Latest news with #IDeaS
Techday NZ
17-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Exclusive: How APAC hotels are adopting AI & automation for growth
Hotels across Asia Pacific are urgently rethinking their digital strategies in response to the prominence of online travel agencies (OTAs) and mobile-first consumers. According to Klaus Kohlmayr, Chief Evangelist and Chief Development Officer at IDeaS, the market is seeing unprecedented competition and a technological arms race as properties strive to stand out in an increasingly digital world. "There's a real danger when you have too much reliance on your OTAs or OTA channels," he warned, during a recent interview with TechDay. Kohlmayr observes that many hotels, especially independent operators and those outside global distribution networks, may find themselves trapped in a dependency on OTAs because their primary markets are often far away. "It's all about having the right balance between your indirect channels, your direct channels, and your direct sales and marketing efforts for your own people," he adds. The imperative, he argues, is to invest in technology that allows for direct engagement with guests-platforms with modern booking engines and seamless connectivity across systems. The pressure to adapt is intensifying as mobile devices become travellers' primary planning and booking tools. Yet, Kohlmayr believes the next disruption is right around the corner. "Mobile is the dominant way of searching and exploring and dreaming right now, and also booking in many places. I think that's going to be replaced through AI chat bots fairly quickly." With the rise of generative AI, from tools like Gemini to ChatGPT, the hotel discovery process is starting to shift; consumers are now asking AI assistants for travel recommendations, and hotels need new strategies to ensure they appear in these AI-driven results. "For hotels, it's really, really critical to be AI optimised, not just search engine optimised or mobile optimised. The next wave of conversations... is about how do you AI optimise your business?" This transition requires a major rethink of hotel technology architecture. The traditional patchwork of systems-property management (PMS), central reservations (CRS), customer relationship (CRM), marketing platforms, and revenue management (RMS)-too often fails to operate as an integrated ecosystem. Kohlmayr points to a common mistake: "Sometimes decisions are made based on price, maybe, and on other factors than how well [systems] connect and how well they're future-proofing the hotel… Sometimes decisions are being made in isolation, and it's actually moving the business backwards instead of forwards." The consequences of this fragmentation are immediate and costly. Competitive hotels now expect fully connected tech stacks; lack of integration translates into missed opportunities and an inability to react to market shifts. "A typical hotel needs to make about 5 million pricing decisions, for example. And those pricing decisions need to happen all the time, day and night, weekends and weekdays." When systems aren't properly connected, not only is the guest experience undermined, but revenue lags behind competitors with more modern infrastructure. "We've seen people that had the right technology ecosystem in place were able to react much, much faster to changes in booking markets than people that didn't have that in place, and maybe were not even focused on if their rates aligned with current booking conditions because something changed on the weekend or during periods when people were not at work." Evidence points to the business case for integrated, automated revenue management technology. Kohlmayr references BYD Loft Hotel in Thailand, which has reported a 15% increase in revenue since adopting revenue management technologies. More broadly, research indicates system-driven approaches can lift net operating profits for owners by 4% to 15%. "There is a lot of data out there that proves that having the right technology in place and having the right tech stack in place that's connected... can significantly increase not just the top line, but also the bottom line." Beyond the back-office, automation is transforming the guest journey. With consumer expectations shaped by mobile-first brands and digital-native platforms, hospitality is under pressure to deliver speed, convenience and personalisation at every stage. "Automation enables me to select my room and enables me to bypass the front desk. It enables me to go through my entire journey without actually having to, if I don't want to, talk to a person when I'm on a business trip," says Kohlmayr. He believes that contactless check-in and mobile key access are "no longer futuristic and are becoming standard among global brands", further raising the bar for digital guest experience. This expansion of digital guest touchpoints brings a new challenge: personalisation across the many stages of the customer journey, from pre-booking to post-stay. Successful hotels, according to Kohlmayr, are those that map expectations to distinct phases-dreaming, decision, pre-arrival, arrival, in-stay, and post-stay-and use data to anticipate needs. "The best example of that is if you arrive at a hotel and you're walking through the doors, and when you come to the front desk, somebody greets you by name and already knows who you are before you have even mentioned your name, right?" However, he acknowledges that the industry is still catching up, particularly in delivering robust recognition and tailored service for loyal guests. Looking ahead, Kohlmayr highlights three forces set to redefine the industry: merchandising beyond room sales, the next generation of integrated tech stacks, and the infusion of artificial intelligence throughout the guest experience. "Everyone wants to merchandise and retail more than just the room... becoming more of a retail experience, not just a room stay experience, is a key objective. Digitising that and making it available online to pay and book these services online is going to be critical. And then, how do you infuse that with AI? How do you generate an experience that is enabled or enhanced through AI?" The convergence of digital integration, data-driven automation and artificial intelligence is reshaping not just competition, but customer expectations across hospitality. "If we're not able as an industry to cater to that, then guests will just vote with their feet and select the company or the hotel company that enables them to meet their expectations in digital journeys."
