Hospitality & Tourism

McKinsey & Company: "𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸". ⬇️ In its latest analysis, McKinsey illustrates how Generative AI, when properly integrated, can transform customer journeys — using the example of a travel agent bot (via AI Agent). A great example that proves: To succeed with GenAI, it's not enough to simply add a model. You have to rethink your entire system — end to end. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀: 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻⬇️ 𝟭. 𝗖𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿: → The user logs in, reviews options, and either completes the task or escalates to a live agent — all without needing to understand what’s happening behind the scenes. This is the experience layer where trust, speed, and personalization matter most. 𝟮. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 → Manages the dialogue with the user: - Chatbot initiates and guides the conversation - Agent escalation is triggered when AI alone can’t resolve the issue 𝟯. 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿: → Executes intelligent model actions based on context: - Pulls user data - Checks policies - Generates options - Executes next steps 𝟰. 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 → Connects AI to core enterprise systems: - Authentication and identity services - Policy enforcement and booking workflows - Agent assignment logic 𝟱. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 → Provides real-time contextual inputs: - Customer ID - Booking history - Policy rules - Agent directories 𝟲. 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 → Powers scale, performance, and governance: - Cloud or hybrid infrastructure - Model orchestration - Low-latency interaction support - Security and data governance 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 Enterprises won’t win with GenAI by treating it as a bolt-on feature. The real differentiators will be those who embed AI at every layer — from user interfaces to business logic, data pipelines, and infrastructure. AI integration is not a side project. It’s a re-architecture of the digital enterprise. The unlock isn’t more models. It’s deeper integration. Full study in the comments. 𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 — 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲: https://lnkd.in/dbf74Y9E

✈️ Airport Baggage Handling Has Quietly Gotten Smarter — Thanks to AI. What do you think? Remember the days of delayed or lost luggage being the norm. That’s changing — fast. With AI, IoT, and automation transforming ground operations, the baggage handling system at modern airports is becoming a case study in quiet efficiency. Here’s how technology is making a difference: ✅ RFID & real-time tracking – No more guessing where your bag is. ✅ AI-powered sorting & routing – Faster, more accurate handling. ✅ Predictive analytics – Less congestion, fewer delays. ✅ Robotics & automation – Smarter, safer workflows. ✅ Passenger apps – Transparency right in your pocket. 🔍 Fun fact: Since 2007, global mishandled baggage rates have dropped by over 70%. Airports like Changi, Heathrow, and Schiphol are leading the way — and passengers are noticing. Sometimes the best tech transformations are the ones we don’t even realize are happening. #AI #AirportTech #Logistics #SmartTravel #DigitalTransformation #BaggageHandling #Innovation #IoT #Automation video by @theasybag

 "The single most important decision in evaluating a business is pricing power." Warren Buffett said it. Football proves it. Here's the €50B paradox destroying club-fan relationships: ✅ The Ultimate Pricng Power Football fans: ▪️ 0.3% switch clubs in their lifetime ▪️ 78% buy merchandise regardless of performance ▪️ 92% renew season tickets automatically ▪️ €2.4K average lifetime spend per fan Compare to other industries: ▪️ Netflix churn rate: 5.2% monthly ▪️ Gym memberships: 71% quit within 2 years ▪️ Restaurant loyalty: 23% return rate 👉 Football has the world's most captive customers ✅ The Dangerous Assumption "They'll pay anyway" thinking in action: ▪️ Premier League ticket prices: +1,011% since 1989 ▪️ Champions League final tickets: €70 → €690 (2005-2024) ▪️ Replica shirt prices: €30 → €120 in 20 years ▪️ Streaming subscriptions: €480/year for full coverage ❗ Wage growth same period: +168% Fans aren't getting richer. Clubs are getting greedier. ✅ The Hidden Competition Football doesn't compete with other clubs. It competes with: ▪️ Netflix + Disney + Spotify: €35/month ▪️ PlayStation Plus: €60/year ▪️ Concert tickets: €80 average ▪️ Cinema + popcorn: €15 One match ticket = 3 months of entertainment elsewhere. 👉 When a father of two does the math, loyalty has limits. ✅ The Engagement Cliff What happens when fans feel exploited: Stage 1: Stop attending midweek games (-23% across Europe) Stage 2: Cancel cup competitions (-31% early rounds) Stage 3: Share season tickets (growing) Stage 4: Stream illegally (47% of Gen Z) Stage 5: Emotional detachment (priceless loss) ❗ They don't switch clubs. They switch off. ✅ The Smart Pricing Strategy Clubs getting it right: 1️⃣ Bayern M.: €170 season tickets for standing 2️⃣ Borussia D.: Price freeze since 2019 3️⃣ Fortuna Düsseldorf: Free tickets experiment Result: ☑️ 98%+ attendance ☑️ Highest merchandise sales/capita ☑️ Generational fan renewal ☑️ Premium sponsor attraction ✅ The Business Case for Respect Lower prices drive higher value: ▪️ Full stadium atmosphere: +27% TV value ▪️ Young fan acquisition: €45,000 lifetime value ▪️ Social media content: Packed stadiums = viral moments ▪️ Sponsor premiums: 40% more for sold-out venues 👉 The math is clear: €20 less per ticket × 40,000 fans = €800K "loss" Full stadium premium from sponsors = €3M gain ❗ Respect isn't charity. It's strategy. ✅ The Buffett Principle, Reimagined Yes, football has ultimate pricing power. But the question isn't "Can we raise prices?" It's "Should we?" Because when you abuse pricing power with captive customers: Short term: Record revenues Long term: Lost generations The clubs that survive 100 years understand: Fans aren't customers to monetize. They're partners to respect. ❓ Is your club treating you as a customer or a partner? #FootballBusiness #FanEngagement data: UEFA Benchmarking Report, Deloitte Annual Review, Fan Engagement Index 2024 ph: Live India

