Innovation

💰 Goulu(e) restaurant in Paris's 15th arrondissement, led by chef Jérôme Penanhoat and Betzuhara Penanhoat, partners with Console SecretBox to enhance gift box sales. The platform offers an intuitive e-commerce store, simplified client purchasing, multiple payment options, and a CSE feature for bulk corporate sales, boasting over 100 features for easy management. Goulu(e) receives 100% of sales directly to their bank account without commission, increasing yearly revenue and simplifying team operations.

🔍 Google launched the Search Generative Experience (SGE), using AI to provide more personalized and detailed search results. SGE allows for more specific queries and follows up questions, enhancing local search with features like a "pack of 5" similar to the Local Pack, colorful result blocks, and embedded maps. Google is also testing the integration of Google Ads and Shopping into AI-generated responses, with further SEO implications for local businesses to increase visibility and relevance.

📱 CRM platforms help brands manage customer relationships by centralizing client information, enabling tailored communications to guide customers towards purchase. They provide access to client history, preferences, and issues, facilitating a better understanding of customers to enhance their satisfaction. CRM software centralizes all client interactions, including emails and social media, to personalize messages and anticipate expectations, aiming to improve customer loyalty. The customer experience encompasses all emotions felt before, during, and after a purchase and is critical for developing brand loyalty. CRM tools are vital in digitally transforming businesses, allowing them to track customer journey and address demands, ultimately boosting client retention and optimizing the overall customer experience. Guest Suite offers a comprehensive platform for Review Management to ensure an optimal customer experience and strengthen brand image through strategic omnichannel interaction analysis.

💸 CRM platforms enable brands to centralize customer data, understand client preferences, and manage interactions for a tailored experience. These solutions integrate various channels like physical stores, websites, and social media, facilitating targeted communication through emails and SMS to guide prospects towards purchase. Effective CRM usage enhances the customer journey by personalizing messages and anticipating needs, thereby improving satisfaction and fostering loyalty. Brands employ CRM to record interactions and analyze campaign statistics, driving conversions and measuring ROI for marketing efforts. Guest Suite offers a comprehensive Review Management platform and personalized support, helping businesses cultivate a customer-centric culture and strengthen their brand image.

🤖 Lufthansa Innovation Hub partners with Munich Airport's Terminal 2 to deploy Ottonomy's AI-powered autonomous robots for passenger assistance. This week, two robots are operational at boarding gates and baggage check-in. Capabilities include scanning QR codes for flight information, tax refunds, rebooking, and compensation for delays. Future features include baggage transport and water distribution to travelers. Terminal 2, co-founded by Lufthansa and Munich Airport, serves as a testing ground for innovations.

📚 In 2020, France experienced a severe economic downturn during the pandemic due to a two-month lockdown and school closures. The education sector adapted by embracing digital solutions for post-bac student recruitment and guidance. Google recorded over 6,600 monthly searches for business schools in Paris. E-reputation and online visibility became key, with student reviews significantly influencing enrollment decisions. The trend of online research and the importance of student opinions are highlighted by the popularity of the search term "avis école" (school reviews) on Google Trends as of November 5, 2020. The article advises schools to collect and showcase authentic student testimonials to enhance online presence and credibility, thereby attracting more students.

💸 HBX Group, a major B2B travel technology marketplace, in collaboration with FinPay, a regulated electronic money institution by the Bank of Spain, will launch HBX Group eWallet in Spain in April 2025 with expansion plans to OECD countries starting June 2025. The platform is a B2B payment solution designed for the travel industry, offering advanced features like integrated financing, invoice access, and complete transaction traceability to digitize, automate B2B payments, reduce transaction costs, and enhance operational scalability.

📱 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will feature Google’s Chief Decision Scientist Cassie Kozyrkov on opening day, alongside experts like futurologist John Duffield and Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. From April 28 to May 1 at Dubai World Trade Centre, global AI experts will discuss its transformative impact on leisure and business travel. Statista reports that since 2020, AI and machine learning represent two-thirds of global tech investment deals by travel and mobility companies. AI adoption in the travel industry ranges from customer planning tools to tourism providers enhancing resource management and personalized services.

📈 Generating in-store traffic in the digital age requires a robust, targeted digital strategy. Utilizing digital marketing, a strong online presence, and specific digital strategies can attract more customers and enhance sales. Key strategies include: - Local visibility: Essential for in-store traffic. - Leverage customer reviews: Build credibility. - Google Posts: Promote offers and events. - Store Locator: Improves physical visits and SEO. - Google Business Profile: Crucial for attracting store traffic. - Local online ads: Can quickly boost recognition. Optimize local SEO with precise activity categories and collect regular Google reviews. Make your Google Business Profile appealing with engaging descriptions and high-quality photos. Use Google Posts to announce in-store events and promotions, and introduce Click & Collect services. Encourage and respond to online customer reviews. Create an interactive store locator to facilitate store finding and enhance customer experience. If the budget allows, use targeted local advertising through Google Ads and social media campaigns to increase visibility and local traffic. Guest Suite supports over 10,000 retail outlets with their local visibility management.

💾 Mak Abdelkafi, Senior Sales Director at Mews, showcases AI integration in hotel operations, enhancing operational processes and customer experiences. AI in Mews has been actively integrated for three years, initially improving technical support through chatbots, learning to provide better responses. Another application is room assignment optimization, known as "tetris", maximizing revenue through strategic long-stay allocations. AI also compiles customer experiences across hotels for personalized service upon reservation or call.