Innovation

💻 AI in hospitality is transforming the industry. Hotels can leverage AI by centralizing and cleaning their data to identify upsell opportunities, spot booking patterns, and anticipate demand. Training and empowering staff to use AI tools confidently is critical. AI is not about replacing decision-makers but enhancing their capabilities. Despite challenges like labor shortages and rising costs, AI can streamline operations and boost revenue. Investing in data and tech can ensure hospitality remains a people-centric industry.

📲 eviivo, an all-in-one property management system, launched an integration of WhatsApp and SMS into its AI-powered Guest Manager. This feature allows hoteliers to manage communications from one platform. WhatsApp is popular in Europe, SMS in the US, with SMS having a 98% open rate. Michele Fitzpatrick, CEO of eviivo, notes this update helps connect with guests on preferred platforms, enhancing guest satisfaction and communication across properties.

Melbourne 29 July, 2025 – RMS, a global leader in hospitality technology for hotels, motels, serviced apartments, outdoor lodging, and short-term rentals, has unveiled a bold new brand identity.  From its…

💸 Hotel Madeira's transformation showcases the power of adopting a revenue management system (RMS). By transitioning from manual processes to Duetto’s RMS, they improved efficiency and decision-making, increasing average daily rates (ADR) and financial control. Implementing in phases and training teams facilitated this change. Independent hotels can achieve similar success by assessing pain points, choosing appropriate systems, and optimizing processes, leading to enhanced revenue and guest experiences.

🚌 White Castle partners with Coco Robotics and Uber Eats in Chicago for its first autonomous delivery launch. Coco's zero-emission robots, operational in Chicago since 2024, have completed over 500,000 deliveries in various cities. Checkmate synchronizes White Castle's menu with Uber Eats for seamless order processing. Chris Shaffery, White Castle's VP, emphasizes efficiency and quality. Customers receive alerts to meet the robot via the Uber Eats app, with no extra fees or tips required.

🌐 journaway expanded to the UK market in 2025 after entering the Netherlands last year. CEO Marco Behrends highlights the British market's potential for the platform's curated, tech-driven travel experiences. Former Expedia GM Alex Platts, now Chief Commercial Officer, emphasizes the model's scalability and data-driven approach. Platts joined the Management Board last year to drive international growth. The platform focuses on individuality, planning security, and inspiration for multi-day trips.

✈️ SITA's 2024 revenue grew 8.3% to $1.6 billion, driven by strong performance across Airports, Borders, and Aircraft sectors. Global IT spending in air transport is estimated to reach $37 billion in 2024. Noteworthy acquisitions included Materna IPS and ASISTIM, while SmartSea expanded the portfolio to cruise and rail. CEO David Lavorel emphasizes the need for efficiency and sustainability as air traffic is set to grow 7% between 2025-2027, with investments in AI and digital innovations.

🛫 Travel Republic, owned by Emirates' dnata Travel Group, unveiled a brand refresh to address feedback that it was "too safe and bland." Improvements include an AI-powered chatbot for 24/7 support, a price calendar, and flexible payment options. Focus groups revealed 48% book package holidays for ease, while 39% prefer hotel-only bookings. The revamp aims to enhance travel simplicity, flexibility, and customer satisfaction, reflecting a fun and friendly brand identity.

📱 Great Wolf Lodge launched a tech-driven "High Paw" platform in March 2025, enabling guest and employee recognitions through a web portal without app downloads. Post-launch, over 40,000 peer recognitions and 20,000 guest "High Paws" were sent, impacting traditionally less interactive roles like housekeeping. 20% of 5-star Google Reviews across 22 U.S. locations are attributed to this program. This real-time feedback tool enhances employee motivation and meets evolving guest expectations effectively.