Innovation

📱 A 250-room hotel can lose hundreds of thousands of dollars annually due to communication failures, with the potential for millions across a hotel chain. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 74% annual turnover rate in the hospitality sector, nearly five times the 12-15% average across other industries, equating to about 6% staff departure monthly. New "smart radios" enable instant communication regardless of language, with real-time AI translation, aiming to reduce response times to guest requests, improve safety, and reduce turnover costs.

🏩 On Feb. 26, 2025, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviewed Hans Meyer, the co-founder and managing director of Zoku, on the strategy used to innovate in the hospitality industry. The podcast episode, titled "From Concept to Success: The Strategy Behind Our Hospitality Innovation - Hans Meyer, Zoku," was featured on the Hospitality Daily Podcast. The interview delves into the process behind Zoku's successful hospitality innovations.

🔌 The global blinds and shades market, driven by automated window shades, is projected to reach $30.8 billion by 2033, a significant increase from $14.8 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.8%. Automated shades enhance the guest experience in hotels by offering easy control of room settings and are anticipated to reduce energy costs by up to 30%. They offer operational benefits such as synchronized control, which could quickly offset their purchase costs, and can be programmed for energy efficiency.

📈 Discover how emerging tech reshapes dining experiences! Upcoming webinar dives into the newest tools for restaurant efficiency, smarter data-driven choices, and future predictions. Speakers include Robert Firpo-Cappiello of Hospitality Technology & MURTEC. Hosted by QSR Automations, LLC.

🏖️ On the Beach, an OTA, reported a 10% increase in total transaction value (TTV) for summer 2025, with a record year in 2024. The year-to-date TTV growth stood at 10% year-on-year, with winter 2024-25 up by 18%. Early bookings for March to June saw a 17% rise from the previous year. The company's asset-light model and competitive pricing mitigate inflation pressures. Investments in technology have expanded city packages to over 70 destinations. International expansion includes package holiday sales from Ireland, where a recent campaign spurred growth. The board is confident that summer 2025 will surpass summer 2024 and that FY25 adjusted profit before tax (PBT) will meet consensus expectations.

🧟 In February 2025, technology events highlighted the rise of AI in travel and hospitality with 67% of Saudi and UAE consumers using AI for holiday planning, surpassing the EMEA average of 41%. The Saudi Tourism Authority introduced Sara, an AI tour guide, during the LEAP 2025 conference. Mabrian's AI virtual assistant AILA was launched in January 2025 for B2B travel intelligence. Qatar Airways upgraded Sama, an AI cabin crew member, and presented Dream Destination – The Pulse. The Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, from April 28 to May 1, 2025, will showcase a 25% increase in travel technology exhibitors.

🏩 Paxport launches a Certified Partner Programme to simplify airline content booking with a four-tiered structure: Essential, Enhanced, Elite, and Elite Plus, reflecting integration levels. Partners can join the scheme and receive commercial benefits, with annual accreditation reviews. Elite partners have access to a referral scheme. Amy Shine, Paxport's commercial partnerships manager, emphasizes the importance of technology partners in making emerging technologies available to customers and improving their booking experience.

🌍 Experience Connector partnered with P&O Ferries, expanding customer access to curated in-destination activities both pre-departure and post-purchase. They will use an optimised white label platform integrated with P&O's website, initially focusing on popular routes and destinations in The Netherlands, England, France, Ireland, and Scotland. The partnership enhances the customer journey with spontaneous booking capability via on-board digital platforms, aiming to grow and evolve with traveler preferences.

✈ Turkish Airlines partnered with HBX Group and PerfectStay to launch Turkish Airlines Holidays globally, offering access to hotels, experiences, and transfers. Previously limited to Turkey, the service has expanded to the UK, Europe, South Korea, Mexico, Australia, with the US market to follow. Direct consumer sales are the current model, with travel agents not included. HBX Group's TTV for accommodation was 13% in 2024. The collaboration aims to provide a single platform for planning and booking trips.

🔔 RoomKeyPMS, with over 25 years of success, is serving more than 70,000 guestrooms across North America as of 2025. They are enhancing security via Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) and tokenizing credit cards to reduce fraud. Integrations will support various hotel operations, and their “Embedded Gift Cards” feature through RoomKeyPMS Payments was recently released. An end-to-end Mobile Check-In Experience with mobile keys and point-of-sale integrations is in development, aimed to streamline hotel operations and guest experience.