News Briefs

Duetto (“Duetto” or the “Company”), a leading provider of revenue management software for the hospitality industry, today announced a strategic leadership transition as the Company enters a new phase of growth and innovation.

After six years of dedicated leadership, David Woolenberg has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer. David will remain with Duetto during a transitional period to ensure continuity and support a seamless handover. The Board of Directors extends its sincere gratitude to David for his significant contributions in advancing Duetto’s culture, operational performance, and long-term strategic vision.  Under David’s leadership, Duetto scaled its business meaningfully, broadened its geographic footprint, introduced new products and solutions, and expanded the range of clients it serves.

Effective immediately, Alex Zoghlin has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Alex, a current Duetto board member and most recently the CEO of ATPCO, brings deep expertise in scaling technology businesses across the travel and hospitality sectors. With a strong background in product innovation and a customer-centric approach, Alex is well-positioned to accelerate Duetto’s mission and global expansion.  Alex previously served as the Global Head of Innovation and Technology at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where he led the transformation of Hyatt’s digital and guest technology strategy. He was also the founder and CTO of Orbitz, where he played a pivotal role in reshaping the online travel booking experience. In addition to his tenure as CEO at ATPCO, where he led the company through a period of significant modernization and growth, Alex has founded and scaled multiple successful technology companies, building a track record of innovation, leadership, and operational excellence in highly competitive markets.

“Serving as CEO of Duetto has been an incredible experience, and I am proud of the strong business we have built — one that is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation,” said Woolenberg. “After six years, it feels like the right time for change, and I cannot think of a better person to take Duetto forward than Alex. His experience, leadership, and deep understanding of our space make him the ideal choice to guide the company into its next chapter.”

“I am honored to serve as the next CEO of this exceptional company and work with our talented teams globally to deliver differentiated revenue management solutions to the hospitality industry,” said Zoghlin. “The hospitality industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven by shifting guest expectations, increased operational costs, and economic volatility. Hoteliers need more innovative, more robust, and more effective technology solutions to meet their needs. With a powerful product vision, deep customer relationships, and a renewed brand strategy, I’m confident in our ability to guide hoteliers through this evolution and unlock the next phase of growth for the company.”

This announcement follows the successful launch of Duetto’s Revenue & Profit Operating System—a transformative solution designed to unify data, automation, and intelligence across all facets of hotel revenue and profit performance.

Fast-growing breakfast chain Keke’s Breakfast Cafe has selected PAR Technology Corp. to support its next phase of growth, implementing PAR POS, PAR Pay, and hardware solutions across its locations. This technology partnership provides a modern, scalable foundation for operational efficiency and connected guest experiences.

Since its acquisition by Denny’s in 2022, Keke’s has expanded beyond its Florida roots, with 73 locatiosn open and more than 140 units in development. This tech upgrade aligns with a larger brand transformation—including brighter, more inviting store designs and a reimagined menu aimed at families and food lovers alike.

Tech-Powered Transformation

Amid this rapid growth, Keke’s is embracing technology to improve service and streamline operations. With mobile tablets running PAR POS and PAR Pay, team members can take orders more efficiently, reduce wait times, and deliver faster service—without losing the personal touch that defines the brand.

“Keke’s has always been about providing the best for our guests,” said David Schmidt, President of Keke’s Breakfast Cafe. “Partnering with PAR allows us to bring that philosophy into the digital age. With PAR’s innovative solutions, we’re creating efficiencies that empower our team and enhance every guest interaction.”

PAR’s cloud-based platform and open API architecture ensure seamless integration across systems, creating a tech stack that’s flexible, reliable, and ready to grow with the business. Behind the scenes, this infrastructure enables smoother operations and aligned data—creating experiences guests may not see, but always feel.

“Who doesn’t love breakfast? It’s the one meal that brings everyone together,” said Savneet Singh, CEO of PAR Technology. “Keke’s knows how to make that experience unforgettable, and we’re excited to help them take it even further. We’re bringing together the warmth of breakfast with the power of smart technology to make mornings smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.”

With PAR’s expertise and technology, Keke’s is not just modernizing its operations—it’s setting a new standard in the breakfast space. By blending speed, convenience, and hospitality, the brand is building a future-ready experience for guests across the country.

