Innovation

🤖 IHG has implemented robots at numerous hotels in China for tasks like room service and cleaning. However, IHG is hesitant to introduce them in the U.S. due to concerns about potential damage from American guests, as noted by Cynthia Czabala. Similarly, Josh Dow from Wyndham, after visiting China last winter, shares this view. These insights were gathered at the Destination & AI conference, expertly managed by Nazpari Aydin.

💻 My Booking Rewards is launching new IT developments globally, including in the UK and Ireland, to enhance automation. They are introducing a scheduling tool for direct messaging and email, alongside an ROI tracker for monitoring event participation and booking values. These tools streamline supplier communication and boost agent productivity. The ROI tracker, launching next month, uses QR codes for easy agent sign-ups and monitors key performance indicators to adapt strategies based on live data.

✈️ SaaS platform SITA ATC Bridge revolutionizes air traffic control by replacing costly legacy systems with a cloud-based solution. Supporting Civil Aviation Authorities and Air Navigation Service Providers, it offers secure, scalable communication across the ICAO AMHS. By eliminating hardware costs and enabling remote access, it reduces costs and complexity. Users benefit from a subscription model and enhanced real-time collaboration, making it ideal for emerging markets and global operations. A patent for this innovation is pending.

🗺️ ATPI Group launches the Booking Africa Online platform, enhancing travel management in Africa by integrating flights, hotels, charters, and transportation. It features multi-level approval processes, flexible payments, and compliance with local financial legislation. Pam Kitching, Managing Director, emphasizes the tool's ability to simplify complex travel. Since 2006, ATPI Africa has grown to operate in 28 countries, expanding beyond marine and energy sectors to include corporate, mining, and sports travel.

📅 September 2025, STAAH released significant updates for its Channel Manager and Booking Engine. The V2 Extranet streamlines room type selection, rate management, and introduces a one-click stop sell. Enhancements in currency formatting and calendar view within Max improve user experience. SwiftBook now features Member Rates, language translations, and new billing address entry options. New channel integrations with TripGain, Flow, and AtticInn expand booking possibilities, enhancing performance and usability.

💻 Yesterday at Destination AI, hospitality leaders discussed AI's role in enhancing human interaction, not replacing it. The focus was on reducing friction for guests and administrative burdens for staff, with Cloudbeds advocating for AI as an organizational asset. Jordan Hollander moderated, with insights from Luis Segredo, Richard Valtr, and Al Lagunas. Nazpari Aydin hosted the event. The key takeaway: leverage technology to amplify human capacity, not diminish it.

🏨 Marriott's new site, Marriott Bonvoy Outdoor, launches in 2025, reversing Airbnb's removal of categories. It focuses on outdoor activities, aligning with travel trends like wellness, nature, and sustainability. Current AI tools in hospitality struggle due to a lack of first-party data, hindering personalization and insights into guest behavior. In Portland, AI-generated restaurant recommendations fell short compared to human-curated suggestions, highlighting the need for data to realize AI's potential in travel and hospitality.

📖 Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News, has over 7 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Fantozzi joined Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018 and has held various positions, including Senior Editor since August 2021. Her work appears in major outlets like The New York Times and Forbes. She has degrees from The College of New Jersey and CUNY's Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.