Hospitality & Tourism

✈️ Airport Baggage Handling Has Quietly Gotten Smarter — Thanks to AI. What do you think? Remember the days of delayed or lost luggage being the norm. That’s changing — fast. With AI, IoT, and automation transforming ground operations, the baggage handling system at modern airports is becoming a case study in quiet efficiency. Here’s how technology is making a difference: ✅ RFID & real-time tracking – No more guessing where your bag is. ✅ AI-powered sorting & routing – Faster, more accurate handling. ✅ Predictive analytics – Less congestion, fewer delays. ✅ Robotics & automation – Smarter, safer workflows. ✅ Passenger apps – Transparency right in your pocket. 🔍 Fun fact: Since 2007, global mishandled baggage rates have dropped by over 70%. Airports like Changi, Heathrow, and Schiphol are leading the way — and passengers are noticing. Sometimes the best tech transformations are the ones we don’t even realize are happening. #AI #AirportTech #Logistics #SmartTravel #DigitalTransformation #BaggageHandling #Innovation #IoT #Automation video by @theasybag

Fintech’s next big opportunity is hiding in plain sight. And it might be a 100-million strong active customer base. Here’s the case behind the numbers. • 8% of the global population - around 659 million people - own cryptocurrency (Crypto Market Sizing Report).   • Travel is the top category for crypto spending, accounting for an estimated 15% share. Applied to total users, that’s a pool of roughly 100 million potential crypto-travellers.   • Major travel brands have already moved: Skyscanner (100mn+ users), Travala (2mn+ properties, 100+ cryptos), Destinia, airBaltic (first airline to accept Bitcoin), and Alternative Airlines now accept crypto.   • 77% of Travala bookings are paid in crypto (Sep 2024 figures).   • Yet, adoption remains uneven - 64% of crypto holders want to spend on travel, while only 25% of merchants accept it (2022 survey – Worldpay, Crypto for Payments). 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹? 𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁: 1. Global reach – Borderless payments with no currency exchange or bank delays. 2. Faster, cheaper transactions – Instant settlement and lower fees with no intermediaries. 3. Fraud protection – Blockchain reduces chargebacks and payment fraud. 4. Crypto-native appeal – Attracts privacy-first, digital-savvy travellers. 5. 24/7 availability – Payments anytime, anywhere - no banking working hours needed. 6. Stability in volatility – A reliable alternative in countries with volatile local currencies. 7. Enhanced privacy – Minimal personal data is shared, lowering identity theft risks. 8. Brand differentiation – Accepting crypto signals innovation and helps stand out in a competitive travel market. So, how should travel industry players (agencies, airlines, booking platforms, etc.) choose a crypto payment solution? I looked at CoinsPaid, one of the market’s most recognized providers, to 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮: 1.     Easy setup and integration for different types of travel services (e.g. CoinsPaid has dedicated API and support). 2.     Support for major coins and stablecoins (e.g. CoinsPaid supports over 20 leading cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDC). 3.     Automatic conversion from crypto to fiat, which simplifies accounting and reduces exposure to crypto volatility. 4.     Competitive pricing (e.g. CoinsPaid has no setup fees, no monthly fees, no hidden costs and only a transaction fee). 5.     Functionalities and tools like mass payouts, invoices and payment links. Crypto isn’t just a payment trend - it’s a rising expectation among a global, digital-first customer base. For travel brands, tapping into this multi-million user base is quickly becoming one of their key strategic alternative plays. Opinions: my own, Graphic source: CoinsPaid - https://lnkd.in/dThiPtMt

