Innovation

🏨 Mews focuses on enhancing hospitality by allowing staff to create meaningful moments with guests through technology that supports operational efficiency and human connection. Mews Kiosk simplifies check-ins/out, while automation captures guest preferences. Mews for Salesforce integrates PMS with CRM for personalized experiences. AI chatbots offer 24/7 support, maintaining brand voice warmth. Mews streamlines operations, improving time management and payment success. Mews supports sustainability through efficient data reporting, aligning with guest demands for eco-conscious stays.

Miami, FL, 17 December 2024 — Boom, the world’s first AI Property Management Software (AiPMS), has today announced its expansion into the boutique hotels sector.  The entry marks the first time…

🏨 Mews experienced a 51% increase in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) from November 2023 to November 2024, processing over €10 billion in payments. The company secured $110 million in funding, reaching a valuation of over $1.2 billion, attaining unicorn status. Thousands of new hoteliers joined Mews, including major brands like BWH Hotels and Staypineapple. The Mews team grew to 1,217 employees and completed four major acquisitions. Mews also made its presence felt at numerous events, including the largest Unfold ever in Amsterdam, and celebrated multiple industry awards in 2024.

HELSINKI – (December 17, 2024) – Hostaway, a leading all-in-one vacation rental software and management system, today announced it has secured a $365 million strategic growth investment led by General Atlantic,…

📱 Danica Smith, Founder of MorningStar GX, discussed enhancing the guest experience using technology in hospitality on Dec. 19, 2024. Key insights include focusing on guest satisfaction, the importance of simplicity in tech adoption, the value of beta testing, viewing tech providers as partners, the impact of industry acquisitions on integration, and advice on evaluating tech partners. 🏨

🏨 Nearly 65% of hotel guests feel digital signage solutions enhance their stay, prompting hoteliers to consider updating these technologies. Digital signage, equipped with various sizes and features, ensures consistent staff service and entertains guests. Optimal placement for staff communication includes areas where employees convene. For guests, large dVLED displays in lobbies or restaurants provide information and ambiance, elevating the experience and potentially increasing revenue by keeping guests on-site.

💻 When pitching IT projects, Tudgay and Li emphasize understanding the audience; owners care about different aspects like innovation, security, or profitability. Li's approach at JC Resorts, learned from a 20-year tenure, stresses instilling confidence by demonstrating immediate tech improvements, like upgrading to Outlook. Previously, the company had zero tolerance for wasting money on technology, but Li's success led to significant trust and million-dollar IT project budgets. Presenting ROI and thorough preparation are crucial to secure leadership and operations buy-in before budget meetings.

🎉 STAAH, a hospitality technology solutions provider, announced its December 2024 product updates to enhance user experience. New features include a drag-and-drop option for updating availability formulas in bulk, a hide availability function, multi-selection for weekends, property-level yield based on inventory, a master room type link, and enhancements to the Max V2 Matrix for revenue control. The Booking Engine now allows color customization of the WatchMyRate (WMR) comparison widget, displays up to five channels, and introduces a new 'Package View' for SwiftBook. Moreover, a counter is added for promo codes with a limit on booking numbers, configurable at both property and group levels. For properties offering day-use rates, new widget designs (Widget I and II) are provided, and a new Booking Engine Dashboard displays real-time visitor stats and other key performance metrics. The updates aim to improve the functionality and effectiveness of hospitality management before the start of 2025.

📱 Hostaway, a vacation rental software company, secured a $365 million investment led by General Atlantic with PSG Equity's participation. Since its 2015 founding by Marcus Räder, Saber Kordestanchi, and Mikko Nurminen, Hostaway has grown to manage properties in over 90 countries with a 230-employee remote workforce across 44 countries. It offers integrated property and channel management, AI tools, and automation, with over 200 marketplace partners. The investment will fuel further growth, AI development, and international expansion, especially in France, Italy, and Spain. The short-term rental market is a $133 billion GMV sector, growing at a 12% CAGR, with Hostaway positioned as a market leader. William Blair and Cambon Partners were financial advisors for the deal.

📡 Steve Singh, Executive Chairman of Spotnana, criticizes Online Booking Tools (OBTs) for being antiquated and not keeping pace with technological advancements. Google’s Project Mariner, an AI model named Gemini 2.0, emerges as a game-changer, capable of handling travel arrangements autonomously. The article suggests that OBTs may become obsolete within five to seven years if they do not evolve. AI tools offer efficiencies, but Travel Management Companies (TMCs) must adapt, focusing on personalized services and leveraging AI to enhance their offerings.