Innovation

📌 Agilysys, Inc., a provider of hospitality software, announced its collaboration with Kiva Dunes, a U.S. golf and coastal resort. Kiva Dunes has implemented 13 Agilysys software solutions to enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and improve revenue and cost efficiencies by elevating automation and collaboration. The solutions replaced multiple disparate systems, enabling seamless data sharing and simplifying transactions. The resort offers over 3,000 feet of private beachfront, various amenities, and accommodations. The new software allows for improved management of memberships, residences, and guest engagements. Agilysys Membership and Agilysys Residence Management are part of the integrated offerings, improving the booking and management of rentals and memberships through online portals and backend systems.

☕ Starbucks is undergoing a corporate restructuring that will result in job cuts within support teams, announced March 2023 by CEO Brian Niccol. Store-level teams and hours are unaffected. Since Niccol's leadership from September, Starbucks has enhanced the in-store experience and removed non-dairy milk charges. It also doubled U.S. retail team parental leave and plans for 90% internal promotions for retail leadership within three years. The restructuring will increase ownership, prioritize the "Back to Starbucks" plan, and integrate operations to reduce complexity and silos.

📰 Ed, using AI, analyzed data from 25,000 Airbnb listings to create a model predicting Airbnb revenue with high accuracy. This advanced approach helps identify key factors influencing revenue, providing crucial insights, though correlation does not always imply causation.

📌 The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced its 2025 leadership, with Mitch Patel as board chair and Liam Brown as vice chair. Immediate past chair Kevin Jacobs and HotelPAC Advisory Council chair Jon Bortz continue on board. AHLA's advocacy will focus on tax relief, fair legislation, level playing field for hotels and rentals, fighting operational mandates, visa system reforms, franchise model protection, federal employee per diem rates, and supporting human trafficking survivors. New AHLA partners include dormakaba, LAZ Hospitality Services, and Foodbuy.

🍴 McDonald's Corp. has renewed its strategic partnership with Cognizant, aiming to boost staff enablement, customer experience, and operational efficiency through advanced technology. Cognizant will support McDonald's in Global Finance Systems, Human Capital Management, payroll, franchisee management, and legal applications. Anup Prasad of Cognizant highlighted the shift to a modern cloud-based business, while JT Scott of McDonald's noted the value of Cognizant's expertise in global finance and people systems. The collaboration will focus on Cloud, Enterprise AI, and Generative AI advancements.

🔔 The blog post entitled "Hello Hoteliers: How long can you stare at your guests?" addresses the issue of guest-staff stare-offs in hotels. It suggests that automation, personalization, and proactive communication can revolutionize hotel operations. Authored by Aditya Sanghi and associated with Hotelogix, it was published on January 21, 2025. The article appears on the Hotelogix Blog and emphasizes improving guest experiences through technological advancements.

🏠 London’s Eccleston Square Hotel, known for high-tech luxury, unveils an extensive tech upgrade. Highlights include Apple TVs by ROOMNET in all 39 rooms, an energy-efficient automation system by Leading Edge Automation, integrated with HSYCO BMS software and MEWS PMS. Opened in 2011, the hotel is lauded for merging luxury with technology. The new system improves energy savings, preconditions rooms for guest comfort, and offers real-time air quality adjustments. Eccleston Square Hotel also features Hästens massage beds in each room, advanced entertainment options, and access to private gardens.