Innovation

💳 Maestro PMS, based in Markham, Ontario, has enhanced its Online Gift Card module for independent hotels and luxury resorts to boost guest loyalty and brand visibility. According to the 2025 Consumer Holiday Retail Shopping Survey, 81% of consumers plan to buy gift cards this holiday season. The improved module features customizable branded designs and seamless integration across all resort services. This flexibility increases total guest spending and strengthens brand identity through personalized gifting options.

💻 McKinsey's roadmap highlights AI's transition from an assistant to an autonomous decision-maker by focusing on architecture, not just technology. Key actions include mapping journeys, breaking down processes, and deploying AI agents at task levels. Forward-thinking leaders integrate AI with human teams to enhance speed, precision, and outcomes. Emphasis is on transforming operations rather than mere task automation. Explore AI’s potential in your sector to leverage its capabilities. #AI #BusinessStrategy #Automation #TechNews

🌐 On the Phocuswright stage in San Diego, the discussion shifted to the impact of AI on destinations managing changing expectations. By 2025, data sources have expanded, yet challenges remain in utilizing this data effectively. The journey from dashboards to dialogue, and then to delegation, introduces AI agents for specialized tasks like marketing and sustainability. These agents, supported by curated tourism data, empower destinations towards better management and strategic decision-making.

🤖 Over the past quarter, Semrush conducted a major AI visibility study analyzing 230,000 prompts across ChatGPT, Google AI Mode, and Perplexity. ChatGPT notably reduced citations to Reddit and Wikipedia, indicating a shift in its citation model. Only about one-third of Reddit's rankings would have been impacted by the num=100 parameter change, suggesting a deeper recalibration. Google AI and Perplexity were stable, underlining that this shift was specific to ChatGPT aiming for more diverse and unbiased information sources.

🚪 Cloudbeds introduced their 2026 Preferred Partners to enhance hospitality via trusted innovations. WOT Ericeira Lodge in Portugal leverages FLEXIPASS Webkeys for stress-free guest experiences. TESA Hotel, powered by TESA ASSA ABLOY, offers keyless access with secure wireless door locks. Upcoming events include FITUR in Portugal (21-25 January), StayWyse in Hungary (4-5 February), and ITB Berlin in Germany (3-5 March). FLEXIPASS, a leader in keyless solutions, boosts hotel efficiency and guest satisfaction.

🗺 The Osaka Group's new platform, Osaka Connect Dot Com, launched to unify the travel ecosystem, offers 24 products in one place including flights, hotels, and visas. Available in over 120 countries, it features AI-driven automation for real-time integration and multi-currency support. With dynamic pricing and tailored markups, it aims to revolutionize travel management for B2B and B2E markets, providing a smarter, connected experience akin to Amazon in the travel industry.

📅 Mindtrip, an AI-powered tool from San Francisco, launched B2B products to help hotels personalize guest experiences. The platform provides tailored recommendations for local attractions, dining, and activities, enhancing guest engagement pre-stay. Hotels use Mindtrip’s code snippets and templates for integration, offering a seamless experience. Magic Links and geo boundaries connect guests with trusted local partners. The Landsby praises its intuitive setup, launched in weeks, enhancing customer service and marketing expansion.

💳 Mews launched a Zero Dollar Authorization feature to verify guest cards without charging, reducing failed payments and chargebacks for hotels. The feature aims to provide smoother payments and protect revenue without third-party providers. Susanne Sandler of Mews emphasizes its frictionless nature and profitability. Lacey King from Seattle's The Maxwell Hotel highlights time-saving and reliability benefits. Mews also introduces preauthorization to ensure funds availability.