HOSPITALITY NEWS BITES
Accommodation Tech
Aescape secures $83m in strategic funding, teams up with Equinox for US expansion: Aescape has secured US$83 million in strategic funding, raising its total funding to US$128 million as it accelerates national expansion and drives operational growth. The brand has already established partnerships with Four Seasons, Marriott and Ritz-Carlton. The team is expanding its partnership with luxury health club operator Equinox Hotels, rolling out to a further 60 North American properties. 03/10/2025 Read More
Inn-Flow Secures $45 Million Growth Investment from Mainsail Partners: Inn-Flow has secured $45 million to help accelerate innovation, enhance customer experience, and fuel growth for its all-in-one hotel management and accounting platform. Inn-Flow, a leading provider of modern, all-in-one back-office management and accounting software specifically designed for hotels, today announced a $45 million growth capital investment from Mainsail Partners, a growth equity firm that specializes in partnering with vertical SaaS companies. This investment will help accelerate Inn-Flow's ongoing product innovation, significantly enhance customer experience, and expand the team to better serve the evolving needs of hotel owners and management companies. 03/17/2025 Read More
Pod hotel startup NapTapGo raises $500,000 in funding from T9L QUBE: Pod hotel startup NapTapGo has raised $500,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by T9L Qube, one of India’s more prominent venture studios, to bring Japan’s capsule hotel concept to the country’s budget hospitality market. The startup will use the raised capital to support its expansion plans, including the installation of new pod hotels in high-traffic locations such as city centers near IT hubs and religious destinations. 03/06/2025 Read More
Openr Secures £3M to Revolutionize Hospitality Data Management: Hospitality data orchestration startup Openr has raised £3 million in funding, led by Imbiba, with support from Azzurri Group and Octopus Ventures. Openr is developing a common data model to integrate fragmented systems in the hospitality industry, streamlining operations across delivery, kitchen management, payments, and more. The funding will support the launch of two AI-driven modules in 2025: Order Manager, a centralized hub for managing orders, and Performance Optimiser, which enhances pricing and menu strategies. Openr aims to drive efficiency, automation, and innovation, with key customers including Azzurri Group and Stonegate Group. . 03/10/2025 Read More
Wyndham looks to Katanox to save distribution and payment costs: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is rolling out a combined distribution, payments and commission settlement technology platform across its portfolio. The company, which has more than 9,000 properties under franchise, is working with Katanox to drive cost savings and operational efficiencies as well as better control for franchisees with the technology. 03/13/2025 Read More
Key Trend Shaping the Hotel And Hospitality Management Software Market in 2025: The Impact of AI In Hotel Management Software In New Report: The market size for hotel and hospitality management software has seen substantial growth in the recent past. It is projected to increase from $3.43 billion in 2024 to $3.65 billion in 2025, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The historic growth is traced back to the broader acceptance of SaaS, increased demand for automated solutions, increased focus on customer experience, the global expansion of the hospitality industry, and the increase in regulatory compliance norms. 03/12/2025 Read More
Hospitality VC Firm Makes First Digital Signage Investment with Vistify Partnership: Branded Hospitality (Branded), the leading investment and solutions platform dedicated to the hospitality & foodservice industry announced today a strategic investment and partnership with Vistify Inc. (formerly Embed Digital), an innovative digital menu board and signage platform for the quick service restaurant industry. This marks Branded's first investment in the digital signage technology sector, coming at a crucial time as restaurants embrace digital transformation. 03/06/2025 Read More
goSTOPS Secures ₹35 Crore in Series A Funding for Expansion: Travel hostel brand goSTOPS has raised ₹35 crore in a Series A funding round led by Blume Ventures, with 1Crowd as a co-lead investor. The funds will support its expansion from 2,500 to 10,000 beds across 100 locations within 24 months. Founded in 2014, goSTOPS aims to become India’s leading youth travel brand by enhancing operations, technology, and experiential offerings. Investors praised its smart asset management and tech-driven efficiencies. The company is also finalizing debt partnerships to fuel further growth, reinforcing its mission to make travel accessible for young Indians. 03/11/2025 Read More
