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May 29, 2025

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Seen and Heard at NRA 2025: Vendors’ Perspectives

📱 Michael Sien and Niko Papademetriou from Qu highlight tech innovations at the NRA show. With startups focusing on back-of-house solutions like inventory and supply chain, the industry sees a shift. Jace Kovacevich of Dish.io identifies increased traffic as 2025's primary restaurant challenge. Dish.io, in South Hall, introduces a marketing platform using QR codes to engage guests and boost return visits, stressing the importance of mobile presence with users spending 5-6 hours daily on phones.
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Booking.com under fire across Europe

💸 Hotel associations in 26 European countries are initiating damages claims against Booking.com following a significant European Court of Justice ruling on May 29, 2025. The ruling questioned the competitive impact of Booking.com's price parity clauses, originating from a 2006–2016 German case. Despite the ruling, Booking.com maintains these clauses aren’t automatically anti-competitive. HOTREC supports these claims, with a deadline for hotel participation set for July 31. Booking.com was not informed of broad legal action.
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The loyalty shift: Why points alone no longer win hotel guests

🛌 May 29, 2025, highlights a shift in hotel loyalty programs. Points-based systems are losing appeal, particularly among younger travelers who prefer immediate, personalized rewards. Trust is eroding due to unfulfilled perks like free breakfasts. Experts suggest hybrid models blending points and emotional engagement. Tech integration remains a challenge, with AI and CRM vital for success. Staypineapple exemplifies this by replacing points with direct perks. Flexibility and human touch are crucial for maintaining relevance. Explore more on PhocusWire.
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How LGBTQ+ Americans are shaping the future of inclusive tourism

📅 May 29, 2025: According to Expedia’s LGBTQ+ Summer Travel Outlook, nearly one-third of LGBTQ+ Americans spend over $5,000 annually on travel, taking 3+ trips per year. Popular U.S. destinations include Key West, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, while Gran Canaria sees a 125% interest increase. Safety matters to 39%, with over half relying on LGBTQ+ peer recommendations. Almost half prefer 4-star hotels, and over one-third choose 5-star. Opting for June or late August travel is advised.
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Wander secures $50M to scale AI-powered luxury rentals

🏡 May 29, 2025, Wander, a luxury short-term rental platform, secured $50 million in Series B funding led by QED Investors and Fifth Wall. With this funding, Wander aims to expand globally and enhance its AI-powered WanderOS. Currently managing over 1,000 properties, the company targets 300,000+ homes worldwide. Past funding includes a $7M seed in 2021 and $20M Series A in 2022. Wander's strategy involves premium rentals and proprietary technology to transform the fragmented market.
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Global travel surges past pre-pandemic levels in early 2025

🗺️ May 29, 2025. Q1 2025 saw over 300 million global tourists, a 5% increase from Q1 2024 and 3% above 2019 levels. Europe welcomed 125 million tourists, with Central/Eastern Europe up 8%. Africa grew 16% over 2019, with a 9% YoY rise. Americas increased 2% YoY; South America led with 13%. Middle East rose 1% YoY, up 44% from 2019. Asia and the Pacific surged 12% YoY, with North-East Asia up 23%.
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