Innovation

4335 posts

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I thought AEO (read: SEO for LLMs) was a hunk of bullsh*t. And then i spoke to Kipp Bodnar, CMO of HubSpot, who knocked the skepticism out of me. His first jab: In one year, they grew AI search… | Alex Lieberman | 43 comments

📊 Kipp Bodnar, CMO of HubSpot, shared insights on AEO (AI Engine Optimization). In one year, HubSpot's AI search traffic grew 15x, with conversion rates 5x higher than Google, sometimes reaching 13x. Notably, 60% of AI citations don't derive from top Google results. Bodnar recommends a six-step approach: Grade, Restructure, Separate, Open Up, Tool Up, and Rethink Attribution, to leverage AEO effectively. This strategy offers a strong advantage for early adopters in AI search optimization.
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  • 7 min

The Horizon is Bright: Why the Golden Age of Travel is Just Beginning

🌎 India and China have restored their India-China corridor, driving a significant tourism boom. Direct flights between cities like Delhi and Shanghai, resumed in late 2025, may boost business by 25%-30%, cut costs by 15%-20%, and reduce travel times by up to six hours. By 2035, travel and tourism will support 1 in 8 global jobs, with Asia leading. China’s 2025 EV market claimed 60% sales and 1 million public chargers. Dubai and Riyadh plan mega-airports for 250 million and 120 million passengers, respectively.
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  • 3 min

Naboo raises $70M to build global…

🚀 Naboo secured $70 million in Series B funding, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, to expand in the US and enhance its AI-powered platform. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Paris, the company has grown rapidly, with hubs in New York and Montreal. Naboo, which raised €100 million over three years, plans to launch an AI booking agent and corporate payment card. With 180 employees, it partners with giants like Google and Coca-Cola in an $870 billion market.
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  • 2 min

HBX and Dida forge seven-year partnership

🛠️ HBX Group and China's Dida finalized a strategic seven-year agreement, prioritizing HBX as a key supply partner within Dida's ecosystem. The partnership, focusing on Asia, leverages AI-led channels for global travel distribution. Dida, China's top distribution company, integrates HBX’s inventory, enhancing recommendation engines. The alliance emphasizes long-term AI alignment, aiming to automate discovery, pricing, and fulfillment processes. HBX operates globally, while Dida, founded in 2012, is headquartered in Shenzhen.
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Looking at China where AI hotel bookings could take us

💻 Feb 12, 2026, China: Super-app ecosystems in China demonstrate how AI is revolutionizing hotel booking globally. Algorithms now drive discovery, diminishing traditional search roles. Super-apps merge content, inspiration, booking, and payments into cohesive experiences. Hotels must leverage structured data, pricing, and platform partnerships as transaction volumes rise but margins tighten. This AI-driven shift in China serves as an early signal for global markets, urging hoteliers to adapt quickly to remain competitive.
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Hilton outlook signals cautious recovery for hotel operators

📈 Feb 12, 2026, Hilton's 2025 results reveal slow recovery, especially in midscale and limited-service hotels due to economic pressures. Luxury properties remain strong. Hilton forecasts 1%-2% RevPAR growth in 2026, driven by new brands like Undergraduate and lifestyle concepts. AI will enhance operational efficiency. Planned 6%-7% room growth shows confidence despite uncertainties. Record room counts in lifestyle hotels and solid profitability underscore resilience.
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AI identified as distribution risk for hotel brands

📈 Feb 12, 2026, Hilton and Marriott warn that AI could impact hotel booking costs by redirecting guests toward intermediaries instead of direct channels. Regulatory filings highlight risks to distribution and brand loyalty. AI-driven platforms may increase commission expenses, altering loyalty dynamics and customer acquisition. The hospitality industry is adapting by testing AI partnerships. Current AI platforms don't charge commissions, but future monetization is uncertain, signaling a strategic shift in distribution.
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Marriott brings hotel bookings directly into Google AI Mode

💻 Feb 12, 2026, Marriott collaborates with Google to facilitate hotel bookings within Google’s AI Mode, eliminating redirects to external sites. This integration represents a shift towards AI platforms serving as complete transactional channels rather than mere search tools. The move enhances direct bookings, reduces reliance on intermediaries, and could improve user experience by streamlining booking processes. Hotels must adapt their digital strategies to remain competitive in this new AI-driven booking environment.
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  • 1 min

WebMCP is available for early preview | Blog | Chrome for Developers | Robert Cole

📈 Google and Microsoft, in a significant move for the travel and hospitality industries, are introducing WebMCP to the Chrome 146 Dev channel. This emerging W3C standard allows AI agents to interact with websites without browsing, enhancing customer support, eCommerce, and travel booking. Executives are advised to anticipate competitors leveraging this advancement for a strategic advantage. Explore the GitHub repository for more details: [link](https://lnkd.in/gbG5RrXV).
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