Innovation

📈 Meta plans to acquire Manus AI for an estimated $2-3 billion. Manus, an execution layer AI, reportedly attracted 2 million people to a waitlist after its spring 2025 debut, reaching $100 million ARR within eight months. Meta aims to integrate Manus into platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, transforming AI from assistance to execution. A legal case between Amazon and Perplexity AI, initiated in November 2025, may influence AI agent commerce, with implications for the travel industry’s future.

💻 AI adoption in independent hospitality is rapidly transforming operations. Key improvements include time savings, operational cost reduction, higher occupancy, and increased revenue. The AI Hospitality Revolution report highlights a 4-6 month timeframe for meaningful results. Guest communication and pricing are primary AI uses, while challenges include technical expertise and system integration. The focus remains on maintaining a personal guest experience, leveraging AI for efficiency while ensuring staff retain empathy and judgment. Implementing AI strategically offers a decisive edge.

📊 In Milan, Italy, the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo now monitors Milan Cathedral's visitor numbers in real time using Affluences' technology, which employs 3D and AI-powered counters. Approximately ten counters track entries at the cathedral, ticket office, and terraces. This data is accessible online, helping visitors plan their visits to avoid crowds. The initiative aims to enhance visitor experience and protect the monument from damage due to overcrowding. Museum Connections in Paris will feature this system.

📱 In 2025, AI dominated, but smart glasses gained traction. Notable moves: Apple Vision Pro's 2024 launch flopped, priced at $3,500. Meta's Ray-Ban glasses launched in September 2025 for under $800 with XR displays. Google demoed AI-powered glasses, while Amazon's delivery glasses targeted logistics. Samsung released new XR hardware. Patent activity in VR/AR remains high. The travel sector sees smart glasses enhancing accessibility, breaking language barriers, and revolutionizing navigation, offering a seamless travel experience.

📈 In 2025, over 21,000 hotel properties in 310 cities reported spending two full workdays weekly on reports. A benchmark study found 49% of hoteliers struggle with data access, while 40% cite disconnected systems as primary obstacles. AI can streamline operations, with hotels losing 286 hours annually due to system switching. Despite AI's potential, consolidation is prioritized over AI spending. AI offers proactive decision-making, moving beyond dashboards, enhancing revenue and operations with actionable insights.

💻 PRAGUE, 8 January 2026. RobosizeME, a provider of workflow automation solutions, is sponsoring the Oracle Hospitality Summit 2026 in London from January 19–21. By integrating with Oracle's OHIP, RobosizeME saves over 24,000 staff hours annually in hospitality operations. Key solutions include Batch Deposit Processing (saving 17,400 hours) and Booking.com Commission Checker (saving 5,000 hours). The event highlights scalable, touchless processes, crucial for labor-constrained markets.