Fintech’s next big opportunity is hiding in plain sight. And it might be a 100-million strong active customer base. Here’s the case behind the numbers. • 8% of the global population - around 659 million people - own cryptocurrency (Crypto Market Sizing Report).   • Travel is the top category for crypto spending, accounting for an estimated 15% share. Applied to total users, that’s a pool of roughly 100 million potential crypto-travellers.   • Major travel brands have already moved: Skyscanner (100mn+ users), Travala (2mn+ properties, 100+ cryptos), Destinia, airBaltic (first airline to accept Bitcoin), and Alternative Airlines now accept crypto.   • 77% of Travala bookings are paid in crypto (Sep 2024 figures).   • Yet, adoption remains uneven - 64% of crypto holders want to spend on travel, while only 25% of merchants accept it (2022 survey – Worldpay, Crypto for Payments). 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹? 𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁: 1. Global reach – Borderless payments with no currency exchange or bank delays. 2. Faster, cheaper transactions – Instant settlement and lower fees with no intermediaries. 3. Fraud protection – Blockchain reduces chargebacks and payment fraud. 4. Crypto-native appeal – Attracts privacy-first, digital-savvy travellers. 5. 24/7 availability – Payments anytime, anywhere - no banking working hours needed. 6. Stability in volatility – A reliable alternative in countries with volatile local currencies. 7. Enhanced privacy – Minimal personal data is shared, lowering identity theft risks. 8. Brand differentiation – Accepting crypto signals innovation and helps stand out in a competitive travel market. So, how should travel industry players (agencies, airlines, booking platforms, etc.) choose a crypto payment solution? I looked at CoinsPaid, one of the market’s most recognized providers, to 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮: 1.     Easy setup and integration for different types of travel services (e.g. CoinsPaid has dedicated API and support). 2.     Support for major coins and stablecoins (e.g. CoinsPaid supports over 20 leading cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDC). 3.     Automatic conversion from crypto to fiat, which simplifies accounting and reduces exposure to crypto volatility. 4.     Competitive pricing (e.g. CoinsPaid has no setup fees, no monthly fees, no hidden costs and only a transaction fee). 5.     Functionalities and tools like mass payouts, invoices and payment links. Crypto isn’t just a payment trend - it’s a rising expectation among a global, digital-first customer base. For travel brands, tapping into this multi-million user base is quickly becoming one of their key strategic alternative plays. Opinions: my own, Graphic source: CoinsPaid - https://lnkd.in/dThiPtMt

