Innovazione

🏨 Welcomeasy, a hotel check-in management software, is renamed Wiisy effective from October 14. Wiisy is designed to streamline the check-in process and handle bureaucratic tasks efficiently, enhancing tourism presence management via a centralized platform both web and app-based. It securely stores check-ins, automatically sends reports to Portale Alloggiati Web and ISTAT, integrates with smart locks, self check-in systems, and major PMS, and calculates tourist taxes. The multi-account system facilitates team collaboration without extra costs, while also offering advanced analytics and reporting tools for occupancy data.

🏖️ Forrester Research predicts the global travel market will grow at a 6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2028, outpacing the world economy. Global travel spending is projected to exceed 2019 levels, reaching over $2 trillion in 2024. The United States and Europe drive this growth, aided by rising middle classes in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. International travel is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, while the growth of online travel agencies (OTAs) is highlighted, with seven major OTAs accounting for nearly 46% of global online travel spending in 2024, up from 40% in 2022. The United Kingdom leads in online travel expenditure with 71%, followed by China and Australia. In key markets, travel spending accounts for up to 6.5% and 6.2% of total household consumption in the UK and the US/Germany, respectively. The U.S. remains the largest travel market, with spending predicted to reach $650 billion by 2028, up from $566 billion. The travel market in China is expected to recover to 99% of pre-pandemic levels by 2026, marking a significant rebound, while the UK is the second-largest European travel market, projected at $77 billion in 2024.

🏖️ In response to economic uncertainties, the hospitality sector is focusing on local tourism. Post-pandemic "revenge travel" demand has shifted, requiring updated marketing and continuous training in advanced technologies for competitive success. The "staycation" trend, where travelers prefer destinations within 3-4 hours’ drive from home, demands tailored offers to cater to local experiences. Comprehensive multi-channel strategies, including geolocation services and personalized online content for local stays, are crucial. Investing in personalized services and loyalty programs is also advised to build strong customer relationships and ensure growth in uncertain times.

🛠 Ok Home offers comprehensive solutions for short-term rental management, focusing on automated processes such as self check-in and online check-in, which enable guests to enter their accommodations independently using a web app with digital keys or personalized access codes. These systems increase efficiency, improve guest experience, and provide higher security through traceable entries. Additionally, Ok Home's platforms streamline the online check-in process and facilitate direct communication with the official Italian police platform, Alloggiati Web, for reporting guest stay details. Ok Home's calendar integration with major OTAs and channel managers like Beddy and Octorate enhances booking management, while automated messaging and a virtual reception improve guest communications. Advanced systems also monitor real-time energy and gas consumption, helping to prevent waste, reduce operational costs, and support environmental sustainability.

✈ Air France rebrands its Premium Economy to "Premium" for a more exclusive offering. Majority of the fleet will feature new, wider reclining seats by end 2025. The upgrade comes 15 years after the class was first introduced, enhancing service including dining. The expanded Premium seat will be available on selected Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, covering around 80% of the fleet by end of 2025, offering 94-97 cm legroom and an adjustable footrest.

🎢 Scarlet Lady, the first cruise ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet, will undergo a full restyling in mid-November. The renovation includes new suites, revamped dining with Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle, and 24 ocean-view Seriously Suites. Grounds Club Too will become a contemporary space with a bar and lounge, and deck 16 will feature new VIP Cabanas. Upgrades also cover the spa and casino. Post-refit, a 16-night transatlantic voyage from Rome to Miami with stops at Barcelona, Malaga, Madera, and Tenerife is planned for the winter season.

💰 Glamour and Travel Ledger partnership enables rapid, efficient financial process automation, offering new booking services at the upcoming TTG Travel Experience. Over 1000 Italian agencies will benefit from reduced banking costs, enhanced transparency, and direct money control through TL Pay account, without additional charges.

🚀 By 2040, air passenger demand is expected to reach 8 billion according to IATA projections. Sita's Passenger Insights 2024 report shows airline users consider technology essential, adopting digital air travel via smartphones - the new "remote control of travel." 70% are comfortable having a Digital Travel Credential on their devices, while 64% desire shorter airport queues through biometrics, despite half expressing data privacy concerns. Travelers have an average comfort level of 6.7/10 with biometrics. Sustainability is also a priority, with passengers willing to pay 11% more on ticket costs to offset carbon emissions, take slower or lighter flights to reduce environmental impact.

🏨 In Ferrara, Hotel Annunziata, part of Consorzio Visit Ferrara, has adopted an AI-powered chatbot to welcome visitors and provide real-time information. The AI chatbot, designed by AI Kosmo as a "digital concierge," responds to FAQs about the hotel, stay, and local tips. It allows staff to focus on complex guest needs. Users can interact with the chatbot via the hotel's website for immediate room availability and booking. The hotel replaced all QR codes with one chatbot-dedicated QR code, streamlining access to hotel information and local recommendations.

📚 The Italian version of the 'Experience Abu Dhabi Experts' e-learning platform targets industry professionals to impart skills for creating memorable experiences in Abu Dhabi. The platform contains specialized content organized into nine modules, covering Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage, iconic monuments, and lodging options. Successful completion of the training awards a certificate, officially recognizing the participant as an ‘Experience Abu Dhabi Expert’. Originally available in English, German, French, Mandarin, Russian, Hindi, Arabic, and now Italian, the platform aims to be accessible in 13 languages globally.