Innovation

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Innovation and technology news for the hospitality industry: AI, digital tools and how hotels are transforming, from 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers.

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  • 2 min

True automated AI in travel is coming

🖥 Autonomous agents in GenAI emerged over the past year, offering decision-making without constant human supervision. Precursors like Auto-GPT and BabyAGI, launched in early 2023, faced practical limitations. Boosts followed: November 2023, Bill Gates blogged about AI agents; February 2024, OpenAI confirmed development, hinting at a release aligning with GPT-5 in mid-2024, expected to be smarter than GPT-4. Autonomous agents may soon control computers directly, raising questions about autonomy, liability, and agent-to-agent interactions without human involvement.
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  • 1 min

WATCH: Custom Business Solution’s Tipped Distribution Model

📊 Custom Business Solutions (CBS) celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024. Jeremy Julian, the CRO, discusses 2024 innovations like a new all-in-one kiosk solution, tipped distribution model, and earned wage access. He highlights that 90% of restaurant employees live within 10 miles of their workplace. The average restaurant integrates over 10 solutions to their Point of Sale (POS) system, presenting significant integration challenges that CBS Northstar aims to address.
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  • 3 min

Redberry Restaurants’ New Vice President of Marketing

💸 Otamiser, an OTA ranking management platform, raised $3 million USD in funding led by Pitchdrive VC, targeting global expansion to 1,000 hotels and 100,000 short-term rentals. Achieving $1.9 million USD in ARR and expanding to a 32-employee team, Otamiser promises an average occupancy rate increase of 11% and profit rise of 24% for their clients. The investment will enhance data-driven tools and launch a new AI product for Airbnb operators.
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ICYMI: Long John Silvers Leans on Tech to Transform Customer Engagement

🚀 Otamiser, an OTA ranking management platform, secured $3 million USD in its initial funding led by Pitchdrive VC. The platform plans to grow to 1,000 hotels and 100,000 short-term rentals globally. Currently, over 76 hoteliers and PMCs in nine countries use Otamiser, generating an ARR of €1.8 million ($1.9 million USD) with a 32-employee team. Customers have seen occupancy rates increase by 11% and profits by 24%. The capital will enhance tools, launch a new AI product for Airbnb, and expand the commercial team.
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Navigating Cyber Threats in Hospitality: Key Takeaways from HITEC 2024

💻 At HITEC 2020, cybersecurity threats in the hospitality industry were showcased, highlighting the psychological tactics and AI used by cybercriminals. Daniel Johnson and Lyle Worthington emphasized the human vulnerability, citing employee apathy and lack of cybersecurity knowledge as key risk factors. Executives often underestimate risks, with common industry excuses leading to inadequate protection measures. Cyberattacks average a 22-day downtime with costs of $5,000 per minute. Cybersecurity insurance policies are now stricter, and claims are more frequently denied without proof of proactive security efforts. Artificial Intelligence is a double-edged sword, used by criminals for social engineering attacks but also offering potential defensive benefits for hoteliers through continuous monitoring and pattern recognition.
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OTA Ranking Booster Otamiser Secures $3M in Funding

📢 Otamiser raised $3 million USD in its first funding round, led by Pitchdrive VC. The funds will help expand to 1,000 hotels and 100,000 short-term rentals globally. The platform, launched in 2022, boasts an ARR of €1.8 million ($1.9 million USD), 32 employees, and is used by over 76 hoteliers in nine countries. Otamiser’s services lead to an 11% increase in occupancy and a 24% average profit rise for clients. A new AI-driven product for Airbnb operators is forthcoming, as part of their growth and development plan.
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The potential of GenAI-powered chatbots for airlines

Key facts and data extracted from the article include: - Customer dissatisfaction with the airline industry has risen since the pandemic, with complaints surging to pre-pandemic highs in 2023. - Regulatory agency data from countries like Germany and Canada support this trend. - In 2022, passenger complaints increased by over 400% compared to 2019. - Operational disruptions, flight delays, baggage issues, and reduced airline and airport personnel due to the pandemic are contributing factors. - The aviation industry employment was 21% lower in 2022 compared to 2019. - Generative AI (GenAI) is being considered to help airlines improve customer service, particularly through GenAI-powered airline chatbots. - IndiGo’s “6Eskai” chatbot reduced customer service agents' workload by 75%. - Air India’s “AI.g” chatbot has a containment rate of 93%. - GenAI-based chatbots scored 24.2 percentage points higher in benchmarking, achieving a score of 63.3%. - GenAI chatbots excelled in itinerary planning and multilingual support. - Airline chatbots using traditional methods were outperformed by GenAI chatbots, particularly in early journey phases and inclusivity. - Non-GenAI chatbots performed better only in flight status queries. - Recommendations for airlines include developing GenAI-powered chatbots and learning from Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) that have pioneered in this area. -
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