Innovation

🏨 RoomPriceGenie, a leading provider of revenue management systems (RMS) for independent hotels and groups, received a $75 million investment from Five Elms Capital. The investment aims to accelerate RoomPriceGenie's international expansion and enhance its award-winning platform. Chas Scarantino is appointed as the new CEO, while co-founder Ari Andricopoulos transitions to Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), focusing on product innovation and strategic partnerships. Founded in 2017, RoomPriceGenie aims to make automated pricing accessible to independent properties, amidst Skift Research's finding that only about 10% of hoteliers use a dedicated RMS for pricing. The company's new OpenAPI PMS integration, backed by Five Elms Capital's investment and Chas's leadership, will help more independent hotels and groups maximize revenue with automated pricing technology.

📰 Google has updated the content of its emails on Monday to clarify why a Google Business profile video verification is rejected, detailing the three main criteria: displaying the environment to confirm the geographic location, proving the existence of the business with visible signage, and establishing the user's ownership status by showing actions such as unlocking the business. An IFOP study for Guest Suite in 2023 found 92% of French consumers rely on online reviews before making a choice.

🍰 GL events announced the acquisition of Europain and the creation of Sirha Bake & Snack in partnership with Ekip on January 24 at Sirha Lyon. The international event for French Bakery and snacking is set for January 18-21, 2026, at Paris Porte de Versailles. The French Bakery has evolved into a complete dining space, responding to new consumer expectations. Bakery and snacking represent 35% of turnover for baking terminals and 17% for bakeries, marking a strategic repositioning to accelerate sector transformation and internationalization.

💼 IWG opened a new HQ site in Rezé, located in the Brosse activity zone, marking its expansion in France. The company now has 5 sites in the Pays de La Loire region, including 4 in the Nantes metropolis. In 2024, IWG opened 14 new sites, averaging more than one per month. IWG's new site HQ Rezé South Garden officially opens on March 3, providing professionals with local workspaces and enhancing its presence in the Nantes area.

💳 Market Pay acquired Danish payment services provider Altapay, enhancing its presence in Scandinavian markets and addressing SME merchants across Europe. Altapay, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, serves over 400 merchants with online, in-store, and multi-channel payment solutions. The platform offers around 30 local and international payment methods, including BNPL and subscription payments, and supports omnichannel use cases with a unified platform for transaction aggregation and payment data consolidation.

🏝 Three Anantara establishments in Thailand - Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, and Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort - have been officially announced as filming locations for the third season of the Emmy® award-winning HBO® original series, The White Lotus. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, known for its Thai-styled entrance hall, security post, tree-lined entryway, employee parking, and on-site jewelry store, will be showcased in "The White Lotus Thailand".

📶 Professional WiFi access points offer optimal network coverage, advanced connection management, and enhanced security—designed to support numerous devices and maintain consistent service quality. Cisco Meraki excels with cloud management, Aruba brings AI technology for connectivity, Huawei provides high-capacity connection management with competitive pricing, Commscope Ruckus is ideal for dense environments with BeamFlex+ and ChannelFly technologies, Extreme Networks offers solutions for industrial needs, and Cambium Networks features economical yet scalable solutions. Selecting the right WiFi access point depends on user density, coverage area, required features, budget, existing infrastructure, and scalability. Wifirst specializes in customized WiFi solutions for various sectors. The lifespan of a professional WiFi access point averages 5-7 years, with prices ranging from €200 to over €1,500.

🌍 Discover Puerto Rico, the island's tourism office, has teamed up with Mindtrip to integrate generative AI into its platform, creating a conversational interface for travelers to simplify trip planning. The AI assistant can answer questions, design a personalized travel itinerary with photos and an interactive map, and connect visitors with local partners for reservations. This initiative aims to ensure reliable tourist information and has been adopted by other destinations, such as Visit Costa Rica and The Outer Banks.

🌊 In Hawaii, HIS Hawaii's xPloreRide offers a 45-minute augmented reality bus tour of Honolulu, including sites like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, plus a virtual dive into the archipelago's underwater world. Developed with Naked and Synethesia, a joint venture by the University of Tokyo, the tour aims to attract new visitors and re-engage locals with a blend of real and digital landscapes, ensuring historical accuracy with cultural consultant Blaine Kamalani Kia.

💻 The GHR offers a digital customer service (SAV digital) with no registration or agenda required. It provides a platform to discuss digital topics, share challenges, and discover current trends and practices. This live, free forum is open to all GHR members. The next session is on Thursday, March 13, from 16:00 to 17:00. Join the CHAT to engage with digital experts in the hospitality and catering industry.