November 26, 2024

📌 A PMS integration should separate essential, core, and peripheral services, with essentials like property and channel management on a single platform. Core functions like guest communications and performance tracking should be streamlined. Peripheral services, such as marketing and POS, can be integrated via open APIs. Ideally, employees should use no more than five systems, with front-desk staff using just one. Open APIs are crucial for adapting to new technologies and ensuring scalability. A PMS should be easy to use, requiring minimal training, and capable of growing with the business. Scalability is a priority, and CIOs must ensure their PMS can handle diverse property types. A hybrid strategy of an all-in-one system with open APIs avoids costly integration pitfalls.

💳 In the 2024 POS Software Trends Study, 84% of restaurants plan to enhance POS software with new features; 50% are developing mobile POS solutions. Over half of diners wish to order (66%) and pay (58%) via mobile, while 32% prefer table-side payment in full-service restaurants. Flexibility and user-friendly interfaces are essential for POS systems. Additionally, 82% of guests desire loyalty program discounts, and 59% of operators aim to boost digital customer engagement. Operators are integrating POS data for personalized guest experiences (85%), loyalty programs (60%), upsell promotions (54%), and tailored offers (51%). Yet, only 30% are satisfied with vendor innovation, with 85% prioritizing system integration. By 2030, POS will likely use AI for predictive analytics and offer autonomous ordering.

📍 Palladium Hotel Group's Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts introduces Grand Palladium Select Collection in prime locations with premium services, starting January 2025 at Costa Mujeres, followed by Ibiza in summer 2025, and Punta Cana in December 2025. This luxury tier offers a la carte dining, themed restaurants, exclusive bars, Italian-style gelateria, poolside fitness, concierge service, and special rates for entertainment like CHIC Cabaret. It complements Grand Palladium's diverse portfolio including Family Selection and The Signature Level.

🏢 BDNY returned to the Javits Center on November 10-11, attracting over 15,700 professionals, a 5% increase from the previous year. The event showcased 770+ exhibitors and featured 50+ discussions with nearly 200 experts. Dine & Design debuted and will become a main Designed Space in 2025. Awards included Best in Show by Dedon Inc., and the 35th Annual Platinum Circle Awards honored contributions to hospitality design. The next BDNY is scheduled for November 9-10, 2025.

🏗 Faroboats won the Innovative Design Solution category at the IBI Boat Builders Awards 2024, which took place in Amsterdam on November 21st. The Boat Builder Awards, celebrating its 10th anniversary, recognized 11 winners and 3 Honourable Mentions across 11 categories including design and innovation. Individuals and companies from 15 countries were acknowledged, with special mentions to Gulf Craft’s Mohammed Hussein AlShaali for Lifetime Achievement and IMPACD Boats founder Marieke de Boer as the 2024 Rising Star.