Innovation

📃 Saladplate, as part of Informa Markets, serves as the hub for the Hospitality, Food, and Beverage sector, offering insights into industry trends. It features weekly news, a monthly newsletter, and a bi-monthly e-magazine. The platform connects users with over 10,000 brands and provides updates on more than 35 international trade events.

💡 Google has begun displaying sponsored ads within its conversational AI Mode, marking a significant step in monetizing its generative AI search experience. This move distinguishes Google's AI Mode from competitors like ChatGPT, which doesn't have an advertising infrastructure. The development raises questions about future ad placements, such as integration into AI responses. Credit for this insight goes to Greg Sterling and Brodie Clark.

💻 AI is transforming the hotel industry. According to h2c’s study, 78% of hotel chains use AI, with 89% planning more applications. By 2030, over 40% of hoteliers expect full automation in various functions. Google’s AI tool, PMTG, boosts conversions by 262% this year. La Chambre du Marais achieved a 4.43% conversion rate through PMTG, far above the industry’s 2% average. Data challenges exist, with 41% of hotels struggling, but 51% now use CRM for personalization.

✈️ Abu Dhabi Airports (ADA) and SITA signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop an AI-driven Intelligent Total Airport Management (iTAM) platform. This platform aims to integrate real-time data and insights across Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, enhancing disruption detection, resource optimization, and passenger experiences. The collaboration positions Abu Dhabi as a leader in digital airport innovation, aiming to set a new global benchmark for smart, seamless journeys.

💳 Juspay, a global payment tech company, partners with Sabre to revolutionize travel payments. By 2026, online bookings are expected to hit $1.2 trillion, making up 65% of travel transactions. This collaboration will enhance conversions, security, and customer experience, providing travel businesses with scalable, sector-specific capabilities like local payment methods and cross-border payments. Juspay will integrate its tokenization solution to boost transaction security. This partnership aims to streamline operations and deliver seamless payment experiences globally.

🛫 Travelsoft's AI Search for Tourism, launched globally, targets the travel industry's shift from SEO to Search Generative Experience (SGE), enhancing content with AI-driven solutions. The platform, supporting multilingual and non-merchant players, aims to transform fragmented data into actionable insights, improving user experiences and operational efficiency. Companies report up to 85% editorial time savings. CEO Christian Sabbagh emphasizes the need for a structured AI adoption path to drive business impact in travel.

💻 Cambodia's Techo International Airport (KTI), replacing Phnom Penh International Airport, partners with Cambodia Airport Investment Co. Ltd. and the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation. This three-runway airport, opening in phases, will handle 13 million passengers initially, expanding to 30 million and 50 million in later phases. Integration of SITA's self-service kiosks, biometric eGates, and real-time baggage tracking offers a fully digital, efficient experience, showcasing a model for smart, sustainable aviation infrastructure in Southeast Asia.

🌍 Falkland Islands Tourist Board launched the Explore Falkland Islands App in collaboration with Outdooractive. Who? Falkland Islands Tourist Board and Outdooractive. When? App developed in 7 weeks, launched early 2025. Where? Falkland Islands. What? A free app for iOS and Android providing access to nearly 100 walking and off-road routes, offline maps, and guides. How? By utilizing Outdooractive’s platform and technology, enhancing global digital presence, and connecting with 60 million outdoor enthusiasts.

✈️ Ethiopian Airlines is adopting Accelya's FLX Select, a New Distribution Capability (NDC) service, to enhance its travel retailing. Leveraging Accelya's expertise, the airline aims to unlock new revenue streams and reduce distribution costs. Accelya powers nearly 50% of global NDC transactions. This adoption aligns with Ethiopian Airlines' strategic focus on retailing amid growing travel demand, while Accelya collaborates with AWS to deliver secure, scalable cloud solutions for modernizing airline retail operations.

🛫 Sweden’s Dala Airport has partnered with Ink Innovation for a direct agreement on the cloud-based Departure Control System (DCS) for check-in, boarding, and baggage operations since 2016. In 2024, Dala Airport handled over 15,300 passengers, including private and leisure charter flights. The airport, serving the Dalarna region, aims for flexibility in service development. The DCS setup allows quick staff training and consistent airline procedures, with potential expansion to mobile devices based on demand.