Innovation

📈 PPDS' 50” Philips Signage 3650 EcoDesign achieved EPEAT Climate+ Gold, the first digital signage to do so. It uses an EcoDesign methodology, reducing energy consumption by 50% compared to similar models, and has already received low energy label ratings (E, D, and C). EPEAT certifies electronics based on climate, circularity, chemicals of concern, and responsible supply chains. PPDS is committed to sustainability, using 90% recycled and 100% recyclable packaging, and removing plastic bags and polystyrene. The Philips 3000 Series EcoDesign is part of PPDS' Android SoC family and can be remotely managed.

📈 PPDS announced its 50” Philips Signage 3000 EcoDesign as the first digital signage display awarded EPEAT Climate+ Gold designation. The model consumes 50% less energy than comparable models, achieving an 'E' energy label. EPEAT rates products' environmental impact, with this display meeting 100% of Climate Criteria and 50% of optional criteria. It features 4K performance, recycled packaging, and can be managed remotely. PPDS aims to certify the 55” and 65” models similarly.

🏨 Climia Benidorm Plaza in Europe introduces full team of robotic hospitality assistants to enhance guest experience. Robots assist with check-ins, serve meals, handle room service, and offer recommendations in over 30 languages. They complement staff efforts, allowing more personalized service. The hotel leverages AI for personalization of room settings and dining preferences. Embracing AI and automation positions hotels like Climia Benidorm Plaza as industry leaders, appealing to guests valuing innovation.

📰 OpenAI has introduced Operator, an AI "Computer Use" agent that executes web tasks, including booking hotels. This technology is shifting how travelers book rooms, potentially bypassing hotel websites in favor of OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia. Hotels now need to appeal to four types of website visitors: humans, AI assistants like Operator, on-site AI chatbots, and SEO crawlers. As the AI dictates more of the booking journey, brand recognition, first-party data, AI optimization, and immediate conversion on hotel websites become crucial for success. The AI-first era of travel booking is here, and hotels must adapt to remain visible and competitive.

🏨 UK hotel sector resilient in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic occupancy and profitability. London occupancy rate at 82%, up 3.4% from 2023; average daily rate (ADR) £228. Upper-upscale segment occupancy at 84%, luxury segment at 75% with a 3.6% ADR drop. Regional UK cities occupancy increased to 76%, ADR £105. London hotels saw a 5% increase in gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) over 2019; regional hotels' GOPPAR £38, GOP margin at 30%. Operational costs rise due to higher wages and National Insurance. Knight Frank predicts technology will be key for future efficiency and growth in the sector.

💾 SH Hotels & Resorts, recently rebranded to Starwood Hotels, won a 2024 Hotel Visionary Award for overhauling its CRM in Sales & Marketing. The company unified guest data management by partnering with Salesforce/Hapi, reducing duplicate CRM profiles, and synchronizing guest profiles in real-time across departments. This led to increased data accuracy, greater email collection from guests, operational efficiency, and higher staff satisfaction. The initiative has set a new standard in hospitality for personalization and guest-centric experiences.

New identity reflects Shiji’s commitment to seamless, 24/7 support for the global hospitality industry BERLIN, Germany, March 4, 2025– Shiji, a leading global provider of hospitality technology solutions, announced a…

🏦 Park Hall Resort & Spa in Lancashire, UK, is the first UK hotel to employ an AI Concierge from Inntelo AI, offering phone and WhatsApp interaction for guests 24/7 in multiple languages. The resort, a historic site dating to 669 AD, recently underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment and is part of the Brilliant Hotels Collection. Inntelo AI has received backing from Antler and has implemented its AI solutions in hotels across the UK, Netherlands, and Portugal, collaborating with top hospitality schools like EHL in Switzerland. The focus is on enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency without replacing the human element.

World’s Leading RMS Provider Simplifies and Accelerates the Data Integration and Certification Process MINNEAPOLIS — 4 March 2025 — IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of hospitality revenue…

🏨 Shiji International, led by CEO Kevin King, revealed its new brand identity "Day and Night" at ITB Berlin 2025, signifying a unified 24/7 technology platform for the hospitality industry. Over 25 years, Shiji evolved into a global hospitality technology leader, now simplifying its diverse solutions under a single brand to eliminate confusion and boost efficiency for hoteliers. The rebrand includes products like Daylight PMS, Infrasys POS, Reviewpro Reputation, Horizon Distribution, Iceportal Content, Meridian Experiences, Astral Payments, Stellaris Digital, and Twilight Data + Analytics, all designed to integrate into the "Day and Night" system, enhancing the guest journey and hotel operations. Shiji's commitment extends globally, continually adapting to the dynamic needs of the hospitality sector.