Innovation

🏨 AI-driven product information management (PIM) systems are transforming hotel operations by enhancing personalization, optimizing pricing strategies, and ensuring real-time data accuracy across multiple channels. Martin Balaam, CEO & Founder of Pimberly, explains the use of AI in improving direct bookings, competing with OTAs, and maintaining data integrity. AI's predictive analytics help hotels maximize revenue by adjusting pricing based on various factors and demand trends. PIM platforms centralize data, enable dynamic content creation, and feature built-in validation, reducing manual effort and preventing outdated or incorrect information. AI-generated content must be overseen by humans for brand consistency and authenticity. In the next five years, AI-driven PIM is expected to automate marketing, offer real-time sentiment analysis, and assist in property upgrades, focusing on delivering optimized guest experiences.

🍝 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor, has been with Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999 and added Restaurant Hospitality to his role in 2016. He hosted "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn" podcast and wrote "Kitchen Dish" for The New York Sun (2005-2008). Thorn, a magna cum laude graduate from Tufts University with a BA in history, studied at Le Cordon Bleu and was in Beijing during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Winner of the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014, he authored food entries in Oxford Encyclopedias. Thorn's career spans roles at Manager magazine, Asia Times, and ABC News.

🔔 RoomKeyPMS, with over 25 years of experience and serving 70,000+ guestrooms in North America, begins 2025 rolling out new tools for better guest data security and operational connectivity. New features include Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for remote access, tokenization of credit cards to reduce fraud, expanded integrations for various hotel services, and mobile check-in enhancements. No security breaches have been reported since their 10-year security initiative began. Additionally, RoomKeyPMS introduced 'Embedded Gift Cards' for year-round revenue generation. Upcoming integrations will include point-of-sale systems and a mobile communications platform for guest engagement.

💳 RoomKeyPMS, a property-management system provider with over 25 years of success, serves 70,000+ guestrooms in North America and is enhancing security and guest experiences in 2025. They are introducing Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect data, tokenizing credit cards to reduce fraud, and improving mobile check-in for direct room access. The platform now offers Embedded Gift Cards sales and is expanding its integration library to include point-of-sale systems and mobile communication, aiming to streamline operations for hoteliers and improve convenience for travelers.

💾 RoomKeyPMS, with over 25 years of success, serves 70,000+ guestrooms in North America and is enhancing its systems in 2025 to increase guest and hotelier satisfaction. New security measures include Multi Factor Authentication and tokenized credit cards to mitigate data breaches. Technological integrations are expanding, including mobile check-in and POS systems. RoomKeyPMS is also releasing a gift card system and will offer mobile key access through Flexipass, aiming to streamline bookings and boost guest loyalty. Approximately 45% of customers require POS integration. RoomKeyPMS distinguishes itself with responsiveness and comprehensive industry knowledge from its hotel-experienced staff.

📦 Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), a global hospitality leader with over 1,460 hotels, partnered with RobosizeME on 25 Feb 2025 to automate operations including call centers, distribution, finance, guest services, and review management. The aim is to enhance efficiency, response times, and guest satisfaction while maintaining service standards. Early results show increased efficiency, accuracy, and scalability, contributing to improved guest experiences and response to feedback, thereby boosting brand reputation and customer loyalty. RobosizeME, known for AI-enabled automation tailored to hotels, secures partnerships with major hospitality brands, offering solutions that comply with ISO 27001, GDPR, and PCI-DSS standards. RHG envisions long-term success and innovation through this strategic automation adoption.

🏖️ Hostaway, a Finland-based vacation rental property management software company, celebrates 10 years by more than doubling its workforce in two years, securing a US$365 million funding round in December, and ranking as the highest-valued company in its sector. With operations in over 100 markets, the remote-first team spans 44 countries, processed over 52,000 job applications last year, and plans to continue European hiring. G2 named Hostaway one of the Top 100 Fastest-Growing Software Companies. The company's equity-sharing model includes all employees, and it's focusing on AI-driven product development.

🏡 Since 1930, Palácio Estoril, near Lisbon, has offered five-star hospitality. Partnering with The Hotels Network (THN) in 2018, it adopted THN’s Predictive Personalization to refine its direct booking strategy. By evaluating visitor intent with machine learning, Palácio Estoril personalized promotions, offering a 15% discount to low-intent visitors and upselling luxury experiences to high-intent ones. One year later, the hotel saw improved direct channel performance, increased revenue, and reduced marketing expenses, showcasing AI's impact in hospitality.