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Wyndham Hotels Touts AI Initiatives Amid Record Room Growth
Wyndham Hotels & ResortsWyndham Hotels & Resorts(US:WH) PYMNTS.comยท2024-07-25 17:24

Company Insights - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is investing in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance guest experiences and improve operational efficiency [1][3] - The company reported a 7% year-over-year growth in its development pipeline, reaching a record 245,000 rooms [7][8] - Revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 2%, with flat growth in the U.S. and a 7% increase internationally [7] Financial Performance - The CEO highlighted the resilience and cash-generative nature of the business model, showcasing strong adjusted EBITDA driven by net room and ancillary fee growth [2][8] - The company awarded 33% more hotel contracts domestically, contributing to the growth of its development pipeline [8] Technological Advancements - Wyndham has implemented AI-generated messaging to facilitate communication between franchisees and guests via text [4] - The introduction of smart mobile check-in is aimed at speeding up the check-in process and reducing labor needs [9] Industry Trends - The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) anticipates a significant increase in global business travel spending, projecting an 11.1% rise in 2024 to $1.48 trillion [6][11] - The travel sector is increasingly adopting AI tools, as evidenced by new platforms introduced by companies like AMGiNE and Altour [5][10]