Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has made its new guest engagement platform, Wyndham Connect, available to franchise owners in North America. The platform is powered by an AI-driven large language model in partnership with software company Canary Technologies and was first announced at Wyndham’s 2023 Global Conference.

At no additional cost to franchisees, Wyndham Connect streamlines owner operations by using AI to answer common guest enquiries, enable smart check-in, integrate mobile tipping, and encourage guest reviews. The company is also using AI in its call centres and forecasting tools for rate and occupancy optimisation.

According to Wyndham, in 2023 hotels across all of the company’s brands globally with overall social review (OSR) average scores above 4.0 saw twice as much RevPAR (revenue per available room) growth compared to those with lower scores. The company has reportedly invested $325m since 2018 in delivering sales, marketing, and digital innovations.

Wyndham chief commercial officer Scott Strickland commented: “We always put our franchisees first, and investing in innovative technology like AI sets them apart from the competition. Our franchisees can now manage their businesses more efficiently and curate guest experiences. The result? Happier guests, higher chances for repeat business and money in franchisees’ pockets.”

Wyndham recently renewed its partnership with Sabre Hospitality with the adoption of its property management system, SynXis Property Hub.

Air India, India's premier global airline, has teamed up with IBS Software, a leading provider of SaaS solutions for the travel industry, to digitally transform its expanding air cargo operations. The selection of IBS Software's iCargo platform marks a significant step in Air India's commitment to enhancing its digital infrastructure and supporting its growth plan.

The iCargo solution will allow Air India to digitize end-to-end cargo management, integrating various operations from sales to billing into a single, cohesive platform. This integration aims to streamline processes and improve decision-making capabilities, driving efficiency across the board.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer at Air India, emphasized the importance of this transformation, stating, "Air India is on a journey to reaffirm its position as a global leader in aviation and establish a foundation for future growth. Air cargo is a key driver of our roadmap for future growth, and technology will be at the core of it."

Somit Goyal, CEO of IBS Software, shared his excitement about the partnership, saying, "Partnering with Air India is a proud moment for IBS Software. The Indian aviation market is on a significant upswing, and we are excited to support Air India's ambitious transformation goals with our market-leading digital platform for the air cargo industry."

The first complete implementation of iCargo is scheduled for delivery within nine months, promising immediate benefits to Air India's operations. Following phases will introduce additional value-added capabilities, further enhancing Air India's cargo services. This initiative aligns with India's target of handling ten million tonnes of air cargo annually by 2030.

For more information on how iCargo is transforming airline cargo management, visit the IBS Software website.

About IBS Software: IBS Software is a global leader in SaaS solutions for the travel industry, managing critical operations for customers in aviation, hospitality, tour and cruise, and energy resources industries. With a comprehensive portfolio covering fleet and crew operations, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, loyalty programs, and air cargo management, IBS Software is at the forefront of digital transformation in the travel sector. Operating from 17 offices worldwide, IBS Software continues to drive innovation and efficiency in its clients' operations.

About Air India: Founded by JRD Tata, Air India has been a pioneer in India's aviation sector since its first flight in 1932. With a vast domestic network and international connections to the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf, Air India is a prominent player in global aviation. Rejoining the Tata group in January 2022, Air India is undergoing a significant transformation under the Vihaan.AI initiative, aiming to become a world-class airline with an Indian heart. As a member of Star Alliance, Air India offers seamless connectivity and top-notch facilities to passengers worldwide.

The Anything Group (TAG), a leading full-service marketing agency specializing in hospitality solutions, proudly unveils ALBIE©, a groundbreaking booking experience set to transform the hospitality sector. Designed to prioritize guest experience and hotel success, ALBIE© offers innovative features that streamline the booking process, enhance guest satisfaction, and maximize occupancy rates.

Unparalleled Flexibility and Customization: Meet ALBIE©’s Cart System

ALBIE© sets a new standard with its revolutionary Cart System. For the first time, guests can seamlessly book rooms and activities across multiple hotels and dates within the same group, all in a single transaction. This unique flexibility eliminates the hassle of navigating multiple booking platforms, saving guests valuable time and reducing frustration. By enhancing guest satisfaction and offering a broader range of booking options, ALBIE© enables hotels to maximize occupancy rates and boost direct revenue. Guests can customize their experience by reserving rooms, activities, or a combination of both, all in one streamlined process.

Dynamic Stay Optimization and Enhanced Guest Experience

ALBIE©’s Dynamic Stay Optimization takes the guesswork out of planning. The system automatically searches for available rooms within the same hotel on alternative dates or suggests other hotels within the group through its "flexible days” feature. For larger groups, ALBIE© prioritizes availability across all hotels within the chain. ALBIE© also includes a Group Recommendation feature, suggesting other hotels in the group that are close to the original search location to maximize sales opportunities. Additionally, ALBIE© offers a “Waitlist” feature, informing guests when their desired dates become available, ensuring they never miss out on their preferred stay.

Transforming the Booking Landscape

By introducing ALBIE©, TAG is poised to redefine the booking landscape in the hospitality industry. With its user-friendly interface and innovative features, ALBIE© ensures a seamless booking experience, enhancing guest satisfaction and boosting hotel occupancy rates. This new platform represents a significant leap forward in the hospitality sector, combining flexibility, efficiency, and customization to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers.