Innovation

🔔 Hotelogix argues that CRM software is essential for guest loyalty in the hotel industry, enabling the management of guest data, automated communication, and personalized experiences. Relevant blog post details: published on December 8, 2024, includes imagery and is mobile-friendly with links to fonts and stylesheets for visual appeal. The content emphasizes the CRM's role in delivering customer satisfaction and loyalty.

📄 Hotel management software is critical for success in the hospitality industry, offering features that reduce manual errors and enhance guest satisfaction. The article on Hotelogix's blog, published on December 8, 2024, emphasizes how advanced software solutions contribute to business growth in the sector. The content, including images and metadata, is designed for optimal user engagement, leveraging web standards like AMP, RSS, and webmentions, and social media integrations with platforms like Facebook. Hotelogix Marketing authored the article, with a focus on the latest trends and tips in hospitality.

📅 ILHA conference in Las Vegas marked its first occurrence at this location, boasting its highest attendance to date with around 1,000 participants. The event featured four breakout conference rooms, a main stage, and an estimated 50 sessions providing quality insights. Mark, with an operational career in luxury hospitality and currently a technology consultant, appreciates such intimate events for their real connection opportunities. His career transition from hospitality operations with Fidelio in the 1980s to technology consulting reflects ongoing learning driven by the ever-evolving nature of technology and its business applications within hospitality. Mark emphasizes luxury hospitality's complexity, comparing it to a small city with diverse needs, and notes the importance of CRM systems in consolidating customer data across distinct business units. He predicts a future where all hospitality products and services are available on a 'digital shelf', enhancing customer experience and optimizing revenue streams. 🏨

📦 Toast, a point of sale system provider, has announced the expansion of its partnership with Uber, making Uber Eats Direct the new default delivery partner for Toast Delivery services, replacing DoorDash Drive. The change aims to reduce delivery fees, increase delivery radius, and leverage Uber's network. Operators have noticed a base price drop from $7.49 to $6.99 per delivery. Despite Uber Direct's 8-mile radius being narrower than DoorDash Drive's 10-mile, Toast customers can still choose between both providers. Positive and negative feedback from restaurant operators reflect varied experiences with the updated service. DoorDash currently holds 67% of the delivery market share, with Uber Eats trailing. Toast's shift to Uber Eats Direct could potentially alter DoorDash's market dominance.

📌 The inaugural ESLA workshop in Atlanta, Georgia disclosed that the extended-stay hotel segment, representing 10.5% of total U.S. hotel rooms, generated $18.7 billion in 2023, with growth to an estimated $20 billion in 2024. Revenue had plummeted to $9.9 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic but fully recovered by 2021. Kalibri Labs forecasts a 1% RevPAR growth in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025, driven by ADR gains. Occupancy rates in Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, and Savannah exceed 2019 levels, while other top markets in the region lag. Noble Investment Group applies a unique revenue model for extended-stay properties, forecasting based on different stay durations.

🏖 Ennismore announces the opening of Rixos Phu Quoc in Vietnam, set for mid-2026, in partnership with Sun Hospitality Group. The resort, located on Hon Thom's beaches, will feature over 1,300 rooms, including 207 ocean-view suites. Amenities include a family beach area, water sports, 22 dining venues, and proximity to Sun World Hon Thom theme park. Rixos Phu Quoc will be part of Ennismore's ALL Inclusive Collection of over 35 resorts.

📈 Sophie Hulgard, Chief Sales Officer at Accor, discussed the economic impact of face-to-face meetings in a podcast episode dated Dec. 6, 2024. Hulgard highlighted the value of in-person interactions over digital ones and presented Accor's research on meeting economics. She also touched on the role of technology in enhancing meetings, the need for flexible and agile meeting spaces, and the return on investment for businesses from face-to-face meetings. Additionally, Accor's commitment to sustainability in meetings was emphasized. Relevant resources, including Accor's research, can be found at "Unlocking Growth Through Face-to-Face Meetings.

🏨 In 2025, the guide 'How to Choose the Best Hotel PMS' provides essential tips for hotels to select the perfect Property Management System (PMS). It focuses on evaluating features, pricing, and support to boost property efficiency. The Hotelogix Marketing team authored the guide, with assets like manifest.webmanifest, app.min.js, and app.min.css version baee2de358, and fonts from Google APIs. The article features on Hotelogix Blog, known for hospitality tips and trends, and was last updated on December 9, 2024.

📱 Nokia and Ooredoo Oman are joining forces to launch a Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network in Oman. Powered by Nokia's 1830 Photonic Service Switch and WaveSuite optical automation software, the network will boost hyperscalers, AI applications, and cloud platforms. The commercial launch is set for March 2025, in line with Oman Vision 2040, enhancing the nation's global competitiveness and digital infrastructure. The CEOs of both companies emphasize the strategic importance of the partnership for regional connectivity and economic growth.

✈ Recent research reveals that 86% of flight shoppers are willing to pay more for seats that align with their preferences. Decades ago, flight prices mainly differed by cabin class and price, but today's advanced technology permits content-rich shopping experiences, enhancing both customer satisfaction and airline benefits. 83% of consumers have paid for seat selection, indicating that factors beyond price are significant when choosing flights. Airlines now focus on offering a comprehensive, optimized product, combining pricing with detailed content to meet customer needs and foster loyalty.