Innovation

🏕 In 2024, Israel recorded 962,000 international visitors, with France being the second-largest source at 130,700 visitors, or 13.6% of the total. Tourism revenues reached approximately 5.7 billion shekels (over 1.5 billion euros), with an average spend of $1,650 per visitor. December 2024 saw 75,900 international arrivals, a 44% increase from December 2023, indicating a recovery and growing confidence, especially among French travelers.

💾 Merim Groupe, a major partner of fast food chains for 25 years, launched QSR Link aiming to become the leading digital brand for quick-service and street food restaurants. By combining Reboot and Symbioz software technologies, QSR Link targets the entire quick-service restaurant market while reinforcing its leadership. The QSR Link team, with extensive industry experience, leverages technological innovations to meet operational needs of restaurant networks.

📖 Claire Fay, Founder of BlinkBook, highlighted the integration of digital technology in cultural institutions at the Museum Connections event. Emphasizing the need for tangible engagement, Fay combines hands-on activities like coloring with digital applications to create personalized animations. This approach aims to provide an interactive and memorable experience for the young audience, balancing the real and virtual worlds to avoid overwhelming children with excessive digital immersion. Digital tools are seen as a means to enhance merchandise and foster shared experiences.

🎨 Dries De Geyter, Co-founder of Lean Mean Learning Machine was interviewed at Museum Connections. Discussed was AI's role in museums, offering personalized interactions with art, information on demand, and communication tailored to visitor profiles including children, adults, experts, or novices. AI also gathers valuable data on visitor interests, aiding museums in enhancing communication and exhibitions. Future developments may include more personalized AI voices and extending AI's role beyond museum walls.

🎨 Jean-Marc Tillé, Directeur Commercial France at Connect&GO, discussed the digital transformation in the leisure and amusement park sector during the Museum Connections trade show. This transformation allows visitors to better prepare for their visits and professionals to improve organization.

🎨 Elisabeth Gravil, Founder of Museovation, discusses the adoption of generative AI by museums during an interview at Museum Connections. Museovation is dedicated to the digital transformation of museums. No specific dates, locations, numbers, or statistical information provided in the text excerpt.

🍴 According to a 2016 Deloitte study, 80% of French people now have smartphones with internet access. Smartphone usage has led to the emergence of the "augmented consumer," who uses their device to find restaurants and other services. Establishments can optimize their online visibility through up-to-date websites and efficient use of Google My Business. The takeaway market, now over 10% of the food consumption outside the home, presents new opportunities for restaurants. A robust digital presence is deemed essential for restaurant businesses.

🎨 Philippe Goodman, co-founder of Goodman AI, discusses the impact of generative AI on the cultural sector at the Museum Connections event. Generative AI has become entrenched in cultural institutions, shaping the sector's evolution.

🌙 On January 15 at 07:11 UTC+1, The MoonHouse, a Swedish red chalet, will launch to the moon from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The project, taking 25 years to realize, is led by Swedish artist Mikael Genberg, known for his unique architectural projects in Västerås, Västmanland, and sending art to the International Space Station in 2009. Genberg's MoonHouse will reach the moon through collaboration with TENACIOUS micro-rover and RESILIENCE lunar lander by ispace.