Tourism Breaking News
11-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
IDeaS accelerates expansion in Saudi Arabia with Elaf Group Partnership
Post Views: 49 IDeaS announced a new partnership with Elaf Group for the implementation of IDeaS' G3 Revenue Management System across an initial four hotels in the Elaf Group portfolio. With this agreement, IDeaS continues to expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia whose ambitious Vision 2030 goals include 362,000 new hotels rooms by 2030 under the Kingdom's US$110 billion hospitality expansion initiative. Currently, IDeaS' solutions have been implemented in 144 hotels across the Kingdom, with strong and growing demand projected for the future. Elaf Group is preparing to double the size of its hotel portfolio in the coming years. By partnering with IDeaS, they will be able to scale their operations effectively and optimize their revenue strategies. The partnership will enable Elaf Group to leverage advanced data-driven insights, enhance their decision-making processes, and ultimately achieve their growth objectives more efficiently. The Group Pricing capabilities of G3 RMS, with its ability to quickly determine a group's entire value and the value of any potential business being displaced, are a key component of Elaf Group's decision to partner with IDeas. As hotels in Madinah rely heavily on both pilgrimage-driven groups and leisure business, the ability to accept the most profitable business is crucial. Balancing their demand needs helps hotels optimize occupancy and revenue, ensuring sustainable growth and guest satisfaction. Mohamed Abbas, Commercial & Revenue Director at Elaf Group said: 'We have chosen IDeaS because of their system's accurate forecasting capabilities, strong pricing tools and inventory controls that can all be managed by a small, centralized team. IDeaS is a reliable partner who will help us drive the revenue growth needed for us to continue our planned expansion in Saudi Arabia.' Ibrahim Saba, Principal Sales Director – Europe, Middle East & Africa at IDeaS commented: 'The G3 Revenue Management System will empower Elaf Group to navigate complex, seasonally dynamic markets like Jeddah and Madinah, while optimizing revenue capture from the growing demand in Riyadh.'
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IDeaS accelerates expansion in Saudi Arabia with Elaf Group partnership
Dubai - IDeaS, a SAS company and the world's leading provider of hospitality revenue management software and services, has announced a new partnership with Elaf Group, a local leading hotel group in Saudi Arabia, for the implementation of IDeaS' G3 Revenue Management System across an initial four hotels in the Elaf Group portfolio. With this agreement, IDeaS continues to expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia whose ambitious Vision 2030 goals include 362,000 new hotels rooms by 2030 under the Kingdom's US$110 billion hospitality expansion initiative. Currently, IDeaS' solutions have been implemented in 144 hotels across the Kingdom, with strong and growing demand projected for the future. Elaf Group is preparing to double the size of its hotel portfolio in the coming years. By partnering with IDeaS, they will be able to scale their operations effectively and optimize their revenue strategies. The partnership will enable Elaf Group to leverage advanced data-driven insights, enhance their decision-making processes, and ultimately achieve their growth objectives more efficiently. The Group Pricing capabilities of G3 RMS, with its ability to quickly determine a group's entire value and the value of any potential business being displaced, are a key component of Elaf Group's decision to partner with IDeas. As hotels in Madinah rely heavily on both pilgrimage-driven groups and leisure business, the ability to accept the most profitable business is crucial. Balancing their demand needs helps hotels optimize occupancy and revenue, ensuring sustainable growth and guest satisfaction. Mohamed Abbas, Commercial & Revenue Director at Elaf Group said: 'We have chosen IDeaS because of their system's accurate forecasting capabilities, strong pricing tools and inventory controls that can all be managed by a small, centralized team. IDeaS is a reliable partner who will help us drive the revenue growth needed for us to continue our planned expansion in Saudi Arabia.' Ibrahim Saba, Principal Sales Director - Europe, Middle East & Africa at IDeaS commented: 'The G3 Revenue Management System will empower Elaf Group to navigate complex, seasonally dynamic markets like Jeddah and Madinah, while optimizing revenue capture from the growing demand in Riyadh." About IDeaS IDeaS, a SAS company, is the world's leading revenue management software and services provider. Combining industry knowledge with innovative data analytics technology, IDeaS creates sophisticated yet simple ways to empower revenue leaders with precise, automated decisions they can trust. With 35 years of expertise serving hospitality, including hotel, event, and parking clients, IDeaS delivers revenue science to more than 30,000 properties in 164 countries around the world. Results delivered. Revenue transformed. Discover greater profitability at About Elaf Group Elaf Group was established over 40 years ago and operates hotels in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Riyadh, all of which enjoy a prestigious international reputation. The Group is renowned for delivering exceptional services to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, offering hospitality that adheres to the highest standards of quality and efficiency. It is also distinguished by its highly skilled national workforce.
