Innovation

📌 STAAH, a New Zealand-based provider of hotel channel management solutions, on November 19, 2024, announced that its Max Channel Manager is now on Oracle Cloud Marketplace and deployable on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, integrated with OPERA Cloud. It aims to maximize online distribution, enhance performance, scalability, and security, and improve operational efficiency and revenue for hotels. Rajesh Ghanshani, Director of Partnerships at STAAH, highlighted the commitment to the Oracle community and the benefits for customers, leveraging OCI's comprehensive cloud services. Oracle PartnerNetwork offers partner engagement tracks including Cloud Build, Cloud Sell, Cloud Service, Industry Healthcare, and License & Hardware.

🛒 Bain surveyed 700+ U.S. online shoppers, finding 71% unaware of using generative AI despite its prevalence in online retail. Customers are optimistic about AI, with half recognizing its transformative potential. Key design principles for integrating AI into retail include enhancing traditional shopping experiences, extending interaction types beyond chatbots, rethinking data exchange, ensuring transparency and trust in data handling, and reimagining customer service. Errors and inaccurate info were top concerns for 57% and 56% of customers, respectively. Strategic adoption can improve personalization, efficiency, and customer relationships. – Source: Bain Generative AI Usage Survey, July 2024 (n=714)

☕ LaCimbali won "Europe’s Best Coffee Equipment Manufacturer" in the Fully Automatics category at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin. Andrea Clerici, Cimbali Group Business Director, stated the award inspires continued innovation in super-automatic machines. Cimbali has 60 years of industry experience and launched the iconic Cimbali Super Bar in 1969. They are recognized for innovative technologies and are a trusted partner to major European and international chains.

💸 Mews, a property management system (PMS), assists hotels in managing high demand during the holiday season, offering customizable options and seamless communication. It provides real-time updates, resource management, and a private booking engine link, addressing issues of lost bookings, operational inefficiencies, and decreased client satisfaction. Mews integrates with other systems, offers robust reporting, a user-friendly interface, and customization to enhance guest satisfaction and drive revenue, helping hotels capitalize on the holidays and plan for success in '25.

🎓 The GenMews Program targets recent graduates (up to two years post-graduation) aiming for a hospitality tech career. It's a two-year program offering rotations across three departments every eight months. Participants get a competitive salary and can choose their rotational path. The program provides hands-on experience and personal growth, with placements available in Prague, London, Amsterdam, or Barcelona. Applications are currently open, and an informational webinar is scheduled for 18th November.