Innovation

🏨 Cloudbeds hires AI experts Amit Popat and Nikhil Shah as head of machine learning and head of data science, respectively. The appointments aim to develop "unparalleled applications" for the hotel industry, leveraging Cloudbeds' extensive hospitality data sets. Popat previously held senior roles at Valtech and London Town Group and founded an AI software consultancy. Shah, with a PhD in computational optimisation, co-founded energy tech firm S-Cube. Both co-founded Hotel Cloud in 2020. Cloudbeds CEO Adam Harris emphasizes their potential to drive profitability and collaboration across hotel departments.

📱 Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money research shows 45% of AI-using travellers prefer ChatGPT. Other tools include Roam Around (27%), Guide.com (25%), Microsoft Copilot (24%), and Out of Office (23%). Among 2,000 UK leisure travellers, 10% used AI for travel planning, with 20% likely to reuse. The 18-24 age group is most inclined at 46%, versus 10% of those 65+. Noteworthy is the 91% facing AI constraints, including generic responses (38%), missing information (37%), and privacy concerns (over 25%).

✈ Loyalty program participation among travelers dropped from 66% in 2019 to 52% in 2023, according to Airport Dimensions research. Travel brands are being urged to evolve their loyalty strategies, leveraging AI, data analytics, and mobile integration to offer personalized and seamless experiences that resonate with the modern, connected traveler's lifestyle. The focus is on cultivating long-term loyalty through personalized experiences and advanced technology, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to travelers' evolving needs.

🍴 Over 1,000 restaurant leaders surveyed reveal operational strain: 36% state online ordering comprises over half of revenue; 35% of staff spend most time managing digital orders; 67% feel constrained by outdated tech; 93% planning tech upgrades in 2024, with focus on ordering/delivery systems (29%), payment processing (27%), POS integrations (26%). Successful restaurants prioritize flexible tech and strategic partnerships.

🍕 Sushirrito founders Peter Yen and Ty Mahler launched Mochiko Mochi Pizza in Burlingame, California, in November and expanded to San Francisco and Palo Alto Sushirrito locations in early 2023. The pizza features a unique crust made from mochiko flour, offering a crispy and chewy texture. The menu includes eclectic toppings, like pepperoni and spicy minced pork, with large pizzas priced at $18 ($20 for a combo) and medium pizzas at $13 ($15 for a combo). Only medium sizes are available in San Francisco due to oven size.

📰 95% of travelers read reviews before booking, with 9 out of 10 expecting a hotel response. Addressing negative reviews can prompt 2 out of 3 guests to return. A one-star rating increase can lead to a 5%-9% revenue boost for hotels. The average global response rate to reviews rose from 39% in 2019 to 44% in 2022. Hotels that reply to reviews see a 12% increase in reviews and a ratings boost of 0.12-0.5 stars within 6 months. TrustYou’s responseAI can cut reply efforts by up to 80%, personalizing and translating responses efficiently.

📱 GoMoWorld app, launched earlier in the UK, introduces Europe country-specific plans in France, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Poland, Netherlands, Spain, Czech Republic, as well as a data allowance increase in these countries, maintaining the same price. It covers over 30 countries with its single European plan. In South America, data allowances are increased in Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and new destinations Greenland and Gambia are added. Users can select their network provider to ensure global connectivity. The service is an innovation from Xavier Niel's NJJ Telecom Group.

✈ Royal Air Maroc (RAM) partners with Amadeus to expedite its digital transformation, deploying Amadeus Reference Experience for modernizing digital services, enhancing customer satisfaction, and improving loyalty. The new app offers end-to-end flight bookings, check-ins, and solutions for disruptions. RAM aims to serve all customer segments globally by 2037, with plans to expand its fleet beyond 50 aircraft and accommodate 32 million passengers annually. CEO Hamid Addou emphasizes technology's critical role in RAM's strategic overhaul.

📌 Sabre Hospitality, a hospitality tech provider, collaborates with Protect Group to integrate trip guarantee services into its SynXis Booking Engine. This partnership aims to advance retailing and travel-centric eCommerce capabilities, enhancing customer confidence and security during booking. Ethan Wiseman, Head of Distribution at Sabre Hospitality, and Stuart Barclay, CRO of Protect Group, underscore the commitment to improving guest experiences and providing innovative solutions to hotel partners.

📅 Fareportal integrates ATPCO's new Routehappy content, enhancing customer service by displaying detailed visuals of airline seats. ATPCO's survey shows 83% of shoppers pay for seat selection, 80% prefer visual seat representation. Fareportal's president, Glenn Cusano, acknowledges positive user reception on CheapOair and OneTravel, with IATA seat characteristic codes aiding visuals. ATPCO's Darie Dreptate highlights the consumer experience leap with this innovative display.