Innovaciones

🚩 GreenHotelCloud offers cloud-based hotel management allowing access from any device, enabling real-time reservation checks, rate and production control, and operational optimization without the need for a single computer or installation—just a web browser. Contact them at [email protected] for a demo to discover how it can streamline hotel management.

📱 Contactless technology has seen significant growth, especially post-COVID, transforming the hospitality industry with applications such as digital room keys, automated check-ins, and quick payments. This technology employs NFC, RFID, BLE, and QR codes to facilitate secure, touch-free interactions, enhancing guest experience, operational efficiency, and safety. Benefits include reduced wait times, improved operational management, real-time analytics, and cost savings over time, positioning hotels as modern and competitive. Examples in hotels include digital check-in/out, contactless payments, self-service kiosks, mobile reservations for services, contactless room service, online satisfaction surveys, and social WiFi.

✈️ Boeing's 777X, with a wingspan of 71.1 meters and a range of up to 17,220 kilometers, has been delayed, with service entry now expected in 2026. Flights tests began in July of the previous year, despite development starting in 2013. Initially targeted for a June 2020 release, the launch has been pushed back due to COVID-19, supply chain issues, and internal problems. Emirates and Qatar Airways, with 130 aircraft on order, are key customers, with Qatar Airways set to be the first to fly the 777X.

📊 La evaluación por competencias se ha establecido como un método alternativo para medir el rendimiento de los trabajadores en empresas, analizando su capacidad, habilidad y conocimiento en relación a las demandas del puesto. Este enfoque ayuda a las organizaciones a adaptarse a los cambios del mercado y alinear las habilidades de su personal con los objetivos corporativos. Se recomienda realizar evaluaciones por competencias durante procesos de selección, onboarding, evaluaciones periódicas, antes de cambios de rol y en reestructuraciones internas. Para diseñar un proceso eficaz, se deben definir las competencias a evaluar, planificar la evaluación, seleccionar herramientas apropiadas y comunicar el proceso claramente. Herramientas como entrevistas, tests y assessment centers son útiles en la evaluación de competencias. Medir la eficacia de estas evaluaciones es crucial para gestionar y atraer el talento adecuado, y se recomienda el uso de software de gestión del talento para desarrollar estrategias de talento sostenibles.

🤖 Automation in the hotel sector is advancing with robots and AI systems aimed at enhancing employee capabilities and improving company efficiency. Sergio Escudero, CEO of Intec Robot, emphasizes that these technologies are not replacing jobs but are designed to relieve workload, reduce occupational hazards, and allow staff to focus on customer experience. During Fiturtech's "The Rebirth of the AI and Robots Era," it was stated that robots handle tasks such as cleaning and luggage transport, and AI optimizes department coordination. The human touch remains irreplaceable, particularly in customer-facing roles like check-in. The adoption of these technologies necessitates employee training to manage and maintain the automated systems, creating new job profiles.

✈ Antonio Rama, former Boeing 777 pilot for Qatar Airways, founded Uruguay's sole commercial airline, SUA (Sociedad Uruguaya de Aviación), following the closure of state-run Pluna 20 years ago. SUA will start with six Airbus 220 planes, flying from Montevideo to destinations like Buenos Aires, Porto Alegre, and cities within Argentina. Funding comes from Saudi Arabia. SUA aims to expand to 10 planes in three years, create 300 jobs, and establish a unique A220 maintenance center in Latin America. Previously, Rama's U-Air project failed before it could launch.

📖 Thinktur presented the 10th edition of the eBook "Transformación digital del destino: gemelos digitales en el sector turístico" during FITURTECHY 2025 (January 22-24) in Madrid. The eBook, a reference for the tourism sector, includes contributions from eight Spanish Tourism Technology Centers: ADA, Invat·tur, ITH, Eurecat, Tecnalia, Turistec, Vicomtech, and Segittur. Digital twins are utilized for process management, monitoring, and personalizing experiences for destinations and tourism businesses. Special collaborations are included from Libelium and Smart City Cluster, showcasing additional use cases such as Las Palmas' SUSTTWIN and Barcelona's AI-driven Salvador Dalí avatar.

🏖 The article highlights the importance of a holistic, emotional connection with customers in the digital tourism sector. It emphasizes the role of branding as a living experience, advocating for an omnichannel and consistent approach. The use of "atomic design" is mentioned for building modular visual systems, ensuring brand coherence and adaptability. The article discusses the transformative potential of AI in customer experience, advising on technology's use to enhance human connections rather than replace them. It also addresses the need for brands to adapt and anticipate changes in customer expectations and technological tools. The article concludes that the journey, much like the one to Ítaca, is about continuous learning and evolution, creating memorable experiences beyond just reaching a destination.

🏖️ Due to the pandemic, tourism shifted towards rural areas, with market penetration growing by 5 points, reaching 45.6% in 2024. Spending in this sector increased by 7.6% with travelers spending an average of €91 per person per day, up from €84 in 2023. Accommodation cost €32 per night, while other expenses amounted to €59 per day. 87% of rural accommodation owners believe there's room for growth, despite only 37% occupancy on weekends in 2024. The key to further growth includes promoting geographical diversity, authenticity, and off-season travel.

💰 Wakalua, linked to Globalia, charged up to €1 million annually for services, connecting Begoña Gómez, Air Europa, and Juan Carlos Barrabés, who secured three public contracts with the government. Founded in 2019, Wakalua aimed for sustainable tourism. Platinum clients paid €500,000 for new business lines with startups; Gold clients, €200,000 for innovation programs; Silver clients, €35,000 for innovation positioning. Additionally, Wakalua paid €25,000 annually to Gómez's foundation for tourism innovation awards.