Innovation

💼 Hilton and Mindspace, first quarter 2026, Gendarmenmarkt—introducing an innovative hybrid model that combines coworking spaces with hotel facilities. This strategic initiative aims to transform hotel assets into multifunctional environments, catering to both travelers and local professionals.

💻 Google Labs and Google DeepMind have launched Pomelli, an AI marketing tool for SMBs, in November 2025. Pomelli helps generate scalable, on-brand social media campaigns quickly, eliminating the need for extensive time, budget, and design expertise. The tool analyzes a business's website to create a "Business DNA" profile, ensuring consistent content across channels. Pomelli aims to overcome significant obstacles SMBs face in content creation.

📓 Planning a trip to the Rockies, the author struggled with organizing scattered information until using Google’s AI-powered NotebookLM. The tool synthesized data from flight confirmations, hotel options, and various online sources, surfacing relevant details such as restaurants near hotels and hiking trail proximity. Unlike traditional travel apps, NotebookLM preserved decision-making context. Though it doesn't auto-generate itineraries or support group collaboration efficiently, it transformed trip planning into a streamlined process, turning research into a cohesive knowledge base.

💻 Millennials are optimistic about AI, while Gen Z is more skeptical. In June, over 60% of Gen Z users engaged with ChatGPT. Tech giants spent $241 billion on AI infrastructure in 2024, equaling 0.82% of US GDP. AI chip imports reached $200 billion annually. Northern Virginia leads data center development. OpenAI’s Company Knowledge for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, and Edu users pulls context from connected apps. WPP launched Open Pro, an AI marketing platform for smaller enterprises.

📹 Global creator population is projected to reach 1.1 billion by 2032, according to MiDiA. 63% of video creators use AI tools regularly. In 2025, average weekly creation time decreased to 2.8 hours, with 44% of creators reducing their time, citing burnout. Growth is driven by smartphone-first markets like Brazil and India. Advanced creators rapidly adopt AI (69%). Companies evolve into social-first production, with platforms improving monetization for creators transforming into studios.

💳 Victor Lugger, co-founder of Big Mamma, developed the Sunday app during the pandemic to improve restaurant payment experiences. Implementing a QR-code payment system allowed guests to pay by phone, increasing convenience and tips. It freed servers for more guest interaction. With over 3,000 restaurants in the U.S. and Europe using it, Sunday integrates with POS systems and offers features like check splitting and Google reviews. Lugger raised $100 million to expand, planning a Miami opening soon.

📈 Hotels are shifting from room rate focus to total profitability. The guide "From Revenue Manager to Commercial Strategist" emphasizes strategic planning over tactical pricing. 76% of revenue managers' tasks are non-revenue generating. AI and BI systems are freeing this time, allowing strategy focus. By 2025, profitability is about total guest contribution, not just room revenue. Nicole Young of Rosewood Hotel Group highlights revenue optimization as key for new trends in hospitality.