Innovation

🍽 Independent restaurant operators face challenges such as supply chain instability and inflation, leading to tech advancements like real-time menu adaptation, AI voice ordering, and personalized menus. SpotOn's updates focus on usability and consolidation, offering comprehensive management systems without rigid contracts. Community and education initiatives, such as SpotOn Advisor Meetings, help operators share insights and strategies, fostering a supportive network. These efforts aim to empower independent restaurants to navigate market volatility and enhance profitability.

🛫 Predictions about AI's impact on travel vary, dividing opinions between suppliers and OTAs. A recent article on Phocuswire explores four potential scenarios, acknowledging that reality might not align with these extremes. The article suggests revisiting predictions in three years to evaluate accuracy. Notable contributors include Linda Fox, Christian Watts, Mike Coletta, Peter Syme, Arlen Ritchie, and Tony Carne. The discussion is sparked by Google's new AI Mode announcement.

🏨 In the evolving digital landscape, screens shrink and AI replaces traditional search, impacting travel decisions and product discovery. As 2.6 billion new users come online, AI agents redefine experiences. Google, ChatGPT, and Perplexity lead agentic travel trends since January. Wander raises over $50 million, achieving 6x GMV growth in 18 months. Meanwhile, Vercel sees a rise in ChatGPT-driven signups, doubling to 10% by April 2025. This shift from SEO to Generative Engine Optimization marks a new era for online growth.

💻 Transform careers and drive impact using AI for ~$20/user/month. Follow five steps: 1) Use chatbots (ChatGPT, Gemini) daily; 2) Master prompting skills; 3) Create OpenAI Custom GPTs or Google Gems for routine tasks without coding; 4) Utilize Google’s NotebookLM for research; 5) Incorporate Deep Research in workflows. These actions place you ahead of 95% of peers, as less than 5% have explored these tools. Embrace experimentation to enhance productivity and innovation.

💼 Barcelona, June 4th - The Hotels Network (THN) unveiled KITT, an AI Receptionist, now available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace. Integrated with Oracle OPERA Cloud, KITT processes real-time voice bookings, payments, and guest queries in 40+ languages, improving hotel operations and revenue. It delivers a seamless guest experience, syncing with live systems. Leveraging Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, THN extends its reach with enhanced service offerings, driving efficiency and customer satisfaction worldwide.

📈 Mews' AI-powered Smart Tips is transforming hotel operations globally, with over 5 million weekly views. At Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, this tool is enhancing guest experiences and loyalty. Trisha Reinkemeyer notes its efficiency in personalizing service, like recalling guest preferences. Auberge St Pol in Belgium reports improved guest interactions from AI Smart Tips, which centralizes guest data in the PMS and Reservation calendar, saving time and streamlining workflows for hotel staff.

💻 Leading F&B and hospitality platform, IRIS, handles over $250,000 in orders annually across 100+ countries and 2,000 hotels, with staff in the UK, North America, China, Europe, and South East Asia. Partnering with brands like Marriott and Hilton, IRIS clients see a 20%-70% boost in F&B revenue. New features like Charge to Room and Advance Ordering enhance guest experience, while maintaining high security and global support. CEO Mark Horne highlights strategic growth and industry investment.

🛠 CaptainBook has introduced the first AI Assistant tailored for the Tours & Experiences sector, now available in 49 countries, primarily in Southern Europe and the USA. Launched in 2021, it automates customer service, operates 24/7 in multiple languages, and simplifies booking processes. This innovation follows a pre-seed funding round in January 2023. The AI Assistant helps increase direct sales and organizes customer interactions, boosting revenue and expanding new income streams for partners.

💸 Of 4,000 business travelers surveyed, 83% struggle with expense reconciliation, and 26% use personal credit cards for large purchases, with 28% facing delayed reimbursements. Nearly 19% are unsure about reimbursable items, and 25% worry about overspending. Automated processes are favored by 24% of employees. A third (36%) book through consumer platforms, and 25% lose receipts. Automating expense processes can reduce report entry time from 10-15 minutes to 10 seconds, saving significant time.

🚀 Jun 4, 2025, Amadeus invests in Acai Travel, a New York-based Generative AI startup. The investment aims to boost AI-powered automation for OTAs, TMCs, and airlines, enhancing operational efficiency with a 50% reduction in handling times. This aligns with industry priorities, as 46% of travel leaders focus on Generative AI. Both companies are committed to improving traveler experiences and reducing costs, supporting a new workforce with AI integration. Financial terms were undisclosed.