Top 15 Travel & Hospitality Tech: Tourism Startups

Hey there! If you're in the travel and hospitality game, especially in the UAE, you've probably noticed how much technology is changing things. It's not just about booking rooms anymore; it's about making the whole guest experience smoother and more profitable. We've rounded up some of the top startups that are really making waves in travel hospitality tech. You might want to keep an eye on these guys.

Key Takeaways

  • RMS Cloud offers a central system for managing guests, bookings, and housekeeping, aiming to simplify hotel operations with its cloud-based platform.
  • Operto uses automation and mobile portals to improve guest experiences and streamline daily tasks for hoteliers, covering everything from staff scheduling to maintenance.
  • Oaky focuses on personalized upsells, tailoring offers like room upgrades or late checkouts to individual guests to boost revenue and guest satisfaction.
  • OpenKey simplifies digital key access for hotels, allowing guests to use their smartphones, which helps cut costs and speed up check-in/check-out processes.
  • Beyond is a dynamic pricing platform that uses real-time data and algorithms to help hotels set competitive rates and increase revenue, even outperforming human revenue managers.

1. RMS Cloud

Modern hotel lobby with digital display

RMS Cloud is a hospitality tech system that really aims to take the place of your traditional front desk. Think of it as a central hub for managing a bunch of things that keep your hotel running smoothly.

What's cool about it is how it pulls together guest management, OTA (Online Travel Agent) coordination, housekeeping tasks, and revenue tracking all into one spot. Since it's cloud-based and has been around for a while, it's pretty reliable, but they've also managed to keep the user interface modern and easy to figure out.

Here’s what you get with RMS Cloud:

  • Integrated Channel Manager: This helps you manage your listings across different booking sites from one place. No more logging into a dozen different portals!
  • Hundreds of Integrations: It plays nice with a lot of other software and services you might already be using, which means you can build a tech stack that fits your needs without a lot of extra hassle.
  • Proprietary Payment Solution: They have their own way of handling payments, which can simplify things.
  • Direct Booking & Guest Experience Tools: You can connect it to your own direct booking website and tools that improve the guest experience, giving you more control.

**The biggest win here is centralizing operations, which can seriously cut down on the frantic

2. Operto

Operto is all about making your property management life simpler and more profitable. They focus on automating the little things so you can focus on the big picture. Think of it as your digital assistant for running a smoother operation.

What can Operto actually do for you?

  • Smart Access: Give guests and staff unique codes for doors. No more key handoffs or worrying about lost keys. It's secure and easy.
  • Task Automation: Automate things like cleaning checklists, laundry schedules, and even maintenance requests. This means your team knows exactly what to do and when.
  • Guest Communication: Streamline how you talk to guests before, during, and after their stay. Keep them happy and informed without you having to manually send every message.
  • Reporting: Get clear reports on how your property is doing. This helps you spot trends and make smarter business decisions.

Operto is built to fit different types of properties, from hotels to vacation rentals. It's designed to cut down on wasted time and money, while also making sure your guests have a great experience. They've even won awards for it, which tells you they're doing something right.

Operto helps you connect all the moving parts of your property management. It takes the guesswork out of daily tasks and gives you back time to actually grow your business and make guests feel well taken care of.

It's a tool that helps you manage your staff better, keep track of your property's needs, and ultimately, make your guests happier. If you're looking to cut down on the chaos of running a property, Operto is definitely worth a look.

3. Oaky

Oaky helps you turn those 'nice-to-haves' into 'must-haves' for your guests.

Think about it: you want to make your guests' stays better, right? Oaky is a platform that makes it super easy to offer them little extras that can really make a difference. It's not just about selling more stuff; it's about making their trip more special.

Here’s how Oaky can help you:

  • Personalized Offers: Oaky looks at who the guest is, why they're staying, and what they might like. This means you can offer them things like a room upgrade, a later checkout, or even a special welcome drink that actually fits them. It feels less like a sales pitch and more like a thoughtful suggestion.
  • Easy Upselling: You can offer a whole range of things, from simple room upgrades to booking airport transfers or adding breakfast. It's all managed through their system, so you don't have to keep track of everything manually.
  • Guest Experience Focus: They aim to make the upsells feel natural, almost like a surprise bonus for the guest. The idea is to go from something they might not have thought of to something that makes them say 'Wow!'
  • Branded Communication: Oaky lets you customize the look and feel of the messages and screens guests see, so it matches your hotel's brand. This builds trust and makes the whole experience feel more professional.
Oaky focuses on making extra services feel like natural improvements to a guest's stay, rather than just add-ons. This approach helps boost revenue while also making guests feel more valued and their experience more memorable.

It's a smart way to add value for your guests and, at the same time, increase your hotel's income. They also give you good insights into what guests are responding to, all in a dashboard that's pretty straightforward to use.

4. OpenKey

When you're looking for a simple way to get your hotel hooked up with digital keys, OpenKey really stands out. They focus on making the whole process of using smartphone keys easy, both for you and your guests. Forget about fumbling with old-fashioned key cards or worrying about lost keys. OpenKey lets guests use their own phones to get into their rooms, which is a big plus for convenience.

What's great is how smoothly it works with your existing systems. OpenKey automatically sends mobile key access to guests based on their booking info. If a guest's room changes or their stay gets extended, the digital key updates on its own. This means less hassle for your front desk staff and a better experience for your guests.

Here’s what OpenKey can do for your hotel:

  • Speed up check-in and check-out: Guests can bypass the front desk, saving everyone time.
  • Boost security: Digital keys are unique and can be deactivated remotely, reducing risks associated with lost or stolen physical keys.
  • Cut down on costs: No more spending money on replacing key cards or fobs.
  • Improve guest satisfaction: A smooth, modern check-in process makes a great first impression.
OpenKey's main goal is to make digital key technology accessible and easy to use. They've streamlined the setup and daily operations so you can focus on other parts of running your hotel. It's all about making things more efficient and secure.

They also provide insights into how guests are using their keys, which can help you understand guest behavior better. It’s a straightforward solution that tackles a common pain point in the hotel industry, making your operations run a bit more smoothly.

5. Beyond

When you're trying to figure out the best price for your rooms, it can feel like a guessing game, right? Beyond is a platform that takes a lot of that guesswork out of revenue management. It's designed to help hotels like yours set prices that make sense, even when things get a bit crazy with demand or when competitors change their rates.

Here's what makes Beyond stand out:

  • Smart Pricing: It uses a constantly updating algorithm. This means it looks at different markets, what's happening during different seasons, and even local events to adjust your prices. It claims to be the only tool that uses real-time customer demand data to set prices.
  • Revenue Boost: Hotels using Beyond have seen their revenue go up by about 40% on average. That's a pretty big jump, and it happens because the pricing is more precise than what even a seasoned human manager could do all day, every day.
  • Automatic Updates: Beyond can even push those price changes directly to your booking sites. No more manually logging in everywhere to update rates.
  • Booking Insights: It also helps you see where potential guests might be looking at prices but then deciding not to book. Knowing this can help you make changes to keep them interested and get them to complete their reservation.
Trying to keep up with pricing changes, market trends, and what your competitors are doing can be exhausting. Tools like Beyond automate much of this, freeing you up to focus on other parts of running your hotel.

Basically, Beyond helps you get more money from your rooms by making sure you're charging the right price at the right time, automatically.

6. IDeaS

When you're looking to really boost your hotel's income, IDeaS is a name you'll want to know. Their main thing is using smart tech to figure out the best prices for your rooms, meeting spaces, and even parking. It's all about making sure you're not leaving money on the table.

Think about it like this:

  • Automated Pricing: They use data to set prices automatically. This means you're always competitive and getting the most for your rooms, even when demand changes.
  • Data Analysis: IDeaS looks at a lot of information to help you make smart choices about your inventory. This isn't just about rooms; it can include event spaces and other areas too.
  • Partnership Approach: They don't just give you software; they aim to work with you. They have people who can give you advice tailored to your specific hotel and goals.

It's pretty neat how they can help manage pricing for different parts of your business, not just hotel rooms. This kind of advanced booking system is really changing how hotels operate. Several startups are innovating in this space, and IDeaS is a big player.

They focus on making sure you can maximize the potential of all your hotel spaces, not just the obvious ones. It's a more holistic way to think about revenue.

So, if you're trying to grow your revenue quickly, IDeaS offers a way to get more out of what you already have.

7. Canary Technologies

Okay, so you're running a hotel and dealing with payments, contracts, and all that paperwork can be a real headache, right? Canary Technologies is here to make that whole process way simpler. Their main thing is streamlining guest payments and management, cutting down on fraud and saving you time.