What happens when a legacy CPG giant like PepsiCo acquires a fast-growing disruptor like Poppi? It’s a blueprint for the future of FMCG. PepsiCo has spent years evolving its portfolio, shifting toward healthier, functional, and better-for-you options. From acquiring Siete Family Foods to Sabra Dipping Company, and now Poppi, they’re doubling down on what today’s consumers want: ✅ Functional Ingredients: Poppi taps into the gut health boom, projected to reach $72B+ globally by 2032 (Source: Market Research Future® (MRFR)). Consumers aren’t just looking for hydration—they want drinks that boost immunity, digestion, and energy. ✅ Premiumization of Soda: Traditional soda sales have declined by 12% in the last decade, while functional and prebiotic sodas are growing 35% YoY (Source: Beverage Digest). Brands like Poppi prove that consumers will pay a premium for added health benefits. ✅ The Power of Challenger Brands: Nearly 60% of Gen Z & Millennials say they trust emerging brands more than Big CPG (Source: McKinsey & Company). PepsiCo knows the future belongs to brands that feel authentic, mission-driven, and community-led. So, The “Big Food vs. Challenger Brand” battle is over-it’s now about collaboration. Legacy brands need disruptors to stay relevant. Health & wellness aren’t trends-they’re becoming industry standards. If a brand isn’t innovating in functional benefits, it’s already falling behind. The next wave of acquisitions? Expect strategic buys in functional beverages, gut health, and personalized nutrition. This is just the beginning. Are Big CPGs moving fast enough to keep up with evolving consumer demands? #FMCG #PepsiCo #Poppi #GutHealth #ConsumerTrends #MergersAndAcquisitions #FoodAndBeverage

We’ve called efficiency the unsung hero of the energy transition in the past. While the energy transition will happen first through the transition of energy usages, like the shift with transport, from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, or from fuel or gas boilers to heat pumps, we cannot ignore the utmost priority of the energy transition: efficiency. Efficiency is the greatest path to reduce our energy use, our impact on the world’s climate through CO2 emission reduction, and very importantly, the best way to make solid and practical savings. In its most historical form, energy efficiency is about better insulation, to reduce heating (or cooling) loss in buildings like family homes, warehouses, office high rises, and shopping malls. This is useful, but expensive and tedious to realize on existing installations. Digitizing home, buildings, industries and infrastructure brings similar benefits at a much lower cost and a much higher economic return. The combination of IoT, big data, software and AI can significantly reduce energy use and waste by detecting leaky valves, or automatically adjusting heating, lighting, processes and other systems to the number of people present at any given time, using real-time data analysis. It also allows owners to measure precisely progress, report automatically on their energy and sustainability parameters, and benefit from new services through smart grid interaction. And this is just the energy benefit. Automation and digital tools also optimize the processes, safety, reliability, and uptime leading to greater productivity and performance.

Look after YOUR TEAM and they will look after YOUR CUSTOMERS 🔥 I've spent over a decade studying great leadership. Firstly because I was a terrible at it and didn’t know what I was doing. Secondly, because I understood that the trajectory of any team stems from the top. I’ve learnt that ultimate goal of any true leader is to create efficient systems and empower their team, so they become self-reliant. Think of it like a sports coach: their job is to prepare the team, but they don't play the game. A coach's influence is typically limited to before the game, at the half-time break or after the match. The team must execute on the field or court. If a coach has to join the game, they haven't done their job properly and there is something wrong with the system. So how do you inspire your team to bring their best selves: 🌟 Vision and Inspiration: Leaders typically have a clear vision and the ability to inspire employees towards a common goal. This inspires a sense of purpose, making employees feel important as they contribute to a greater mission 🔑 Empowerment: Leaders often empower employees to make decisions and take ownership of their work. This autonomy fosters a sense of significance and trust among employees 👂 Listening and Feedback: Leaders tend to actively listen to employees' ideas and concerns, providing constructive feedback. This shows employees that their input matters, reinforcing their importance within the organisation 📈 Development: Leaders prioritise employee growth and development, helping them acquire new skills and advance in their careers. This investment in personal and professional growth reinforces the sense of importance. 🏆 Recognition: Leaders are often more inclined to recognise and appreciate the contributions of their team members. Regular recognition boosts morale and makes employees feel valued and important. 🗣️ Transparency and Communication: Leaders tend to be transparent about the company's direction and challenges. Open communication fosters a sense of belonging and importance, as employees are kept informed and involved. 🤝 Trust and Accountability: Leaders trust their employees to perform their roles effectively and hold them accountable for their actions. This trust implies that employees are important and capable of delivering results.