Somewhere along the way, maintenance became a checkbox. A calendar event. A cost to control. But the factory floor is evolving. And so must the mindset. We don’t just repair anymore... We predict. We prescribe. We optimize. And when you optimize consistently, you stop reacting to problems…and start unlocking performance. That’s the real promise of Maintenance 4.0. Not just fewer breakdowns, but smarter resource planning, tighter production schedules, and data-driven capital decisions. It’s maintenance, yes. But not as you know it. To appreciate the significance of Maintenance 4.0, it's essential to understand its evolution of maintenance strategies: • 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟏.𝟎 focused on reactive strategies, where actions were taken only after a failure occurred. This approach often led to significant downtime and high repair costs. • 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐.𝟎 introduced preventative maintenance, scheduling regular check-ups based on time or usage to prevent failures. However, this method sometimes resulted in unnecessary maintenance activities, wasting resources. • 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟑.𝟎 saw the advent of condition-based maintenance, utilizing sensors to monitor equipment and perform maintenance based on actual conditions. This strategy marked a shift towards more data-driven decisions but still lacked predictive capabilities. • 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟒.𝟎 builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessors by leveraging advanced predictive and prescriptive maintenance techniques. Utilizing AI and machine learning algorithms, Maintenance 4.0 can anticipate equipment failures before they occur and prescribe optimal maintenance actions. In addition, the data-driven insights provided by Maintenance 4.0 can facilitate strategic decision-making regarding equipment investments, production planning, and innovation initiatives through better integration with other programs and systems, such as Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Asset Performance Management (APM). 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞: https://lnkd.in/djjfivw8 ******************************************* • Visit www.jeffwinterinsights.com for access to all my content and to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

I’m going to be a dad soon, and I’m not getting my kid a smartphone / iPad till they’re 13. I’ve already decided this for a simple reason - Constant content consumption is frying your kid's dopamine receptors. Studies suggest most kids cartoons (like Cocomelon) are overstimulating and lead to low attention span, learning difficulties, and even ADHD (inattentive type). Why? Fast-paced shows bombard children with rapid scene changes, bright colours, and quick jokes. This is what makes the show interesting to them - and parents use it a an easy distraction. But this can overwhelm young brains, which are still developing the ability to filter information and focus. To identify problematic content like this, look for these signs: - Fast cuts: Scenes change every 3-4 seconds, with new visuals. - Oversaturated colours: All colours are exceedingly bright. - Busy sounds: Lots of things happening at once like — music, sound effects, laughter, and talking. There are many slower-paced shows with clear narratives and educational elements that can actually be beneficial for developing cognitive skills. So as parents, what can you do? 1. Look for signs of excessive consumption: - A constant need for immediate gratification. - Irritability when not engaged with screens. - Difficulty focusing on tasks. - Sleep problems. 2. Consider steps to reduce it by: - Setting time limits. - Encouraging non-digital activities. - Engaging with content together to discuss and learn. - Choosing high-quality content with educational value. While screen time matters, what your child watches is just as important. So help them make the right choice! Which shows does your kid watch more often? #healthandwellness #children #shows

Make UPI payments with your thumb. India’s next big leap is here. India’s digital payments story just entered its next chapter. Delhi-based startup Proxgy has launched ThumbPay, a biometric payment device that lets users make UPI payments using only their thumbprint. No smartphone. No QR code. No card. Just identity. This innovation brings simplicity and dignity together, especially for people who were left behind in the digital wave. ✅ A new era of digital access UPI changed how India transacts, but not everyone could join the journey. ThumbPay now bridges that gap. With Aadhaar-linked biometric verification, anyone can make a payment by placing their thumb on a small device. It works instantly, securely, and without dependence on a smartphone. ✅ Designed for real India ThumbPay costs under ₹2,000 and is built for small shopkeepers, daily wage earners, farmers, and the elderly. It takes digital payments to villages and semi-urban towns where connectivity, literacy, and devices often remain barriers. ✅ How it works You place your thumb on the device. It verifies your Aadhaar identity securely, connects to UPI, and completes the transaction in real time. The device has a soundbox and works through 4G, Wi-Fi, or LoRaWAN, ensuring reliability even in low-network areas. ✅ Security and privacy first Proxgy has assured that biometrics are never stored on the device. Authentication happens through Aadhaar’s secure system. It follows NPCI and UIDAI guidelines, keeping both security and privacy intact. ✅ Impact beyond cities For many Indians, digital finance still feels distant. ThumbPay changes that. • Farmers and workers can now get paid instantly. • Elderly citizens can transact without needing a smartphone. • Merchants can save time and avoid failed QR scans. ✅ Innovation from the ground up While major players like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe built digital apps, Proxgy has built a physical solution for digital inclusion. It shows how true progress comes not just from new software, but from solving everyday barriers. ✅ Challenges ahead Like every big idea, ThumbPay will face its test in the real world, cost, adoption, and awareness. Educating users and ensuring consistent connectivity will determine its long-term success. ✅ The bigger picture ThumbPay could soon connect with Jan Dhan accounts, Direct Benefit Transfers, and ration systems, making welfare payments direct and transparent. It could even become a model for global biometric payment systems. A simple thumb impression now carries the power to move money, earn trust, and open opportunity. When technology touches the ground, it stops being innovation; it becomes inclusion. ThumbPay is proof that the future of finance is not just digital, it is human.