Think about it: instead of digging through old files or worrying about chargebacks, Canary gives you a secure, cloud-based system. It's designed specifically for hotels, so it gets what you need.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Better Payment Security: They help protect you from scams and chargebacks with digital authorizations. This means less money lost and fewer headaches.
  • Easier Document Management: Forget stacks of paper. Canary offers digital contracts and e-signing tools. It’s faster, cleaner, and keeps everything organized.
  • Secure Data Handling: Keeping guest information safe is super important. Their platform is cloud-based, so your sensitive data is protected.
Canary Technologies basically takes the stress out of the financial and administrative side of things, letting you focus more on your guests and less on the paperwork.

It’s about making sure your income is protected and giving both you and your guests peace of mind when it comes to financial transactions.

8. Flexkeeping

Flexkeeping is all about making your hotel's housekeeping and staff management way simpler. It brings all those scattered tasks into one clear, visual dashboard. Think of it as your central hub for keeping things running smoothly.

Here’s what you can do with it:

  • Boost staff communication: Solve problems and share updates in real-time. No more guessing what's going on.
  • Track housekeeping: Keep an eye on cleaning progress to speed up room turnovers and make sure everything's spotless.
  • Manage maintenance: Make sure repairs and regular checks happen on time. This means fewer guest complaints about broken things.

They say their clients save about an hour per room each month on housekeeping. Plus, you might see 80% fewer guest calls about issues and a big jump in maintenance reports. It's all about making your property better and your guests happier.

Flexkeeping uses a visual system, often with color-coded blocks, to make it easy to see what needs doing. It also plays nice with other hotel software you might already be using, like your PMS.

It's designed to cut down on the time your staff spends on tasks, reduce those annoying guest complaints, and help you keep your property in top shape. It’s a practical way to get more done with less hassle.

9. SiteMinder

Okay, let's talk about SiteMinder. If you're looking to get more bookings without pulling your hair out, this is a platform you'll want to know about. SiteMinder is basically a powerhouse for getting your hotel seen and booked online. They bundle a bunch of tools together that work to turn people browsing into actual guests.

Think about it: you've got your property listed everywhere, but how do you actually get people to click 'book'? SiteMinder tackles this head-on.

Here's what they bring to the table:

  • Channel Manager: This is a big one. It helps you manage all your listings across different booking sites (like Booking.com, Expedia, etc.) from one place. No more logging into a dozen different systems to update your availability or prices. It syncs everything up so you don't get those dreaded double bookings.
  • Booking Engine: This is for your own website. SiteMinder's engine is designed to make it super easy for guests to book directly with you. This is great because you cut out the middleman fees from OTAs and get to own the guest relationship from the start.
  • Website Builder: They also have a tool to help you build or improve your hotel's website. A good website is your digital storefront, and SiteMinder's builder aims to make it attractive and effective at converting visitors into bookers.

They've been recognized for their booking engine and website design, which tells you they're doing something right. The goal is to simplify how you get found online, boost your revenue, and build better connections with your guests.

SiteMinder really focuses on making the whole process of getting booked online smoother, both for you and for the traveler. It's about making sure your property is visible where people are looking and then making it simple for them to book directly.

Basically, if you want to increase your reservations and streamline how guests find and book your rooms, SiteMinder is a solid option to check out.

10. Stay

You know how everyone's glued to their phones these days? Stay taps right into that. It puts all your hotel's services right into your guests' smartphones, making it super easy for them to book dinner, spa treatments, or even a late checkout. Think of it as a digital concierge that also looks good and builds trust.

But it's not just for your guests. Your staff can use it too, to handle requests, answer questions, and get real-time updates. Plus, you get instant feedback and analytics, which helps you figure out exactly what your guests want and how to give it to them.

Here’s what Stay helps you do:

  • Guest Convenience: Lets guests book everything from rooms to activities right from their phones.
  • Staff Efficiency: Empowers your team to manage requests and information on the go.
  • Better Decisions: Provides insights from guest data to help you improve service.
Stay bridges the gap between what guests expect from their tech and what your hotel can offer, making the whole experience smoother for everyone involved.

11. Duve

Okay, so you're looking to really boost guest satisfaction and make more money, right? Duve is a platform that aims to do just that, and it's pretty neat.

The big idea here is to put everything a guest might need or want right into their smartphone, making their stay smoother and freeing up your staff.

