ATPI launches technology investment strategy

Buying Business Travel | February 10, 2020

The ATPI Group has announced a new technology-focused investment strategy with the launch of a programme to support tech start-ups, including online booking tool Taptrip. The Endeavour programme will offer both financial backing and market knowledge to technology start-ups that are “disrupting and driving the sector”, according to ATPI. It will be built on the group’s existing proprietary capabilities and will be structured as a series of individual investment and development projects. The group said it is focusing its investment and growth strategy on companies that are looking to innovate and create new solutions. The priority for the programme is on start-ups that have the capability and agility to build and grow their software to meet the changing needs of customers, both on the buyer and traveller side.

Spotlight

Paired with changing workforce dynamics, contact centers are coping with issues such as economic uncertainty, customer vulnerability, an increase in global compliance regulations and ongoing pandemic-related disruptions —
from the supply chain to employee health concerns. A perfect storm of external factors have led to higher interaction volumes and more complex customer conversations.

Spotlight

Paired with changing workforce dynamics, contact centers are coping with issues such as economic uncertainty, customer vulnerability, an increase in global compliance regulations and ongoing pandemic-related disruptions —
from the supply chain to employee health concerns. A perfect storm of external factors have led to higher interaction volumes and more complex customer conversations.

Related News

FEATURES AND ADVICE

BrainHQ Studies Importance of Brain Training for Space Travel

BrainHQ | March 10, 2023

BrainHQ, a brain training system, has recently announced the conclusion of its pilot study, showing that brain training can help space travel. The research was conducted with computerized brain training and Posit Science marketed it. The researchers found that space travel has a hazardous impact on the brain because of the gravitational forces involved in liftoff and landing, radiation, microgravity, and isolation. These impacts resulted in effects like intracranial pressure, impaired vision, vestibular dysfunction, altered fluid levels in veins and arteries, white matter changes, and premature aging. They grouped the astronauts having qualities like age, education and discipline who are employees from the Johnson Space Center for the Increasing Cognitive Ability/Reserve Using Software (ICARUS) pilot study. It tested their cognitive performance through its assessments and Cognition Test Battery, a software-based test dedicated to NASA. It trained five of these participants for about 15 hours of training, 18 sessions and over the 90 days. They improved on internal measures of its exercises with a 71% increase on average in primary performance metrics. On the NASA Cognition Test Battery, they showed 19% gains on average. With preliminary findings, the pilot study provided data and feasibility for further research. CEO of Posit Science, Dr. Henry Mahncke said, “These are exciting results in a new area, which is literally about the New Frontier.” He added, “Whether it’s returning to the moon or colonizing Mars, we know that addressing the cognitive challenges of long-term space flight is essential. These results fit nicely with what we’ve seen in building cognitive reserve in older adults and people recovering from brain injury and brain fog, as well as improving peak performers — such as special forces, law enforcement, or athletes — expected to perform at superhuman levels under extreme time and performance pressures.” (Source – Globe Newswire) About BrainHQ Headquartered in San Francisco, California, BrainHQ, a wellness and fitness services provider, has improved mental ability and performance since 2002. The international team of neuroscientists and brain experts tested its brain training system. Its exercise is scientific-based, and researchers validated its real benefits in their published papers. The experts design, test and redefine its online exercises for cognitive issues, healthy aging and mental conditions. It uses a special algorithm to adapt difficulty in each exercise at the optimum level. Its exercises are divided into different levels for a flexible period, depending on the personal training goals, on any computer or mobile device.

Read More

BUSINESS TRAVEL, AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS

Avelo Airlines Reports Strong Booking Trends from Delaware Valley

Avelo Airlines | January 19, 2023

On January 18, 2023, Avelo Airlines reported strong booking trends before the much-awaited introduction of the airline's base at Wilmington Airport (ILG). This launch will take place on February 1, and from that date onwards, the company will offer nonstop flight services to Florida from the most convenient location in Delaware Valley. Andrew Levy, Chairman and CEO at Avelo Airlines, said, "With 14 days to go, we are very encouraged by the initial demand from across the four-state Delaware Valley region. We are seeing strong booking trends across all five Florida destinations Avelo will serve from Wilmington. It is clear there is a lot of excitement about the convenient, affordable and reliable service Avelo is bringing to the region." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) With Avelo's ILG base opening in two weeks, the airline plans to provide nonstop flights to five popular destinations in Florida: Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, and West Palm Beach. In addition, Avelo will run a special inaugural flight on February 1 from Wilmington to Orlando International Airport (MCO), the busiest and most convenient airport in Central Florida, to mark the opening of its ILG base. The company will begin by placing one Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737 at ILG along with 35 Crewmembers (employees), including pilots, aircraft technical operations and maintenance, airport customer service, flight attendants, and supervisors. In the United States, Avelo now offers service to 34 locations. By operating on overlooked routes to underserved communities across the nation, the airline has ushered in a new era of choice, convenience, and competition in air travel. About Avelo Airlines Founded in 2020, Avelo Airlines was established with a simple goal - Inspiring Travel. Through its Soul of Service culture, the airline keeps people at the heart of everything, allowing customers to save time and money, avail low everyday fares, and experience refreshing convenience. Avelo operates a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft and serves 34 popular locations across the United States, with five bases: Tweed-New Haven Airport in Southern Connecticut (HVN), Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles (BUR), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), and Wilmington Airport in the Delaware Valley (ILG).

Read More

HOSPITALITY TRENDS

Outrigger® Hospitality Group Chooses Solonis for Property Management System

Outrigge | February 17, 2023

Solonis, a company specializing in modern property management solutions, has recently announced a partnership with Outrigger® Hospitality Group, a barefoot-luxury brand and management company based in Honolulu that owns/operates resorts, hotels, and condominiums. Outrigger® has selected Solonis to provide its guest engagement technologies and property management system to its 16 Hawaii Vacation Condo properties. Outrigger® has charted a course of discovery for the past 75 years. It has premier hotel and beach resort properties spanning the Hawaiian Islands, Asia-Pacific, and the Indian Ocean, including Fiji, Mauritius, Thailand, and the Maldives. The company is renowned as an innovator in tourism development, in addition to its meaningful guest experiences. Solonis will now equip Outrigger®'s Hawaii Vacation Condos with customized solutions that meet special operational requirements, enhance guest experiences, and optimize front office and housekeeping efficiencies. Outrigger® will gain access to Solonis' comprehensive reporting capabilities, revenue management tools, guest and owner portals, and flagship property management system through this partnership. Solonis will also provide several custom development items and oversee the full onsite implementation. Carly Clement, VP of Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger®, shared, "We appreciate Solonis' thoughtful approach towards innovation and are pleased to partner with them to provide our condo owners and guests with new efficiency and operational visibility while maintaining the personal touch that Outrigger is known for." (Source – Business Wire) About Outrigger® Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Outrigger Resorts & Hotels is a beach resort company that operates premium resorts and hotels in the Hawaiian Islands, Asia-Pacific, and Indian Ocean. Each Outrigger property offers a compelling guest experience with a distinct sense of place and is associated with local culture and world-class hospitality. With 38 properties and over 7,000 rooms in operation and/or development, Outrigger's multi-branded portfolio includes OHANA Hotels by Outrigger®, Outrigger® Resorts, and Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger®, in addition to managing select properties from top international hotel brands such as Best Western®, Wyndham Destinations, Embassy Suites®, and Hilton Grand VacationsTM.

Read More