Innovation

💳 Las Vegas-based UrVenue has expanded its Stripe integration after more than 10 years of collaboration, adding five digital wallets: Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, Cash App Pay, Google Pay and Link. Stripe’s Adaptive Pricing also lets eligible guests view prices and pay in local currencies. The upgrade helps hospitality operators offer new payment capabilities without separate implementations. UrVenue has served resorts and entertainment venues since 2011; payment availability varies by location, currency, device and account configuration.

🏨 SONIFI announced in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that SONIFI Central is now available to its 5,000 customer properties following an initial launch earlier this year. The platform monitors WiFi, interactive TV, casting, linear TV and telephony in real time. Continuous scans, self-healing protocols and AI-assisted automation identify and resolve technology issues. Hotels also gain guest-usage insights, marketing performance data, self-service tools and access to 24/7 support, aiming to reduce staff workload and improve returns.

🏕 Grevon announced an integration with Indio by Big Rig Media, showcased at OHCE 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas, November 9–11. RV parks and campgrounds can offer availability checks, recommendations, reservations and payments within one AI-powered conversation. Connected to real-time property data and existing reservation systems, the integration aims to increase direct bookings and reduce routine staff inquiries. Grevon’s Echo voice agent supports telephone bookings around the clock.

🏨 Miami Beach-based OneJourney made PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2027, published November 9 in the list’s ninth year. Led by co-founder and CEO Brian Dass, its SwiftPay platform helps independent hotels earn cashback on eligible supplier payments and automate invoices without subscription fees. A WEX partnership supports its commercial card program across the United States and Europe. OneJourney also earned a 2026 Phocuswright Global Startup Pitch wildcard and plans further expansion in 2027.

🏨 Phunware reports that 50%–60% of app usage on its platform happens before guests arrive. Hotels can encourage adoption through booking-focused emails, a reminder 48 hours before arrival, and a clear pitch during check-in’s first 30 seconds. QR codes on key card sleeves, in elevators and in rooms connect guests to useful answers. AI concierge services, itinerary planning and maps encourage repeat use, while guest searches reveal demand and help staff respond during stays.

🏨 Six Senses Samui in Ko Samui, Thailand, has deployed Shiji’s cloud-based Infrasys POS across nine resort outlets. The platform connects Sun Systems, TableCheck, Okami and Purchase Plus, unifying finance, reservations, operational workflows and procurement. Real-time transaction processing and centralized menu management replace disconnected systems, reducing manual work and improving coordination while supporting personalized guest service. Shiji’s hospitality technology portfolio serves more than 91,000 hotels worldwide.

🤖 Hotels and restaurants facing rising costs are turning to conversational AI to help increase revenue and reduce missed orders and bookings.

🏨 Guest technology managed services provider SONIFI is rolling out SONIFI Central, a single dashboard for portfolio-wide monitoring of in-room entertainment, casting and Wi-Fi infrastructure. The platform brings these systems into one operational view.

Backed by new digital investments and delivery optimizations, CEO Bob Wright outlines how kitchen simplification and unified guest data will anchor the chain's path forward.