Innovation

💰 Encore, a global event technology and production services provider with 12,000 team members across 20 countries, launched the ‘Overtime Savings Program’ in the U.S. to improve financial stability for its workforce facing seasonal business fluctuations. Utilizing UKG's payroll technology, the program allows employees to save overtime earnings and receive a company-paid match. Following its post-Labor Day launch, UKG Wallet™ usage surged tenfold. Additionally, the ‘Seasonal Leave of Absence Program’ offers flexible off-season breaks while retaining benefits and career status, with global expansion plans underway.

🏨 Independent hotels enhance guest arrival experiences using technology like property-management systems (PMS) and experience management systems (XMS) to improve communication and offer personal touches. Digital communication enables guests to inform hotels of late arrivals, allowing for staggered room preparation and extended check-in times. Contactless technology provides self-serve mobile check-in options or kiosk check-ins to expedite the process. Modern PMS capabilities also allow guests early access to amenities, increasing revenue and guest satisfaction.

🏡 eDreams, founded in 1999, became Spain's first unicorn with a 2014 IPO valuing the company at €1.6 billion ($2.2 billion). By then, eDreams had reached €4.3 billion ($5.9 billion) in bookings, €430 million ($589 million) in revenue margin, and €118 million ($162 million) in EBITDA. The company, initially without a clear product-market fit, pivoted to a flight booking engine after customer feedback. Innovations included combining low-cost and traditional carriers, introducing service fees, and leveraging Google AdWords early on. Founder-led until 2015, eDreams attracted global talent by overcoming local hiring challenges, creating a merit-based culture, and operating anti-consensus strategies.

📈 In March, the expansion of the partnership between Duetto and Amadeus Hospitality was announced, now the integration of Demand360® data into Advance is complete. This collaboration offers an industry-first feature: a subset of Demand360® data with a 60-day stay date horizon within Advance. Benefits include enhanced data insights, improved efficiency, data-driven decisions, and scalability. The partnership aims to optimize hoteliers' revenue strategies, operational efficiency, guest experience, and provide a competitive edge.

💻 Revenue Managers can theoretically work remotely, leveraging technology for 95% of tasks and tapping into global talent. However, working on-site provides control over product management and competitor data, offering a different perspective than remote work. Both on-site and remote work have their own advantages and challenges.

🌳 MyMatR, launched to serve various industries including hospitality, utilizes AI and computer vision for effective waste sorting and has been deployed since May 2024. It increases diversion rates, reduces landfill waste, saves costs, and enhances guest engagement by educating and involving them in sustainability efforts. MyMatR also aids hotels in complying with environmental regulations and has expanded internationally with projects like the composting program in Research Triangle Park and deployments in Saudi Arabia. The technology supports HRS’s Green Stay initiative, positioning MyMatR as an essential element in hotel waste management strategies and future hospitality technology.

🎁 80% of gift card sales are still physical, with retail displays accounting for about half. Givex’s 2024 survey reveals credit card gift cards are the top choice at 70%, a 6% increase from the previous year; restaurant gift cards follow at 46%. Inflation is a significant factor for 70% of consumers this holiday season, with an average spend of $136 on gift cards. From Black Friday to Christmas Eve 2023, gift card value sold rose by 12.36%, and quantity increased by 8.85%, representing 39% of annual sales. Digital gift cards grow in popularity, and gift cards now enhance customer engagement and promote loyalty-like behaviors. Givex ensures compatibility with major POS systems and payment terminals for easy integration.

💾 Seda Hotels, part of Ayala Land Inc. in the Philippines, implements Shiji's Infrasys Cloud POS across its 13 locations to enhance F&B guest experience, announced on December 10, 2024, in Singapore. The cloud POS solution offers centralized management, report consolidation, and seamless third-party integration for operational efficiency. Julius Buen, Group IT Manager, emphasizes improved F&B efficiency and guest service. Shiji, founded in 1998, now has over 5,000 employees, assisting 91,000 hotels and 200,000 restaurants globally.