Category Hotel, Technology, AI

As Independent Accommodation Day takes place today, 24 March, industry data suggests independent accommodation providers are increasingly turning to practical AI tools to improve efficiency and stay competitive in a more demanding market.

The shift comes as PwC’s latest hotels forecast says the UK hotel sector enters 2026 with “a sense of resilience and renewed confidence,” supported by strong international demand, event-led travel and a steady recovery in domestic leisure. PwC forecasts 1.5% RevPAR growth and 1.2% occupancy growth across the UK regions in 2026. But, it also points to ongoing cost pressure, tighter margins and softer rate growth, increasing the need for operators to find new efficiencies.

Canary Technologies, the award-winning global leader in hotel guest management technology, announced today that Omni Hotels & Resorts has selected Canary to enhance the in-stay guest experience. Omni will leverage Canary’s Guest Experience Platform across its portfolio to create more connected, personalized stays for every guest.

The Luxury Chalet Company released an industry announcement addressing the expanding presence of artificial intelligence within travel planning and outlining an operational position specific to the luxury ski segment. The statement reflects broader sector movement toward automated tools while documenting structural characteristics associated with mountain-based holidays.

Mews, the operating system for hospitality, today announced it has raised $300 million in a Series D funding round led by EQT Growth, with new investors Atomico and HarbourVest Partners, and participation from existing investors Kinnevik, Battery Ventures and Tiger Global. This investment marks a defining moment for hospitality technology and values the company at $2.5 billion. Following a year of strong and durable growth, during which SaaS gross profit increased by 55%, this fundraise establishes Mews as the leading hospitality tech provider for hotels of all sizes.

AI-led digital transformation to power scalable growth, elevate guest experiences, and support TIME Hotels’ expanding international portfolio through 2026. Technology-driven operations and human-centred innovation underpin TIME Hotels’ global expansion across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia