MARKHAM, Ontario — January 28, 2026 — Maestro PMS, the leader in cloud hosted, all-in-one, private cloud and on-premise property-management systems for independent hotels and resorts, announces the AI-driven evolution of its Guest Experience Management solution, GuestXMS. The digital guest communication hub is designed to help hotel teams resolve issues faster, prevent repeat problems, and strengthen online reputation at a time when GenAI is increasingly influencing where travelers choose to stay.

“GuestXMS has long supported hotel operations as a centralized hub for two-way guest communication and internal service coordination,” said Bill Morris, Maestro PMS senior account executive and GuestXMS expert. “Now, we are taking the next step forward by transitioning the platform from a rules-based, keyword-dependent ticket triage tool into a smart platform that learns over time. Instead of requiring hotels to build and maintain an exhaustive keyword bank, this new AI-driven application can read each guest ticket, understand the issue, and automatically route it to the appropriate department and staff member thereby accelerating response times while reducing manual workload and operational friction.”

GuestXMS supports smarter outcomes across the property by:

• Converting guest requests and concerns directly from texts into actionable tickets tagged with the staff member, bypassing the need for manual intervention. 
• Auto alert for time sensitive tickets that have not closed within predefined time
• Flagging rooms with recurring problems to enable proactive, preventive maintenance
• Identifying emerging patterns and recurring themes in real time, helping teams respond faster and more consistently

“Hotels are expected to deliver faster service, better communication, and more personalized experiences all while operating lean,” Morris said. “GuestXMS was built to help operators manage guest engagement and service recovery more effectively. With this AI-driven evolution, we’re making it even easier for teams to stay ahead of issues, improve guest satisfaction, and protect the reputation they’ve worked so hard to build.”

GenAI: Shaping Hotel Discovery and Booking Decisions

Travelers are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to recommend hotels and resorts based on specific criteria (everything from quiet rooms and cleanliness to service responsiveness and maintenance consistency). What many hoteliers may not realize is that these tools incorporate third-party review signals behind the scenes and may directly influence which properties rise to the top when travelers ask AI to recommend where to stay.

In this new landscape, speed, consistency, and prevention are no longer just operational goals, they become competitive advantages. By enabling teams to identify and resolve issues quickly, such as flagging rooms with repeated problems for proactive maintenance, GuestXMS is helping prevent service breakdowns that lead to guest frustration. If issues do occur, GuestXMS helps ensure they are addressed quickly and effectively, improving service recovery and supporting stronger review outcomes.

“By centralizing guest engagement and operational communication into one streamlined hub, GuestXMS is helping hotel teams track and resolve every aspect of guest engagement—from inquiries and complaints to review-related follow-up—without losing visibility across departments,” Morris said.

Guest XMS users see a significant increase in their overall Guest Experience Measurement (GEM) scores. This internal performance metric helps hotels track guest satisfaction trends across the stay journey. As GEM scores rise, hotels will see corresponding improvements in third-party review performance as well, reinforcing the link between operational execution, guest sentiment, and digital reputation.

In addition to its new AI-driven intelligence, GuestXMS continues to expand its capabilities to support modern guest engagement and cross-department coordination. The platform offers mobile-friendly check-in and check-out, two-way SMS and email communication, internal team chat, image-based and scheduled service tickets, and a 360° room analysis dashboard that provides greater visibility into room activity and recurring issues. GuestXMS also integrates with Maestro’s Spa and Facilities modules to pull reservations and updates in real time, enabling automated SMS and email confirmations, reminders, and cancellation messages. Guests can receive links to a live itinerary webpage via text, ensuring they always have an up-to-date view of their stay while hotel teams reduce manual follow-up and deliver more consistent, proactive service.

For more information about Maestro PMS, visit www.maestropms.com.

LEKWUNGEN and W̱SÁNEĆ TERRITORIES VICTORIA, BC, Jan. 26, 2026 /CNW/ - Intrepid Travel, the world's largest adventure travel company, has signed a landmark partnership agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), committing CA$500,000 over the next five years to support the growth and promotion of Indigenous tourism across Canada.

Through the partnership, Intrepid will increase the number of Indigenous-led experiences across its Canadian itineraries, co-develop community-led products and co-create new signature Indigenous-centered adventures. By the end of 2026, 75% of Intrepid's Canadian tours will include at least one Indigenous experience with a long-term goal of 100% inclusion across all itineraries. Tapping into ITAC's network of accredited Indigenous tourism experiences, each offering will be authentic, meaningful and designed to benefit the communities that host them.

"The vision is simple. Every traveller who visits Canada with Intrepid should leave with a deeper connection and understanding of Indigenous culture" said Christian Wolters, President of Canada at Intrepid Travel.

