Innovazione

🏨 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.

🏆 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.