HOSPITALITY NEWS BITES
Accommodation Tech
Flywire acquires hospitality payments specialist Sertifi for $330M: Payments specialist Flywire Corporation has acquired Sertifi, a payments and workflow digitization platform for the hospitality segment, for $330 million. The acquisition adds the hotel category to Flywire’s existing travel payments business and is expected to add $35 to 40 million of revenue to Flywire this year. Sertifi, which has been in business for 20 years, offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for the hotel and hospitality industry that enables global brands including Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt and independent hotels groups to securely sign contracts, exchange payment details and complete payments with customers. 26/02/2025 Read More
Quick Clean Secures $6 Million in Series A Funding to Expand Healthcare and Hospitality Services: Quick Clean, a leading professional linen management solutions provider, has successfully raised Rs 50 crore ($5.7 million) in its Series A funding round. The investment was led by Alkemi Growth Capital and Blue Ashva Capital, with an additional Rs 10 crore ($1.15 million) debt investment from Venture Debt Cos., the company announced.
Property management provider Apaleo creates marketplace for hospitality AI agents: Property management platform Apaleo has created Agent Hub, a marketplace of artificial intelligence agents meant for the hospitality sector. The company said Agent Hub is meant to help hoteliers and tech developers share, adopt, discover and build solutions based on AI that can help to streamline operations, improve profitability and improve guest experiences. The idea is that by using Agent Hub, hoteliers can easily select, customize and implement agents quickly and without being tied to a vendor. 26/02/2025 Read More
Runnr.ai secures new funding for hospitality communication: Runnr.ai, the AI-driven platform for automated guest communication for the hospitality industry, has secured an extension round of an undisclosed amount of funding led by Arches Capital. This additional investment brings the total amount raised to $2M and will be used to enhance guest satisfaction, streamline operations, and drive additional revenue through AI-powered automation. 25/02/2025 Read More
RoomPriceGenie Secures $75M Investment for Global Expansion: RoomPriceGenie, a revenue management system provider for independent hotels, has secured a $75 million investment from Five Elms Capital to accelerate international growth. Alongside this funding, Chas Scarantino has been appointed CEO, while Co-Founder Ari Andricopoulos transitions to Chief Strategy Officer. The company plans to expand its innovative OpenAPI integration, making automated pricing more accessible. With over 3,000 clients across 65 countries, RoomPriceGenie continues to enhance revenue optimization for hotels while maintaining a strong culture and customer-focused innovation. 18/02/2025 Read More
Safara Acquires Skipper, Raises New Funding to Expand Hotel Booking Platform: Safara, a curated hotel booking platform with a cashback rewards model, has acquired Skipper, a software company focused on streamlining direct hotel bookings. Alongside this acquisition, Safara secured additional funding from Defy.vc, Sequoia Capital, and others, bringing total funding to $14M. The integration of Skipper's technology aims to enhance Safara’s platform, benefiting both travelers and independent hotels. Safara’s marketplace features 1M+ properties and offers up to 10% cashback on bookings, targeting high-spending, frequent travelers. 10/02/2025 Read More
6 Major Trends Reshaping Hotel Distribution: The hotel distribution landscape is evolving, driven by a shift toward direct bookings, personalization, and technological innovation. Rising OTA commission fees push hotels to optimize channel mixes, while AI and data analytics enable hyper-personalized guest experiences. The decline of rate parity clauses and regulatory changes empower hotels to compete on pricing. Mobile-first strategies are essential as smartphone bookings surge. Meanwhile, AI-driven tools enhance pricing, marketing, and guest engagement. To stay competitive, hotels must reclaim control of distribution, prioritize guest relationships, and embrace digital transformation for a more sustainable and profitable future. 24/02/2025 Read More
IHG Hotels & Resorts Acquires Ruby to Expand Urban Lifestyle Portfolio: IHG Hotels & Resorts has acquired the Ruby brand for €110.5 million (~$116M), enhancing its premium urban lifestyle offerings. Ruby, known for its "Lean Luxury" concept, operates 20 hotels across Europe with 10 more in the pipeline. IHG aims to grow Ruby to 120+ hotels in 10 years and 250+ in 20 years, expanding globally. The deal includes franchise agreements while the seller continues operations. Integration begins in 2025. 21/02/2025 Read More
Shift4 Partners with Alterra Mountain Company to Enhance Payment Solutions: Shift4 has announced a partnership with Alterra Mountain Company, operator of 19 premier mountain destinations, to streamline payments across its properties. The collaboration will enable seamless transactions for hotels, restaurants, lift ticket sales, and Ikon Pass purchases. Shift4’s secure commerce technology will enhance the guest experience by simplifying payment processes at all touchpoints. Alterra’s CTO, Gui Karyo, emphasized the importance of frictionless transactions, while Shift4’s CCO, Michael Isaacman, highlighted the partnership’s role in delivering a superior guest experience. 20/02/2025 Read More
