Innovation

💎 Marc Larminaux joined Lalique as a designer after completing his studies, including a Master in Industrial Design from Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London, and a BTS in ceramic and glass design from Olivier de Serres School of Applied Arts, Paris. Twenty-two years later, he leads the creation department, working closely with six designers and emphasizing the fine decor that embodies Lalique's signature contrast between satin and repolished finishes, merging cutting-edge industrial technologies with artisanal craftsmanship passed down through generations.

💰 Hands In, a UK startup, secured over €1.1 million in funding led by CONCRYT with participation from business angel Ryta Zasiekina. The company was founded in 2022 and previously raised nearly €600,000 in pre-seed funding in 2023. Hands In's split payment solution contributed to generating $6 million in additional revenue for Air Europa. The fresh capital will be used to expand partnerships, develop product offerings, and support growth in 2025.

🌍 On March 5, 2025, Trip.com and WTTC unveiled the "Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism" report at ITB Berlin, identifying 4 innovations that could transform travel, including quantum computing and nuclear fusion. The report, evaluating 16 technologies, predicts the resurgence of supersonic aviation within 4 years and foresees quantum computing optimizing air traffic in real-time. By the end of the decade, AI could surpass mere automation, with a survey of 8,000 travelers showing 97% interest in a "super app" for travel. The study highlights the first 100% sustainable fuel transatlantic flight by Virgin Atlantic and notes the Bahamas' aim to attract space launch spectators in the budding space tourism sector.

📱 HiJiffy, an AI-based hotel communication solutions leader, announced a new partnership with Expedia Group, enabling hoteliers to manage traveler messages from Expedia directly via the HiJiffy Console. This integration streamlines conversation management, saving time and resources while enhancing customer experience. Features include full conversation history access, individual message search, file attachments, and real-time alerts for messages before, during, and after stays. This centralization improves efficiency and responsiveness, offering a smoother, personalized experience for travelers.

💬 Google rolled out a feature allowing users to react to local business reviews with expressive emojis on mobile apps for Google Search and Google Maps, enhancing online review interactivity. Previously, Google experimented with local review reactions about a year ago and emoji-based review filters years prior, aiming for more engaging, intuitive interactions with reviews. This update aligns with Google’s goal to improve customer experience by making reviews more interactive.

💳 Visito unveils AI bookings for hotel room searches, reservations, and payments via WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, aiming to streamline the reservation process and reduce reliance on OTA for hotels. Integration with major hotel software like Cloudbeds and SiteMinder is established, and Mews integration is upcoming. Visito's conversational assistants generated over 2 million interactions in 2024, and the company plans to expand in Europe, already working with properties there.

💻 Shiji, a leading global provider of hotel technology solutions, announced a complete brand overhaul, unifying its product range under a coherent brand structure. This transformation introduces a new identity, reflecting Shiji's commitment to 24/7 support and innovative solutions for the global hospitality industry. Over the past 25 years, Shiji evolved from an IT services company to a global tech powerhouse, offering solutions in property management, point of sale, reputation management, distribution, payments, and customer engagement. The company's growth included several strategic acquisitions, leading to a complex brand and product landscape, now streamlined under a unified platform as stated by CEO Kevin King.

📱 Deutsche Telekom and Perplexity unveiled the AI Phone at Mobile World Congress 2025, aiming to replace the traditional app model with a conversational AI interface. CEO Tim Höttges of Deutsche Telekom, which also heads T-Mobile, anticipates a summer 2025 release with partners including Google Cloud AI, Eleven Labs, and Picsart. The AI Phone seeks to eliminate the need for mobile apps, passwords, and the use of personal data, proposing to streamline the online service booking experience. Despite potential skepticism, Deutsche Telekom plans to integrate new services throughout 2025.

🏢 Kempinski Hotels appointed Karin Raguin as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to focus on talent development and organizational growth. Raguin brings over 20 years of human resources experience in the luxury and fashion industry, having served as LVMH's Senior Vice President of Human Resources in China since 2022. She led a team of over 35 department heads and was integral to LVMH's Global Tech Board. Kempinski has a dedicated workforce of over 19,000 employees globally.