Innovation

4457 posts

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Booking Holdings Launches Conversational AI Travel Startup Lola, Marking Shift Away from Metasearch Category

💻 May 7, 2026, Booking Holdings revealed 'Lola,' a conversational AI travel startup, after a $457 million writedown on Kayak. Lola, initially launched in 2015 and sold to Capital One in 2021, aims to replace metasearch, eroded by Google’s AI. The new venture, driven by Steve Hafner, signifies Booking’s strategic shift. Successful hotels will adapt to AI-driven inquiries rather than traditional rankings. Booking Holdings competes internally to embrace AI as the future interface.
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  • 4 min

Cloudbeds Declares Traditional PMS Obsolete, Advocates Unified Platform for 20,000 Properties in 157 Countries

📅 At ILC in Boston 2021, the hospitality industry faced a turning point. Cloudbeds declared the PMS outdated and envisioned a future where AI enhances guest experiences. The $47 billion in OTA commissions in 2023 and a 41% staff churn highlight industry challenges. Hospitality's shift focuses on personalized guest data and technology, moving from fragmented systems towards a unified, AI-driven model. Cloudbeds’ global platform supports 20,000 properties in 157 countries, facilitating 10 billion transactions annually.
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AI Advisor Developed to Enhance Hotel Pricing and Staffing Decisions Using 3 Years of Data from 47 Properties

🏨 In a bid to optimize hotel management, an AI advisor was developed for hoteliers. With data from 47 properties and 3 years of hospitality insights, it models pricing strategies, assesses occupancy trends, and constructs testing plans. The AI integrates with Property Management Systems (PMS) to utilize real-world data, comparing rate strategies and identifying patterns. It was released to a select group for testing, promising structured decision-making over intuition-driven choices.
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  • 6 min

Webinar Highlights Shift from RevPAR to Total Profit Metrics for Improved Hotel Revenue Strategies

📈 Alise Deeb, Marlene Cazares, and Mylene Young discussed revenue management challenges, emphasizing that RevPAR isn't enough. Total revenue per guest and GOPAR are crucial. Personalization at scale remains a goal, with casinos leading in CRM capabilities. Strategies should integrate ancillary revenues like F&B. Dynamic segmentation and strategic OTA use are advised. Effective channel strategy and AI-driven search visibility are vital. Cross-functional collaboration and adaptive mindset are key to future-proofing.
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Marriott Reports Q1 Global RevPAR Increase of 4.2% and Expands Development Pipeline to Over 4,100 Properties

📈 Marriott International reported a 4.2% global RevPAR increase in Q1, with 4% growth in the U.S. & Canada and 4.6% internationally. Luxury RevPAR rose 7%, while select-service increased by 3.5%. Marriott's development pipeline reached over 4,100 properties, with over 618,000 rooms, and conversions accounted for over 35% of signings. A 30% RevPAR decline in the Middle East was noted. Net rooms grew by 5%, and Marriott Bonvoy has 283 million members. AI technology advancements are ongoing.
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  • 4 min

Choice Hotels International Highlights AI Technology and Growth Strategies at 70th Annual Convention in Las Vegas

🏨 On May 5, 2026, Choice Hotels International began its 70th Annual Convention at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Focused on innovation, CEO Patrick Pacious discussed new initiatives like EasyBid, an AI-powered platform, and the updated Choice Privileges Program. In 2025, the company awarded 247 U.S. franchise agreements, the highest in a decade, with growth expected to continue amid events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Choice emphasizes AI use to enhance revenue and guest experiences.
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  • 2 min

Wyndham Hotels Launches Native ChatGPT App to Enhance Booking Experience Across 8,400 Properties Globally

📱 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts launched a native ChatGPT app in May 2026, enhancing hotel discovery and booking through conversational AI. This tool allows users to explore 8,400 hotels via interactive features within ChatGPT. Since 2018, Wyndham invested $450 million in AI and technology, and in 2020, migrated its systems to the cloud. The company aims to offer franchisees tools to reduce costs and boost revenue, staying competitive in the evolving travel industry.
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Wyndham Hotels Launches First Native Hotel App on OpenAI's ChatGPT, Covering 8,400 Properties Globally

💻 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts launched a native app within ChatGPT, a first for major U.S. economy and midscale franchisors. The app facilitates hotel discovery and booking for 8,400 hotels globally. Following a $450 million investment since 2018, Wyndham migrated to cloud systems in 2020. AI tools have reduced call center handle times by 7%, boosting conversions. Engaged hotels earned $60,000 to $200,000 extra in 2022. The company plans further AI integrations by 2025.
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