Avvio Founder Launches The roomangel Foundation to Transform Hotel Distribution: The roomangel Foundation, a London-based non-profit, aims to reshape hotel distribution by empowering hotels and travelers. It introduces a centralized booking platform that connects directly with hotels, reducing reliance on OTAs. The initiative offers a trusted verification system, a value-for-money ranking model, and a powerful data ecosystem to optimize demand. Unveiled at the 2024 Booking Engine Summit in Dubai, the foundation is calling on hospitality stakeholders to join in redefining the future of hotel bookings. 21/02/2025 Read More
Room Cougar Introduces Video-Based Hotel Reviews, Rewarding Travelers for Authentic Insights: Room Cougar has launched as the first video-based hotel review platform, offering authentic, user-submitted video tours to help travelers make informed booking decisions. With over 3,000 reviews, the platform rewards contributors up to $50 per verified submission. Users can also earn commissions through referrals. Room Cougar aims to enhance transparency in hotel research, with plans to launch a mobile app soon. The platform covers hotels worldwide, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, and Spain. 13/02/2025 Read More
Travel Tech
Online travel giants spent $17.8B on marketing in 2024: The full-year 2024 financial reports of the online travel giants Airbnb, Booking Holdings, Expedia Group and Trip.com Group reveal sales and marketing investment of $17.8 billion in total in 2024, up a cool billion from 2023’s figure. Trip.com Group increased its sales and marketing investment in 2024 by 29% to $1.6 billion, which the company attributed to more promotional activities “focused on strengthening our global business and brand awareness.” 28/02/2025 Read More
Tripadvisor's Perplexity Deal: AI for Customer Acquisition Is Now a Thing in Travel: The emergence of AI platforms such as Perplexity, ChatGPT and others could see the travel industry redirect a huge chunk of marketing spend away from Google. Although Google has its own entrant, Gemini. Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg and Chief Financial Officer Mike Noonan both expressed enthusiasm Thursday about the early results of the company's hotel partnership with the AI answer engine Perplexity, an alliance that began in January. 20/02/2025 Read More
AI travel software provider Maya raises €1M: Belgium-based artificial intelligence software provider Maya has raised €1 million as it develops its white-label AI assistant for travel companies. The funding, which included investors such as Lighthouse, will be used to fuel global growth and improve the capabilities of Maya's AI agent solution. Travel providers can train Maya on their own content so it can then provide personalized service to their customers through a chatbot as well as through email, WhatsApp and other platforms. 27/02/2025 Read More
Ygo Trips scores again with investors: Just last summer, the travel start-up Ygo Trips, founded by Julian Kögel, son of L'tur founder Karlheinz Kögel, brought the Get Away Group on board as an investor. Now Ygo has once again been able to convince investors from the industry with the help of the Flixbus founders. 24/02/2025 Read More
Choice Has Dumped Hundreds of Budget Hotels in Upscale Strategy Shift: Choice Hotels has been abandoning its roadside motel roots for more lucrative upscale and extended-stay properties. That means ice machines are out, and Instagrammable lobbies are in. Choice Hotels International has been orchestrating one of the U.S. lodging industry's most dramatic makeovers. The company that built its empire on roadside chains like Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn is now aggressively pivoting toward sleek urban hotels and extended-stay suites. 20/02/2025 Read More
TravelPerk x Airbnb: Partnering to enhance business travel accommodation offerings for our customers: we announce yet another milestone in our inventory and customer support. I’m proud to share that TravelPerk has formally partnered with Airbnb to offer more flexible corporate travel solutions to our customers. We’re so excited to partner with Airbnb and give our customers Managed Access to its extensive inventory of over 8 million active listings across 100,000 cities worldwide. 27/02/2025 Read More
The Rise of Credit Card Companies in Online Travel: Banks and credit card companies are disrupting the travel industry by launching their own booking platforms, competing with online travel agencies and gaining market share. JPMorgan Chase investor day, executives said, “We saw an opportunity during the pandemic to own our own destiny in travel”. In a broken and dull travel loyalty ecosystem, new entrants such as banks and credit card companies are rapidly disrupting the distribution landscape: shifting from facilitating other brands’ loyalty programs to launching their own competing booking platforms. 24/02/2025 Read More
