Innovation

📱 SOCi's 2025 Consumer Behavior Index warns hospitality CMOs about shifting discovery trends. 19% of consumers use AI tools like ChatGPT, but 95% distrust AI for purchase decisions. Gen Z heavily relies on TikTok (34%) and Instagram (35%) for brand discovery. 91% of consumers depend on peer reviews, with 40% preferring video reviews. Authentic social media engagement and review responsiveness are crucial, as 65% choose businesses that actively respond to reviews. Survey conducted in February 2025 with 1,001 U.S. adults.

📱 SOCi’s 2025 Consumer Behavior Index reveals that while 19% of consumers use AI tools like ChatGPT for discovery, 95% distrust AI for purchase decisions. Notably, 34% of Gen Z use TikTok, and 35% use Instagram for brand discovery. Reviews are pivotal, with 91% relying on them, and 65% favor businesses responsive to reviews. Conducted on 1,001 U.S. adults in February 2025, the survey emphasizes social media's role in trust-building and revenue potential.

🍽 Independent restaurant operators face challenges such as supply chain instability and inflation, leading to tech advancements like real-time menu adaptation, AI voice ordering, and personalized menus. SpotOn's updates focus on usability and consolidation, offering comprehensive management systems without rigid contracts. Community and education initiatives, such as SpotOn Advisor Meetings, help operators share insights and strategies, fostering a supportive network. These efforts aim to empower independent restaurants to navigate market volatility and enhance profitability.

🛫 Predictions about AI's impact on travel vary, dividing opinions between suppliers and OTAs. A recent article on Phocuswire explores four potential scenarios, acknowledging that reality might not align with these extremes. The article suggests revisiting predictions in three years to evaluate accuracy. Notable contributors include Linda Fox, Christian Watts, Mike Coletta, Peter Syme, Arlen Ritchie, and Tony Carne. The discussion is sparked by Google's new AI Mode announcement.

🏨 In the evolving digital landscape, screens shrink and AI replaces traditional search, impacting travel decisions and product discovery. As 2.6 billion new users come online, AI agents redefine experiences. Google, ChatGPT, and Perplexity lead agentic travel trends since January. Wander raises over $50 million, achieving 6x GMV growth in 18 months. Meanwhile, Vercel sees a rise in ChatGPT-driven signups, doubling to 10% by April 2025. This shift from SEO to Generative Engine Optimization marks a new era for online growth.

💼 Barcelona, June 4th - The Hotels Network (THN) unveiled KITT, an AI Receptionist, now available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace. Integrated with Oracle OPERA Cloud, KITT processes real-time voice bookings, payments, and guest queries in 40+ languages, improving hotel operations and revenue. It delivers a seamless guest experience, syncing with live systems. Leveraging Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, THN extends its reach with enhanced service offerings, driving efficiency and customer satisfaction worldwide.

📈 Mews' AI-powered Smart Tips is transforming hotel operations globally, with over 5 million weekly views. At Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, this tool is enhancing guest experiences and loyalty. Trisha Reinkemeyer notes its efficiency in personalizing service, like recalling guest preferences. Auberge St Pol in Belgium reports improved guest interactions from AI Smart Tips, which centralizes guest data in the PMS and Reservation calendar, saving time and streamlining workflows for hotel staff.

💻 Leading F&B and hospitality platform, IRIS, handles over $250,000 in orders annually across 100+ countries and 2,000 hotels, with staff in the UK, North America, China, Europe, and South East Asia. Partnering with brands like Marriott and Hilton, IRIS clients see a 20%-70% boost in F&B revenue. New features like Charge to Room and Advance Ordering enhance guest experience, while maintaining high security and global support. CEO Mark Horne highlights strategic growth and industry investment.