Innovazione

🏆 Google is beta-testing a digital passport feature in Google Wallet, announced by Alan Stapelberg, the project manager. This new type of digital ID will allow U.S. passport holders to upload their passport to Google Wallet and use it at enabled TSA checkpoints in airports.

📍 In a new partnership, Gruppo Volonline and ParkinGO will offer integrated services to agencies and clients, involving Volonline brands—Volonline, Teorema Vacanze, Reisenplatz, Volonclick, and the Mrh Group travel agency network. A custom telebooking system developed by ParkinGO allows rapid, discounted parking reservations at ParkinGO facilities. This move, part of a digitization effort, aims to improve operational efficiency and user experience, as emphasized by Volonline's founder and CEO, Luigi Deli.

🌎 Tui Group expands to Latin America with a new digital platform, leveraging expertise from teams in Spain and Portugal and partnerships in Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, and Colombia. CEO Sebastian Ebel underscores Tui's experience, offerings, and technological infrastructure to provide exceptional holidays globally.

📡 United Airlines partners with Starlink to offer free onboard wifi to customers. Tests to begin early next year, with the first flights expected to have the service by the end of 2025. The plan includes equipping the entire United fleet over the coming years, providing access to online TV channels, streaming services, social media, shopping, and gaming.

🚢 The 64th International Boat Show of Genoa features the 5th edition of the Design Innovation Award, highlighting excellence and innovation in nautical design. Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano, chairs the independent jury for the second consecutive year. The event spans ten categories with three Special Awards for Innovation, Career, and Talent. The award ceremony takes place on September 20 at Genoa's Palazzo della Borsa. Marina Stella, General Manager of Confindustria Nautica, emphasizes the show's role as an international showcase and incubator for the sector's latest trends and innovations.

✈ Latam is renovating 24 Boeing 787s starting September to improve its fleet and passenger experience. The $360,000 investment covers new cabin interiors, seats, entertainment, and design enhancements. The upgrade includes a new Premium Business cabin with Recaro R7 seats offering more privacy and comfort, making Latam the first in South America with such features. Economy seats are also ergonomically redesigned, while Economy Plus provides extra legroom, recline, footrests, and exclusive luggage space, as detailed by Latam's VP of customer area, Paulo Miranda.

📈 Carrie Tharp of Google Cloud and Gary Wiseman of Sabre Travel Solutions discuss AI's role in travel at a webinar. AI uses millions of data to personalize travel instantly. Over the next decade, AI will be applied at every stage of travel, not as a differentiator, but as a customer expectation. Travel Email IQ and Sabre’s 'Booking Engine Concierge' set for 2025 release, will automate travel planning processes and provide AI-based bots for direct customer interactions.

🍽 Corporate canteens increasingly use self-service with automated checkout systems utilizing AI and machine learning for swift and accurate transactions, enhancing employee lunch breaks by reducing queue times to about five seconds and improving stock management through real-time, error-free data collection. Integration with apps allows for employee payments via badge and table reservations to further streamline the dining experience and eliminate waiting times.

📱 Chekin offers an innovative solution for property managers to automate check-in procedures, reducing the time spent on daily operations and improving guest satisfaction. The platform simplifies guest communication by sending automated messages with check-in instructions and property details, allowing customization and scheduled delivery. It integrates with property management systems for real-time booking synchronization and automates routine tasks like booking confirmations. Chekin facilitates automated check-ins, including identity verification and key distribution, supporting remote access via smart locks. Compliance with legal guest registration is automated, ensuring legal conformity. Administrative burdens are lessened by digitalizing check-in processes and managing rental contracts and tourist taxes digitally. Post-check-in, Chekin enhances guest experiences with seamless communication for ongoing support and integrates feedback mechanisms. Upselling through the platform allows property managers to offer additional services, tapping into extra revenue streams. Adopting Chekin is a strategic move for property managers aiming for operational excellence in short-term rental management.