Cognizant Expands Partnership with Travelport to Enhance Travel Retailing: Cognizant and Travelport have extended their decade-long partnership to modernize Travelport’s global infrastructure using AI and automation. Through Cognizant’s Neuro® IT Operations platform, the collaboration aims to enhance reliability, reduce operational costs, and improve Travelport’s ability to scale with demand. This initiative supports Travelport’s role in simplifying travel retailing by delivering multi-source content to agencies and travel management companies. The partnership is expected to set new standards for efficiency and innovation in the travel industry. 20/02/2025 Read More
infosys & Lufthansa Partner to Drive Aviation Innovation with AI-Powered Solutions: Infosys and Lufthansa Group have announced a strategic alliance to accelerate digital transformation in aviation. A key highlight is the establishment of a Global Capability Center (GCC) in Bengaluru, leveraging Infosys Topaz’s AI-driven technology to enhance airline operations, software development, and data-driven solutions. This partnership aims to improve aviation safety, operational efficiency, and customer experience. Lufthansa’s expertise, combined with Infosys’ technological capabilities, will drive innovation at scale. The initiative also positions Bengaluru as a hub for aviation tech advancements, creating new opportunities in the sector. 19/02/2025 Read More
Costco Travel Partners with Travelport for Enhanced Travel Retailing: On February 18, 2025, Costco Travel announced a new long-term partnership with Travelport to enhance its travel offerings through modern retailing technology. By integrating Travelport APIs and Travelport+, Costco Travel will provide members with expanded travel options, seamless access to multi-source content, and AI-driven search capabilities. The collaboration will leverage Travelport Insights for data-driven decision-making, improving the overall booking experience. This strategic deal aligns with Costco Travel’s commitment to delivering more choice, value, and convenience for its members across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Travelport continues to simplify travel retailing with its innovative solutions. 18/02/2025 Read More
Iberojet Extends Partnership with Sabre for Seven Years to Enhance Passenger Services: On February 19, 2025, Iberojet announced a seven-year renewal agreement with Sabre Corporation, reinforcing its commitment to advanced airline technology and seamless digital experiences. The agreement ensures Iberojet will continue utilizing Sabre’s Radixx Passenger Service System (PSS), including Radixx Res for reservations, Radixx Gofor departure control, Radixx EZYcommerce for digital retailing, and Radixx Insight for analytics. This collaboration strengthens Iberojet’s market position in Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas, enhancing booking experiences and airport operations. Sabre’s innovative solutions will help drive efficiency, customer satisfaction, and future growth in Spain’s competitive aviation sector. 19/02/2025 Read More
F&B Tech
Just Salad Secures $200M to Fuel Expansion and Innovation: Just Salad raised $200M from investors, including Wellington Management and D1 Capital Partners, valuing the company at $1B. The funds will support expansion, menu innovation, and technology. Founded in 2006, the fast-casual chain operates nearly 100 locations across multiple states. A Certified B Corporation, Just Salad prioritizes sustainability through its reusable bowl program and food waste reduction initiatives. The brand continues to experience strong growth, driven by its focus on customer experience and real estate strategy. 23/02/2025 Read More
Boostly Secures $22M to Expand AI-Driven Restaurant Marketing: Boostly has raised $22 million in Series A funding, just six months after its $5.6 million Seed round. The company provides automated SMS marketing and feedback tools for restaurants, helping them leverage first-party data to drive customer engagement and revenue. With gamified texting experiences and behavioral-based marketing, Boostly’s platform achieves 10x higher engagement rates than standard SMS marketing. Currently serving 1,200+ locations, Boostly plans to use the funding to expand its platform, enhance automation, and support restaurant growth. 09/02/2025 Read More
Adani Group plans to expand retail, F&B services at airports: Adani Group , Indian Aviation Sector , Indian Retail Sector, Adani Group Expansion: Adani Group is set to expand its retail and food services. Led by billionaire businessperson Gautam Adani , the company is planning to increase the non-aeronautical revenue from its airport business. According to the ET report, the Adani Group is set to open 270 retail stores and 50 food and beverage (F&B) outlets across its airports. In addition, the Group is also considering expanding its retail outlets to highways and malls. 28/02/2025 Read More
Redefining consumer engagement in F&B: Where tech meets human warmth: Blending innovation with the soul of hospitality. The way people experience food and beverage (F&B) spaces is changing rapidly. While the familiar smells of freshly prepared meals still fill the air and baristas craft each pour with precision, technology is quietly reshaping the experience—digital menus, mobile ordering, and data-driven ecommendations are streamlining service and speeding up transactions. But here’s the real question: does efficiency alone build a memorable experience? 27/02/2025 Read More
