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💳 Integrated payment systems seamlessly connect payment processing with sales, inventory, and accounting through Property Management Systems (PMS) or Point of Sale (POS) systems. They allow secure acceptance of multiple payment methods, automatic transaction data updates, and advanced security features, improving customer experience and reducing staff workload. These systems follow key steps from payment initiation to real-time inventory and accounting software updates. They cater to various hospitality needs—hotels, resorts, vacation rentals—and offer benefits such as easing manual data entry, real-time data exchange, and automation of payment processes. Integrated payments accept local and QR payments, loyalty rewards, gift cards, and one-click payments. They ensure data security through tokenization and comply with PCI DSS standards. Shiji and Planet's partnership provides integrated payment solutions for hospitality and F&B services, enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency.

📙 The hospitality sector, with 1 million workers and an annual need for 100,000 skilled individuals, sees only 50,000 new trainees each year. In response, an accord was signed by syndicate and employer representatives of Cafés-Hotels-Restaurants (HCR) after 24 months of intense negotiations. This agreement aims to boost resources for professional training, improve continuous education, support new employees, and valorize sector jobs by investing in information, orientation, and validation of prior experience (VAE). Initiatives under this agreement will be implemented nationally and regionally to address local needs.

🏨 Modern booking engines in the hotel industry are crucial for automating reservations and enhancing customer experience. They now feature AI integration, personalized recommendations, and multilingual support. From rudimentary systems in the 90s to sophisticated platforms today, these engines have evolved to offer real-time syncing with Property Management Systems (PMS) and secure online payments. Recent innovations like chatbots, virtual reality tours, and data analysis through AI are improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Trends like mobile-first design, social media integration, contactless experiences, and advanced personalization are shaping the future of booking engines. Hotels adopting these technologies can offer exceptional reservation experiences, increase customer loyalty, and stay competitive.

🏖 Reforming France's national tourism brands leads to improved labels and service excellence. The initiative was published on StyQR on July 30, 2024, with alterations dating back to July 29, 2024. The article is available in multiple languages, including French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and emphasizes the improvement of tourism services.

🍴 Cristina Chomet-Tejeda and Pierre Chomet met in London in 2013. They opened Ambos in Paris' VIe arrondissement in December 2022, funded by the Gault&Millau Young Talents endowment, and recently launched Tina, a tapas bar. Cristina's background includes experiences with chefs like Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse, while Pierre trained in Dinard, worked with Éric Frechon in Bristol, Arnaud Donckele, and participated in Top Chef 2021. Ambos serves 60 covers per day with an average ticket of 100 €.

🏅 During the first week of the Olympic Games, Paris saw a 16% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2023, including a 17.3% increase among French nationals and 14.8% for foreigners, totaling 650,000 additional tourists. Notable spikes in visitors were observed near Club France in the XIXe arrondissement (+35.4% on July 28), Porte de Versailles (+167% on July 28), and Stade de France (+45% on July 27 and +14% on July 28). Hotel occupancy rates are expected to hit nearly 90% for the upcoming weekend, especially near Olympic sites. The average city-wide hotel price is 218% of last week's rate (down from €258 on July 24). Reservations for the Paralympic Games period (August 28 - September 8) are up 5-10% from 2023.

Une demeure du XVIe siècle située dans un vaste domaine boisé de 6 hectares sera le cadre du prochain hôtel haut de gamme de Vannes (Morbihan), dont l’ouverture est prévue…

🏅 Paris Olympic Games' opening ceremony took place last Friday. Local Parisian business, especially cafes and restaurants, faced security measures throughout July, leading to a revenue drop of 20-25%, with some areas seeing activity decreases up to 80%, as reported by Alain Fontaine, president of the French Association of Master Restaurateurs. Despite long-term positive economic impact predictions by the Medef president, local professionals remain anxious.

🏠 Relais & Châteaux, with 580 members, showcases progress in its second sustainability report on 15 goals related to environmental protection, sustainable cuisine, and social impact. Aiming for heightened sustainability for its 70th anniversary, new commitments will be unveiled in November. President Laurent Gardinier and a new 7-member commission, including experts like Aggie Banda and Mauro Colagreco, will address social and environmental challenges.

🏅 France to host Winter Olympics in the French Alps from February 1-17, 2030, with Paralympics from March 1-10, 2030. This follows Paris hosting in 2023. France was the sole candidate since November and must provide financial guarantees by October 1. Events will take place across Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Briançon, and Nice, utilizing existing venues like La Plagne's bobsleigh track, Courchevel's ski jump, and Méribel's Roc de Fer ski course. Ice sports, excluding speed skating, will be in Nice; speed skating may be outside France. Five Olympic villages are planned to house athletes within 30 minutes of venues.