Innovation - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 64

3 min

Guest Post: Future-proofing travel loyalty…

🏢 84% of consumers prefer rewards over issuer reputation. 55% dine/drink pre-flight, 60% (71% Gen Z) want streamlined experiences. Wellness tourism is projected to grow from $637 billion (2022) to $1.35 trillion by 2028. 62% might switch cards if benefits are lost. Personalisation and partnerships are key for loyalty programs. AI enhances experiences, offering lounges, spas, and local discounts. Loyalty is evolving to include wellness and personalisation, aligning with broader lifestyle trends.

3 min

Google’s new era of search to redefine travel

🛫 As of 2025, 60% of travelers use AI responses for travel planning on Google. Google’s AI Mode, launched earlier this year, enables dynamic searches like “family-friendly tours in Costa Rica.” Less than 10% of bookings via AI Mode go through traditional OTAs, versus 56% directly with hotels. AI recommendations score over 4.3 out of 5 in trust. Average query lengths have doubled, emphasizing conversational searches. Propellic advises adapting strategies for AI-driven travel planning.

2 min

AI tools designed to train next generation…

💻 The Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) partnered with SystemsX to offer the Sense AI platform to students at over 35 UK universities and colleges. This initiative aims to enhance travel and tourism students' skills through interactive learning and instant AI feedback. Claire Steiner of ITT highlighted the importance of this tool for real-world experience. The platform, now live, will prepare students for careers in the industry as they train with technology used by travel companies.

Business travel optimism rebounds

🗺 Oct 31, 2025, Global Business Travel Association reports 43% industry optimism, up 15 points since June, despite lower travel forecasts. 33% anticipate U.S. policies could reduce travel volume by 19%. Travel shifts: 40% more multi-stop trips, premium economy rising, day trips down. 53% companies reject Airbnb, but 43% allow “bleisure” trips. Only 18% accommodate accessibility needs extensively. AI use grows for personalization, but privacy issues persist. Full details at GBTA.

The rise of always-on hotel content

📱 Oct 31, 2025. AI transforms hotel marketing by automating content creation and updates in real time. Hotels engage guests through AI-powered search and chat, offering tailored responses. AI identifies trends and optimizes visibility for platforms like ChatGPT and Booking.com. This enhances the guest journey from interest to booking while reducing costs and boosting direct traffic. As AI becomes central to travel planning, maintaining visibility is crucial to a hotel's success.

Travel search is evolving — precise, visual, and creator-driven

📈 Oct 31, 2025: Google highlights a major shift in travel discovery, emphasizing longer, intent-rich searches, such as “Michelin-starred restaurant with no set menu.” AI-driven tools like Circle to Search enhance the discovery process, allowing users to access related information instantly. Travel creators play a crucial role, driving curiosity and conversions. Marketers are encouraged to focus beyond traditional SEO, aligning strategies with intent and imagery. Google advises destinations to collaborate with creators, catering to Gen Z's preference for co-creation.

2 min

From chaos to control: Smart parking solutions for your hotel

🅿️ AI-Gate by Metric offers hotels a modern parking solution with barrier gates and ANPR cameras for seamless access. This system secures parking spaces for authorized vehicles, allowing customized access for staff and visitors, and includes a grace period for accidental entries. It integrates with contactless payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Manage parking efficiently via AI-Gate Back Office, a web app with real-time monitoring and device status updates, accessible from any PC or laptop.

6 min

In Lockstep With the Latest Tech: Insights on Advancements and Trends in Guestroom Locks

🚪 Wireless technology is revolutionizing hotel door locks, enhancing security and guest convenience. In June, Resorts World Las Vegas shifted from BLE to NFC for room keys, boosting guest usage from 15% to 44%. NFC keys, integrated with Apple Wallet, offer seamless room access. Online locks, though pricier, provide data for security and energy management. Innovations include modular lock updates and battery-free options. Design trends favor sleek, customizable locks that blend with hotel aesthetics, aligning with a property’s design vision.

Why your upsell strategy is failing: When digital & voice live in different worlds

💰 Upselling effectively boosts both guest experience and revenue by aligning marketing, revenue, and reservations teams on offers. Technology helps, but human collaboration is key. Hotels should ensure digital and voice channels sync, with shared messaging and insights. Revinate, a leader in direct booking, aids hotels with its AI-powered platform, supporting 12,500+ hotels to generate $17.2 billion in direct revenue from 950+ million Rich Guest Profiles, enhancing guest loyalty and satisfaction.

3 min

HFTP Announces 2026 HITEC North America Advisory Council

📈 October 30, 2025 (Austin, Texas): The 2026 HITEC North America Advisory Council is announced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®). The event, taking place June 15–18, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, will host 370+ exhibitors and 50+ educational sessions. Key figures include Chair Lyle Worthington and Vice Chair Cameron Hammond. HFTP, established in 1952, is known for supporting the hospitality finance and technology sectors globally.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.