Karisma Hotels Licenses Despegar's AI Travel Assistant Sofia

Karisma Hotels Partners with Despegar to Enhance Customer Service with AI Travel Assistant, Sofia

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 4, 2024

Karisma Hotels & Resorts has announced a strategic partnership with Despegar, Latin America's leading travel technology provider, to license their AI-powered travel assistant, Sofia. This new collaboration marks Karisma’s commitment to enhancing customer service by integrating Sofia’s AI functionalities to provide personalized assistance for guests across their travel journey.

The integration of Sofia will allow Karisma’s customers to experience a streamlined travel planning and booking process. With its AI-driven features, Sofia will offer tailored travel recommendations, seamless assistance, and a comprehensive approach to customer support.

Miguel Ortiz, Chief Strategic Officer of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Despegar and integrate their innovative AI travel assistant, Sofia, into our services. This collaboration underscores our commitment to being at the forefront of hospitality technology, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable travel experience.”

Damian Scokin, CEO of Despegar, added, “Our partnership with Karisma allows us to deepen our collaboration with a valued partner and position Karisma as a leader in hospitality innovation. We’re eager to expand Sofia’s capabilities, bringing even more value to travelers and setting a new standard for digital engagement.”

This move is part of Despegar’s broader strategy to license AI-powered solutions to enhance customer experiences while expanding their B2B partnerships. In line with this growth, Karisma recently announced plans for the Porta Rai hotel-residential complex in Montenegro, in collaboration with Dobrov & Family Group, further demonstrating its dedication to advancing hospitality through strategic partnerships and innovation.

LEGO Code Break Brings Gaming Universes to Life in San Diego

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

The LEGO Group has launched LEGO Code Break, a first-of-its-kind gaming adventure that bridges virtual and real-world play, bringing gamers together to celebrate beloved gaming universes. From October 16–18, fans nationwide are invited to uncover a secret code inspired by iconic games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Sonic the Hedgehog, unlocking a massive LEGO vault packed with legendary prizes in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter during TwitchCon 2025.

The challenge begins online at LEGO.com/CodeBreak, where hidden clues within gaming content help players crack the code. Participants can follow gaming creators like Andre Rebelo (TypicalGamer), Alex Kushelevskiy (FORMULA), and Jess Adel (JustJesss) to spot letters, numbers, or symbols crucial to unlocking the vault. The grand prize? An exclusive collection of LEGO gaming sets, perfect for building the ultimate gaming sanctuary.

The on-site activation in Gaslamp Park transforms San Diego into a LEGO gaming playground. Visitors can explore a massive mystery vault, build mini LEGO gaming controllers, check out custom LEGO set displays, and pose with larger-than-life video game characters. The experience runs daily from 12 PM to 8 PM, giving fans a hands-on taste of LEGO gaming creativity.

Beth McKenna, Head of U.S. Marketing at the LEGO Group, shared:

“With LEGO Code Break, we’re combining our rich gaming legacy with hands-on, real-world experiences. It’s a celebration of gaming culture and creativity, showing how virtual worlds thrive when they meet LEGO bricks.”

LEGO gaming sets allow fans to build, display, and play within their favorite video game universes, turning digital adventures into tactile, interactive fun. From crafting bespoke worlds in Minecraft, to epic battles in Fortnite, and fast-paced challenges with Sonic the Hedgehog, LEGO continues to unite gaming and creativity like never before.

For more information and to join the quest, visit LEGO.com/CodeBreak.

Omio’s NowNext ’25 Report Unveils the New Era of Intentional Travel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

Omio, the leading multi-modal booking platform, has released its annual NowNext ’25 report, revealing how global travel will evolve over the next year, driven by emotional motivations, economic realities, and a growing sense of purpose among travellers.

Commissioned in partnership with YouGov, the report draws insights from an omnibus survey of over 10,500 respondents across Italy, Spain, Germany, the UK, the US, Brazil, Japan, and Australia. Combined with Omio’s own platform data, the findings present a detailed picture of what’s next for the world of travel, from mindful spending to cultural immersion and destination discovery.

Key Themes from the NowNext ’25 Report:

Worldwide Woe:

Global events continue to shape travel decisions, with 69% of respondents saying such factors will impact their plans. Yet, the desire to travel remains strong, 30% still plan to travel more than before.

Deal or No Destination:

Rising costs have made travellers smarter about spending. 38% will prioritise travel over other non-essential expenses, while 31% plan more flexibly and 27% prefer early, careful planning, giving rise to the ‘Travel Thrifties’, who balance wanderlust with budget wisdom.

Love EU More:

Europe continues to dominate travel plans, with 56% of Brits, 45% of Germans, and 42% of Italians and Spaniards planning European getaways, reflecting a focus on proximity and comfort amid global uncertainty.

