Innovation

📰 SOCi's 2025 Consumer Behavior Index reveals that 95% of consumers distrust AI for purchase decisions, despite 19% using AI tools for business discovery. Social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram, is crucial for trust, especially among Gen Z, where 34% use TikTok and 35% use Instagram for brand discovery. Reviews are vital, with 91% relying on them, and 65% favor responsive businesses. Conducted with 1,001 U.S. adults in February 2025, the survey highlights the need for brands to enhance transparency and authenticity.

📱 SOCi's 2025 Consumer Behavior Index warns hospitality CMOs about shifting discovery trends. 19% of consumers use AI tools like ChatGPT, but 95% distrust AI for purchase decisions. Gen Z heavily relies on TikTok (34%) and Instagram (35%) for brand discovery. 91% of consumers depend on peer reviews, with 40% preferring video reviews. Authentic social media engagement and review responsiveness are crucial, as 65% choose businesses that actively respond to reviews. Survey conducted in February 2025 with 1,001 U.S. adults.

📱 SOCi’s 2025 Consumer Behavior Index reveals that while 19% of consumers use AI tools like ChatGPT for discovery, 95% distrust AI for purchase decisions. Notably, 34% of Gen Z use TikTok, and 35% use Instagram for brand discovery. Reviews are pivotal, with 91% relying on them, and 65% favor businesses responsive to reviews. Conducted on 1,001 U.S. adults in February 2025, the survey emphasizes social media's role in trust-building and revenue potential.

🍽 Independent restaurant operators face challenges such as supply chain instability and inflation, leading to tech advancements like real-time menu adaptation, AI voice ordering, and personalized menus. SpotOn's updates focus on usability and consolidation, offering comprehensive management systems without rigid contracts. Community and education initiatives, such as SpotOn Advisor Meetings, help operators share insights and strategies, fostering a supportive network. These efforts aim to empower independent restaurants to navigate market volatility and enhance profitability.

🏨 In the evolving digital landscape, screens shrink and AI replaces traditional search, impacting travel decisions and product discovery. As 2.6 billion new users come online, AI agents redefine experiences. Google, ChatGPT, and Perplexity lead agentic travel trends since January. Wander raises over $50 million, achieving 6x GMV growth in 18 months. Meanwhile, Vercel sees a rise in ChatGPT-driven signups, doubling to 10% by April 2025. This shift from SEO to Generative Engine Optimization marks a new era for online growth.

💼 Barcelona, June 4th - The Hotels Network (THN) unveiled KITT, an AI Receptionist, now available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace. Integrated with Oracle OPERA Cloud, KITT processes real-time voice bookings, payments, and guest queries in 40+ languages, improving hotel operations and revenue. It delivers a seamless guest experience, syncing with live systems. Leveraging Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, THN extends its reach with enhanced service offerings, driving efficiency and customer satisfaction worldwide.

📄 SalesAndCatering.com partners with Champion Hotels, the largest privately-owned hotel operator in the U.S., to implement STS Cloud for group sales and event management. Champion Hotels, managing over 150 properties, has successfully onboarded 21 locations. The solution enables real-time collaboration and streamlines operations across 21 properties, enhancing decision-making and communication. STS Cloud facilitates lead tracking, booking, and reporting, offering flexibility for the modern hospitality industry.

📈 SalesAndCatering.com partners with Champion Hotels, the largest privately-owned hotel operator in the U.S., to deploy STS Cloud. As of June 2025, 21 properties have onboarded the platform. Champion Hotels, based in Oklahoma, operates over 150 properties. The cloud-based STS Cloud enhances group sales and event management, offering real-time collaboration and comprehensive reporting. The partnership emphasizes modernization, enabling efficient operations and communication across all properties.

🏨 Champion Hotels, the largest privately-owned hotel operator in the U.S. with over 150 properties, has partnered with SalesAndCatering.com to implement STS Cloud for group sales and event management. As of now, 21 properties have successfully onboarded the platform. This cloud-based solution enhances lead tracking, booking, and reporting capabilities, facilitating real-time collaboration and decision-making. Mike Farney, Champion Hotels' Area Director of Sales, highlights its intuitive design and comprehensive reporting as key benefits.

Here’s a concise summary of the article with key facts and figures: 📈 Online travel agencies earned $266 billion from global bookings last year, with hotel fees as high as 25%. To counteract this, new tools were launched: an upgraded Guest Portal, an Hourly Booking Engine, Mews for Salesforce, Digital Key, and Mews Terminal S2. AI innovations, including Atomize RMS and Smart Tips, enhance revenue strategies. Deloitte's 2024 survey highlights labor shortages as a key issue. Mews Events and Amadeus integration expand revenue opportunities for hoteliers.