HotelPORT & Daitrix Launch AI-Powered Reputation Management for Hospitality: HotelPORT has partnered with Daitrix to introduce ReputationAI, an advanced platform designed to help hotels, restaurants, and spas manage their online reputation. The AI-driven solution analyzes real-time customer feedback, enabling businesses to respond swiftly and improve guest satisfaction. ReputationAI integrates seamlessly with existing operations, providing actionable insights to enhance service quality. Fred Bean, CEO of HotelPORT, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and growth. This partnership aims to empower hospitality businesses with cutting-edge technology, ensuring they maintain high standards and meet evolving guest expectations. 03/04/2025 Read More
DerbySoft Acquires AI Platform Arise to Boost Travel Agent–Hotel Collaboration: DerbySoft has acquired Arise, an AI automation platform specializing in travel agent–hotel communication and commission reconciliation. This move enhances DerbySoft’s capabilities in streamlining business travel transactions. Arise’s AI-driven automation improves booking reconciliation, payment processing, and communication, reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency for travel management companies (TMCs) and hotels. DerbySoft’s Divisional CEO, Duane Overgaard, emphasized the acquisition’s role in advancing commission reconciliation and workflow optimization. Arise CEO Nadim El Manawy highlighted the partnership’s potential to simplify operations and enhance traveler experiences. The acquisition aligns with DerbySoft’s strategy to expand its travel technology solutions. 03/03/2025 Read More
Beverly Wilshire Debuts Industry-First Hologram Concierge in Luxury Suites: The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, has introduced Proto’s hologram concierge technology in its penthouse and presidential suites, allowing guests to interact with staff via lifelike holographic projections. This marks the first hotel to integrate this cutting-edge innovation, with potential applications extending to remote meetings, shopping, and entertainment. Proto, known for its work in entertainment, education, and retail, aims to revolutionize hospitality. Competitors like Holoconnects have also introduced holograms for front desk services. Proto has secured $12 million in funding, with backing from celebrities like Paris Hilton and Howie Mandel, signaling strong industry interest. 03/06/2025 Read More
Hilton Partners with Peloton to Bring Fitness Technology to Hotels: Hilton has partnered with Peloton to place its popular exercise bikes and treadmills in all Hilton properties across the U.S., making it easier for travelers to stay active. This move aligns with the hospitality industry's growing focus on fitness and wellness, complementing Hilton’s existing Five Feet to Fitness program. Other hotels, like Westin, have also integrated Peloton into their guest experience. Additionally, hotels are leveraging digital fitness solutions like FitnessOnDemand to provide on-demand workout classes. As health-conscious travel rises, more hotels are expected to form similar partnerships, enhancing guest wellness through innovative technology-driven fitness solutions. 03/06/2025
Accommodation Industry Embraces Technology to Overcome Staffing and Operational Challenges: A new report from Expert Market reveals how accommodation businesses are leveraging technology to address staffing shortages and enhance guest experiences. Surveying over 400 businesses, the report highlights a shift toward mobile apps (14%) and AI chatbots (5%) for guest communication, alongside investments in smart room technologies and customer data analytics (11%) for personalization. Rising costs have led 49% of franchises and 34% of independents to cut hiring budgets, pushing automation and software solutions. Security remains a priority, with surveillance systems topping tech investments. Despite these advancements, the report emphasizes that human interaction remains central to hospitality success. 03/10/2025 Read More
Hospitality Tech in EMEA 2025: The Future is Personal and Smart: The EMEA hospitality industry is embracing AI, IoT, and data analytics to redefine guest experiences, with the global smart hospitality market projected to reach $83.1 billion. Hotels are leveraging technology to personalize stays, automate services, and enhance sustainability. Smart spaces optimize energy and security, while AI tailors guest preferences. Sustainability is now a core industry focus, with eco-friendly initiatives gaining traction. Despite the digital transformation, human interaction remains vital, blending technology with personal touch to create memorable stays. The future of hospitality is about seamless, customized, and responsible travel experiences. 03/05/2025 Read More
Travel Tech
Dance raises €12M for e-bike fleet expansion: Dance, an electric mobility subscription company, has raised €12 million in equity and debt. With the funding, the Berlin-based company plans to develop its software and hardware and to expand its fleet, offering e-bikes in Paris, Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. The round included participation on the equity side from Elemental and investors from Apple and Fabric London. Smart Lender Asset Management provided the asset-backed debt facility. 03/13/2025 Read More
IAG Launches $217M Venture Arm to Invest in Startups: International Airlines Group (IAG) has committed €200 million ($217M) over five years to its new venture capital arm, IAGi Ventures. This marks the first time IAG has set aside dedicated funds for startup investments. The fund will focus on early-stage startups (Seed to Series B) in customer experience, operations, and sustainability. IAGi Ventures will co-lead investments ranging from $644K to $12.9M and may participate in follow-on rounds. The initiative builds on IAG’s startup accelerator and past investments in renewable jet fuel, hydrogen-electric engines, and automation tech, reinforcing its commitment to aviation innovation. 03/10/2025 Read More
AI trip planner Mindtrip acquires travel guide platform Thatch: Artificial intelligence-powered trip planner Mindtrip, PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025, has acquired Thatch, which offers guides from travel content creators and local experts. Mindtrip CEO Andy Moss confirmed his company would be absorbing Thatch but terms of the deal have not been disclosed. "The Thatch community is now part of Mindtrip’s creator program, with several team members joining us to expand our local expertise alongside our AI-powered travel platform," Moss said in an emailed statement. "At Mindtrip, we believe lived human experiences bring a richness to travel that AI alone can’t replicate. Whether it’s a local tour guide, a local tastemaker, a frequent traveler, or a destination marketer, their insights add depth and authenticity. AI enhances these perspectives—making them more accessible, discoverable, and actionable.” 03/12/2025 Read More
Northeast Asia online travel bookings to break $30B by 2026: In 2024, the stimulative force of Northeast Asia's primary travel influencer, China, reasserted itself after a tepid 12 months since its borders reopened in 2023. This boosted the visitor economies in South Korea, Hong Kong and Macau, but the impact was sub-par in Taiwan. In September, China, South Korea and Japan set a mutual target to share 40 million inbound arrivals by 2030. In November, China simplified "cross-boundary" travel measures to expedite border clearance between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau. 03/11/2025 Read More
Virgin Atlantic partners with Joby for U.K. electric air taxi service: Electric air taxi specialist Joby Aviation is partnering with Virgin Atlantic to launch an air taxi service in the United Kingdom. Through the partnership the companies hope to offer zero-emission, short-range journeys across the U.K., starting with regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport. 03/17/2025 Read More
Yanolja Partners with OpenAI to Enhance AI-Powered Travel Services: Yanolja has joined OpenAI’s global rollout of Operator, an AI agent that automates travel bookings and online shopping by interacting with web interfaces. The company plans to integrate its proprietary AI to provide hyper-personalized travel experiences, automate customer service, and optimize operations for travel businesses. Yanolja’s AI-driven solutions already include itinerary planning, real-time inventory matching, AI concierge services, and automated check-in. With a $19.8 billion transaction volume in 2024 and operations in 206 countries, Yanolja continues to lead digital transformation in travel, shaping the future of AI-driven, automated hospitality and travel services worldwide. 03/05/2025 Read More
ExpressVPN Partners with Booking.com for Business to Enhance Traveler Security: ExpressVPN has partnered with Booking.com for Business to provide enhanced digital security for corporate travelers. As part of the collaboration, business travelers who purchase a 12-month ExpressVPN subscription through Booking.com for Business will receive four extra months for free. ExpressVPN ensures secure public Wi-Fi usage, IP masking for privacy, and location flexibility for accessing company resources worldwide. ExpressVPN’s Zac Eller emphasized the partnership’s goal of safeguarding digital experiences, while Booking.com’s Josh Wood highlighted its alignment with making corporate travel more seamless and secure. The partnership underscores both companies’ dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions. 02/26/2025 Read More
WTTC & Trip.com Unveil 16 Tech Innovations Shaping the Future of Travel: At ITB Berlin, WTTC and Trip.com Group revealed a report highlighting 16 transformative technologies driving the future of travel. Key trends include AI-driven personalization, quantum computing for optimizing air traffic, and the return of supersonic flight. Super Apps are streamlining bookings, with 97% of travelers preferring an all-in-one platform. Sustainable initiatives, such as Virgin Atlantic’s 100% sustainable fuel flight, are advancing eco-friendly tourism. Space tourism is rapidly becoming a reality. As digital transformation accelerates, businesses adopting these innovations today will lead the industry tomorrow. 03/11/2025 Read More
F&B Tech
Swish Raises $14M in Series A Funding to Expand 10-Minute Food Delivery: Bengaluru-based food delivery startup Swish has secured $14 million in Series A funding from UK-based Hara Global, with participation from existing investor Accel. Angel investors, including Unacademy CEO Gaurav Munjal and Softbank’s Sumer Juneja, also joined the round. Post-funding, Hara Global holds a 13.33% stake, while Accel owns 27.24%. Swish’s co-founders each retain 16.28%. The investment comes amid growing competition in the 10-minute food delivery space, with Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto Cafe also vying for market share. The funding will help Swish scale operations and strengthen its position in this rapidly evolving segment. 03/08/2025 Read More
Cano-ela Secures €1.6M to Advance Sustainable Seed-Based Ingredients: Dutch FoodTech startup Cano-ela has raised €1.6 million in funding from OostNL, Value Factory, and Ecoseed to scale its innovative rapeseed-based ingredients. The investment will enhance its pilot facility, boost production, and accelerate collaborations with food producers. Cano-ela develops sustainable alternatives to synthetic emulsifiers and stabilizers, reducing food waste by utilizing nutrients often discarded in traditional oil extraction. CEO Juliana Romero emphasized the company’s mission to create clean-label, plant-based solutions. With this funding, Cano-ela moves closer to commercialization, offering food manufacturers eco-friendly, high-quality ingredients that enhance taste, texture, and nutrition. 03/11/2025 Read More
Taco Bell Expands AI Automation with $1 Billion Investment from Yum Brands: Taco Bell is accelerating its use of AI as part of parent company Yum Brands' $1 billion investment in digital technology. The company’s AI platform, ‘Byte by Yum,’ enhances staffing efficiency, inventory management, and drive-thru automation. AI-driven voice ordering is now active in 500 Taco Bell locations, up from 100 in mid-2024. While AI streamlines operations, Yum insists it won’t reduce labor costs. Analysts speculate Yum may commercialize its AI tools in the future. The investment aligns with broader fast food industry trends, as competitors like McDonald’s and Chipotle also adopt AI-driven automation. . 03/10/2025 Read More
Guest Column | Digital Dining: How tech innovations are reshaping the F&B industry: The food and beverage (F&B) industry, traditionally rooted in human connection and sensory experiences, is undergoing a profound transformation. As technology continues to evolve, it is not only shaping how food is prepared and served but also revolutionizing the very way we engage with dining. The integration of digital innovation in restaurants, events, and hospitality is enhancing every aspect of the customer experience—from personalized menus to immersive dining environments. 03/10/2025 Read More
Key strategies for navigating the beverage industry in 2025: The world as we know it today is developing at a rate that only seems surreal. Accompanying this rapid pace is the change in the general public's mindset and the social values and status symbols we ascribe to. Consumers today place more value on eco-friendly ideas, health, and budget-conscious expenditures, which display their individuality. In the growing competition, blending these social trends with comprehensive strategies for any industry to bloom is imperative. The beverage industry is highly competitive, with global giants and local companies battling for market share. 03/13/2025 Read More
