Innovation

💻 Jun 2, 2025 - As AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s SGE change hotel search behavior, traditional SEO is insufficient. Enter Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), focusing on AI-generated search visibility. Critical differences between GEO and SEO include targeting AI responses over keyword rankings. To remain competitive, hotels must optimize content for AI engines. Early adopters gain an edge as travelers increasingly use AI for personalized advice. Download the guide at Cendyn to learn more.

🍽️ Radisson Hotel Group launches a new online platform for restaurant bookings on RadissonHotels.com, targeting their 1,900 global restaurants. This week, the tool supports searches by city, cuisine, and integrates personalized recommendations through geolocation. The initiative aligns with industry trends, enhancing the digital dining journey and treating restaurants as standalone destinations. The model merges content and booking tools, preparing Radisson for future AI integrations and boosting its position in the digital travel and dining ecosystem.

📈 Unifocus launched XiQ, a new experience intelligence tool, in Dallas, Texas. XiQ enables hotels to handle real-time guest feedback via multilingual surveys sent by email or QR code. Key features include customizable survey templates, department-level benchmarking, and mobile-first design. This tool aims to connect feedback with operational performance. Available as an add-on for Unifocus clients, XiQ sets the stage for future enhancements like staff engagement features and deeper integration with existing tools.

💻 Engine, a platform with over 1 million users, launched Insights+, a premium analytics suite, benefiting over 30,000 U.S. hotels. In 2025, 80% of revenue leaders expect increased ADR and 67% predict occupancy growth. Insights+ simplifies data into strategy with demand forecasting, competitive benchmarking, and business segmentation. It enhances revenue strategy with real-time data and focuses on high-margin business travel, offering a competitive edge in the hospitality data platform market.

📈 LVMH's collaboration with Deliveroo highlights its unexpected shift to mid-range markets. Travel bookings via GDS are forecasted to increase by 125% by 2030. OpenAI's acquisition of Jony Ive for $6 billion raises questions about valuation. The shift from search engines to answer engines reshapes content strategies. AI trip planners and automating ads are on the rise, while the value of human touch in concierge services is emphasized.

📊 Actabl, based in Atlanta, Georgia, launched ProfitOwner, a real-time business intelligence platform for hotel ownership groups. The platform provides standardized data across all properties, enabling owners to access insights directly and streamline reporting. ProfitOwner integrates with ProfitSword for immediate implementation and benefits management companies by reducing reporting requests. Lindsey Goedeker, Actabl's SVP of Sales, emphasizes the platform's role in offering transparency and enabling proactive decision-making in hotel ownership.

📸 In a fast-paced hospitality industry, OpenAI's new image generation model revolutionizes hotel marketing by creating brand-aligned visuals in minutes. By generating high-quality images with simple text prompts, hoteliers can quickly produce visuals that enhance their storytelling. This doesn't replace marketers; it amplifies their role in setting creative intent and aligning visuals with brand stories. The technology enables rapid A/B testing and more frequent campaigns, crucial for increasing direct bookings in a competitive market.

🍳 Careit aims to ease food donations by integrating with kitchen and inventory platforms, allowing quick donation logging via an API. Amid rising food costs and closures, food insecurity is increasing, with four times more people seeking emergency assistance than pre-pandemic, yet only 2% of potential food is rescued. Careit seeks to enhance sustainability toolkits and ensure food reaches those in need efficiently.

🗺️ GetByBus has rebranded to Traveling.com, transforming into a global, multi-modal travel platform. This strategic shift unifies GetByBus, GetByFerry, GetByTransfer, and the GetBy App into one cohesive platform. CEO Ante Dagelić emphasized the brand's evolution to meet global travel needs. The enhanced platform now offers personalized recommendations, live support, and simple booking tools, aiming to become the go-to for non-air travel, akin to Booking.com for hotels.

📶 Hubby eSIM has partnered with paxconnect, impacting over 6,200 travel agencies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The integration offers agencies a customizable eSIM service, providing Internet in more than 200 countries. Data services are 98% cheaper than typical roaming fares. eSIM options range from 1 GB to 20 GB, ideal for families or groups. Through paxconnect, travel agents can enhance customer experiences, maintaining connectivity and offering personalized services throughout the journey.