Here's what Duve can help you with:

  • Smarter Check-ins: They say it can get your online check-in rate up to about 73%. This means fewer people waiting at the front desk, which is always a win for first impressions.
  • More Revenue: Duve claims to help hotels make an extra $60 per bed each month just from upsells. Think about adding those little extras that guests might appreciate.
  • Staff Time Saver: The platform is designed to cut down on repetitive tasks, saving your team about 18 minutes per reservation. That's time they can spend on more important guest interactions.

Basically, Duve acts like a digital concierge and an operational helper all in one. It gives guests easy access to information, services, and even upsells, all from their phones. Behind the scenes, it helps you gather guest data so you can make smarter decisions about how to serve them better.

It's all about making the guest experience digital and easy, while also giving your hotel the tools to operate more efficiently and profitably. Think of it as a way to digitize the entire guest journey, from before they arrive to after they leave.

It's a smartphone-first approach, which makes sense since most people have their phones with them constantly. This can really help streamline operations and make guests feel more looked after.

12. Enso Connect

Enso Connect is all about making your hotel's guest interactions smoother and more profitable, using AI to do the heavy lifting. The big idea here is to digitize and monetize everything about your guest's stay, from before they arrive to after they leave.

Think about it – you can automate a lot of the repetitive tasks that eat up your staff's time. This means your team can focus on giving guests a better experience, not just answering the same questions over and over.

Here’s what Enso Connect can help you with:

  • Upselling Made Easy: Offer guests things like restaurant reservations, Uber rides, or even spa treatments right through a simple interface. It’s about adding value for them and extra revenue for you.
  • Streamlined Check-in: A digital check-in portal cuts down on front desk lines and makes the arrival process way less of a hassle. Plus, it helps with security and reduces the need for physical keys.
  • Instant Information: A digital welcome book answers common guest questions immediately, freeing up your staff and making guests feel more informed and independent.
  • AI-Powered Communication: Their unified inbox uses AI to sort messages, and automated workflows simplify how you handle guest requests. This means faster responses and happier guests.

They even claim that hotels with over 50 rooms could see an extra €100,000 in revenue annually just by using their web app. That’s a pretty significant number, showing that improving the guest experience really does pay off.

Enso Connect is bringing some serious AI power to the hospitality table. They've got systems like AutoPilot and Conduit that go way beyond basic chatbots, offering smarter automation for hotel pros. This is the kind of tech that can really change how hotels operate and interact with guests.

If you're looking to boost guest satisfaction and your bottom line, Enso Connect is definitely worth a look. It's about making things easier for everyone involved.

13. Abode Worldwide

Modern hotel room interior with city view

So, you've built a killer tech product for the travel and hospitality world. That's awesome! But how do you make sure everyone knows about it? That's where Abode Worldwide comes in. They're basically your PR pros for hospitality tech.

Think of them as the bridge between your innovative solution and the people who need it. They help get your story out there, making sure your company gets the recognition it deserves.

Here's what they can do for you:

  • Craft your narrative: They figure out what makes your tech special and tell that story in a way that grabs attention.
  • Build your authority: Through thought leadership and expert positioning, they make you a go-to source in the industry.
  • Connect you with media: They have the relationships to get your company featured in the right places.
  • Drive growth: All this leads to more visibility, more trust, and ultimately, more business.
Getting your brand noticed in the fast-paced hospitality tech scene is tough. Abode Worldwide specializes in cutting through the noise to highlight companies that are truly shaping the future of travel.

If you're looking to stand out on lists like this one and be seen as a leader, working with a strategic partner like Abode Worldwide can make a big difference. They help you get noticed, not just for what you do, but for how you're changing the game. It's about making sure your company's impact is seen and felt across the industry, much like how Red Sea Global is working to revolutionize digital travel experiences. They help you connect with the right audience, so your technology can do its job even better.

14. Bookboost

You know how sometimes you just want to make sure your guests are happy and, you know, spend a little more? That's where Bookboost comes in. It's all about making it super easy for guests to book extra things and for you to make more money without being pushy.

Think about it: your guests are already online, probably on their phones. Bookboost taps into that. It helps you offer things like room upgrades, late check-outs, or maybe even a nice bottle of wine waiting for them when they arrive. It's all done through a simple, personalized message that pops up at just the right time.

