Innovation

📲 MCP, or "Middleware Control Platform," is a new hotel tech innovation that could revolutionize revenue generation by simplifying data integration. It acts as a switchboard, connecting AI agents and chatbots to hotel systems like booking engines, PMS, and CRM. MCP doesn't store data, eliminating sync and GDPR concerns, and offers a unified language for requests. Although early in development, MCP could streamline access to fragmented hotel data, potentially creating new direct revenue streams without relying on OTAs.

📰 Google dominates the metasearch sector as Kayak and others lag behind. For hotels, focusing on Google Hotel Ads, rate parity, and retargeting is key. Banks like Capital One could reshape travel transactions through "paymentification," but innovation remains slow. MCP (Model Context Protocol) could revolutionize hotel tech by serving as a data switchboard, enhancing integration and direct revenue streams. LinkedIn's shift away from AI-written content suggests a return to human engagement. The hospitality tech landscape is evolving with new standards and strategies.

🏨 Ennismore generates over 60% of revenue from sources outside accommodation, like F&B and coworking spaces. Staypineapple’s Boston property’s Trophy Room bar highlights community integration, enhancing reputation without room bookings. RevPAG measures guest interactions beyond room stays, requiring integrated tech systems. Swiss Hotel Apartments and Strawberry use connected systems for personalized experiences. Paradise Resort Gold Coast increased revenue by selling additional experiences. Emphasizing guest value, not just rooms, fosters long-term loyalty and diversified income.

💰 1 Hotels launched the Mission Membership program—an eco-focused loyalty plan—in 2025. Each stay donates 1% of the qualifying spend to NRDC, Oceanic Global, or Green Our Planet, and 1 Hotels plants a tree per new member with Arbor Day Foundation, aiming for 100,000 trees in California. Members enjoy perks from brands like Everlane and Alo Wellness Club, with unique experiences at locations like Copenhagen, Seattle, and Toronto. Members can track impact via the app and earn Audi discounts.

🏠 In San Francisco on December 11, 2025, 34.3% of short-term rental (STR) hosts reported lost bookings due to staffing issues, according to Hospitable's research. Over 14% face external pressures from labor shortages, with nearly 40% struggling to find reliable cleaners. For larger portfolios, 35.5% find recruiting challenging, targeting reduced costs and staffing pressures in 2026. Hospitable's Cleaner Marketplace, launched in September, features over 150,000 vetted cleaners to improve property care consistency.

🏨 Skift and Mews report reveals that modern hotels are shifting focus from rooms to guest-centric strategies to boost profits. Ennismore earns over 60% of revenue from non-room sources, while Staypineapple exemplifies digital transformation. Metrics like RevPAG (Revenue Per Available Guest) and integrated tech systems are crucial. Staypineapple’s VP notes streamlined operations due to data integration. Mews, with 12,500+ clients in 85+ countries, has raised $410M. The hospitality industry is evolving towards guest-first experiences.

💳 Capital One is spearheading a shift in the travel industry by integrating payment, inventory, and AI into a powerful transaction block, owning nearly $470 billion in deposits and $660 billion in assets. This move makes banks the "Merchant of Record," controlling the customer experience as global cash usage drops below 50% in transactions. AI search engines struggle with data accuracy, but Capital One's system offers a reliable solution. Google's potential entry into this space could disrupt current dynamics.

📱 Paradise Resort Gold Coast partnered with HiJiffy to streamline guest communication through AI-powered tools. Over six months, 91.1% of guest interactions were automated, resulting in 34,655 conversations and 531 bookings, 85% fully automated. A total booking value exceeded AUD $750K. Five targeted campaigns garnered 17,814 clicks, enhancing guest engagement. Automated messaging improved operations, leading to a 41% online check-in rate, reducing front desk congestion and elevating guest satisfaction.