Innovation

📈 Worldwide public cloud spending is projected to reach $723.4 billion in 2025, increasing from $595.7 billion in 2024, according to Gartner. For hotels seeking Cloudbeds alternatives, RateGain's UNO Direct Stack offers a unified platform for multi-property chains, focusing on distribution and direct booking. Little Hotelier targets single-property independents with a simple system. RoomRaccoon and Guesty cater to small/mid-size hotels and short-term rentals, respectively. Mews and SiteMinder provide modern, broad-channel solutions for varied property needs.

📅 eviivo, a property management platform, has integrated with Dida, a B2B travel distributor in Asia-Pacific, allowing independent hotels to reach 40,000 distributors. eviivo works with over 28,000 properties in Europe and North America. The integration facilitates direct bookings, streamlining operations for small hotel teams entering new markets. APAC travel demand is expected to increase by 65% in the next 2-3 years. Dida launched an AI booking gateway, Dida MCP, in partnership with Tsinghua University.

💻 Faisal Murtaza, founder of Sarucci, leverages over a decade of experience in hotel operations to develop AI-powered revenue intelligence tools. Since 2011, he managed 11 hotels with 3,000 rooms. AI helps identify revenue opportunities, automate pricing, and enhance strategy by reducing the time on data management. The Future Travel Summit will feature Faisal as a finalist. Independent hotels could compete beyond price in an AI-driven marketplace, emphasizing AI discoverability akin to traditional search importance.

📅 In 2026, PR strategies involve local storytelling as micro-resorts gain a media advantage over big chains. A 90-day PR plan for new properties includes competitor research, creating online profiles, and press releases. Existing properties should address media gaps, leveraging earned media like Connectively and HARO. AI visibility is crucial, with GEO visibility audits on platforms like Featured. A consistent one-hour daily PR effort is recommended to navigate evolving digital landscapes, despite algorithm changes.

📈 Luxury properties weigh influencer marketing and AI visibility investments. A $40,000 influencer post contrasts sharply with requiring proof for a $5,000/month AI service. In July 2026, 824 AI hotel recommendations in six U.S. luxury markets identified 152 distinct properties, with 53.4% dominated by the top 25. AI-driven discovery for hotels increased from 6% to 15% from 2024 to 2025. Recommendations depend on accurate data, with North American OTA bookings at 52.7%.

🚄 Eurostar, the European rail operator, launched its app on ChatGPT, becoming the first in Europe to integrate with the AI platform. 📅 As of now, users in the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands can search for routes and schedules but must visit eurostar.com to complete bookings. 🚄 Plans for broader European expansion and additional features, like destination recommendations and network visuals, are underway. Eurostar aims to simplify and enhance international rail travel.