Innovation

📱 In the hospitality sector, the A2A concept envisions AI systems like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini communicating autonomously to book travel, parallel to email's SMTP protocol. Corporate travel agents will likely manage business trips, while leisure bookings may occur via platforms like OpenAI and Google. The shift will be from OTA reliance to agent-driven interactions, echoing the centralized control seen in email service adoption by Gmail and Yahoo. Understanding A2A is crucial for industry preparedness.

📚 Christian H. Clerc, President & CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection and an EHL alumnus, shares insights on hospitality in the Back of House episode. He reflects on the influence of his grandmother’s kitchen in Umbria and emphasizes how food, travel, and human connection shaped his career. The discussion highlights innovation in hospitality through curiosity, courage, and the human touch, underscoring that true excellence is timeless despite evolving trends.

💻 88% of companies use AI, but real change remains elusive; two-thirds are in pilot stages. Only 10% have scaled AI agents effectively. Just 6% of firms see profits by redesigning systems and setting growth goals. Successful AI integration demands leadership involvement. Companies excel when humans and AI collaborate, treating people as co-pilots. McKinsey's State of AI 2025 report underscores the need for ambition and redesign to transform work effectively. #FutureOfWork #AI #Leadership

📱 Forward-thinking hotels are using advanced AI sales assistants for event bookings. Traditional chatbots often fail, but new AI systems can enhance revenue with an ROI of $3 to $10 per dollar invested. With a 20% improvement in conversion rates, hotels can gain $450,000 extra annually from 2,000 inquiries. AI ensures rapid responses, crucial as 61% of RFPs go to the first three bidders. Group sales hit $190 billion in 2024, highlighting the potential of smarter AI investments.

📈 In a new Skift and Mews report, published in 2024, hotels are encouraged to shift focus from room-based metrics to guest-centric strategies, like Revenue per Available Guest (RevPAG). Lifestyle brands like Ennismore derive over 60% of revenue from non-room sources. From 2024 to 2025, Mews Spaces doubled participating businesses from 1,179 to 2,223, with reservations increasing by 230%. This guest-centric approach aims to enhance experiences and boost long-term asset value.

🛌 Asli Kutlucan, CEO Europe at TFE Hotels, discusses TFE’s European growth strategy on the Pillow Talk Sessions Podcast with hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski. TFE is focusing on “casual living,” blending hotel comfort and home flexibility with brands like Adina and MM:NT. Upcoming UK launches in Cambridge and Glasgow emphasize adaptive reuse and tech innovation, enhancing operational efficiency. This approach targets a new generation valuing design, autonomy, and digital convenience in hospitality.

🏨 Jannes Sörensen, founder of Kepler Hotel Group and Kepler International Hospitality Academy, joins Matthias Huettebraeuker to discuss rethinking hotel experiences. Drawing from his leadership of luxury hotels like The Beaumont in London, Sörensen emphasizes focusing on fundamental human needs rather than preemptive solutions. This approach aims to create more meaningful, memorable stays for guests. Music for the episode by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound.

🌎 World Travel Market 2025 concluded at Excel London, where Trip.com Group emphasized the strategic evolution of global travel. Highlights included a 53% rise in interest for cultural experiences and a 300% increase in demand for wellness-sport packages. Trip.com introduced Trip.Planner in the UK, aiming for European expansion. 92% of travelers showed interest in sustainable travel, yet less than 60% acted on it, underscoring the need for responsible travel solutions.