Innovation

📱 Hotels face pressure to modernize with tech but struggle due to system integration issues, using an average of 20 systems, with some brands exceeding 50. Fragmented infrastructure and closed systems from tech vendors limit hotels' ability to innovate and improve guest experiences. Integration should align with business goals to enable real-time insights and automation. Industry-wide collaboration is needed to achieve seamless integration and drive future hospitality innovation.

🛒 OpenAI now offers in-app checkout for Etsy and Shopify merchants, announced in September 2025. Shoppers can complete purchases through ChatGPT, though interactions remain non-agentic, requiring user decisions. Merchants incur a small fee on completed purchases, but the service remains free for users and does not influence product prices. ChatGPT's integration excludes major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, focusing on smaller platforms. The model might adapt to include ads or sponsored listings in the future.

📈 Three years ago, Google faced no threats to its dominance, but AI search systems may soon overhaul travel distribution. Travel websites could see traffic declines of 30%-50% as AI becomes the key interface. OTAs face existential threats, while LLMs like Google and ChatGPT are poised to dominate, potentially becoming $10 trillion companies. Customers will enjoy hyper-personalized travel planning but risk trust issues and algorithm dependence. Suppliers must adapt digital infrastructure to stay visible.

🤖 Sabre Corporation introduces the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to unify the travel industry's diverse tech languages like EDIFACT, XML, JSON, and NDC. MCP acts as a universal translator, enabling AI agents to manage bookings, disruptions, and compliance effectively. It reduces call center costs, automates processes, and creates upsell opportunities. By translating complex data formats into a single "context language," MCP positions itself as a crucial player in agentic travel's economic landscape. #AI #TravelTech #MCP

✈️ JFK Terminal 4 is utilizing inclusive design and AI-driven insights to enhance passenger experience. By focusing on diverse user needs, airports can improve accessibility, reduce stress, and increase commercial value. AI helps manage passenger flow, reducing queuing times and enabling frontline staff to assist passengers better. Such approaches transform technological upgrades from cosmetic changes to strategic impacts, ensuring that future airport innovations prioritize human-centered experiences over mere technological advancements.

🚀 Rome2Rio partners with Mozio, integrating Mozio's network of over 3,000 transport partners across 188 countries and 3,400 airports. Launched this week, the integration allows users to book Mozio's shuttles, ferries, helicopters, and more via Rome2Rio, enhancing its transport coverage. Features include 24/7 customer service and free cancellation on 99% of bookings. This collaboration simplifies global travel planning, offering more comprehensive point-to-point solutions through Rome2Rio’s platform.

🏠 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai will feature a dedicated Tech & Innovation Hub, with 180 exhibitors from 30 countries across two halls, from 4-7 May. The theme is "Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology." Discussions will cover AI, immersive commerce, and green tech. Travel tech market expected to grow over 6% annually, reaching US$18.6 billion by 2033. 84% plan to use AI in travel. 55,000 professionals from 166 countries expected to attend.

📱 Net Affinity launched an enhanced product suite for 2025, designed to streamline hotel operations and increase revenue. The Smart Payments system automates virtual credit card charges and integrates PIN terminals, simplifying payment processing. The Smart Channel Manager centralizes channel management, enabling real-time rate and availability updates to prevent overbookings. William Cotter, Net Affinity's founder, emphasized the importance of these tools in reducing manual tasks and boosting hotel profits through automation and integrated solutions.

💸 Global eSIM pioneer Holafly has exceeded $500 million in revenue since the pandemic. Founded in 2017, it hit $200 million in 2024 alone, selling over 15 million eSIMs across 200 destinations. eSIMs support 18 languages with 24/7 assistance. The market is projected to grow at 31.8% annually through 2030. Holafly plans to expand in English-speaking markets, having recently appointed Allan Kenedy and Melanie O’Bernie to senior roles. Additional hires are anticipated.