Innovation

💻 In modern hospitality, tech is vital: automation boosts efficiency, while data tools enable real-time pricing. However, frequent context switching—1,200 times daily—cuts productivity by 40%. Post-interruption refocus takes 23 minutes. Demand Calendar centralizes data, reducing tool toggling. It offers a unified platform for Revenue Managers, Sales, and Finance, enhancing decision-making and collaboration. Embrace centralized intelligence to eliminate "Toggle Tax" and maximize efficiency—empower teams to focus on strategizing and guest interaction.

💻 As 2026 nears, Agentic AI is set to lead hospitality industry discussions. Its adoption will rise, automating decisions and insights. However, the focus should remain on human connection, not just technology. A case of an airline loyalty downgrade highlights the risk of over-reliance on algorithms. Efficiency gained may result in lost loyalty. The challenge for 2026 is balancing tech with service, ensuring tech enables rather than replaces human interaction. Infor supports over 60,000 organizations globally.

🤖 Executives are investing quickly in agentic AI, yet less than 25% understand it, risking hidden cloud costs, compliance issues, and poor talent choices. Unlike chatbots, agentic AI is an orchestrator breaking tasks into sub-agents, like a triaging nurse in an emergency room. Leaders must comprehend its architecture to mitigate risks and control outcomes, as adoption is outpacing understanding. Effective governance is crucial for reducing costs and risks associated with agentic AI.

🚀 2026 is a pivotal year with major changes in the digital ecosystem. In 2025, Mirai revamped their services, focusing on AI and a new booking engine for higher conversion. Highlights include a 1% increase in conversions by displaying unavailable rooms, smart filters, and multi-room booking. Strategic updates in Business Intelligence began in April with detailed sales reports. Integration with systems like Mews ensures robust connectivity for hoteliers. These advancements position businesses for success in 2026.

🚀 Accenture's report surveyed 18,000 people across 14 countries, revealing 36% of active AI users consider AI a "good friend." Among them, 94% seek personal development advice from AI, and 87% seek relationship advice. AI influences purchasing for 50% of users and is the second-highest source of recommendations. 75% are open to AI personal shoppers. AI-driven consumer engagement challenges brands to optimize for AI discovery, create AI-first experiences, and build emotional value.

🏨 In the hospitality sector, AI is transforming guest experiences, evidenced by Bay Gardens Resorts in Saint Lucia using AI chatbots for customer service. These tools manage routine tasks, enabling staff to focus on personalized service, crucial amid global staffing shortages. AI's financial accessibility now benefits smaller hotels, with cloud solutions making it feasible. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association offers an AI guide, encouraging ethical, gradual adoption to enhance human-focused hospitality.

🌐 Pertlink Limited, founded on October 23, 2000, focuses on AI in hospitality. Located in Hong Kong, the company offers a Front Office Manager AI Playbook enhancing guest experience, revenue, staff empowerment, and operational efficiency. The playbook includes a rollout framework and prompts, requiring no technical skills. It aims for effective AI use beyond hype, supporting service recovery and training while maintaining human interaction. Terence Ronson serves as Managing Director.

📱 2025 saw AI and bold minimalism shaping web design. By 2026, the focus shifts to speed, inclusivity, and humanity. Key trends include 11 design shifts like organic shapes, AI-powered agentic experiences, and hyper-personalization. Design tokens promote consistency and scalability. Micro-interactions enhance usability, while storytelling builds brand trust. Accessibility becomes a core design practice. With tools like Elementor AI, creators design smarter, adaptive websites, emphasizing creativity over routine tasks.