AI News
Maestro’s 2026 Software & Innovation Roadmap Focuses on Intelligent Growth, Elevated Experiences
Maestro PMS, the industry’s trusted all-in-one hospitality management solution, today reveals its “2026 Software & Innovation Roadmap” that outlines a bold vision centered on intelligent automation, expanded revenue opportunities, and continued operational excellence. The tech strategy reflects Maestro’s long-standing commitment to delivering future-ready solutions shaped by real-world hotel operations and direct client feedback.
BTN Interviews: Ritesh Raj, Co-Founder and CEO, CuddlyNest: From India to the Future of AI Travel
CuddlyNest has evolved from its founding ambition of touching every travel vertical into a next-phase company now focused on enhancement rather than building—leveraging AI, expanding into flights and attractions, and redefining how travellers discover and book experiences. Its journey reflects what happens when grit aligns with timing and resilience meets risk, driven by a founder who turned his beginnings in an “unpopular town” into a global vision. Today, CuddlyNest stands as a testament to exploration, determination, and the belief that the world is not only worth seeing—but worth connecting.
Africa’s Oldest Family-Run Safari Company Launches ‘Mara’ AI Assistant
Cottar’s Safaris, Africa’s oldest family-run safari company, is proud to announce the launch of Mara, an AI-powered Safari Travel Assistant designed to support both guests and trade partners, alongside the launch of its new website – together bringing a century of safari heritage to life and making it easier, smarter, and more engaging to plan journeys to Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Cottar’s Bush Villa in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
TOURISE Destination Initiative Calls for Global Action for Urban Tourism Safety through AI
Launched today at the TOURISE Summit, the TOURISE Destination Initiative (TDI) brings together global leaders from government, international organizations, academia, and the private sector, to transform destinations into living laboratories for tourism innovation. Guided by its Declaration of Principles, TDI champions safety, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community-centered development through responsible technology and multi-sector collaboration.
Travel Uni launches new AI platform, game-changing travel agent training
Travel Uni, part of Equator Global, has unveiled its latest training platform upgrade with Tourism Thailand. An innovative new tool, Travel Uni Advanced Intelligence uses cutting edge technology to make learning, product knowledge development and sales support faster and easier for travel agents.
DCT Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches to drive service excellence
Powered by AI-driven e-learning modules, the Visitor Experience Academy will deliver tailor-made professional training across Abu Dhabi’s visitor journey touchpoints
Abu Dhabi to Host Ai Everything Global 2026: Accelerating the UAE’s Ambition as a Global Hub for AI
ADNEC Group, KAOUN International, and DCT Abu Dhabi unite to create a world-class AI platform driving technological transformation. The 2026 edition will showcase AI advancements in government, biotech, edtech, creative economy, healthtech, mobility, among more.
Lokalee partners with MessageBox for a comprehensive hospitality platform
Lokalee boosts its Guest Companion platform for hotels and short stays by integrating MessageBox’s services
Hamdan bin Mohammed announces that AI Retreat will become annual fixture in Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, today announced that the AI Retreat, organised collaboratively by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) and the National Program for Artificial Intelligence, will become an annual event on Dubai’s calendar, with the next retreat set to run on 29 April 2025.
Cutting-Edge Cooking: dnata Introduces AI-driven Robot Chef at WTCE Expo
At the World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) in Hamburg, dnata Catering & Retail is showcasing a cooking robot capable of preparing delectable Asian dishes like stir-fried beef with oyster sauce and kung pao shrimp. Developed by BOTINKIT, this robot replicates a chef’s stir-frying technique with precision, using induction pot technology for even heating and precision seasoning for consistent taste.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Partners with Google Cloud to Revolutionize Travel Planning Experience
IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Google Cloud, announces an enhanced partnership aimed at revolutionizing the travel planning experience for guests through the IHG One Rewards mobile app. Leveraging Google Cloud’s generative AI technologies, IHG will introduce a dynamic travel planning capability, allowing guests to easily plan their vacations and access personalized recommendations directly within the app.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS PIONEERS CUTTING-EDGE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has become one of the first airlines to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance safety management systems, elevating them to an advanced level of sophistication. This strategic move signifies the airline’s commitment to enhancing safety protocols through cutting-edge technology.