All published updates

Hilton Garden Inn Busselton Team Delivers Memorable Experiences with 'Brighthearted' Service

Hilton's 'Behind the Stay' series spotlights Hilton Garden Inn Busselton in Western Australia, showcasing how the team's 'Brighthearted' service philosophy makes the hotel a beloved destination for locals and visitors. Team members like Assistant Front Office Manager Ntula and Hotel Manager Des create memorable guest experiences through genuine care and personalized service, including preparing comfort food for US firefighters and helping a wedding party.

Vrbo Report: Quality and Trust Drive Vacation Rental Spending

Vrbo released the Built to Stay Report, finding 86% of travelers would pay more for higher-quality vacation rentals, and 81% would pay more for strong trust signals. Cleanliness, reliable amenities, and quick responses are key quality signals, while verified reviews and detailed reviews are important trust signals.

Startup Chaty uses AI receptionist to help tour operators manage inbound calls

Australian startup Chaty offers an AI receptionist that integrates with booking systems to help tour and activity operators handle inbound calls and website inquiries, checking live availability and completing bookings. It uses a usage-based SaaS model with monthly fees from $29 to $379, and integrates with platforms like FareHarbor and Rezdy.

Expedia research: APAC travel growth but complexity risks

Expedia Group research shows 65% of travel professionals expect APAC travel demand to increase in the next 2-3 years, but complexity in payments, content, and technology may hinder growth. The survey covered 1,250 professionals.

Chaty AI raises $1.15 million seed round to expand AI assistant for travel experiences

Australia-based startup Chaty AI has raised $1.15 million in seed funding to expand its conversational AI platform for tours, activities, and attractions operators. The platform offers an AI-powered virtual phone assistant that can answer questions, access live availability, and facilitate bookings. The company also launched a website chatbot that can be embedded into operator websites for multi-channel customer interactions. The funding will be used to accelerate product development, grow the engineering team, and expand globally.

Australia travel advice updated

The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Australia, noting that escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures and delayed or cancelled flights. Additionally, there is a higher risk of bushfires from October to February. Travellers are advised to check advice for transit countries, monitor airline updates, review insurance, and follow media.

Impact and considerations

Escalation in the Middle East may disrupt global flights, and Australia's bushfire season could affect business travel. Monitor flight changes and local safety conditions.

Survey: How Travel Managers Are Shaping the Next Era of Business Travel

The SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey found that 78% of travel managers expected travel budgets to increase in 2025, but 69% felt budgets don't reflect the importance of business travel. The survey also found growing AI adoption, but 10% of managers know employees use AI to falsify expenses, highlighting fraud risks.