IDeaS, a SAS company and a provider of hospitality revenue management software, today announced its latest Lessons in Revenue eBook, “Data-Driven Revenue Management in the Cruise Industry: Navigating the Groundswell,” to help cruise organizations navigate today’s challenging operating environment while capitalizing on opportunities to optimize revenue.

The recent surge in cruise demand presents substantial opportunities for growth, yet cruise lines face significant challenges, including intensifying competition, labor shortages, inflated costs and delayed adoption of revenue technologies. The eBook highlights key capabilities and challenges facing cruise revenue leaders, and shares ways cruise organizations can leverage revenue management technology to maximize the potential of their voyages as they chart their course into the future. 

IDeaS’ Cruise Revenue Management System (RMS) uses advanced data analytics and automation to predict demand, execute dynamic revenue strategies, boost profitability and maintain a competitive edge for cruise operators. By embracing cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies outlined in the eBook, cruise operators can optimize pricing and inventory management to increase profitability and outperform competitors.

Crystal Pernici, global director – Cruise RMS, IDeaS, said: “Cruise operators are becoming increasingly aware of the potential—and the value—of revenue strategies guided by revenue optimization technology. By basing their decision-making on data-driven insights rather than personal experience or selective reporting, cruise leaders are opening up their vessels to a new range of revenue opportunities.”

Cruise industry forecasting, revenue optimization and more will be on the agenda for the upcoming Cruise Council, an invite-only event taking place at the company’s Converge Client Summit on July 22-23 in London.

The full eBook can be accessed here. For more information, visit www.ideas.com. 

Fingermark is now an official Deliverect Certified Partner.

Deliverect, a global leader in order management and integrations, connects digital ordering channels directly with restaurant POS systems to help QSRs run more efficiently and deliver better customer experiences. Being certified by Deliverect means that Fingermark and its Supersonic Kiosk platform is now formally recognized as a trusted integration partner.

What This Means for Fingermark's Kiosk Customers:

Seamless Integration
Fingermark kiosks now integrate directly with the Deliverect platform, enabling a smoother, more automated connection to POS systems. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces errors, and speeds up service across busy QSR environments.

Accelerated Growth
Certification positions Fingermark to partner with other global brands already using Deliverect that are seeking innovative and compatible self-service kiosk solutions, opening the door to exciting new opportunities in key markets.

Stronger Market Presence
As a certified partner, Fingermark strengthens its position as a leading QSR technology provider in the global market, further reinforcing its vision to empower restaurant operations with intelligent, customer-focused solutions.

Property management software Hospitable has helped US hosts recover more than $1.2 million in direct booking revenue so far this year — not through aggressive marketing or deep discounts, but by simply following up with guests who almost booked¹.

The bookings — all abandoned at the final step of checkout — were recovered using Hospitable’s Abandoned Bookings feature, first launched in November 2024. In its first week, the tool reclaimed over $36,000 in lost revenue. Now, fresh 2025 data shows that what began as a simple re-engagement tool has scaled into a high-performing, high-value recovery channel — proving that a well-timed reminder can turn hesitation into confirmed stays.

The feature automatically detects when a guest selects dates, enters their details, and then drops off just before confirming — triggering a personalized follow-up email. So far this year, over 300 bookings have been recovered this way, totalling $1.2 million in reclaimed revenue. The average recovered booking value is $3,970 and nearly 70% of recipients engage with the email. What’s being reclaimed isn’t just volume — it’s high-intent reservations that were already in motion, simply interrupted.

This data suggests that many guests aren’t walking away, they’re pausing. That moment of drop-off might come from comparing options, needing more time, or simply weighing up costs — especially in today’s climate of economic caution. But it points to a clear trend: today’s cautious traveler often needs a little extra reassurance to move from intent to action — and small, well-timed nudges are helping hosts recover significant revenue.

For hosts, it’s a reminder that a strong direct booking strategy doesn’t stop at checkout. Whether through visible trust signals, clear policies, or smart follow-ups, supporting guests at the final step can be the difference between an abandoned cart and a confirmed stay.

Pierre-Camille Hamana, CEO and Founder of Hospitable, said: “Today’s travelers are hesitating at the final hurdle. That pause could come from a number of factors, from affordability concerns to simply needing a little more reassurance. But understanding that hesitation, and acting on it at the right moment, is where hosts can move from passive losses to active wins in their direct booking strategy.”

