Azerbaijan’s Travel & Tourism sector is set for a year of significant growth in 2025, with new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), forecasting a contribution of ₼10.3BN to the national economy – a 32% year-on-year rise, representing 8.2% of total GDP.
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs first InterContinental in Manchester, UK
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of InterContinental Manchester – Deansgate, marking the fifth InterContinental in its UK and Ireland portfolio. Owned by Blue Manchester Hotel Limited, the 264-room hotel is expected to be fully rebranded by 2027, and will remain open to guests in the meantime.
The Savoy Unveils New Look Rooms & Suites
Legendary London hotel, The Savoy, has unveiled a transformative new design for its rooms and suites, available to book from 9 June 2025.
Technology Breakthrough: First Human-Looking AI Concierge Now Available to Every Hotel Guest Exclusively on the HCN In-Room Tablet Platform
Hotel Communication Network (HCN), the world leader in guestroom tablets for hotels and resorts, is transforming the way operators are driving revenues and engaging with guests. Taking advantage of advances in AI technologies, HCN has developed an industry breakthrough by creating the first human-looking AI Concierge persona capable of addressing guests individually with full voice integration and providing voice-activated access to all guest services during their stay at HCN partner hotels. To make this technological achievement even more compelling, HCN’s new ad-supported revenue model makes the entire platform highly subsidized with a possible revenue share for hotels.
Maestro to Showcase Full Suite of All-In-One PMS Innovations at HITEC Indianapolis
Maestro PMS will showcase the latest enhancements to its industry-defining property-management system in Booth #2411 at HITEC North America 2025, to be held June 16 to 19 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. As a platinum sponsor of the premier technology event, Maestro will display its full selection of offerings, including its popular Guest Experience Management System (GuestXMS), in-demand embedded payments solution MezzoPay with unique integration to Silverware POS, newly enhanced Spa Management module, and the much-anticipated Maestro Touch — a powerful new feature of Maestro PMS designed to revolutionize the front desk user experience. Attendees can also preview powerful updates to the Front Desk and Sales & Catering systems, designed to boost operational speed, improve data visibility, and simplify complex workflows for staff.
Innovating Hospitality: The Financial and Environmental Case for Furniture-as-a-Service
For decades, linen rental services have been the quiet workhorse of hospitality—offering hotels operational efficiency, cost savings, and consistency across properties. What began as a smart solution has become a global standard. As the industry faces growing pressure to cut carbon, manage risk, and stay agile, one question is worth asking:
Agentic AI: What It Is, How It’s Different, and Why It Matters in Hospitality
When we say “AI agents,” we’re not talking about the suit-wearing, memory-wiping types from Men in Black, but these new agents might be just as transformative. In the world of hotel tech, AI agents are emerging as intelligent, task-driven assistants that work behind the scenes to simplify operations, boost efficiency, and create better guest experiences. Instead of battling aliens, these agents are here to tackle fragmented systems, reduce manual workloads, and unlock a smarter, more connected future for hospitality. And unlike the old “app-for-everything” approach, agentic AI offers a more agile, scalable way to run your hotel.
Connection Over Code: A Human-First Vision for Hotel Tech
Lately, it feels like nearly every conversation I have comes back to how fast AI is moving—and how easily we can get swept up in it. In an industry that thrives on personal connection, it’s worth asking: What does all this tech actually do for the people who make hospitality what it is?
Connect, Curate, Customize: Teamwork and Technology Turn Outdoor Experiences into Unforgettable Adventures
As summer travel trends shift, one truth remains: the more personalized and immersive the experience, the more likely guests are to return. In today’s uncertain marketplace, travelers are booking later and staying for shorter periods, often Thursday through Sunday rather than a full week. With rising costs and global events weighing on decision-making, guests are opting for quick getaways — and looking for meaningful experiences to make the most of them.
Unlock the Summer Surge: Hotel Campaigns That Convert
Capture early summer demand with personalized website campaigns tailored to drive more direct bookings

