Innovation

💻 SIHOT upgrades its SIHOT@360º API with REST technology to enhance interface building and security. This update, featuring an embedded Token Service, supports multiple Identity Providers like Microsoft Entra ID and Amazon Cognito. Developers benefit from improved authentication, data integrity, and traceability. Carsten Wernet, CEO of SIHOT, highlights the API's role in simplifying development and boosting flexibility, enabling faster market entry and stronger connectivity for hospitality management and services.

📅 Holiwise, a London-based AI travel agency, raised €1.45M in an oversubscribed pre-seed round involving executives from Bank of America, Barclays, Google, and Goldman Sachs. Led by Bobby Previti, with Ulf Nilsson joining the board, the funds will enhance AI travel services for over 10,000 destinations. Major integrations include HBX Group and Amadeus, allowing instant personalized trip planning. Notably, the platform boasts tens of thousands of monthly users with an 80% return rate.

💸 HBX Group partners with Superscript to streamline insurance complexities in the UK and Europe. This collaboration focuses on providing innovative, competitively priced insurance solutions for various business risks to partners in the travel industry. Superscript, a dual-regulated UK-based Insurtech and Lloyd’s of London broker, will offer digital broking services. This partnership enhances HBX Group's insurance offerings, complementing its existing ties with battleface, Wallbid, and Intermundial.

🛍 Woolacombe Bay Hotel, Devon, experienced a 14% increase in spa bookings within the first three months of an integration launched a year ago by Profitroom and TRYBE. Online bookings now represent 70% of spa revenue, reducing phone reservations previously at 70%. The integration eliminates duplicate bookings, reduces abandoned carts, and saves 30 admin hours weekly per site. This technology combines Profitroom’s booking engine with TRYBE's spa management software, offering guests a seamless package booking experience.

🛳 Ponant Expeditions enhances guest travel by adopting Smartvel's EntryDocs for Cruises, an intuitive travel documentation tool. Integrated into Ponant's digital platforms, this solution assists in verifying necessary travel documents for over 70 countries. It aims to provide seamless experiences for guests throughout their journey, from boarding cruises to international flights. Priscila Martin emphasizes stress-free travel, while Smartvel's CEO, Iñigo Valenzuela, highlights their focus on clarity and efficiency in a dynamic travel landscape.

💻 Announced last week, Mews' Atomize has achieved record-breaking adoption, doubling its customer base in six months and automating pricing for 70% of users. Acquired in late 2024, Atomize now uses AI to manage revenue for various hotel spaces. Key markets include the Nordics, DACH, France, North America, and the Middle East, with notable customers like First Hotels and JustStay. This AI-powered tool enables hoteliers to optimize revenue, with significant growth anticipated.

💻 In her journey from the Soviet Union to the U.S., she delved into hospitality, initially working 90-hour weeks and progressing through various roles. Mentored by Dana Blasi in revenue management, she developed the first AI-powered RMS, increasing RevPAR by 30%. The field has evolved, focusing now on revenue and profit optimization with a 20% possible yearly profitability boost through technology. Challenges remain, including tech adoption, dynamic pricing, and direct bookings. Embracing AI is key for future success.

📈 SignalFlare utilizes AI and machine learning to aid restaurants with pricing and customer behavior insights. Founded amid the pandemic by Lukianoff, it uses mobile, credit card, and economic data, outperforming traditional models. With seven full-time employees and clients like Habit Burger and Velvet Taco, it helps simulate business scenarios. SignalFlare aims to become a decision-intelligence platform, expanding into promotions and strategy. It was featured in the RTN Start-Up Alley at MURTEC 2025, with 2026 applications opening soon.

📈 Shiji, a global hospitality tech leader based in Berlin, achieved the fastest growth in the past three years, thanks to Daylight PMS. As of August 25, 2025, Shiji ranks third in the global PMS market, serving over 91,000 hotels worldwide. Daylight PMS advanced from “Contender” in 2022 to near “Leader” status, reflecting strong hotel adoption. With support centers in major regions, Shiji enhances scalability and compliance for hoteliers globally.

💻 In 2024, SynergySuite raised $12 million, led by Oyster Capital (Dublin), with contributions from First Analysis (Chicago) and Lago Innovation (Chicago). The funding supports global expansion and product innovation for its AI-powered platform for restaurant operations. The platform helps optimize labor, reduce waste, and improve profitability across thousands of locations. Founded in Dublin, SynergySuite is headquartered in the U.S., and is used by brands like Pollo Campero. In 2025, it received awards for innovation and customer service.