Hotels stories

SiteMinder extends hotel distribution into AI chat tools, aiming to keep 53,000 hotels bookable as travellers increasingly start searches there.

RMS adds direct bank payments through GoCardless as Australian hotels brace for Reserve Bank reforms that could ban card surcharges and lift merchant costs.

AI is moving travel from inspiration to transaction, but live inventory, accuracy and booking infrastructure still stand between chat and checkout.

Wireless Broadband Alliance says Wi-Fi 7 Multi-Link Operation cuts latency and lifts throughput in live office trials with AT&T, RUCKUS Networks and Intel.

Zyxel broadens its WiFi 7 access point range with four OpenWiFi-ready models, promising ISPs more flexibility and vendor choice.

TerraPay and Sabre have struck a multi-year deal to power instant cross-border bank payouts for travel agencies, airlines and hotels.

IDeaS launches Rate Data Advantage in APAC, promising hotels deeper real-time rate intelligence and sharper revenue decisions.

Amperity debuts AI-powered tools for airlines and hotels, promising real-time personalised offers by unifying fragmented traveller data.

Australian SMEs step up a campaign against the RBA's proposed blanket ban on card surcharges, warning it will lift prices for all shoppers.

Philips launches Ambilight-enabled MediaSuite TVs for hotels, featuring Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, and cloud gaming to enhance guest entertainment globally.

A VenueNow survey finds AI adoption low in Australasian event planning, with 71% of corporate clients spending over five hours booking venues amid shifting roles.

New South Wales launches the Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track projects and boost AUD $50 billion in private investment annually, says Property Council.

IDeaS Spotlight has won the Skift IDEA Award for data-driven marketing, helping hospitality providers boost revenue through real-time demand insights.

Asia Pacific hotels race to adopt AI and automation, aiming to boost revenues by up to 15% amid rising online competition and mobile-first travellers.

PIXI launches AI platform to transform luxury travel marketing, offering hotels and advisors instant access to curated, secure visual content globally.

CommScope launches AI-powered Wi-Fi 7 solutions by RUCKUS Networks, offering tailored, high-speed connectivity for luxury to budget hotels worldwide.

Cybercriminals increasingly target Australia's hospitality sector, exploiting digital gaps with sophisticated attacks and dark web services, Trustwave warns.

Agoda celebrates 20 years with a global sale offering up to 70% off bookings from 7 to 21 May on hotels, flights and activities worldwide.

Infor has unveiled a new AI-driven Revenue Management Solution designed to help hotels optimise pricing strategies and enhance profitability across various sectors.

A report reveals that business travellers are booking hotels earlier, with average lead times rising to 17.35 days in late 2024, up nearly 7% from 2023.