Innovation

📱 In 2025, smart hotels will utilize IoT systems, digital keys, and automation to enhance guest experiences globally. Mobile-first technologies will dominate, allowing seamless check-ins, room personalization, and energy management. This technological shift aims to cater to forward-thinking hoteliers, optimizing operations and boosting sustainability.

📨 GuestRevu and HiJiffy, leading hospitality tech companies, announced a new integration in 2025. This partnership enables hotels to send automated GuestRevu surveys via WhatsApp using HiJiffy's platform, boosting response rates. Over 2,100 hotels in 60+ countries are leveraging HiJiffy’s AI-powered communication tools. This integration enhances guest feedback collection, improving guest experiences and increasing hotel revenue through personalized communication. CEOs Chris Alexandre and Tiago Araújo emphasize the innovation and efficiency of this collaboration.

🍴 American Express and Toast are collaborating to enhance dining experiences in the U.S. through tools combining Resy, Tock, and Toast technologies. In 2024, American Express invested in Rooam and acquired Tock, adding 7,000 new venues to a network with 20,000 Resy locations. Toast innovations, like Digital Chits, aim to boost restaurant efficiency. American Express Card Members spent over $87 billion on dining in 2024. Product launches begin in 2026 for personalized guest experiences.

🏨 In the 2025 IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Hospitality Property Management Systems, Mews is named a Leader, reflecting a shift in the hospitality industry towards innovative technology. Mews, previously a Major Player in 2022, offers advanced product capabilities and strategic direction. The IDC report highlights Mews Payments, turning PMS into revenue drivers by enhancing payment experiences and boosting operational efficiency. Tech-forward hotels seeking efficiency should consider Mews for growth.

💻 Vanessa Osbourne founded Smart Hotel Manager, launching the Live Safety platform in 2023. The app, designed for hotel teams, offers real-time emergency guidance, compliance tracking, and multilingual training. A pilot with Remington Hospitality at nine properties improved response times and staff engagement. The company has 14 team members and plans international expansion. Additionally, Smart Hotel Manager's nonprofit, Lanterns for Light, built a solar-powered digital library in Sega, Kenya, promoting digital education and safety training.

💻 McKinsey and Harvard Business Review report ranks the hospitality sector at 1.875 on a digitalization index, below the 3.025 cross-industry average. Over 80% of hotels spend up to two workdays weekly on manual reporting (State of Distribution 2025). AI is increasingly used, with 71% of U.S. adults open to using it for travel planning, though hotels risk outdated info if not integrated. MCP aids real-time hotel data access. AI boosts efficiency, notably in sales prospecting.

🍴 American Express and Toast, in 2024, enhance hospitality across U.S. restaurants utilizing Resy and Tock. They integrate Toast’s technology like Digital Chits, improving guest experiences and visibility via Local by Toast app. In 2024, American Express purchased Rooam and Tock, expanding to 27,000 restaurants globally. Toast features, such as Digital Chits and ToastIQ, aid restaurant operations. American Express Card Members spent over $87 billion on U.S. dining in 2024. New features launch in 2026.

📱 Gen Z and millennials demand instant, mobile-based training aligned with their learning style. Studies reveal that 85% of participants prefer microlearning, improving retention rates by 20-60%. AI tools personalize and track training, transforming it into a strategic asset. Hotels enhancing guest experiences with tech like keyless entry should equally invest in modern training to reduce turnover. Eran Heffetz, co-founder of Bites, emphasizes adapting learning to mobile platforms for longer employee retention and improved service.

🍴 American Express and Toast are collaborating to enhance personalized dining experiences in the U.S. In 2024, American Express acquired Rooam and Tock, expanding their dining network to 27,000 venues. American Express Card Members spent over $87 billion on dining in 2024. The partnership plans to integrate Resy, Tock, and Toast’s technologies, with new features starting in 2026. This aims to boost restaurant visibility and efficiency, driving loyalty and growth through smarter services.

🍴 American Express and Toast are collaborating to enhance dining experiences at restaurants in the U.S. In 2024, American Express acquired Rooam and Tock, adding 27,000 venues to its Global Dining network. U.S. Card Members spent over $87 billion on dining in 2024. The partnership will integrate Toast’s technology with Resy and Tock services. New features will begin rolling out in 2026 to provide more personalized hospitality.