Innovation

💸 iSeatz's annual report on U.S. travel loyalty, with input from 256 loyalty program decision-makers and 4,341 consumers, reveals 55% of American consumers belong to a travel rewards program, up 8% from 2023. Notably, 47% of brands use customer lifetime value and 43% rely on net promoter score to measure success. However, 62% of consumers experience UX issues with booking, yet only 29% of brands are addressing this. AI usage for travel planning stands at 47% among consumers, with 84% of luxury program members valuing personalization.

💸 Hospitality businesses seeking revenue optimization can benefit from consulting services that provide expertise in change management, technology utilization, and industry-leading practices. IDeaS offers such services, with team members like principal industry consultant Peter Gal, who share knowledge on overcoming challenges like developing business processes and competitive positioning. About 50% of IDeaS' projects are custom-tailored, addressing client-specific needs such as technological roadmaps and revenue organization upskilling. IDeaS also assists with implementing new RMS across brands. The consultancy emphasizes learning, recommending daily upskilling based on Stephen Covey's principles.

🏨 Visito AI's platform integrates with Cloudbeds, resolves 97% of guest inquiries automatically, and supports over 50 languages, enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency in the hospitality industry. AI-powered messaging systems in hotels can automatically answer 90%+ of incoming questions, improving direct booking conversions and reducing dependency on OTAs. Implementing AI messaging leads to faster response times, reduced operational costs, and increased profitability.

🏡 Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown Historic District in Greenville, South Carolina, managed by Hospitality America and owned by Windsor Aughtry, completes property-wide renovation. The hotel, now with a new North American prototype design, has updated all guestrooms and public spaces, doubled fitness center size, and added an outdoor patio with fireplace. This marks the 14th Hilton hotel in Hospitality America's portfolio and one of five managed in South Carolina. Renovations include a redesigned front desk, localized feature wall, multi-use space, multi-functional task tables, improved bathroom design, enhanced natural light, and in-room storage solutions, with design by AK Design Group of Brentwood, Tennessee. The hotel maintains "Sleep Happy Experience" and introduces seasonal flavors to their "Hampton Waffle" breakfast. New technology includes Hilton's Connected Room Technology for personalized guest experiences.

💸 In January 2025, a product update introduced the "SwiftBook – Book More" option, now default in the cart area, with a new permission to disable it if needed. The update also featured an enhanced Smart Pricing discount ribbon displaying the discount name and an optional custom icon. Promo Codes were improved, offering better label design and visibility, with three visibility options for rate management. The "Pay Now" feature was updated to clarify cancellation policy changes, and discounts on discounts (stackable discounts) for Device and Region were introduced. Additionally, UI improvements to the Availability Calendar and new channel integrations with G2 Travel, Wowcher, AVQuest, LetsGoa, and Travcal were announced.

🏖️ Luxury Escapes launched Agent Hub, a booking portal for UK travel agents, following its Australian debut in March 2024. The platform provides exclusive travel deals, hotel products, customised tours, and cruises, with a focus on small group itineraries starting at just two people. Over 2,000 agents showed interest, aligning with Luxury Escapes' vision to innovate the travel industry. Agents earn commissions on deals and tours, enhancing the travel booking experience for millions of Brits. Access Agent Hub at https://leagenthub.com/gb.

📍 Luxury travel in 2025 has shifted towards longer, 18-night stays with a focus on immersive, single-destination experiences. High-end brands like LVMH, Intrepid Travel, Outbound Hotels, Viceroy, and Six Senses are adapting with offerings such as luxury train journeys and local cultural activities. Revenue management and CRM technologies are essential for personalized, profitable luxury travel services, enabling dynamic pricing and tailored itineraries with seamless customer interactions.