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🛃 Hoteliers are challenged to stand out in a competitive market by not solely relying on their websites but leveraging platforms like Booking or Expedia for broader visibility. They need to use efficient CRS like I-Résa for managing reservations across channels. Niche markets, innovative services, and unique identities help avoid being lost in the crowd. Adopting Yield Management with dynamic pricing is crucial; fixed rates risk competitiveness. Social media presence and management of customer reviews are essential for visibility and reputation. Personalized offers and quality service are key in current tourism trends. Technological advancements, SEO attention, and mobile-friendly sites are non-negotiable for staying ahead. AI, like chatbots, can optimize operations. Sustainable practices respond to consumer expectations and reduce environmental impact. Staying abreast of industry changes and continually adapting to new technologies and social trends is vital for success in the tourism sector.

🏨 In SiteMinder's "Changing Traveller Report 2025," 78% of travelers express favorability towards AI integration in their accommodation journey by 2025. Over 95% of travelers from Indonesia, Thailand, and China support AI use, while in Europe, the figure drops to 63% for French, English, and German travelers. Globally, only 12% prefer AI to handle all key hotel functions. AI is welcomed for automating tasks like housekeeping and room service, but less so for cooking responsibilities.

🏨 Hospitality ON's Hospitality Day, part of the Hospitality Asset Forum, is slated for November 28, 2024. MKG Consulting's limited-seating Braintrust sessions are on a first-come, first-served basis. The event continues the legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, aiming to rejuvenate the hospitality sector through thematic workshops that address asset optimization and customer experience amidst increasing challenges. Key topics include tactical marketing vs. strategic approaches and OTA market share impacts on customer base building.

💵 À partir du 1er novembre, le SMIC horaire est devenu 11,88 euros, entraînant une revalorisation des minimas conventionnels pour les échelons 1 et 2, niveau I : respectivement 11,72 euros et 11,80 euros. La branche HCR a négocié une nouvelle grille salariale applicable au 1er décembre 2024, selon l’avenant n° 33 du 19 juin 2024, publié le 9 novembre 2024, fixant le salaire horaire d’entrée à 12,00 euros. Les revalorisations pour les échelons 1 et 2 de niveau I se feront en deux temps : 11,88 euros au 1er novembre 2024, puis 12,00 euros et 12,08 euros respectivement au 1er décembre 2024.

📅 Bounce, having over 13,000 partners in 100 countries and 4,000 cities including Paris, New York, and Rome, secured over six million pieces of luggage and generated tens of millions of euros for partners. In France alone, Bounce created nearly two million euros in additional revenue for local businesses since 2022. The company plans to expand services and enter strategic vertical sectors in 2025, with over 620 partners in France (275+ in Paris, 40 in Nice). The fundraising was led by Sapphire Ventures, Thayer Ventures, FJ Labs, 20VC Growth, and Shilling, with previous investors like Andreessen Horowitz and General Catalyst.

🏩 Roch Ventures and Dealroom.com released their "2024 Travel Tech Market Landscape," analyzing over 300 deals across 6 verticals to highlight "150 gems of the sector." French startups Evaneos, GreenGo, FairMoove, BlablaCar, Rydoo, and Manawa noted for transforming tomorrow's tourism. Europe's tourism contributes 10% to GDP, with potential for Travel Tech leadership. First European Commissioner for Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and Marina Ferrari in France signify positive political support for the industry.

🎵 The Grand Est region in France launched My Explore, a Spotify and Deezer-inspired service for tourism. Developed by the Agence régionale du tourisme Grand Est, it offers personalized experiences through "collections" such as "De la vigne à la coupe" with activities like champagne tasting. Users can add favorites, follow contributors, and receive tailored recommendations. The platform aims to showcase regional tourist offers and provide quality leads to local tourism actors. A promotional campaign is planned for spring 2025.

🎭 Art Explora's itinerant cultural festival started in March 2024 in Malta and will conclude in 2026, touring 15 countries. Convious was enlisted to manage reservations, optimize visitor flow, and tailor experiences to local expectations. The bateau-musée accommodates 40 visitors every 15 minutes, and the VR experience lasts 20 minutes. Convious's back-office allows local staff to adjust quotas in real-time, accounting for local booking habits, like in Morocco where online ticket purchasing isn't common. Automated marketing tools are used for pre- and post-visit communication. The Marseille chapter included a donation module benefiting the Art Explora foundation, offering unlimited festival access and rewards like a magazine and tote bag, with donations potentially unlocking a dinner raffle.

🍴 Nicola Zamperetti appointed as Executive Chef of Collegio alla Querce, opening in Florence in March 2025. This will be the first Italian property of Auberge Resorts Collection and its third in Europe. Zamperetti, from Veneto, has worked with Michelin-starred chefs Massimiliano Alajmo and Ciccio Sultano. He helped open Pastamara in Vienna's Ritz Carlton in 2017 and was recently at W Rome, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler in 2023. Collegio alla Querce will feature four restaurants offering traditional Italian cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients.