Margot Ladiray

💡 EcoFlow, a Chinese startup, showcased a solar hat at CES Las Vegas that protects from the sun and charges phone batteries using integrated solar panels. The solar hat, named "Power Hat," takes 3-4 hours to charge a phone and features USB outputs for recharging. It’s dustproof and water-jet resistant, priced at 99 euros, catering to travelers and hikers wanting to avoid battery issues.

📸 TUI introduces Lena, an AI-powered content creator, to inspire customers and provide travel information. Lena was chosen by a 2,000-person panel from 5 TUI-presented profiles. Available in Belgium and the Netherlands, she's not intended to replace "physical ambassadors of TUI." Piet Demeyere, Head of External Communication TUI Belgium, shares Lena's dedicated role in brand promotion, a move unique to the Belgian and Dutch subsidiaries but open for other markets to adopt. Lena independently generates content based on assigned destinations and offers.

🏨 Mews, a unicorn specialized in hotel management, acquired Clarity Hospitality Software Solutions, a New Zealand-based SaaS for hotel and event management, after buying HS3 Hotelsoftware in May 2024 and raising $100 million in September 2024. Clarity, founded in 1992, manages thousands of rooms worldwide, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region and the UK. Mews CEO Matt Welle stated this 12th acquisition aims to expand their international hotel network and presence in the UK and Asia-Pacific markets.

🏠 Korner, founded two years ago and launched in October 2024, operates six hotels with a decentralized management model, planning to expand to 40 hotels by 2030 and raise funds in 2025. Tested4You, started in 2019, shifted to a B2B model, offering verified consumer video reviews, and aims to lead in this space in 2025 after joining the CES Las Vegas. GreenGo, after raising 3 million euros, targets international growth and recognition as a sustainable accommodation leader, also launching a search engine for eco-friendly stays in France. Luniwave, part of France Tourisme Tech, outfits 7 B&B Hotels with water-saving tech and anticipates a rewards program for eco-conscious guests, following a 1 million euro funding round in September 2024 with another planned for 2025. FullSoon, created in 2022, leverages AI to cut food waste in restaurants and offers solutions to reduce carbon footprints, working with chains like McDonald's and backed by investors including Accor.