriving in a competitive market.

🚀 Just 10% of travel buyers currently trust AI for booking support, with only 10% using AI for dynamic pricing insights, and 30% planning to adopt it within 12 months. 25% want AI to automate tasks, while 23% seek real-time travel updates. Steve Clagg emphasizes AI's role in reducing manual work and improving efficiency. The inaugural Business Travel Show America is set for 15-16 October at Javits Center, New York, featuring over 100 exhibitors.