Consistency isn’t boring. It’s branding. This BIC pen has looked the same since 1955. Same design. Same transparent barrel. Same blue cap. Bic knew it didn’t need to evolve the design of the product. By sticking to what worked, it has become iconic. Most brands don’t have that kind of discipline. They get bored to easily and change too much. If you change too much, you lose consistency and lose recognition. Great branding isn’t about changing everything all the time. And knowing what not to change is equally as important. A solid brand strategy should do two things: 1. Tell you where to stay consistent. 2. Show you where to evolve to stay relevant. Every brand has core brand assets (or codes)… distinctive elements that drive recognition. KFC has the bucket, the Colonel, the colour red and chicken. the LEGO Group has the brick, the yellow minifigure, the red square logo, and imagination. Bic has this pen shape, the blue cap, the orange packaging and the Bic Boy. When you protect those core assets, show up consistently, and then find relevant, creative ways to show up in culture that’s how you win. Not everything needs to change. Know what to keep. That’s the work.

Trump investigates Pix in Brazil. Meanwhile… Pix lands in the U.S. 🤣 Here is what happened: Last week, The US 🇺🇸 has launched a formal investigation into 🇧🇷 Brazil’s digital trade practices, with a spotlight on 𝗣𝗶𝘅, the country’s instant payment system. In a Section 301 investigation launched last week, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) accused Brazil of engaging in unfair digital trade and electronic payment practices: https://bit.ly/4f09k1U Today, PagBrasil and Verifone have partnered to launch an in-store alternative payment method (APM) enabling Brazilian shoppers to pay in Brazilian Reais (BRL) using Pix while shopping in the United States. This first-of-its-kind solution allows U.S. merchants to accept the Brazilian payment method. Pix, Brazil’s instant payment system created by its Central Bank in 2020, offers a seamless, cost-effective, and frictionless payment experience for Brazilians. It allows users to send and receive money, as well as make payments, within seconds, 24/7, without relying on cash or cards. Now, with International Pix, a solution built by PagBrasil within the Pix framework, Brazilian consumers can make Pix payments in the U.S. with real-time currency conversion. The launch follows the signing of an exclusive agreement between Verifone and PagBrasil, giving Verifone sole rights to offer the Brazilian company’s International Pix payments in the U.S. “This is a game-changer for U.S. merchants in high-tourism markets like Florida and New York,” said Madhu Vasu, SVP Global Product Management at Verifone. “Only Verifone can offer this capability at the point of sale today, giving merchants a powerful differentiator to attract and serve the 1.9 million Brazilian Tourists who spend more than $4.1 billion annually in the U.S.” The magnitude of this opportunity is reinforced by recent travel trends: from 2023 to 2024, the number of Brazilians traveling to the U.S. rose by more than 17%, reaching 1.9 million visitors. Pix has seen a 57% year-over-year growth in transaction volume and is used by over 160 million people – about 75% of Brazil’s population 🤯 “We’re thrilled to partner with Verifone to bring International Pix to U.S. retail,” said Ralf Germer, Chief Executive Officer at PagBrasil. “This collaboration doesn’t just expand Pix’s global footprint — it gives U.S. merchants a powerful new way to capture spend from millions of Brazilian tourists, while offering shoppers the speed, security and simplicity they already trust at home. It’s a win-win for local stores and travelers alike.” Source/more info: https://lnkd.in/dy_fT7Ca Find this helpful? [ 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 ] Anything to add about this subject? [𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁] Nice story, Marcel. Next! [ 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 ] 

We’ve called efficiency the unsung hero of the energy transition in the past. While the energy transition will happen first through the transition of energy usages, like the shift with transport, from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, or from fuel or gas boilers to heat pumps, we cannot ignore the utmost priority of the energy transition: efficiency. Efficiency is the greatest path to reduce our energy use, our impact on the world’s climate through CO2 emission reduction, and very importantly, the best way to make solid and practical savings. In its most historical form, energy efficiency is about better insulation, to reduce heating (or cooling) loss in buildings like family homes, warehouses, office high rises, and shopping malls. This is useful, but expensive and tedious to realize on existing installations. Digitizing home, buildings, industries and infrastructure brings similar benefits at a much lower cost and a much higher economic return. The combination of IoT, big data, software and AI can significantly reduce energy use and waste by detecting leaky valves, or automatically adjusting heating, lighting, processes and other systems to the number of people present at any given time, using real-time data analysis. It also allows owners to measure precisely progress, report automatically on their energy and sustainability parameters, and benefit from new services through smart grid interaction. And this is just the energy benefit. Automation and digital tools also optimize the processes, safety, reliability, and uptime leading to greater productivity and performance.

