Innovation

🥞 Fast-growing Keke’s Breakfast Cafe partners with PAR Technology Corp. to implement PAR POS, PAR Pay, and hardware solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and guest experiences. Acquired by Denny’s in 2022, Keke’s expanded from Florida to 73 locations, with 140 more planned. The tech upgrade aligns with a brand transformation featuring new designs and menus. Mobile tablets streamline service, reducing wait times and enhancing interaction, supported by PAR’s cloud-based platform for seamless system integration.

🚢 River cruises offer sustainable luxury travel with lower emissions due to smaller ships. They use solar panels and hybrid engines, reducing fuel use by up to 40%. Plastic reduction initiatives include replacing single-use plastics with bamboo and glass alternatives. Water-saving systems achieve 40% savings, and new innovations like waste-to-energy systems and electric propulsion are being adopted. Guests contribute by using digital documents, refillable bottles, and participating in local clean-up efforts, enhancing eco-friendly travel experiences.

🖥 Amazon predicts AI could lead to job losses, particularly beyond property level in hotels. Rembrand's digital ad insertion in influencer videos is costly for hotels due to inventory constraints. B2A marketing focuses on AI agents aiding consumer purchases, but its practicality is debated. Mandarin Oriental secured a brand color with Pantone, raising debates on brand color stability. Hotels could capture EV-friendly guests by installing slow overnight chargers for $10/charge. At HITEC, innovation was driven by people, not just tech.

💻 IHG and White Elephant Resorts are enhancing guest experiences through advanced technology. IHG’s Auto Connect Wi-Fi integrates with loyalty programs, while White Elephant uses Comcast’s X1 for in-room entertainment, creating a familiar environment. Scalable tech like SD-WAN ensures rapid deployment for IHG, supported by their IT Marketplace. White Elephant leverages Comcast for IT support. Both brands employ sensors for predictive maintenance and sustainability, aiming to reduce carbon footprints by 2030.

📱 Hotels are prioritizing technology investments, with plans to increase by 16% next year, as 72% of guests prefer tech-savvy accommodations. **60% of luxury hotels** have AI-driven smart room automation, enhancing guest experiences with personalized controls and reducing energy costs by up to 30%. **62% of remote workers** find hotels ideal for productivity, and **77% of business travelers** highlight the importance of business travel, emphasizing hotels’ need to adapt to digital demands and operational efficiency.

🍍 June 27th marks National Pineapple Day, a symbol of hospitality in New England, especially Cape Cod. Mews is the first hotel tech platform to partner with the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, aiming to modernize local hospitality without losing its charm. Pelham Hospitality has embraced Mews, improving operations across its three properties in Dennis Port and Harwich. Mews also partners with the New England Inns and Resorts Association, underscoring its commitment to enhancing guest experiences.

🤖 Nearly 80% of companies use generative AI, but 80% report no significant earnings impact. Gen AI, valued at $11-$18 trillion, requires a shift from horizontal to vertical use cases, with only 10% of the latter scaling beyond pilot. AI agents could change this by automating complex processes. AI has potential to add $2.6-$4.4 trillion in value. Organizations must reimagine workflows, with CEOs driving AI transformation for economic gains.

💻 March 11, MURTEC: Elizabeth Hawes, recognized with the Rising Star Award, highlights AI's potential to improve restaurant efficiency and sustainability through data-driven operations. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration in her career, thanking her mentors and allies. Hawes envisions customizable, flexible POS systems for the future. The Top Women in Restaurant Technology Awards, sponsored by Milagro, will open nominations for the 2026 awards on December 1.

🏨 Travelodge partners with Katanox to enhance access to 47,000+ rooms in 600+ hotels across the UK, Ireland, and Spain. Katanox's integration allows TMCs to amend bookings and improves room rate display. Navan is the first TMC to benefit from this integration, offering new rate plans and amendable bookings. This partnership aims to expand Travelodge's TMC connections and improve booking experiences, as highlighted by Nick Jacobs from Travelodge and Paul Beukers from Katanox.