Krystal Enhances Guest Experience with Digital Menu Boards: Krystal is upgrading six Albany, Georgia locations with digital menu boards, refreshed interiors, and updated exteriors as part of a modernization effort. The new boards allow for real-time pricing and menu updates, improving efficiency and visibility. Unlike static signs, they seamlessly transition between meal times and enable targeted promotions. While many QSRs adopt AI for drive-thrus, Krystal prioritizes direct guest-crew interactions. This initiative follows the success of its Orangeburg, S.C. location and will be implemented across future remodels. 25/02/2025 Read More
Sparkfly Expands to 18,000+ Locations, Reports 30% Growth in 2024: Sparkfly achieved a 30% YoY revenue increase, retaining 98.6% of clients and expanding to over 18,000 locations with 12 new enterprise customers, including Costa Vida, Piada, and Benihana. The company strengthened integrations across marketing, CDP, POS, and web platforms, enhancing its Offer Management, Loyalty, and Digital Wallet services. With 100% employee retention since 2022, Sparkfly is set to expand development and product teams while continuing to innovate in loyalty and middleware integrations. 18/02/2025 Read More
Ascent Hospitality Partners with Toast for Tech Upgrade: Toast has signed an agreement with Ascent Hospitality Management to implement Toast Enterprise Solutions at Perkins and Huddle House across 500 locations. The rollout includes POS terminals, mobile handheld devices, KDS, and Toast’s Restaurant Management Suite Enterprise to enhance efficiency and the guest experience. Ascent sought a cloud-based, scalable platform for future innovation. Perkins’ first Toast-powered location launched last fall, with more locations transitioning soon. Toast continues expanding across multi-unit brands, including Caribou Coffee, WaBa Grill, and Costa Vida. 17/02/2025 Read More
Subway Partners with FreedomPay for Payment Innovation: Subway has teamed up with FreedomPay to modernize its payment system across in-restaurant, mobile, and online transactions. The partnership enhances security, optimizes transaction routing, and provides franchisees with improved reporting. Subway’s Chief Information Officer, Dave Blankenship, highlighted FreedomPay’s flexibility in working with multiple processors worldwide. The integration also gives Subway access to valuable data insights to drive growth and improve its digital presence, ensuring a seamless and secure checkout experience for customers across all locations. 10/02/2025 Read More
Portillo’s Invests in Loyalty, Drive-Thru Tech to Boost Traffic: Portillo’s is focusing on loyalty and drive-thru technology to boost traffic and efficiency. The company is launching Portillo’s Perks as a mobile wallet-based loyalty program, aiming for 1.5M-1.7M members by summer 2025. Additionally, it’s adding computer vision technology in drive-thrus to alert managers when cars wait too long, improving speed of service. The company is also scaling down its restaurant prototypes, cutting costs while maintaining high sales volumes. Expansion plans include 12 new locations in 2025 and potential pickup-only or walk-up formats. 18/01/2025 Read More
Applebee’s and IHOP Open First Dual-Branded U.S. Location: Dine Brands Global and franchisee Ramzi Hakim Group opened the first U.S. dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP in Seguin, Texas, on February 18. The restaurant offers favorites from both brands, including exclusive crossover menu items like the Buffalo Chicken Omelette. With separate dining areas but shared facilities, the concept streamlines operations while maximizing guest options. Following international success, Dine Brands plans 14 more dual-branded locations in the U.S. by 2026. 18/02/2025 Read More
Elevating Dining with Technology: Key Tools for Restaurant Success: Restaurants are adopting technology to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Online and mobile app ordering streamlines processes while reducing reliance on third-party platforms. Self-ordering kiosks enhance accuracy, speed, and upselling opportunities. Mobile POS systems boost service speed by allowing orders and payments from anywhere. Kitchen Display Systems optimize back-of-house operations by improving order tracking and accuracy. By integrating these innovations, restaurants can stay competitive, create seamless customer experiences, and position themselves for long-term success in an evolving industry. 24/02/2025 Read More
Restaurants' 2025 Tech Priorities: AI, Labor, and Loyalty Lead the Way: Industry leaders in the 2025 Restaurant Technology Network Market Watch highlight key restaurant tech trends: AI-driven efficiencies, automation, labor management, and loyalty programs. Operators are prioritizing cost control, customer experience, and sustainability, with AI reshaping operations, predictive analytics optimizing inventory, and digital ordering/payment systems becoming essential. Challenges include labor shortages, rising costs, and tipping fatigue. Innovations like AR dining experiences, robotics, and integrated tech solutions are shaping the future. 18/02/2025 Read More
Upcoming Events & Conferences
North America
The California Lodging Investment Conference ([CLIC]) 2025 will take place March 5-6 at The Westin Long Beach, focusing exclusively on the California hotel market. The event features networking opportunities, the Lodging Econometrics-CLIC California Hotel Development Deals of the Year awards, and discussions on industry challenges and trends. Early registration discounts are available starting October 1, 2024.
