September 4, 2025

📊 Last week, an MIT study found that 95% of corporate AI pilots lack ROI. Conducted between January and June 2025, it analyzed 52 executive interviews, 153 survey responses, and 300+ public case studies. Employees prefer general-purpose models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude over specialized AI tools. Researchers claim these models lack memory and learning capabilities, but developments like Google's Agentspace are closing these gaps rapidly. The issue lies in outdated perceptions, not in the technology itself.

📑 Ira Vouk, MBA, discusses the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and its impact on hotel distribution. MCP, an open standard developed by Anthropic, enhances API usability without being tied to specific models. It opens the door for “next-gen OTAs” with AI applications connecting to multiple MCP Servers. The discussion highlights the contrast between centralized platforms and direct bookings, while noting conversational AI's potential for personalized travel recommendations. Industry-wide initiatives face challenges against agile private competitors.

💳 Nearly 10% of under-34s abandon bookings when mobile wallet options aren't available, impacting sales and cash flow for small and medium-sized travel businesses. Reports suggest that unpredictable income complicates financial planning, while slow settlements further strain finances. Solutions include exploring better merchant terms, testing customer experiences, and balancing system costs against benefits. New systems can lead to faster cash flow and improved booking conversions, essential for SMEs where tight margins demand efficient cash flow management.