How the Humble American Diner Became the Stage for Brand Storytelling.... When we think of a diner, we think nostalgia. Neon lights, checkered floors, milkshakes, and the smell of fries drifting through the air. But today, brands aren’t just serving nostalgia, they’re serving story, theatre, and tangible brand experiences that make people stop, engage, and remember. Take Tesla’s Cybertruck “Tesla Diner & Drive-In.” It’s not just about the Superchargers. It’s about a retro-futuristic diner and drive-in theatre that transforms a functional stop into a multi-sensory moment. The diner becomes the stage where Tesla’s narrative, 'innovation meets Americana' comes alive. It’s tactile, it’s playful, and it’s a perfect example of a brand turning necessity into experience. Luxury and lifestyle brands are doing the same. CHANEL, SKIMS, and Jellycat have used pop-up diners to reinforce their brand DNA while giving consumers a physical, sensory connection. Think soft tactile displays, curated menus, neon signs echoing campaign aesthetics, and social moments built into every corner. The diner becomes a theatrical playground: consumers don’t just buy a product, they inhabit it. They sip, they snap, they share. So why does this work so well? It taps into the experience economy and Gen-Z’s appetite for moments that feel real, tangible, and shareable. A diner is both familiar and fantastical, it’s something people already know how to navigate, yet it can be transformed into a brand’s universe. Retro cues spark nostalgia, playful design encourages interaction, and the combination of taste, touch, and sight delivers multi-sensory engagement that static campaigns can’t match. They also offer collaboration potential; menus, merch, even limited-edition treats become vehicles for storytelling and co-creation. Social content writes itself: photo-booths, milkshake moments, and a drool inducing aesthetic, all make for irresistible feed fodder. And because diners are inherently communal, they naturally create micro-communities around the brand experience. For me, the power of the pop-up diner is that it’s more than just activation, it’s a physical manifesto of a brand’s values and aesthetics, inviting consumers to live the story, not just consume it. It’s theatre, tactility, and sensory engagement all rolled into one. Brands today aren’t just launching products, they’re designing worlds. So, are you still marketing products, or are you serving experiences with a side of storytelling? ________________ *Hi, I am Tim Nash. I help global brands build connected campaigns that resonate across every touchpoint. 🚀 #BrandExperience #ExperientialMarketing #RetailInnovation #GenZTrends #StorytellingInRetail #CulturalStrategy #BrandActivations #ExperienceEconomy Pictures courtesy of Glossier, Inc. / Skims / Chanel / Tesla / Benefit Cosmetics

I independently planned my first solo international trip to Thailand and realized – Solo traveling is not as daunting as I assumed it to be. (Please note, I’m not a seasoned pro – this was my first time too.) Deciding to travel solo, especially as a woman, felt both thrilling & terrifying. Safety, comfort, and planning were all top of mind. But with the right strategy, I turned my anxiety into an unforgettable experience. Here’s how I did it and how you can too: 📌 STAY: → I chose hotels with ratings above 8/10 (verified through online reviews and social media). → Being a vegetarian, I checked for breakfast options that fit my diet. → I prioritized proximity. My hotel was near major locations, in well-lit, bustling areas safe for women. → I splurged on a 4-star hotel to ensure extra safety and peace of mind rather than going with a hostel or a dorm room. 📌 TRAVEL ITINERARY: → ChatGPT, social media (YouTube, Instagram) and advice from friends who’d been there helped me map out my trip with minute details. → Bangkok’s BTS local trains were my go-to – affordable, fast, and scam-free. → I skipped taxis and tuk-tuks to avoid haggling or potential scams. 📌 FOOD: → Apps like Google Maps and HappyCow made locating veg-friendly spots easier. → Finding good vegetarian options was a workout – I clocked 20k steps daily to get to those restaurants! → Drinking water isn’t free in malls, so I relied on bottled water from 7-Eleven. Solo travel might seem intimidating at first, but it’s all about preparation. Plan smart in advance, prioritize safety, and embrace the adventure. Trust me – If I could do it, so can you! Got questions?  Ask away in the comments!  What’s that one thing holding you back from your first solo trip? #drishtiispeaks #solotrip #Thailand #travel #female

A VC perspective on AI InsurTech. Amir Kabir explored the state of artificial intelligence in the insurance industry. This essay is part of a broader series on the state and future of insurance innovation. As AI is probably the hottest topic in the market right now, it makes sense to dedicate an article to that specific technology. It starts with a reminder of AI technologies: its history, different trends this single word covers and major trends at work across industries. Then it deep dives into the insurance value chain by highlighting where machine learning models and technics are already leveraged, listing their strengths and weaknesses. It also details where the most value-added could be expected from adopting AI technologies. Ultimately, it highlights several use-cases already in place in the market on both incumbent and startup sides. Based on our own market watch in the European InsurTech ecosystem, I'd say that claim is probably where use-cases are the most advanced, while we currently see initiatives kicking off around distribution & customer relationship. Pricing is still in its early days - with limited number of players - while we expect a lot to happen around (emerging) risks ! #insurance #insurtech #artificialintelligence