World of Mouth:

Inspiration is becoming more personal again. While social media influences 29% of travellers, 42% rely on past trips and 39% on word-of-mouth recommendations. Interestingly, 23% admit being influenced by films and TV shows. marking the rise of screen-driven tourism.

Beach, Please:

2026 will mark the revival of seaside getaways, with 46% seeking relaxing beach holidays and 51% wanting to return recharged. A growing 20% prefer solo, reflective trips, while 18% focus on wellness and self-care.

Overtourism & Out:

Sustainable travel remains vital but is evolving. Travellers are focusing on supporting local businesses (25%), embracing regional culture (38%), and visiting under-the-radar locations (32%) rather than just choosing eco-transport.

Capital Losses:

Travellers are shifting from capitals to smaller, lesser-known cities. 21% plan to explore smaller metropolises for lower prices (51%) and fewer crowds (44%), while Omio’s data reveals bookings to second cities have risen by 34% year-on-year.

The Gender (Off)Balance

Gendered travel motivations are diverging. 19% of men plan to travel solo, seeking disconnection, while women lean toward connection, 34% for family reunions, 30% to connect emotionally, and 22% to travel with friends.

Generation Zealous:

Gen Z is driving change with a mix of ambition and awareness. 34% want to travel more, 26% plan longer trips, and 23% will opt for greener transport. They’re the most budget-conscious and environmentally mindful of all age groups.

Reflecting on these insights, Veronica Diquattro, President of B2C and Supply, Omio, said:

“Travel has shifted dramatically in recent years, from no travel during the pandemic to revenge travel, and now into a new era of intentional travel. The desire to explore remains strong, and travellers continue to find a way. Our report reveals a new age of conscious, smart, and value-driven travel. At Omio, we dedicate our efforts to keeping pace with emerging traveller demands, ensuring every journey is seamless and inspiring.”

Through NowNext ’25, Omio spotlights how travel continues to evolve, not just as a leisure activity, but as a deeply intentional, reflective, and value-driven experience for the modern traveller.

Two Raffles Hotels in Cambodia Awarded MICHELIN Keys

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

Two of Cambodia’s most iconic hotels, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, have been recognised with the prestigious MICHELIN Keys, placing them among just ten hotels in the country to receive the honour in the MICHELIN Guide’s first-ever Cambodia edition.

The MICHELIN Keys celebrate the world’s most exceptional hotels, much like MICHELIN Stars honour top restaurants. Both Raffles properties have long been symbols of timeless elegance, offering guests a unique blend of colonial charm and contemporary luxury.

The editors of the MICHELIN Guide described Raffles Hotel Le Royal as “Phnom Penh’s top hotel by far” and “the best located, just steps away from the Royal Palace.” The hotel, which first opened in 1929, features 175 rooms and suites reimagined during a year-long restoration in 2019. Its design harmoniously blends French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco influences, offering guests a refined yet contemporary retreat in the heart of Cambodia’s capital.

Equally praised was Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, described as “an authentic French Colonial hotel, palatial, filled with '30s Art Deco furnishings, claw-footed bathtubs, and an antique cage elevator.” The property, which opened in 1932, retains its original grandeur while offering modern comforts suited to today’s discerning travellers. Its rooms, suites, and villas capture the spirit of 1930s Art Deco with Cambodian influences, creating an atmosphere of elegance and nostalgia.

In a further achievement, Raffles Hotel Le Royal was recently voted No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality recognitions. Cambodia also earned a place among the Top 5 friendliest countries in the world, reflecting its growing global appeal as a travel destination.

Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, said:

“To be recognised in the same month by both MICHELIN and Condé Nast Traveler, two of the planet’s top authorities in international travel – shows that Raffles Hotel Le Royal is truly a world-class destination, celebrated for exceptional hospitality, timeless elegance, and an extraordinary guest experience.”

Echoing the sentiment, Joseph Colina, General Manager at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, added:

“The honour from MICHELIN is a testament to our commitment to preserving the rich legacy of our hotel while offering guests an unforgettable experience steeped in history and elegance.”

Earlier this year, both Raffles properties introduced a unique seven-day package titled “A Tale of Two Cities,” inviting guests on an immersive journey that connects Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The experience captures the essence of Cambodia through grand history, cultural immersion, and the signature hospitality that defines the Raffles brand.

These recognitions further solidify Raffles Hotels’ legacy as custodians of heritage luxury, where history, artistry, and world-class service continue to set global benchmarks in hospitality.

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Karisma Hotels Partners with Despegar to Enhance Customer Service with AI Travel Assistant, Sofia

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LEGO Code Break Brings Gaming Universes to Life in San Diego

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Two Raffles Hotels in Cambodia Awarded MICHELIN Keys

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