Here’s what you can do with it:

  • Send personalized offers: Tailor upsells based on who the guest is and what they might like. No more generic offers!
  • Automate messages: Set up messages to go out at key moments, like before check-in or during their stay, to suggest extras.
  • Boost your revenue: By making it easy for guests to say 'yes' to extras, you can see a nice bump in your income. Some hotels see a significant increase in revenue per guest.
  • Improve the guest experience: When guests get exactly what they want, or discover something new they enjoy, their whole stay feels better.

It's not just about selling more; it's about making the guest's stay even better. They get a more personalized experience, and you get a happier customer and a healthier bottom line. It’s a win-win, really. You can even integrate it with other systems to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, which is always a plus when you're busy. It's a smart way to use technology to connect with your guests and offer them more value, making their stay memorable. For more on companies shaping the future of hotel tech, check out Abode Worldwide.

15. Hotelverse

Hotelverse is all about making your hotel's digital presence work harder for you, especially when it comes to direct bookings. They focus on helping you capture more of those bookings directly, cutting down on what you pay to online travel agencies (OTAs). Think of them as your partner in building a stronger, more independent online brand for your hotel.

Here’s what Hotelverse can do for you:

  • Boost Direct Bookings: They provide tools and strategies to encourage guests to book directly through your hotel's website, rather than through third-party sites. This means more control and better margins for you.
  • Improve Website Conversion: Hotelverse helps optimize your hotel's website so that visitors are more likely to complete a booking. This involves making the booking process smoother and more appealing.
  • Personalized Guest Experiences: They offer ways to tailor the guest journey, from the initial website visit to post-stay communication, making each guest feel more valued.
  • Data-Driven Insights: You get access to information about your guests and their booking habits, which helps you make smarter decisions about marketing and service.
Hotelverse aims to put hotels back in control of their customer relationships and revenue. By focusing on direct channels, they help you build loyalty and reduce reliance on expensive intermediaries. It's a smart move for hotels looking to grow their business sustainably.

If you're tired of paying high commissions and want to build a more direct relationship with your guests, Hotelverse is definitely worth checking out. They help you make your own website the star of your online strategy.

Welcome to Hotelverse, where we explore the exciting world of hospitality tech. Discover how new innovations are changing the way we travel and stay. From smart rooms to unique booking platforms, Hotelverse is your guide to the future of hotels. Want to learn more about these amazing advancements? Visit our website today to explore the latest trends and insights!

So, What's Next for Travel Tech?

It's pretty wild to see how much technology is changing the way we travel and stay in hotels, right? From making booking a breeze to personalizing your room before you even arrive, these startups are really thinking about what makes a trip better for you. They're not just about fancy gadgets; they're about making things smoother, easier, and frankly, more enjoyable. Whether it's a hotel knowing exactly what you like or a travel app helping you find hidden gems, it all adds up to a more human experience. Keep an eye on this space, because the future of travel is looking pretty exciting, and it's all about making your journey the best it can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's new in hotel technology?

Hotels are using new tech to make your stay super personal! Think smart rooms that know what you like, cool apps that let you control things, and even AI that helps staff give you better service. It's all about making your visit awesome and letting you tweak things just how you want them.

Which hotel tech companies should I keep an eye on?

Keep an eye out for companies like Bookboost, Canary Technologies, and Hotelverse. These startups are doing really cool things with hotel tech. Many of them have recently gotten money to grow, showing they're on the right track to changing how hotels work.

How does technology help hotels?

Tech helps hotels in tons of ways! It can save them money, help them make more cash, and make their staff work smarter. Plus, when guests have a great experience, they're more likely to book again. Imagine using your phone to book everything or get exactly what you need – that's the power of hotel tech!

What are the main types of hotel tech services?

There are many kinds of tech for hotels. You've got tools for managing bookings and prices, systems to help with cleaning and staff schedules, ways to make payments easy, and even tech for your room like smart lights. There's also software to help hotels connect with you online and offer cool extras.

What is a 'guest experience platform'?

A guest experience platform is like a digital helper for your stay. It lets you use your phone or a tablet to do things like check in, order room service, book activities, or ask for extra pillows. It makes everything smoother for you and helps the hotel give you top-notch service.

Why is 'keyless entry' a big deal?

Remember fumbling for room keys or cards? Keyless entry uses your phone to unlock your room. It's way faster, more secure, and stops those annoying waits at the front desk. Travelers really like it because it makes checking in and out a breeze!