McDonald's Embraces AI for Smarter, Smoother Operations: McDonald's is integrating AI and edge computing across its 43,000 restaurants to enhance order accuracy and ease worker stress. Chief Information Officer Brian Rice highlighted how AI-driven solutions will optimize kitchen operations, improve self-service kiosks, and streamline mobile orders. The fast-food giant’s partnership with Google Cloud, established in 2023, aims to leverage data insights for smarter decision-making. Edge computing will predict maintenance issues for fryers and McFlurry machines, ensuring smoother operations. McDonald's expects these innovations to boost its customer base from 175 million to 250 million by 2027, transforming both customer and employee experiences. 03/06/2025 Read More
Wienerschnitzel Expands AI-Powered Drive-Thru with Presto Voice: Wienerschnitzel is scaling its AI-driven drive-thru ordering system in partnership with Presto Phoenix Inc., with 35 locations already using Presto Voice AI and over 50 more enrolled for deployment. The AI system improves order accuracy, boosts upselling (increasing all-beef hotdog sales by 5%), and reduces labor costs by automating order-taking. Galardi Group COO Rusty Bills emphasized AI’s role in enhancing franchisee success, while CEO JR Galardi sees it as key to the brand’s long-term expansion. With rapid adoption across the QSR industry, Wienerschnitzel’s investment in AI positions it as a leader in tech-driven customer service. 03/08/2025 Read More
Upcoming Events & Conferences
North America
The 36th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference will take place March 18-20, 2025, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. This premier event brings together hotel owners, developers, and investors for networking and educational sessions on industry trends and investment opportunities. Hosted by Hunter Hotel Advisors and Georgia State University’s Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration, HUNTER is recognized as a key conference in the hotel sector.
APAC
Skift India Summit 2025 will take place on March 17-18 at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, focusing on global travel trends, innovation, and India's growing influence in the industry. Organized by Skift, the event will feature insights from top leaders, complemented by Skift’s India-focused reports, podcasts, and research. The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts returns as a key partner. Early-bird registration is now open.
IBTM Asia Pacific, happening March 19-20, 2025, in Hong Kong, is a premier event for the MICE industry, connecting international and regional meeting planners with top suppliers. Featuring pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings, educational sessions, and networking opportunities, the event is powered by IBTM's Hosted Buyer program to ensure meaningful connections.
EMEA
HRC 2025, the UK's leading trade event for hospitality and foodservice, will take place from March 17-19 at ExCeL London as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. The event connects brand owners and suppliers with senior decision-makers seeking the latest industry innovations. Organized by Montgomery Group, HRC offers networking opportunities, product showcases, and industry insights.
The 22nd Annual International Hotel Technology Forum (IHTF) will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from March 18-20, 2025. The event connects top European hoteliers with technology providers through pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings, expert-led discussions, and showcases of cutting-edge hospitality tech solutions. Attendees include CIOs, CTOs, revenue managers, and sustainability directors exploring AI, digital transformation, and guest experience innovations.
Food Hotel Tech 2025, taking place March 19-20 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, is a trade show focused on digital and eco-responsible innovations for the hospitality and catering industries. Attendees can explore exhibitor showcases, a start-up village, expert-led conferences, and networking opportunities, all designed to support sustainable and technological transformation in the sector.
Virtual
The Point webinar events contain 30-minute engaging discussions with Hospitality Technology editors and a who’s-who of industry executives will get right to The Point on the hottest hotel and restaurant technology topics, the details of which are given below. Read More
Hot Trends in Hotel Guestroom Tech
2024 Restaurant Technology Study: Accelerating Intelligence
Highlights & Insights from MURTEC 2024!
High Return Hospitality: Operational Excellence Meets Emotional Connection
Artificial Intelligence in the Real World
Autonomous Delivery for Restaurants
Payment Trends
Hotel Networks & Security