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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT management firm Noble Investment Group partnered with Host Hotels & Resorts to tap and expand travel, leisure and hospitality opportunities, a statement said. As part of the initiative, Host will invest $150 million as a limited partner in an existing Noble investment vehicle and provide Noble with first-look at select-service and extended-stay hotel opportunities sourced through Host's channels. Host also will become a minority investment partner in Noble's fee-based asset management business, according to Noble's press release. "As we continue to expand our institutional investment management platform, this strategic partnership further augments Noble's ability to develop, source, and execute innovative growth strategies in travel, leisure, and hospitality," said Mit Shah, Noble's CEO. According to the statement, the partnership will combine Noble's operational expertise and development acumen with Host's scale, market insights, data analytics, and breadth of resources. They aim to source differentiated investment strategies including property technology solutions, development, and alternative lodging.

APPROXIMATELY 82 PERCENT of American travelers see sustainable travel as important, with nearly half, 48 percent, viewing it as secondary to trip planning, according to a recent survey by Booking.com. However, roughly 32 percent expressed fatigue towards discussions on climate change. The survey conducted among 31,000 people across 34 countries and territories highlighted the need for collective action to maintain momentum toward a more sustainable travel industry, Booking.com said. "While many travelers have retained a sense of optimism and a desire to have a more positive impact, there is a critical opportunity for the industry to accelerate efforts to make those choices easier for everyone," said Danielle D'Silva, Booking.com's head of sustainability. "It's important that we continue ensuring that more sustainable options are not only readily available, but also easy to trust and understand. That's where we believe further education, clear and consistent standards and credible third-party certification of legitimate sustainable practices across the travel experience can really help. While the signals of consumer frustration should be a concern, it's also a reminder to maintain our focus on the impactful work we know can make a difference not only for travelers, but for communities and destinations everywhere."

Reaching out to Expedia's customer service via phone remains one of the most direct and effective approaches. By dialing Expedia's customer service phone number Hotline (EXPEDIA™) +1➮866➮884➮3314 ☎ you can connect with a representative who can provide real-time assistance and personalized solutions tailored to your needs.

ACCOR HAS SELECTED IDeaS as its global revenue management software provider for its portfolio of more than 5,600 hotels across 110 countries. IDeaS will "future-proof" Accor's revenue management strategy to provide a competitive advantage, the companies said in a joint statement. "We are thrilled to be selected as a global partner to drive Accor's commercial revenue platform transformation at a moment of unparalleled growth and opportunity for the company worldwide," said Ravi Mehrotra, IDeaS' cofounder and chief scientist. "In a new era of innovation and consumer and product diversification, we are pleased to bring IDeaS' market-leading automation, pricing approach, and a singular focus on holistic revenue optimization to Accor's diverse brand portfolio."

ONLY ONE IN five hotel professionals believe the current tech stack is sufficient for achieving efficiencies, cost savings and adequate guest care, according to a recent survey by the Hospitality Women's Innovation Council. Approximately 91 percent of survey respondents indicated that better collaboration among technology companies on integrations is needed, while 86 percent felt improved integration processes would encourage greater investment in technology. HWIC, a group of hotel brand executives, managers, and innovators, conducted the survey between May 25 and June 15, HWIC said in a statement. More than 300 owners, managers, and technologists participated in the survey. The study was supported by Visual Matrix, a PMS software developer in Richardson, Texas. "Industry professionals have confirmed that more than any other factor, collaboration is the key to driving better business results for hoteliers-collaboration among technology providers and between the providers and the hoteliers they serve," said Georgine Muntz, HWIC co-chair and CEO of Visual Matrix. "When we created the council close to a year ago, we began with the assumption that women leaders in hospitality can help improve the ways industry professionals collaborate for common ends and encourage better standardized integrations. Now that assumption has been fully validated. We look forward to sharing the council's recommendations on better integration, collaboration and advancing innovation, in the weeks ahead."

The Internet of Things (IoT) has been a game-changer in various industries, and the hospitality sector is no exception. The integration of IoT technology in hospitality has transformed how hotels and resorts operate, offering enhanced guest experiences and streamlined operations. IoT refers to the network of interconnected devices and sensors that collect and exchange data through the Internet, enabling seamless communication and automation. Let's explore how the IoT can benefit the hospitality industry, with a particular focus on the role of mobile phones in enhancing guest experiences. Personalized Guest Experience According to Analytic Steps, one of the most significant advantages of IoT in the hospitality industry is its ability to provide personalized guest experiences. IoT-enabled devices like smart room systems and mobile apps can gather data on guest preferences and behavior. With this information, hotels can tailor their services to meet individual needs, creating a more personalized and memorable stay for guests.

HOTEL EQUITIES HAS partnered with Grazzy and Visa Direct to launch a digital tipping platform for their associates and guests. This initiative aims to provide a secure and cashless way for guests to tip hotel staff, HE said in a statement. According to a recent study, 83 percent of hotel guests want to tip staff digitally but face limitations. HE and Grazzy's program enables guests to tip housekeeping, front desk and other staff from their mobile devices, the company said. By scanning a hotel branded QR code in their room or on hotel signage, guests can access Grazzy, choose the staff member and enter the desired tip amount. No cash or extra apps are required, the statement added.