Innovation

📌 STAAH team members reveal their essential travel gadgets: Garmin GPS Watch for fitness tracking; AirPods for entertainment; Mini Luggage Digital Weighing Scale to avoid check-in surprises; Hong Thai Inhaler for energy; extension cord for device charging; flashdisc for data transfer; Dyson Airwrap for hair care; Anker 334 Magnetic Power Bank, Portable Wi-Fi Modem, Connector (Type C Pin > USB + HDMI), Bluetooth speaker, headset for connectivity; UV Care Pocket Sterilizer for sanitization; Apple AirTag for item tracking. Also recommended are Universal Travel Adapter, Aircraft Bluetooth Connector, Tripod/Selfie Stick, and GoPro for ease and convenience in any travel scenario.

📆 Almatar Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) at the International MICE Summit 2024 (IMS24), becoming an official travel solutions provider for Saudi Arabia's MICE sector. Almatar, an Alliance Partner to IMS24, aims to support the Kingdom's vision to be a global hub for business and cultural events. CEO Faisal Al Rajhi sees this as a step towards enhancing the nation's MICE industry. The company offers comprehensive travel solutions for events like LEAP and the World Defense Show.

📖 **Eric Jafari**, founder of **AENDRE Group**, emphasized the value of new experiences in sparking hospitality innovation on **Dec. 14, 2024**. The discussion included blending ancient traditions with modernity, cultural immersion, and combining Scandinavian saunas with music and breathwork. Mentioned were Apple, Da Vinci, Elon Musk, Othership, Onsens, Aman, and Six Senses. A related survey and music by **Bespoke Sound** were also highlighted.

📦 Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced Gemini 2.0, an advanced AI model focused on multimodality with capabilities like native image and audio output. Introduced in December, Gemini versions have empowered millions of developers. Products like NotebookLM utilize these models and the new Deep Research feature in Gemini Advanced acts as a research assistant. Gemini 2.0's AI Overviews, reaching 1 billion users, will get enhanced reasoning for complex queries. Built on Google's sixth-generation TPUs, Trillium, the model is now available to trusted testers and developers, with broader rollouts planned.

📈 CEO Ben Jost of TrustYou discussed the impact of AI on the hospitality industry, emphasizing its role in enhancing guest experiences and streamlining operations. AI will mainly improve communication and data platforms, becoming the dominant interface for guest interactions through AI-driven chat and voice. TrustYou focuses on developing an AI-first Customer Data Platform (CDP) to manage guest data and communications, ensuring GDPR and CCPA compliance for data security. Experience TrustYou's AI advancements at ITB Berlin 2025, from March 4 to 6, Hall 8.1 booth 122.

🚬 World Travel Protection reported a 17% increase in emergency evacuations and repatriations over the last year. Severe weather incidents affecting their travelers rose by nearly 50% compared to 2023. Cyberattacks on mobile devices tripled in Q1 of 2024, yet 45% of mobile users lack security solutions. Assistance calls increased by 18% from last year. Predictions suggest 2024 could be the hottest year on record, following 2023. Misinformation and evolving scams pose additional risks, while kidnapping remains a threat in unstable regions.

📦 United Airlines introduces Apple's AirTag location sharing through its app to expedite misplaced luggage recovery. The feature, part of iOS 18.2*, allows customers to securely share the location of their AirTags with United's customer service team. More than 99% of customer bags have successfully traveled with their owners this year, but the new feature aims to improve the experience when issues arise. United's Chief Customer Officer, David Kinzelman, highlights the added peace of mind for travelers. The shared location data expires after seven days for privacy and security.

📊 In 2025, 85% of customer service leaders plan to explore or pilot customer-facing conversational generative AI (Gen AI), according to a Gartner survey. These leaders assume primary responsibility for AI opportunity identification, roadmap development, and adoption driving. Xabi Zabala of HBX Group highlights Gen AI's transformative impact across industries, especially in the tourism sector, offering enhanced customer experiences, sales, and efficiency. Challenges include knowledge library maintenance and integrating Gen AI with human capabilities for optimal results.