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
HVS ANAROCK HOPE 2025 will take place from February 26–28, 2025, at the Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon in Panaji, Goa, India. Building on the success of previous editions, this exclusive hospitality and travel summit will bring together global industry leaders, innovators, and influencers. HOPE 2025 offers unparalleled networking opportunities for professionals in the hospitality and travel sectors, enabling them to connect with top decision-makers and shape the future of the industry. This event is organized by HVS and is a must-attend for all industry professionals. Read More
The 2nd Philippines Hotel Industry Summit (HOPSCA) 2025 will take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong, Manila. As the premier annual event for hotel industry professionals, HOPSCA 2025 will feature new brand launches, product innovations, industry insights, and significant networking opportunities. Over 200 C-suite executives, including CEOs and Directors from top developers, hotel operators, and designers, will gather for keynote sessions, panel discussions, and one-on-one meetings. The event is organized by Escom Events. Read More
HICAP Update 2025, taking place March 12-13 at Regent Hong Kong, will focus on regional investment opportunities, market trends, and industry challenges. The two-day event will feature top speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities tailored for hospitality investors and developers. Organized by Northstar, this annual conference is known for delivering key insights into the Asia-Pacific hotel market.
WiT Africa 2025, happening March 12-13 at Longkloof Studios in Cape Town, will explore how technology, shifting demographics, and new traveler expectations are shaping the future of travel in Africa. With a theme centered on embracing change, the event will bring together industry leaders to discuss innovation in travel technology, distribution, and marketing. Part of the Phocuswright and Northstar Travel Group network, WiT fosters insights and collaboration for the next generation of travel professionals.
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
The EEA Sustainability Symposium 2025 will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at The Westin London City in London, UK. This premier event gathers investors, asset managers, operators, and sustainability experts to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainability for hotels and lodging assets. Featuring thought leaders and innovators, the symposium will explore strategies for integrating sustainability into hotel operations and development, covering topics like energy efficiency, sustainable design, and emerging technologies. It offers a platform for industry professionals to connect and share actionable solutions for a more sustainable hospitality industry. Read More
ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s leading travel trade show, will take place from March 4-6 at Messe Berlin. This B2B event will feature the ITB Berlin Convention, focusing on the theme "Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together." Industry leaders will discuss key challenges and innovations across 17 themed tracks. Over 24,000 visitors are expected, following ITB Berlin 2024’s success with 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries.
The World Hospitality Symposium will take place on March 4, 2025, at the Hotel de Rome in Berlin, alongside ITB. Hosted by HotelPlanner and Cleverdis, the event celebrates leadership in global travel and hospitality. Cheryl Hines will receive the 2025 World Hospitality Award for her contributions to the industry. The symposium brings together top executives to discuss key industry trends and innovations.
The Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam, taking place March 11-12, 2025, at Amsterdam RAI, is a premier event tailored to independent hoteliers. It offers insights into hospitality trends, innovations in technology, and design inspiration. Attendees can explore solutions to enhance their hotels through expert-led discussions and exhibitor showcases. Organized by Montgomery Group, this event provides a unique platform for networking and discovering new industry opportunities.
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
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Highlights & Insights from MURTEC 2024!
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Artificial Intelligence in the Real World
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Payment Trends
Hotel Networks & Security