Innovation

📌 Cendyn, a business intelligence solutions provider, has integrated AI into its CRM and Knowland platform, enhancing hotel sales and marketing teams with actionable insights. Following the acquisition of Knowland in October 2024, Cendyn launched new AI search capabilities and expanded into Europe with London as the first market. AI-generated insights help optimize marketing campaigns and identify trends for actionable measures, driving direct bookings and revenue increase.

💸 Mews secured a $75 million funding round led by Tiger Global, with Kinnevik, Battery Ventures, and Goldman Sachs Alternatives' Growth Equity participating. In 2024, Mews experienced over 50% growth, with $10 billion in payment volumes and sales over $200 million. The company, which has a 20% market penetration in the DACH region, aims to expand in North America and has invested $50 million there in two years. Mews acquired Atomize and partnered with BWH Hotels, doubling its U.S. turnover annually and managed spaces. The funding will boost R&D for AI-driven hotel management solutions.

🏦 Park Hall Resort & Spa in Lancashire, UK, is the first UK hotel to employ an AI Concierge from Inntelo AI, offering phone and WhatsApp interaction for guests 24/7 in multiple languages. The resort, a historic site dating to 669 AD, recently underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment and is part of the Brilliant Hotels Collection. Inntelo AI has received backing from Antler and has implemented its AI solutions in hotels across the UK, Netherlands, and Portugal, collaborating with top hospitality schools like EHL in Switzerland. The focus is on enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency without replacing the human element.

💸 MINNEAPOLIS — IDeaS, a SAS company, launched an API data integration developer portal on 4 March 2025, aiming to simplify data integration for hospitality technology partners. The portal offers a modern JSON RESTful API, 24/7 self-service tools, centralized communication, enhanced security with secret key management, performance monitoring, and resources for scalability, encouraging innovation and efficient delivery of services. Bijal Shah, IDeaS VP of Product Development, highlighted the portal's transformative effect on hospitality technology collaboration. More at https://ideas.com/about/partners/api.

🏨 Shiji International, led by CEO Kevin King, revealed its new brand identity "Day and Night" at ITB Berlin 2025, signifying a unified 24/7 technology platform for the hospitality industry. Over 25 years, Shiji evolved into a global hospitality technology leader, now simplifying its diverse solutions under a single brand to eliminate confusion and boost efficiency for hoteliers. The rebrand includes products like Daylight PMS, Infrasys POS, Reviewpro Reputation, Horizon Distribution, Iceportal Content, Meridian Experiences, Astral Payments, Stellaris Digital, and Twilight Data + Analytics, all designed to integrate into the "Day and Night" system, enhancing the guest journey and hotel operations. Shiji's commitment extends globally, continually adapting to the dynamic needs of the hospitality sector.

🚀 WTTC and Trip.com Group released a report at ITB Berlin detailing 16 technologies set to revolutionize travel and tourism. Key areas include digital, financial technologies, mobility, and breakthrough innovations. With 91% of travel businesses increasing tech investments, significant industry transformation is anticipated. AI could equal human intelligence in various tasks by decade's end. Supersonic flight to return within four years through Boom Technology and United. 94% of industry leaders view AI as mission-critical, with Trip.com's TripGenie usage rising 200% in 2024. A survey of 8,000 travelers found 97% desire an integrated travel platform. Virgin Atlantic completed first 100% sustainable fuel transatlantic flight. Space tourism nears reality with growing infrastructure and demand.

🏨 Holiday Extras, a UK market leader in travel add-ons for over 40 years, partners with the Business Travel Association (BTA) to support corporate travelers both domestically and internationally. BTA CEO Clive Wratten emphasizes the partnership's aim to drive excellence and innovation in the sector, enhancing the traveller experience.

📡 Shiji, a global hospitality technology provider, has undergone a rebrand to unify its product suite and emphasize its 24/7 partnership with the industry. Over 25 years, Shiji transformed from an IT service company to a technology leader with solutions in property management, point-of-sale, reputation management, payments, and more. The rebrand includes new names for its core solutions like Daylight PMS, Infrasys POS, Reviewpro Reputation, Horizon Distribution, and others, designed for seamless integration and superior guest experiences. CEO Kevin King highlights the rebrand as a commitment to innovation and continuous support for hoteliers.