Innovation

📌 Choice Hotels International introduces ‘Lobby in a Box,’ a design solution for extended stay hotel conversions, aimed to transform public areas within 120 days for Suburban Studios and MainStay Suites brands. The solution allows for the creation of multifunctional spaces, capitalizing on the demand for extended stay options where supply is scarce. Since the spring of 2022 launch, Kitchen in a Box has been implemented in over 30 hotels, with six more projects underway, incorporating Lobby in a Box for renovations.

📢 Ottila International, established in 1997, is now fully integrated with STAAH, providing access to over 500,000 hotels worldwide through its B2B online reservation platform (www.ottila.net). This strategic partnership enhances inventory management and pricing updates, contributing to efficient operations for hoteliers and a diverse accommodation range for B2B clients. The integration streamlines processes such as minimizing overbookings and manual data entry, while bolstering distribution and meeting market demands.

🍔 Wendy's UK turnover increased from £21.2m in 2022 to £31.9m in 2023. Pre-tax profits dropped slightly from £1.4m to £1.2m. The company expanded from six to 12 company-owned restaurants in 2022, ending 2023 with an additional 24 franchises. Restaurant sales contributed £19.6m and management fees £11.4m to 2023 turnover. Plans include growing to 45-50 UK restaurants by end of 2024, targeting 400 long-term. CFO Gunther Plosch cited the UK as a strategic market and a gateway to Europe.

💿 Mews Terminal S2, a portable device for order taking, payment processing, and guest interaction, increases service efficiency and satisfaction. Key features include real-time order transmission, built-in tipping, and full synchronization with Mews Payments. It's secure with end-to-end encryption, has a 15-hour battery life, supports various payment methods including EMV chip cards, and is designed to be durable. This all-in-one solution aims to streamline restaurant operations and improve the overall guest experience.

📣 In Berlin, on October 7, 2024, Onsai launched its AI-driven voice solution, Onsai Voice, automating 60% of incoming hotel calls for 24/7 guest communication. The AI integrates with Property Management Systems and is GDPR compliant. Early adopter McDreams Hotels automated 60% of calls since February 2024, noting cost reductions and optimized reservation processes. Onsai, founded in 2024, boasts expertise in AI/ML and hotel management, targeting enhanced hotel operational efficiency.

💻 Onsai's founding team consists of AI and hospitality experts: Jochen Emig, CEO with a Machine Learning focus from Harvard University, founded a KI agency in 2016, serving giants like Telekom and BMW. Ralf Bonin, COO, a former hotel group manager, was awarded for innovative HR concepts. Christian Müller, CPO, spearheaded the digital revamp of Schani Hotels' systems. Tobias Koehler, CCO, with a background in hotel group leadership, currently advises on hotel digitalization.

📍 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts introduced Accelerator Circle to support BOLD and Women Own the Room franchisees with mentorship and peer connections. Over 90 hotel deals have resulted from these diversity initiatives, with 20+ hotels opened by Black and women hoteliers. The first Accelerator Circle session features WaterWalk CEO Mimi Oliver discussing franchisor relationships. Women Own the Room celebrated 15 openings and 50+ signings in 24 months, while BOLD signed 18 properties in 18 months. Future sessions will cover fundraising, construction, staffing, and more.

☕ Harding Group uses Mews for managing multiple hospitality properties in Trolltunga, Norway since January 2024. Mews simplifies reservation management, enhances guest experiences with automated emails and plans for smart locks implementation. Staff training through Mews University is intuitive, likened to using a smartphone. Rate management is streamlined, allowing for pricing years ahead and automating payments with fewer errors. Mews is praised for its continual evolution, likened to upgrading from a Nokia 3310 to the newest iPhone.

🏖 Anna Marie Presutti, appointed President & CEO of San Francisco Travel, aims to reinvigorate tourism and hospitality in San Francisco through innovative strategies and collaboration. On October 6, 2024, she revealed plans including the "It All Starts Here" campaign and addressed emerging travel trends. Presutti highlighted the significance of tourism for the city's economy and opportunities for businesses to partner with San Francisco Travel to foster growth and recovery.

📰 Group bookings represent 30-40% of revenue for business hotels. However, outdated systems for managing accommodation, meeting spaces, and event services can lead to errors and client dissatisfaction. Adopting integrated technology can simplify operations and improve profitability. An online group booking system with real-time availability, automated RFP responses, and integration with PMS and S&C systems can save time and enhance client experience, potentially increasing revenue and efficiency. 🏨