Innovation

📊 Cloudbeds Insights, a hospitality-focused business intelligence (BI) solution, addresses the inefficiencies of generic BI tools. It is integrated into the property management system for real-time data access, custom reports, and multi-property performance analysis. Jackson Chin, Senior Product Manager at Cloudbeds, highlights the in-house development and robust data strategy of Cloudbeds Insights that prioritizes hotelier needs. Features include open API, customizable dashboards, collaborative capabilities without per-user pricing, and native multi-property reporting, making it a unique offering for hotel management.

📌 easyHotel to open a new low-carbon hotel in Ferney-Voltaire, France, near Geneva, in early 2027. The hotel will have 141 rooms, offer continental breakfast, and provide parking for 60 cars with EV charging. It's financed by a €8.6 million loan from BRED Banque Populaire, adding to a previous €6.75 million for a Marseille property. This expansion includes six new properties in Europe. Alila Shanghai opens in Shanghai's Jing'an, featuring 189 rooms and a 2,626-square-foot penthouse. IHG's Vignette Collection debuts in Egypt with a 140-room hotel in Port Said, opening December 2027. Pan Pacific Hotels Group expands in Bangkok, managing Pan Pacific Siam Bangkok, a 220-room hotel set to open by 2027 after retrofitting an office building.

💸 Cendyn, a hospitality cloud-based tech firm, acquired Knowland, a leading U.S. meetings/events data service provider. Knowland's intelligence covers over 7,500 hotels in the USA and some international markets. The deal, supported by Haveli Investments and Accel-KKR, aims to boost MICE bookings and streamline sales. The acquisition pairs Knowland's data with Cendyn's Sales CRM, Proposals, and Grouprev platforms, promising a complete booking solution for hoteliers. U.S. Travel Association forecasts business travel to regain 95% of its 2019 level by 2024, aligning with Cendyn's growth strategy.

🏢 Cendyn, a hospitality cloud-based technology company, acquired US-based Knowland, a leader in meetings and events intelligence. Knowland offers data from over 7,500 US hotels and select international markets, enhancing hotel sales prospecting and group bookings. Earlier this year, Cendyn welcomed Haveli Investments, focusing on technology firms, to its private equity portfolio. The acquisition promises innovation for the hospitality industry, uniting Knowland's data with Cendyn's Sales CRM, Proposals, and Grouprev platforms. US Travel Association predicts business travel will reach 95% of its 2019 peak by 2024.

📣 Cloudbeds, based in San Diego, CA, partners with Mirai to enhance hotel bookings and marketing. This strategic collaboration combines Cloudbeds' global hospitality network with Mirai's technology, potentially driving higher revenue for hoteliers. Cloudbeds, founded in 2012, has been honored by Hotel Tech Report and World Travel Awards, and recognized in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 in 2023. Mirai, with 25+ years in the industry, serves over 3,900 hotels worldwide, focusing on maximizing direct sales.

📈 Condor Ferries’ stats show 82% of 2018 travel bookings were online. In 2023, 72% of travelers preferred online booking. Statista forecasts that by 2026, online sales will constitute 73% of travel and tourism revenue. Annually, 148.3 million travel reservations are made online. Social media influences 75% of travelers. 90% of travelers are swayed by online reviews, with 95% of those being positive. AI's importance in travel is recognized by 97.8% of executives, with 33% of consumers using virtual travel assistants.

🏖️ Nezasa reveals AI-driven Planner Copilot within TripBuilder to enhance trip planning for travel brands, promising unmatched speed and efficiency. The tool offers a conversational interface and personalizes travel plans based on customer preferences, aiming to increase revenue and conversion rates by integrating design and booking seamlessly. CEO Manuel Hilty emphasizes the value addition to the travel industry through effortless creation and booking of itineraries, and the advantage of integrating with third-party B2C apps.

🏕 Hyatt is expanding in Saudi Arabia with two new hotels in NEOM, set to open in 2027. Park Hyatt Jaumur and Andaz Jaumur Marina will offer a total of 350 luxury rooms and suites in the coastal destination of Magna. Jaumur's 300-berth marina will feature a sculptural landmark and entertainment options, including a deep-sea diving research center. Park Hyatt Jaumur will have 125 keys, while Andaz Jaumur Marina will offer 225 rooms and suites. The properties will join Hyatt's portfolio and World of Hyatt loyalty program, which has over 48 million members.

📆 Encora, a leading technology solutions provider, sponsors the 2024 Hotel Visionary Awards. The 19th annual awards celebrate innovation and leadership in hotel technology. Winners will be honored at the HTF event, Nov. 18-20 at the Terranea Resort, Calif. Hospitality Technology’s VP, Abigail Lorden, aligns Encora's innovation commitment with their goals. Encora's President, Roberto Martinez, sees the partnership as a motivator for industry excellence and collaboration. The event addresses technological evolution in the hospitality customer journey.