Innovation

🚗 Zoox, an Amazon-owned AV company, will launch autonomous vehicle services in San Francisco's SoMa and the Las Vegas Strip, starting with employee rides. Founded a decade ago and acquired by Amazon in 2020, Zoox has survived industry turmoil. A "couple dozen" robotaxis will be deployed in the coming weeks with plans for a significant scale-up by 2026. Additionally, an early rider program will offer free trips starting next year in Las Vegas. The robotaxis will operate during the busiest 16 hours of the day.

🚗 The Lodging Conference, an essential hotel industry event, occurs annually in Phoenix as summer transitions to fall. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport visitors have been intrigued by Waymo's autonomous taxis, especially after the company secured a $5.6-billion funding round for expansion. Driverless Waymo vehicles are available in cities including Phoenix, L.A., and San Francisco. A human driver's assistance, highlighted by a traveler's struggle with a malfunctioning Waymo vehicle trunk, contrasts the convenience of technology. Culinary Dropout, a Scottsdale restaurant, offers exceptional service, showcasing the value of human interaction in hospitality.

🏕️ Hilton partnered with AutoCamp in February and Hyatt with Under Canvas in July to enter the "glamping" market, boosting their loyalty programs with diverse, nature-focused experiences. AutoCamp uses Airstream travel trailers and operates six locations, with two more opening in 2023 and one in 2025. Under Canvas, founded in 2009 with its first site in 2012, has locations that range from 40 to 750 acres near national parks. Hilton's 2025 Trends Report notes that 25% of travelers seek unique experiences, and 20% aim for outdoor adventures. An Under Canvas location costs up to $25 million, with KSL Capital providing equity and market knowledge, and Blackstone as a lender. Collective Retreats, a competitor, since 2015, has raised over $40 million and has locations across the U.S. with plans for international expansion, including Saudi Arabia's NEOM project.

🍷 East London's Nightjar speakeasy launched 'Recalling' cocktail menu with 28 cocktails categorized into Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, Post-War, and Nightjar Classics. Dizzy Sour and Godfather exemplify the menu's complex, quality-focused concoctions. Bar Manager Sebastiano Cristofano emphasized sustainable, high-quality ingredients for enhanced flavors and environmental responsibility. The menu maintains Nightjar's tradition of innovation and live music in an iconic atmosphere.

🚀 World Travel Market London research indicates a growing global middle class is driving demand for new, adventurous holiday experiences. WTM Global Travel Report, with Oxford Economics, notes shifts in traditional travel norms, with activities like volcano-boarding in Nicaragua and shark cage-diving in South Africa gaining popularity. Soft adventure activities dominate, but hard adventure activities are attracting wealthier thrill-seekers. Tourism Economics found a 29% increase in adventure travel interest, 34% in rural/nature tourism, and 57% in exploring new destinations compared to five years ago. Smaller countries like Armenia and Serbia, as well as African safari destinations, are expected to grow in tourism. Saudi Arabia and Albania saw 80% and 74% visitor growth in 2024 from 2019. The 'experience economy' is expanding, with Gen Z and Millennials prioritizing experiences over goods, promising a positive travel outlook.