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🎭 Museum Connections, the international trade show for museum equipment and enhancement, returns on January 14-15, 2025, marking its 29th edition. The main theme is immersion, focusing on immersive technology solutions such as virtual reality (VR), immersive exhibitions from the Touring pavilion, and the JeDI pavilion dedicated to immersion. The event features new areas like the Culture Business Forum and tackles issues like AI advancement, with live translation in 42 languages via AI, conversations with artworks through AI, and sustainable development. Startups in the cultural sector now present more mature, market-adapted solutions. Attendees can register for a free salon invitation through a provided link.

💡 Anne-Cécile Guillemot, co-founder of Dynvibe, highlights five key trends reshaping influencer marketing. Brands shift towards long-term, quality-focused strategies for more authentic impact, moving away from costly, short-term 'star' influencer partnerships. The rise of 'Changemakers', specialized influencers with up to four times higher engagement, offers authenticity and transparency. AI tools enhance real-time content creation and optimization. Brand ambassadors now embody brand values for deeper connections. TikTok Shop's feature drove over $1 billion in U.S. sales in six months, allowing consumers to become micro-retailers.

🌆 Between November 1 and December 8, 2024, international air arrivals to Paris increased by 15.4% from 2023, totaling 1.3 million, with Southern Europe (376,000, +8%), North America (191,000, +19%), and Northern Europe (174,000, +21%) leading the numbers. Southeast Asia saw a 125% rise in air arrivals (70,000). French tourist overnight stays in the metropolitan area saw a 4% increase, while overall attendance rose by 7.6%.

💰 Who? Cynthia Mérope and Alexis Daems from METRO France and Suntory Beverage & Food France (SBFF). What? Donated €144,807 to Secours populaire français. When? December 18, 2024. Where? Ceremony at SBFF headquarters, Neuilly sur Seine. Growth? Donation increased by over 20% compared to 2023. How? 5% of sales from Oasis (excluding large formats) during a promotional period donated to charity. Since 2021, METRO France, in partnership with SBFF, supports Secours populaire annually through this fundraising initiative.

📱 Paris will close its last public tourism office near the Eiffel Tower on January 13th, following a budget cut of 2 million euros over two years and shifting to digital forms of tourist information. This move is expected to eliminate an additional 9 jobs and may be emulated by other cities facing public funding crises. Digital platforms and a digital tourist concierge service will replace the physical office, along with partnerships with newsstands and post offices for tourist info points.

🏖 Nearly 90% of consumers read online reviews before booking, highlighting their impact on a business's reputation. Quick, personalized responses to positive reviews show appreciation and encourage repeat visits. Addressing negative reviews with calm professionalism and proposing solutions can turn a bad situation into a positive one. Regularly monitoring review platforms and maintaining response consistency are key to shaping future clients' perceptions, fostering trust, and enhancing online visibility.

💰 In Italy, key boxes for short-term rentals are banned due to security and identity verification reasons. Owners must now meet guests physically for key handover and submit traveler details to authorities within 24 hours. Other European countries, including France, may follow suit, potentially impacting Airbnb's business model. The European Commission has designated Booking as a "gatekeeper" under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) on November 14, imposing obligations like the prohibition of parity clauses in Europe. Google combats fake reviews by publicly flagging businesses and possibly banning their information for 30+ days. The leisure sector is set to further digitalize in 2025, with consumer expectations driving demand for real-time online booking systems, connected schedules, and strong online presence; only 21% of leisure professionals are considered properly digitalized by PhocusWright's report.

🚗 In France, toll barriers are being replaced by free-flow toll systems, eliminating the need to stop for payment. This system automates fee calculation via gantries with cameras that read license plates. Payments can be made online, at physical points of sale, or via telepayment badges. Users have 72 hours to pay before fines are issued, starting at €90 and increasing to €375 after two months. The A79, A13, A14, and A4's Boulay diffuser are current project areas. The free-flow tolling aims to reduce accidents, save up to 30 minutes on a 2.5-hour trip, and cut down on 9.5 million liters of annual fuel consumption on the A13 and A14, with a positive environmental impact. Data collected for payment are GDPR compliant and deleted after necessary retention periods.

🏠 Lionel Messi's real estate portfolio, Edificio Rostower, was introduced to the Bourse on the Spanish alternative market, Portfolio Stock Exchange, and is valued at 223 million euros. The fund includes properties in Spain, Andorra, London, and Paris, featuring 7 hotels under the MiM brand in collaboration with the Majestic group located in Ibiza, Barcelona, Cadiz, and Andorra, offices and shops in Barcelona, a duplex in London (445 sqm), and a family house in Paris (395 sqm with garden).

🚀 Google identifies 2025 as a pivotal year for technological trends in travel. AI will create bespoke experiences, with personalized itineraries and immersive visuals. Sustainable mobility prioritizes investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and electric transport. Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) will allow travelers to preview destinations. Blockchain technology will enhance booking security and simplify processes. Hyperlocal experiences will promote cultural immersion and support local economies. Workation destinations will feature coworking spaces and digital nomad visas to blend work and leisure.