Earlier this year, Hospitable reported that direct bookings had surged 571% across its user base in 2024 — with hosts generating $28.7 million in revenue through their own websites. Now, with the Abandoned Bookings feature capturing high-value reservations that might otherwise slip away, that figure is set to climb even higher in 2025.

Launched in 2016 as a time-saving PMS, Hospitable has evolved into a short-term rental super app that goes beyond traditional property management – automating guest messaging with AI, optimizing nightly rates, managing rental agreements and security deposits, coordinating teams, and powering direct booking websites with built-in payments and property protection.

For more information, visit www.hospitable.com. 

The NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and its Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub), in collaboration with RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, and HEDNA, today announced the release of the second edition of its industry benchmark report, The State of Distribution 2025.

The report, based on insights from over 700 hotel brands and 21,000+ properties across 310 cities, the 2025 report presents one of the most comprehensive views into how commercial teams across the hospitality industry are navigating transformation.

The first edition of the report, launched last year, focused on understanding where distribution teams were headed. However, as most commercial teams have begun integrating revenue management, marketing, and distribution to drive greater efficiency and outcomes, the 2025 edition reflects this shift. Recognizing that distribution is no longer a standalone function but part of a broader commercial transformation, this year’s report explores how these functions are evolving. Furthermore, it captures how this growing collaboration is reshaping team priorities, core capabilities, and the technologies hotels depend on to compete.

The report highlights a widening gap between technological potential and operational readiness. While AI is increasingly shaping the guest journey across platforms, many hotel teams are still in the early stages of activating its full value. Technology itself is widely available, but consistent training, streamlined systems, and integrated workflows remain works in progress. Distribution teams are evolving, often with limited resources, and varying levels of investment in talent development and process automation.

As traveler expectations continue to rise, the ability to align people, processes, and platforms is emerging as a key driver of performance.

Key findings from The State of Distribution 2025 include:

• AI adoption remains early-stage: While interest in AI is growing, it currently ranks lower on investment priorities due to gaps in training, talent, and integration readiness.

• Commercial strategies vary by scale: Independent hotels are expanding teams and actively testing new technologies, while larger chains are focusing on system consolidation and operational streamlining.

• Distribution functions are becoming leaner: Even as the complexity of managing parity, APIs, and content grows, distribution team structures continue to shift as it becomes more integrated.

• Reporting practices are still maturing: 80% of hotels spend up to two days a week on manual reporting, highlighting ongoing opportunities for better tools tailored to distribution analytics.

• System integration remains a focus area: Many hotels, regardless of size, are working to improve data connectivity and break down silos to enable more effective cross-functional collaboration.

Christopher Murdock, HEDNA President and Director of Distribution System Support and Strategy at Accor said, “When we launched the inaugural State of Distribution report, our goal was to close a critical blind spot with the absence of a central benchmarking report for the industry. The response to last year’s report validated the need and enabled us to double down on the effort. The findings should provide a clear business case for expertise and technology investments in distribution.”

Vanja Bogicevic, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor & Director, HI Hub Experiential Learning Lab, NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, said, “This year’s report reaffirms what we see every day: hotels are investing in technology, but without investing in people, progress stalls. The State of Distribution 2025 gives hoteliers and educators alike the data to act—spotlighting where training is falling short, where team structures are evolving, and which commercial skills matter most. It’s not just a benchmark for the industry; it’s a blueprint for developing the next generation of hospitality leaders.”

Ankit Chaturvedi, Vice President of Marketing at RateGain, said: “When we launched the survey, we did not expect such an overwhelming response to The State of Distribution. And with over 700 brands sharing their insights, it’s clear that the hospitality industry sees this report as a benchmark for making better commercial decisions.

As every hotel looks to adopt AI across different commercial functions, they first need a unified view of how marketing, revenue management, and distribution are evolving. That’s what this year’s edition aims to provide. Only when commercial leaders understand where each function stands—and how they’re converging—can they make decisions that drive alignment, efficiency, and impact across the entire guest journey.”

The State of Distribution 2025 underscores that technology is essential but without investment in readiness, its potential remains underutilized. For hotels looking to scale, simplify, and stay ahead, success will depend on more than adoption. It will require integration, alignment, and action.

To request an early preview or connect with the research team, visit www.stateofdistribution.com