Innovation

🚀 London-based Zamna partnered with Iberojet to launch a patented identity infrastructure, aiming to reduce queues and manual checks. In the first quarter, 80% of online check-ins used Zamna, with over 90% verified in advance. The system pre-validates travel documents, reducing fines from invalid visas and ensuring compliance with entry rules. It's live on routes from Spain and Portugal to Latin America, reducing check-in time from over an hour to under 30 minutes. Expansion is planned.

💸 PriceLabs, a leader in revenue management for hospitality, has integrated with 161 property management systems (PMSs) globally, including 18 new additions in 2025. Notable integrations include fewo.cloud and StayNow365. This expansion offers smart pricing and automation tools to more property managers, enhancing efficiency. The platform connects seamlessly with major channels like Airbnb and Booking.com. Richie Khandelwal, President, emphasizes democratizing revenue management for operators of all sizes.

📅 Global HR and payroll platform Deel has launched Business Visas, a service for short-term international travel. The service, integrated with WorkFlex, operates in over 150 countries. Deel secured an immigration services license in the UAE. With global travel expected to normalize by 2026, 71% of companies report increased travel. Business Visas streamlines visa management, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Deel is the first platform to offer comprehensive visa support for global mobility.

🏠 Global AI property management system Boom has partnered with Tint to offer BoomGuard, providing up to $50,000 in contents damage protection and $1 million in liability coverage for vacation rental owners. The solution addresses increasing regulatory scrutiny and financial risk in the short-term rental market. Designed for seamless integration with Boom’s AiPMS, it simplifies claims processing. Shahar Goldboim, CEO of Boom, highlights its role in reducing risks and driving growth, while Jayme Estrada from Tint emphasizes its tailored, scalable protection.

📈 Expedia's B2B business surged 21% in 2024, now 30% of revenue, with partners like Walmart and Chase Travel. Expedia's one-key loyalty program drives nearly 50% of room nights. Booking's Genius tiers cover 55% of hotel nights. Expedia's air/car/hotel packages reached $5.3 billion in 2024, projected to hit $6 billion by 2028. Vrbo focuses on vacation rentals; Booking has over 8 million alternative lodging listings. OTAs bet on loyalty, B2B, and AI to adapt to a plateauing U.S. market.

New operational guide offers a step-by-step framework to help hoteliers get started with business process automation without creating an IT overhaul. PRAGUE, 4 September 2025. RobosizeME, a provider of hospitality…

📺 Hotel IT leaders are prioritizing in-room technology as essential, according to a DIRECTV HOSPITALITY survey. Fast, reliable Wi-Fi is the top guest must-have. Kimberly Twiggs emphasizes shifting the view of IT from a cost to an investment. TVs are evolving into digital hubs offering contactless services, guest engagement, and personalization. Ensuring data privacy is crucial, with features like automatic daily credential clearing. Technology enhances guest experiences, balancing digital convenience with personal service.

💰 In 2022, TakeUp was founded in San Francisco. It's tackling pricing issues for independent hotels using AI that adapts prices based on guest behavior. Their platform boosts revenue by an average of 20%-30% and saves owners 15 hours weekly. By July 2025, TakeUp raised $11 million in Series A funding to expand its offerings. The company aims to democratize AI for independents, offering transparency and human oversight in pricing decisions.

📚 Accor leads with 44 brands, followed by Marriott with 35 and Hyatt with 26. Out of 378 hotel brands, 69 are independent, with 25 of the 73 luxury brands being independent. The high end of the market—Luxury, Premium, Boutique, and Upscale—accounts for 66% of brands, overshadowing Midscale and Economy's 33%. A comprehensive hotel brand infographic required over 100 hours of manual research due to AI's limitations in accuracy.