Tourism Breaking News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
IDeaS unveils eBook to Help Cruise Operators Drive Revenue Using Data-Driven Insights
Post Views: 53 IDeaS' Cruise Revenue Management System (RMS) uses advanced data analytics and automation to predict demand, execute dynamic revenue strategies, boost profitability and maintain a competitive edge for cruise operators. By embracing cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies outlined in the eBook, cruise operators can optimize pricing and inventory management to increase profitability and outperform competitors. IDeaS announced its latest Lessons in Revenue eBook, 'Data-Driven Revenue Management in the Cruise Industry: Navigating the Groundswell,' to help cruise organizations navigate today's challenging operating environment while capitalizing on opportunities to optimize revenue. The recent surge in cruise demand presents substantial opportunities for growth, yet cruise lines face significant challenges, including intensifying competition, labor shortages, inflated costs and delayed adoption of revenue technologies. The eBook highlights key capabilities and challenges facing cruise revenue leaders, and shares ways cruise organizations can leverage revenue management technology to maximize the potential of their voyages as they chart their course into the future. Crystal Pernici, global director – Cruise RMS, IDeaS, said: 'Cruise operators are becoming increasingly aware of the potential—and the value—of revenue strategies guided by revenue optimization technology. By basing their decision-making on data-driven insights rather than personal experience or selective reporting, cruise leaders are opening up their vessels to a new range of revenue opportunities.'
Hospitality Net
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Ryan MacLagan has been appointed Vice President of Business Development at LodgIQ™
With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality and revenue management industry, including leadership roles at IDeaS Revenue Solutions, MacLagan brings deep expertise in revenue strategy, client engagement, and commercial innovation to LodgIQ's executive team. MacLagan's track record includes global sales leadership, product development, and account management across dynamic sectors. At LodgIQ, he will focus on cultivating strategic partnerships, expanding the company's footprint in key markets, and aligning commercial strategies with LodgIQ's vision of modernizing revenue intelligence for hotels. His extensive background in both traditional hospitality and the parking vertical positions him to identify new opportunities for growth and collaboration. "Joining LodgIQ is an exciting opportunity to help redefine how the industry approaches revenue optimization and look towards the broader scope of commercial strategy," said Ryan MacLagan. "I'm looking forward to working with hoteliers to bring modern and AI-based revenue management solutions that grow revenue and free up time." MacLagan's appointment signals LodgIQ's emphasis on executive leadership that understands both the operational realities and the technology challenges facing revenue teams today. At IDeaS, he played a critical role in scaling revenue solutions for global clients. This perspective will now support LodgIQ's mission to provide predictive, data-driven tools for modern hoteliers. "Ryan's depth of industry knowledge and his deep understanding of the revenue management industry and how to help hotels generate more revenue makes him a valuable asset to LodgIQ and our industry," said Vincent Ramelli, CEO of LodgIQ. "His leadership will be instrumental in accelerating our commercial growth and strengthening client relationships." With this leadership addition, LodgIQ continues to strengthen its executive team as part of its broader strategy to enhance its revenue optimization platform. The company remains focused on developing flexible, intelligent solutions that empower hoteliers to maximize performance across all revenue streams.