If you want to buy a business in 2025, here’s what you need to know: There are plenty of deals out there. Good deals will always find the money to get across the finish line, via... • Cash • Investors • Seller financing • Conventional loans • Sweat equity •SBA loans But, SBA loans are getting a giant overhaul. I read through the new rules. Here are 5 new policy changes that stood out to me: First, lil disclaimer: SBA rules are crazy complicated. This is a high-level overview, but ALWAYS double-check info you find online before applying it to your situation. Now, let's get our business nerd on... Rule change #1: Seller financing limits You can't use seller notes for your entire down payment anymore. Only 5% of the required 10% can come from a seller note. And, the 2-year seller note option is going away. Starting June 1, seller notes must be on FULL standby for the ENTIRE loan term to count toward equity. Bottom line: Buyers need more cash upfront if you want an SBA loan. A seller-financed acquisition is always still possible but whenever policy changes happen, people get antsy. Rule change #2: Citizenship requirements 100% US owners ONLY. Every single owner, direct AND indirect, must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident. No exceptions. Rule change #3: Franchise directory Your franchise MUST be listed in the SBA Franchise Directory. If your franchise isn't on the official list, you won't qualify for SBA financing. The only exception? If the franchise agreement is "non-critical" AND contributes 50% or less of your revenue. Even then, specific conditions apply. Rule change #4: Guaranty fees New upfront fees for loans with maturity over 12 months: • Loans <$150K: 2% of guaranteed portion • $150K-$700K: 3% • $700K-$5M: 3.5% on first $1M + 3.75% on remainder No change to loans with maturity <12mos. Rule change #5: Credit not available elsewhere SBA now wants concrete evidence you can't get conventional financing – not just general statements. Lenders need to specifically explain why you don't qualify for non-SBA loans. This’ll mean: • Approvals are tougher • Paperwork increases • Fewer marginal applications get through 🤔 Why is this crackdown happening? The SBA's 7(a) loan program - the main one for acquisition financing - went into the red for the first time in over a decade. Now they're tightening the belt to make the program financially sustainable again. 💡 What ELSE is up with SMBs in 2025? So glad you asked... We actually put together a report on that. It's got something for everyone – current owners, biz buyers, startup founders, anyone who touches Main Street. Read it for $Free.99 right here → https://lnkd.in/gxAeQmPY

Over the last year, I’ve seen many people fall into the same trap: They launch an AI-powered agent (chatbot, assistant, support tool, etc.)… But only track surface-level KPIs — like response time or number of users. That’s not enough. To create AI systems that actually deliver value, we need 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰, 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 that reflect: • User trust • Task success • Business impact • Experience quality    This infographic highlights 15 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 dimensions to consider: ↳ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 — Are your AI answers actually useful and correct? ↳ 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 — Can the agent complete full workflows, not just answer trivia? ↳ 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 — Response speed still matters, especially in production. ↳ 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 — How often are users returning or interacting meaningfully? ↳ 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 — Did the user achieve their goal? This is your north star. ↳ 𝗘𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲 — Irrelevant or wrong responses? That’s friction. ↳ 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 — Longer isn’t always better — it depends on the goal. ↳ 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 — Are users coming back 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 the first experience? ↳ 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 — Especially critical at scale. Budget-wise agents win. ↳ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 — Can the agent handle follow-ups and multi-turn dialogue? ↳ 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 — Feedback from actual users is gold. ↳ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 — Can your AI 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳 to earlier inputs? ↳ 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 — Can it handle volume 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 degrading performance? ↳ 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 — This is key for RAG-based agents. ↳ 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 — Is your AI learning and improving over time? If you're building or managing AI agents — bookmark this. Whether it's a support bot, GenAI assistant, or a multi-agent system — these are the metrics that will shape real-world success. 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗜 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀? Let’s make this list even stronger — drop your thoughts 👇