Innovation

🗺️ Travellers under 35 are twice as likely to use AI for trip planning compared to those over 55, as per the Global Rescue Summer 2025 Survey. Only 24% of travellers use AI, with younger groups leading adoption. Non-US users are 40% more likely than US users to use AI tools (30% vs. 21%). 79% find AI tools useful, and 58% of under-35s don't trust AI in emergencies. Despite trust issues, 89% are likely to reuse AI.

✈️ Global travel technology leader DerbySoft launches the AI Voice Agent to automate repetitive outbound calls for travel suppliers. In the business travel sector, 30% of global accommodation bookings necessitate manual intervention. The AI system automates tasks such as verifying virtual credit card payments and confirming bookings, operating 24/7 across all time zones with GDPR compliance. Future updates include RFP status and group booking confirmations. This tool integrates via API or CSV, enhancing efficiency in the travel industry.

🏆 The 2026 FIFA World Cup will occur in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, attracting over 5 million international visitors. In the USA alone, it is expected to generate $50 billion in economic output and create nearly 300,000 jobs. Travel brands are leveraging gamification, using game-like elements to enhance loyalty programs, aiming to engage travelers and foster long-term loyalty. This strategy capitalizes on travelers' passion for curated experiences, enhancing brand visibility and customer retention.

📊 In Q3 2025, American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) will launch upgraded hotel emissions calculations, integrating Chooose's software. Clients can customize reports using data from providers like UK BEIS and Greenview, covering over 250 countries and 240 metro areas. This aligns with the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative methodology, aiding sustainable travel decisions. Amex GBT’s SVP John Sturino emphasizes improved data tools for decision-making, while VP Nora Lovell Marchant highlights environmental impact assessment enhancements.

📶 Hotels are upgrading to WiFi 7 and Optical LAN for better connectivity. WiFi 7 enhances speed and device density, but requires multi-gigabit connections. Optical LAN, using fiber optics, supports up to 25Gbps speeds and is ready for future upgrades to 50Gbps and 100Gbps. It uses 70% less cabling, offers up to 50% cost savings, consumes 40% less power, and has a lifespan over 50 years. This infrastructure is already in use in numerous hotels worldwide.

📺 Kara Heermans, SVP at SONIFI, highlighted in-room TVs as revenue drivers at HITEC, moving from static fixtures to dynamic tools with QR code bookings and FAST channels, offering new revenue streams. Integrations enhance trust and reduce scams. SONIFI's AMP platform aids proactive issue resolution, minimizing downtime and support calls. TV-enabled services like late checkout improve RevPAR without app downloads. AI aids efficiency, enhancing guest interactions while preserving human hospitality.

📶 Todd Johnstone, CEO of Allbridge, emphasizes the need for modernizing hotel tech infrastructure, since entering the sector in 2021. Outdated systems lead to poor guest experiences. Allbridge advocates integrating tech in the design stage, similar to plumbing or HVAC. Their Skyway platform, developed over eight years, operates in over 7,000 properties, offering seamless connectivity and predictive support. Long-term investment in tech infrastructure is essential, especially as hotels face staffing challenges.

📈 Bill Fanning, CRO of Stayntouch, spoke at HITEC 2025 after Stayntouch was named Hotel PMS of the Year by TravelTech. Stayntouch, known for its mobile-based PMS launched 10 years ago, manages over 1,200 integrations with an open API. Fanning highlighted AI's role in speeding market entry and improving sales support, mentioning tools like Staircase. Future products will include AI-assisted solutions for predictive analysis and virtual hotel assistants, with announcements expected later this summer.

📈 At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, Natalie Kimball of Shiji Group discussed hotel content management, data accuracy, and distribution in China. Iceportal Content manages non-rate data, offering real-time updates. Shiji's Horizon Distribution provides direct access to Chinese travel agents, addressing transaction complexities. Kimball emphasized AI's reliance on accurate data and warned against eliminating entry-level roles in hospitality. Shiji supports 91,000 hotels globally with over 5,000 employees, ensuring operational flexibility and innovation.

💰 Ennismore, led by VP Development Nicolas Stachowiak, is focused on disrupting hospitality by rethinking lifestyle experiences. With over 180 hotels open and 140+ in the pipeline, they prioritize creating cultural and culinary destinations. Their strategy involves significant tech investment, including AI for demand analysis and guest interaction personalization. Ennismore emphasizes brand integrity, with founder-involved teams, and sees future trends leaning towards experiential, culturally rich stays. Half of Ennismore's revenue comes from F&B, integral to guest experiences.