Innovation

The Pan-African hotel group ONOMO is accelerating its innovation strategy by modernising its guest journey through the full digitalisation of its operations. With a presence in 13 countries and a…

By Hrishikesh Bapat, Senior Product Manager at LodgIQ In hotel technology, a term such as “API integration” often appears to be overused or misunderstood. On paper, most Revenue Management Systems…

🏨 LodgIQ has revolutionized hotel data integration by engineering a deep API connection to PMS systems in 2025. Unlike traditional systems, which rely on aggregated snapshots, LodgIQ's solution processes individual transactions with full attribute visibility, enabling near real-time data sync. This innovation provides hotels with detailed, actionable insights for revenue management. The platform, based in Silicon Valley, utilizes Oracle Hospitality Integration and HTNG-compliant APIs to offer predictive forecasting and AI-guided strategies for improved decision-making.

💻 In 2026, Mews secured a Series D funding round to enhance its hospitality technology, aiming to reduce screen time and improve guest interactions. Investing in automation and data integration, Mews' platform aims to streamline operations, unify guest data, and minimize staff distractions. Recent acquisitions include Flexkeeping, Atomize, and Quotelo. The goal is to foster genuine human connections by liberating staff from screens, allowing for intentional and memorable hospitality experiences.

💰 Worldwide, in 2026, Mews raised $300 million in Series D funding, valuing the company at $2.5 billion. Lead investor EQT Growth was joined by Atomico and HarbourVest Partners, along with existing backers like Kinnevik, Battery Ventures, and Tiger Global. The funds will be used to enhance AI capabilities and expand Mews Payments. Mews aims to revolutionize the hospitality industry by simplifying operations for hoteliers with advanced, AI-driven systems.

📅 2026 sees AI shift to operational use, with 66% of event professionals indicating AI lets them focus on high-value work. Trust is a key differentiator in a low-trust digital world, while personalization becomes attendee-led. Event costs are expected to rise 20% compared to 2025, prompting a focus on value. First-party data gains importance due to digital attribution challenges. Lastly, 48% of professionals are sourcing non-hotel venues, with restaurants at 45%.

🏨 Roomzzz, since 2006, now operates 11 aparthotels in 8 UK cities. To manage growing operational complexity, they chose RMS as their property management system after evaluating 20 providers. RMS offers real-time visibility, automates 40% of payments, saves up to 11 hours daily, and benefits 60% of long-stay guests with automated VAT drops. All 10 properties migrated in under a week. RMS Pay improves efficiency and guest experience by automating processes.

💸 A 2024 Deloitte report reveals that 75% of European hotel executives plan to invest in data analytics, with 20% piloting AI technology. AI-powered revenue management systems (RMS) optimize hotel pricing by analyzing real-time data and predicting demand. A Milan hotel doubled its revenue and achieved a top 10 TripAdvisor ranking using such a system. AI RMS continuously adjusts prices based on market conditions and demand, ensuring optimal occupancy and revenue without manual intervention.

💻 In the hospitality industry, continuity now relies on systems like PMS, CRM, and AI rather than long-serving employees. While technology retains guest data and operational patterns, it cannot replace human judgment or nuanced decision-making. This shift risks promoting leaders with less real-world experience, making organizations appear efficient but fragile. The challenge lies in nurturing leaders who can act wisely when systems falter. Efficiency should never compromise leadership depth.