Innovation

📈 Asia Pacific tourism is set to reach 761.2 million arrivals by 2028, yet geopolitical risks might limit recovery to 88% of pre-pandemic levels. In 2026, EHL's HumanX Summit in Lausanne will host 600 participants to discuss AI's role in hospitality. AI in hotels cuts costs and speeds service but risks losing human touch. Marriott adds Lefay Wellness Resorts, its first wellness-exclusive brand, reflecting a shift toward wellness-centric hospitality. However, AI literacy gaps hinder effective tech adoption in F&B operations.

📅 HumanX Summit 2026, hosted by EHL and powered by the EHL Innovation Hub, takes place in Lausanne on 19–20 May 2026. It focuses on "Leading with Humanity" by uniting academia, industry, innovators, and government. Nicola Kirsch, a social entrepreneur at EHL, describes HumanX as representing human experience, business excellence, and experimentation. Keynotes, workshops, and networking sessions, including a speech by futurist Jason Silva, aim to explore the future of service industries through a collaborative platform.

💻 Hotels often reconcile Booking.com reservations manually, wasting time on tasks such as checking reservation statuses, cancellations, and unmatched bookings. RobosizeME automates the process by comparing data between Booking.com Extranet and Opera Cloud PMS, identifying discrepancies. This automation helps hotel teams resolve issues within a crucial 48-hour correction window, preventing revenue loss or additional manual work.

📈 Commonwealth Hotels partners with Sales on Tap, involving Celeste Berke Knisely, to enhance sales teams' skills for a digital-first buying environment. The initiative provides a curriculum with guided training and live coaching for hospitality sellers, helping them build stronger pipelines and relationships. The goal is to adapt to online visibility and credibility demands, enhancing revenue performance across Commonwealth’s diverse hotel portfolio. Key figures include Barbara Willen and Jennifer Porter from Commonwealth and Cory Falter from Lure Agency.

💸 Eterniti raised €30 million through Amethyst III, managed by Limestone Capital, totaling €50 million since inception. Eterniti operates 800 properties across 25 destinations with brands like Bo House, Verbier Exclusive, and Emerald Stay. The group has doubled revenue annually for four years. Funds will enhance tech, expand destinations, and target acquisitions, especially in areas with stringent short-term rental regulations. Eterniti employs up to 200 staff in peak seasons for luxury management and hospitality.

🏨 Dream Hotels & Resorts partners with Stayntouch to manage its 25-property, 850+ room portfolio across South Africa using Stayntouch's cloud-based PMS. The system simplifies operations, reduces manual tasks, and integrates seamlessly with existing technologies. Staff can master the platform in just 2 hours. This transformation supports Dream Hotels' growth and enhances service consistency. Chris Snyman, Chief Development Officer, and Jeff Down, Head of Sales EMEA, emphasize the partnership's role in operational efficiency and scalability.

💻 In a discussion with Jessica Gillingham, Marc Laros, CTO of The Usual Hotels, outlines their plan to establish 20 sustainable properties across Europe in five years. The brand integrates sustainability and technology, using AI for tasks and QR codes for check-in, while enhancing guest experiences through community engagement. The tech architecture is modular and API-driven, focusing on adaptability. A new hotel in Florence is set to open, with more acquisitions and innovations like app-free room access in the pipeline.

📈 On March 31, 2026, Cycas Hospitality merges with Vertiq Capital, forming Vertiq Hospitality Partners to expand in Europe, adding over 400 rooms in the UK and France. The portfolio includes more than 35 hotels, 6,000 keys across eight countries, with locations in London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Vertiq collaborates with leading hotel brands and operates independently, aiming for performance-driven growth and strategic joint ventures. The merger integrates teams from both companies, ensuring seamless continuity.

🛫 ICAO's next-generation Public Key Directory (PKD) marks a key move for secure global travel. Travel & Tourism is projected to hit $16.5 trillion in GDP by 2035, employing 12.5% of the workforce. Enhanced border management could add $401 billion in GDP and 14 million jobs in G20, EU, and African Union areas. The new PKD ensures real-time digital credential verification, boosting border security and efficiency, and aligning with WTTC's vision for a seamless travel experience.