Innovation

🏨 In luxury hospitality, wellness has shifted from an amenity to a key expectation, with steam and sauna spaces exemplifying this trend. Designers face the challenge of creating durable, appealing spaces that last up to a decade. Thermasol's Ombra and Aalto saunas integrate seamlessly into hospitality and residential settings, using materials like Stopsol Bronze glass and IPE Lapacho wood. These spaces, designed for lasting appeal, form powerful rituals that encourage repeat bookings.

🗺️ U.S. travelers face complexity in booking, with 46% abandoning bookings due to complications, and 69% feeling overwhelmed by options. AI's role varies: 53% trust AI for flight recommendations, yet 72% experience stress from AI booking. Only 8% use AI for final bookings, citing trusted content needs. Price transparency is crucial, with 61% prioritizing clear pricing and 32% frustrated by fees. Travelport aims to enhance AI infrastructure for clarity and confidence in travel decisions.

🏕️ Kampgrounds of America (KOA), founded in 1962 in Billings, Montana, leads the outdoor hospitality sector with over 500 locations in the US and Canada. In 2022, KOA launched a commercial strategy team focusing on AI and tech to enhance guest experiences. In 2025, adult camping participation, especially among boomers, reached an eight-year high, with 25% of new campers being boomers. Wi-Fi is essential for 47% of campers, illustrating the balance between nature and technology.

📈 Over 9% RevPAR growth for 7 Hospitality Management after implementing Access Hospitality's RMS. Occupancy increased from 38% to 51%, saving 5 hours weekly in manual rate management. The system optimizes pricing in real-time, offering a 12-month performance view and ensuring consistent, data-driven decisions. Properties in Aberdeen, Ayrshire, and Gloucestershire benefit from this intelligent automation, leading to better strategic planning and improved financial performance.

🔌 Atlas Copco introduces the ECO Controller™ for energy management, enhancing efficiency and productivity on worksites. Built into battery-based energy storage systems, it optimizes energy via advanced data management. Improvements include better user experience, modular compatibility with brands like CAT and Cummins, and automatic calibration. The system supports multiple energy inputs, allows remote operation, and integrates with Fleetlink for fleet management. This scalable solution aims to decarbonize operations and significantly reduce costs.

🏨 Aspire Pre Flight Hospitality is transforming airport lounges by incorporating a full sensory design approach. Approximately 63% of hospitality environments report increased dwell time using ambient scents, while 46% of luxury brands use signature scents for brand identity. Aspire’s lounges feature signature scents, curated soundscapes, ergonomic seating, and locally inspired menus. Their approach was developed with guest feedback and is designed to address the high-pressure airport environment, focusing on reducing stress and enhancing traveler experience.

💰 In Orlando, Safemark unveiled the CG15, a luxury in-room safe, featuring a modern, minimalist design with a tempered glass front and a sleek arc silhouette. The CG15 is crafted for hoteliers seeking aesthetic appeal without compromising security. Key features include a cold-rolled steel door, 1.5mm steel body, and two 19mm locking bolts. It offers a five-year warranty and a $10,000 warranty against forced entry. The CG15 launches at BDNY 2026, Booth #847, November 2026.

💻 In 2026, 53% of hoteliers find AI useful in daily roles, yet readiness is lacking. Disconnected systems waste 13% of operational expenditure in hospitality. Champa Magesh of Access Hospitality emphasizes effective AI use through connected systems, trusted data, and trained staff. AI search traffic boosts conversions by 11.4%. Training is crucial, as 65% of hotel staff value development. Prioritize data integration and accurate content to enhance AI readiness and improve guest experiences.

💻 Canary Technologies, a leading AI platform for hotel management, has integrated with Host Hotel Systems, enhancing guest engagement for hotels in Portugal, Spain, and Latin America. This integration automates workflows via Host PMS, offering Mobile Check-In, Dynamic Upsells, and AI Guest Messaging. Trusted by over 20,000 hotels in 100+ countries, including major brands like Marriott and Four Seasons, Canary boosts operations and revenue while elevating guest experiences. The integration is available now for mutual customers.