TOP NEWS

🍴 Small restaurants saw a 0.4% sales growth in June 2025 compared to June 2024, but faced a -2.6% drop in transactions and -2.5% decline in foot traffic. The broader small business index revealed a 1.4% sales drop from May to June, with foot traffic down 2%. Among 2 million small businesses, only 13 states reported positive foodservice performance in June versus 34 in May. Alaska led growth at 5%, while the U.S. unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%.

💬 In 2025, guest reviews are evolving, emphasizing recency, integration, and AI. Booking.com's new scoring system gives weight to recent reviews, reflecting hotels' current status. In Q1 2025, 66% of reviews included text, proving its importance. Response time has halved, averaging three days now. Integration with platforms like Reviewpro improves efficiency, reducing response time from two weeks to five days. AI aids in drafting responses, but human oversight remains crucial. Negative feedback is a growth opportunity, enhancing marketing and guest satisfaction.

💻 Jurny and Visual Matrix have partnered to automate hotel operations, impacting over 300,000 rooms. The integration offers tools like contactless mobile check-in/out, real-time messaging, and AI-driven upsells. It enhances personalization and efficiency without increasing staff. Phase II will feature voice-activated AI. Patty Jefferson highlights immediate benefits, while Luca Zambello emphasizes the potential for autonomous operations. This collaboration aims to streamline operations, boost revenue, and meet rising guest expectations.

🛠️ ADA Cosmetics, a pioneer in hotel skincare, introduces the Refillution—a groundbreaking refill system for hotel cosmetics. It addresses cost, labor, and sustainability challenges. The system refills 300ml dispensers in seconds, reducing labor and storage needs. Using recyclable 10-liter cubitainers, it cuts plastic waste by up to 95%, saving 4.5 kg of plastic per room annually. With a contact-free process and compliance with EU and US regulations, it enhances hygiene and sustainability in the hospitality industry.

📚 2025-07-01, Vanshikha Dhar emphasizes the importance for hoteliers to stay updated with industry publications. These resources are crucial for smarter Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), pricing strategies, technology adoption, and staff management. The article was published on the Hotelogix Blog and targets the hospitality industry, encouraging continuous learning and adaptation to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness.

✈️ Jet2.com, the UK's third-largest airline, partners with Kyte for distribution. As of this month, Kyte's API platform will offer Jet2.com’s flights and ancillaries. Jet2.com operates 135 aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Airbus A321 neos, across 13 UK bases to over 75 destinations. The airline is recognized for a 10 kg cabin baggage allowance and excellent service. This partnership aims to expand market reach and customer access to Jet2.com’s services.

💻 Jurny and Visual Matrix have partnered to revolutionize hotel operations. By integrating AI-driven tools within the Visual Matrix PMS, hotels can now offer contactless mobile check-in, real-time guest messaging, and revenue-generating upsells. This collaboration targets over 300,000 rooms, providing scalable, personalized service without extra staff. Phase II will introduce Jurny’s voice-activated AI, further enhancing guest experiences. The platform aims to streamline operations, increase revenue, and maintain service quality amidst staffing challenges.

💻 HITEC 2025 showcases AI-driven guest engagement solutions. Sabre Hospitality introduces SynXis Concierge.AI, offering personalized, multilingual support across over 50 languages. The AI enhances guest experiences via chatbots on websites, social media, and phone systems, complementing human interaction. Hotels can improve direct bookings by integrating AI-driven discovery and rich content. AI also helps reduce cancellations by simplifying processes like clarifying pet policies. Influencer partnerships amplify demand, as seen with a luxury property selling out after a campaign.

🎶 Every Wednesday, Meliá White House in London launches "Sip & Sax," a jazz series at '35 Bar & Lounge. Enjoy signature cocktails inspired by jazz records while listening to live music. Highlights include "Trouble in Mind," "Key To The Highway," and "I Wanna Get Funky." Guests can stay overnight in Mediterranean-inspired rooms or the exclusive Jazz Suite featuring a record player and curated jazz records. Book a table online or call +44 207 391 3000.