Innovation

🦛 The Reserve at Chester Zoo, managed by Adriaan Erasmus, combines luxury lodges with immersive wildlife experiences, supporting global conservation efforts. Guests enjoy unique encounters, bespoke lodges made from sustainable materials, and behind-the-scenes tours. Stay contributions fund projects like the giant pangolin initiative in Uganda and black rhino programs in Rwanda and Kenya. The Reserve offers family-friendly packages with two-day zoo passes, exclusive dining, and activities like the Giraffe Wake-Up Experience. Opening in August, The Reserve personalizes stays for all family sizes with 51 lodges, including accessible options, focusing on conservation and luxury hospitality.

🏨 By 2025, hotels are embracing AI, voice controls, and data-driven services to enhance guest experiences. The article details the innovative tech trends within the hospitality industry, showcasing how hotels are evolving to meet modern demands.

💸 In 2024, OYO UK saw a revenue increase of 15% and outperformed the market which declined by 2.8%. The company's Average Daily Rate (ADR) and per room revenue (RevPAR) rose by 2% and 4% respectively, against the market's 4.5% fall. CEO Gautam Swaroop attributes success to AI-driven pricing and self-check-in tech. Over 200 hotels across 65 UK cities contribute to growth, with aggressive expansion plans to open 40 premium hotels. OYO's SUNDAY Lansbury Heritage was launched in Canary Wharf, expanding its premium segment presence.

🛫 66% of airlines have implemented New Distribution Capabilities (NDC), but only 27% have begun Offer and Order transformation, as per the Future of Airline Retailing Report by Accelya and Atmosphere Research Group. Despite 72% recognizing the importance of Offers and Orders for modernizing retail and increasing revenue, 53% lack an Offers and Orders strategy and 19% have no retailing objectives. By 2028, 83% see continuous pricing as important, while 44% aim to transition to Retailing Platforms by then and 38% anticipate using legacy PSSs until at least 2029. Accelya advocates for a gradual shift from legacy to retailing-friendly systems.

🏠 Stay22, a Canadian travel tech company, has launched a new feature increasing user engagement rate by fourfold. This feature, a button on their map, simplifies and expedites the booking process for accommodations and events, resulting in over a 50% conversion rate increase on mobile devices. Mobile clicks dominate at 85%, while desktop clicks stand at 41%. Lucille Pickering and Jeff Goodman, Enterprise Partnership Leads at Stay22, emphasize the feature's importance in streamlining booking on mobile and expanding partner revenue potential.

💸 Hi Auto raised $15 million in a Series A funding round, totaling $23 million in capital alongside a $4 million credit line. The AI-driven platform for QSRs boasts over 96% order accuracy and over 90% completion rate, helping combat labor costs like California's $20/hour minimum. Hi Auto's clients include Bojangles, Checkers & Rally's, and Burger King New Zealand, among others. Founded in 2019 by Roy Baharav and Eyal Shapira, the company now employs 100 people globally. Dynamic upselling has increased average ticket sizes for Hi Auto's partners.

🏦 Hi Auto, an AI voice technology startup for the QSR industry, raised $15 million in Series A funding, totaling $23 million in capital, plus a $4 million credit line. Backed by Delek Motors, Zisapel Family, others, it delivers 96% order accuracy and over 90% completion with its SaaS platform. The tech enables dynamic upselling, boosting ticket sizes, and is used by Bojangles, Checkers & Rally's, and others. Founded in 2019 by Roy Baharav, Eyal Shapira, and Zohar Zisapel, the company now has 100 employees. ????