Innovation

📈 In 2026, the Retail & Hospitality ISAC and IANS report shows AI as the top cybersecurity concern for over 71% of CISOs, surpassing ransomware and phishing. Cybersecurity budgets rose slightly from 0.57% to 0.75% of revenue, with IT spending increasing from 3.2% to 3.9% in 2025. Despite 54% anticipating budget growth in 2026, most expect modest hikes. Staffing remains stable, focusing on efficiency and AI, while 70% of CISOs assume AI governance roles.

💳 On April 2, 2026, RateGain Travel Technologies partnered with Razorpay in Noida, India, integrating Razorpay’s payment capabilities into RG Pay. This alliance aims to enhance global travel bookings by offering preferred payment options, like UPI and cards, reducing checkout friction and improving booking rates. RateGain, founded in 2004, supports over 13,000 customers across 160 countries, working with major hotels, airlines, and car rental companies to boost revenue and enhance payment experiences.

🏨 Nomada Hotel Group in San Luis Obispo, California, launched the Nomada Collection, a management platform for independent hotels. This initiative aims to help hotels maintain their unique identity while enhancing performance. The model, based on five California properties, integrates design, marketing, revenue optimization, and modern technology. The flagship property, Skyview Los Alamos, a restored 1959 motel, saw increased ADR, occupancy, and direct bookings after adopting this model, reducing OTA dependency.

Opinion article based on Martin Soler’s linkedin post. There is a common denominator among the elite tier of hospitality professionals, a shared trait that borders on the supernatural: I have…

🏨 In the ever-evolving hospitality industry, brands face increasing guest expectations and delivery challenges. Embracing an integrated design and build model can address these issues by connecting design, sourcing, and installation processes. This approach reduces coordination gaps, delays, and costs while enhancing supply chain resilience. Multi-site hotel projects benefit from consistency across regions and improved procurement transparency. The model follows a three-phase pathway: Think, Make, and Run, ensuring concepts are executed as intended, enhancing both guest experience and operational efficiency.

📈 Inn-Flow will showcase its hospitality platform at AAHOACON26 from April 8-10 in Philadelphia. As a Platinum Industry Partner with AAHOA, Inn-Flow supports thousands of hotel owners through tech that unifies accounting, labor management, and business intelligence. The platform, featuring AI capabilities, aids decision-making and operational efficiency. Mehr Consultancy, managing nearly 40 U.S. properties, leverages Inn-Flow for proactive portfolio management, improving financial accuracy and reducing manual tasks. Visit Booth #2007 for insights.