Innovation

💻 February 12, 2026, Bangkok, Thailand – Explorar Hotels & Resorts in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan implemented Shiji's cloud platform, integrating Daylight PMS, Meridian Experiences, Stellaris Digital, Infrasys POS, and Reviewpro Reputation for a seamless, mobile-first guest experience. The full cloud integration improved operational efficiency, reduced IT workload, and enhanced guest interactions, showcasing a new benchmark for technology-driven hospitality. Shiji serves over 91,000 hotels globally, including major chains, with 5,000 employees worldwide.

💻 LodgIQ, headquartered in Silicon Valley, will showcase its AI Wizard at the BTL – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market from February 25 to March 1, 2026, in Lisbon, Portugal, at FIL Building, Pavillon 3F11. The AI Wizard helps hotel revenue teams with decision-making by combining advanced analytics and AI. LodgIQ supports leading Portuguese groups like AP Hotels & Resorts. The event will feature live AI demonstrations, reflecting the growing demand for proactive revenue strategies in Portugal.

🌎 India and China have restored their India-China corridor, driving a significant tourism boom. Direct flights between cities like Delhi and Shanghai, resumed in late 2025, may boost business by 25%-30%, cut costs by 15%-20%, and reduce travel times by up to six hours. By 2035, travel and tourism will support 1 in 8 global jobs, with Asia leading. China’s 2025 EV market claimed 60% sales and 1 million public chargers. Dubai and Riyadh plan mega-airports for 250 million and 120 million passengers, respectively.

🚀 Naboo secured $70 million in Series B funding, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, to expand in the US and enhance its AI-powered platform. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Paris, the company has grown rapidly, with hubs in New York and Montreal. Naboo, which raised €100 million over three years, plans to launch an AI booking agent and corporate payment card. With 180 employees, it partners with giants like Google and Coca-Cola in an $870 billion market.

🛠️ HBX Group and China's Dida finalized a strategic seven-year agreement, prioritizing HBX as a key supply partner within Dida's ecosystem. The partnership, focusing on Asia, leverages AI-led channels for global travel distribution. Dida, China's top distribution company, integrates HBX’s inventory, enhancing recommendation engines. The alliance emphasizes long-term AI alignment, aiming to automate discovery, pricing, and fulfillment processes. HBX operates globally, while Dida, founded in 2012, is headquartered in Shenzhen.