Coming at a time of rising interest in Indigenous tourism, the announcement was made today on stage at IMPACT, North America's leading conference on sustainability and innovation in tourism, held in Victoria, B.C., the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xʷsepsəm Nation, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

"Demand is higher than ever, yet Indigenous-led businesses continue to navigate challenges around limited funding and infrastructure," said Keith Henry, Chief Executive Officer and President of ITAC. "Partnerships like this create tangible opportunities and ensure communities gain direct economic and cultural benefits, while supporting our vision of Canada becoming a world leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030."

According to Destination Canada's 2024 Traveller Segmentation Program, more than 60% of highly engaged travellers are now seeking Indigenous‑led experiences.

The partnership between Intrepid and ITAC is structured into two key areas: development and promotion. Over the next five-years, Intrepid will invest $50,000 annually into the Indigenous Tourism of Canada Destination Fund to support ITAC's work in the development of Indigenous-led tourism businesses and community-driven experiences across Canada. The company will also invest a minimum CA$50,000 annually into promoting Indigenous tourism in Canada through media trips, advertising, influencers and more in consultation with ITAC to ensure they are seen, supported, and set up for long-term success.

"For over 30 years, Intrepid Travel has used small-group adventures to empower communities around the world," Wolters continued. "Now, as we embark on our biggest expansion in Canada, we're excited to help travellers connect more deeply with Indigenous cultures here and ensure tourism creates meaningful benefits for communities."

The announcement is part of Intrepid Travel's wider expansion plans in Canada. In 2026, the company will also open a new operational hub in Squamish, B.C. to boost local hiring in Canada and broaden the range of travel experiences offered nationwide. At the heart of this growth is this new partnership, designed to create lasting economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.

As a certified B-Corp and world leader in responsible travel, Intrepid has long championed Indigenous and community-based tourism around the world. In 2026, the company will offer more than 100 experiences with Indigenous communities globally, reflecting a commitment to authentic, community-led tourism that has always been at the core of Intrepid trips.

Learn how the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada champions and grows Indigenous tourism in Canada at www.indigenoustourism.ca, and discover Intrepid Travel's Canadian tours at www.intrepidtravel.com/canada

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Roof®, an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, has named Tim Lipka senior vice president of operations, effective immediately.

Lipka joins Red Roof with over a decade of brand leadership experience, most recently at G6 Hospitality, as vice president of brand performance. Before this, he spent over 25 years working in operations roles in the hospitality and food industries.

In his new role at Red Roof, Lipka will be responsible for developing strategies for the franchise operations department to meet brand goals and standards. He will help achieve financial goals and business objectives and increase operating performance.

"Tim Lipka brings extensive brand leadership and franchise development and operations experience to this role as our new senior vice president of operations," said Red Roof President Zack Gharib. "Tim is passionate about joining Red Roof's management team and optimistic about the future success of our brand. His expertise and entrepreneurial spirit will play an important role in working with our franchisees and properties."

Red Roof also announced that Shanna Wright has been promoted to senior vice president of commercial strategy. In her new role, Wright will lead the marketing and distribution departments, aiming to maximize efficiency and drive profitable growth. She previously served as vice president of distribution services at Red Roof.

"Both Tim's appointment and Shanna's promotion underscore the talent and bench strength of our leadership team, and I am looking forward to their positive impact on the business," added Gharib.

Lipka will relocate and will be based, along with Wright, in the Red Roof corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

TORONTO, ON (January 23, 2026) – Days Inns - Canada is ready to sweep into the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Mississauga, ON, bringing exciting activations and exclusive offers to curling fans across the country as the Official Partner continues its rock-solid commitment to Curling Canada. 

“The Season of Champions events bring together curling fans from coast to coast,” said Ally Wesson, Vice President of Marketing at Days Inns - Canada. “With more than 105 locations across the country, Days Inn is proud to be a welcoming home away from the house for those travelling to enjoy the sport and make lasting memories.”

Days Inn has teamed up with experiential marketing agency XMC to deliver an interactive in-venue experience during championship weekend that's sure to score big with Scotties attendees. Fans can expect exciting on-site activation and memorable takeaways that capture the spirit of one of Canada's favourite winter sports. The sponsorship will also feature Days Inn-branded LED-animated rink boards, videoboard commercials, fan giveaways, email marketing, print, digital and social media.

Whether you're catching a draw or catching some rest, book with Days Inn and score a great stay! Visit daysinn.ca or call 1-800-DAYS-INN (1-800-329-7466). Locations in Canada offer free Wi-Fi, either an on-site restaurant or a free breakfast, a pool at many locations and kids stay free. Plus, earn valuable Wyndham Rewards points while you travel then redeem for stays at thousands of Wyndham hotels, vacation club resorts & vacation rentals worldwide. Members can also redeem Wyndham Rewards points for flights, car rentals, gift cards, online merchandise, experiences and so much more.