Innovation

🗺 The sustainability impact of in-destination experiences is difficult to measure due to sector fragmentation and unstandardized services. Digitalization and AI tools promise to improve measurement of environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism. Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) are identified as the leaders for setting industry standards due to their influence over local impacts and ability to drive change. Tourism income often doesn't stay in the destination, with a UN study indicating up to 95% of revenue can leave the area. DMO-led tech initiatives could disperse tourists more evenly, promote ethical vendors, and require an e-commerce approach to local experience offerings.

💻 Adam Mogelonsky and Christus Gill, panelists at a hospitality event, highlighted trends in AI for the industry, focusing on enhancing human connections, integrating data for new revenue, and AI chatbots for 24/7 guest service. By 2025, hotels anticipate seamless data integration using advanced APIs. Cybersecurity evolves as AI does, underscoring the need for staff training. AI also aids in preserving Caribbean culture, making local knowledge more accessible. Hospitality leaders are advised to stay abreast of AI innovations for future success.

📌 RMS appoints Adam Seskis as CEO, leveraging his 25+ years of experience in SaaS and technology. With a background including Epiq and Wolters Kluwer, Seskis aims to accelerate global expansion and drive innovation focusing on customer experience and product offerings. RMS, with 40 years of guest data, operates in 70 countries across 7,000 properties, ready to enhance its hospitality technology under Seskis' leadership, who holds a law degree from the University of New England.

🏦 Bob W partners with Aroundtown to launch a 52-unit aparthotel in 'Alte Post', Dortmund, Germany, occupying 3,300 sq m. Announced on February 6th, 2025, the site, near Dortmund’s main railway station, marks the company’s fifth German location and will feature studio and one-bedroom apartments, aiming to welcome guests in 2026. Bob W operates in 18 European cities across 10 countries and has an NPS of 77, with an average guest rating of 4.7 out of 5.

👟👟 Nike experienced a significant stock price drop of $25 billion, or 32%, on June 28, 2024. The slump was due to an over-focus on Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) and performance marketing, neglecting the brand's emotional connection with consumers. Brand marketing is suggested to complement performance marketing to achieve long-term success. Amazon allows hotels to advertise on platforms like Prime Video and Twitch, highlighting the importance of brand-building in the hotel industry. Hotelbeds' parent company launches The Luxurist, featuring over 3,300 properties across 141 countries, to enhance the B2B premium travel sector.