Innovation

💸 In 2024, mobile wallets surged by 30% in travel transactions, now comprising 37% of total sales. 10% of under-34s abandon bookings without mobile payments, while 74% use digital wallets when traveling. "Buy Now, Pay Later" options appealed to over 10%, increasing spending, with Floa noting a 20% growth in these payments. Airlines face $20.3 billion in payment costs annually, equating to 2.2% of revenue and 78% of net profit. 41% of travel firms cite payment management as a major financial stressor.

🛫 Tampa International Airport in Florida has partnered with Sotereon.AI to deploy Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors for heightened security and operational efficiency. LiDAR technology, which uses laser pulses to measure distances, will enhance passenger and vehicle flow management. This initiative, one of the largest in the U.S., includes strategic installations for real-time data access. Similar technology was previously used at Orlando International Airport for pandemic safety measures.

🌐 2025, Booking.com surveyed 37,000 consumers across 33 markets to evaluate AI's role in travel. 91% are excited about AI, 98% used it for travel planning, and 79% are familiar with it. 71% use AI to avoid crowded destinations, and 45% rely on it for translation. Regional enthusiasm varies: Latin America (98%), Asia (95%), Europe (86%), America (81%). Despite AI's benefits, 35% find it impersonal. 69% see it simplifying life, while 25% remain skeptical.

✈️ Evitado Technologies raised over $3 million (approximately €2.5 million) in a funding round co-led by Morado Ventures and elev8.vc, with IAGi Ventures participating. This funding supports the development of ELVIZ, a real-time 3D LiDAR safety monitoring platform for automating ground operations at airports, enhancing efficiency and safety. British Airways, a collaborator for three years, uses this technology in their short-haul maintenance base for aircraft safety and operational precision.

💻 Sabre, in July 2025, launched the SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace, a platform centralizing access to travel content, including 38 NDC airlines, 150 low-cost carriers, and over 2 million accommodations. A survey across 14 countries found 91% of agencies use at least four booking systems. The platform uses AI to streamline processes, aiming to cut operational costs and enhance customer satisfaction by simplifying offer searches and comparisons. 95% of agencies report challenges due to content fragmentation.

💻 In recent years, selfcare has emerged as a crucial solution to improve customer service. According to a Forrester study, 72% of customers prefer self-service for queries, yet only half find the desired information online. Selfcare enhances customer autonomy, reduces wait times, and increases satisfaction. Tools like dynamic FAQs, chatbots, and community support spaces facilitate this. Monitoring KPIs, such as NPS and CES, ensures effective implementation and customer satisfaction.

📞 Derbysoft, in July 2025, unveils AI Voice Agent to automate repetitive phone calls for business travel agencies. It's designed for the business travel segment, where 30% of bookings require manual intervention. The tool can confirm reservations, verify payment details, and manage cancellations, operating 24/7. Over 75% of bookings no longer need human intervention. It integrates easily via API or CSV and complies with GDPR. Further functionalities will include group reservation confirmations and refund statuses.

💻 BizTrip.AI launched at the GBTA convention in Denver, aiming to revolutionize corporate travel booking using AI. Targeting business travelers, companies, TMCs, and OBTs, they currently partner with Moderna and Cain Travel. The platform promises 8% travel cost savings: 4% from continuous price tracking and rebooking, and an additional 4% from reduced fees and time savings. It offers a personalized interface that anticipates needs, aligning with company travel policies.

✈️ TCab Tech signs a $1 billion deal with Emirati group Autocraft for 350 eVTOL E20 aircraft for the MENA region. The Chinese manufacturer aims to advance urban air mobility with these flying taxis, capable of 260 km/h and carrying 4 passengers. A preliminary agreement was made in November 2024. Certification talks with UAE aviation authorities are ongoing, and the deal was signed in Shanghai with key UAE officials present.

🏨 Ennismore, avec plus de 180 hôtels ouverts et 140 en projet, participe au panel « Hospitality Disruptors » pour discuter de l'avenir de l'hospitalité. Nicolas Stachowiak souligne que la perturbation est essentielle à leur ADN, visant à repenser l'expérience de vie en programmant des espaces avec un but précis. Ennismore se concentre sur la création de marques significatives et de destinations culinaires attrayantes, intégrant le style de vie, la créativité et la communauté.