Journey Launches Loyalty Program for Boutique Hotels and Rentals

Journey Launches Loyalty Program for Boutique Hotels and Rentals

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 7, 2024

Journey, a new travel loyalty program founded by entrepreneur John Sutton and supported by Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, has officially launched. The platform is designed to offer travelers the ability to earn and redeem points at independently operated boutique hotels and private rental homes, which have traditionally been excluded from existing loyalty programs.

Journey sets itself apart by allowing guests to collect points for stays at unique properties, ranging from luxury city hotels to secluded rental homes. “Loyalty has become increasingly important to consumers,” said Kelly, who serves as Senior Advisor and Investor at Journey. He added that travelers will no longer need to give up loyalty benefits when seeking distinct, boutique experiences.

image

Travelers who book directly through Journey will earn at least five points per dollar spent, compared to one point per dollar when booking through third-party sites. This incentive encourages direct bookings and supports independent property owners. The platform also includes AI-powered tools that help operators personalize guest experiences, attract repeat visitors, and optimize booking during off-peak seasons. “Journey is about creating an ecosystem where independent operators can thrive without compromising their identity or profits,” Sutton explained.

Journey’s leadership team is composed of industry veterans with significant expertise. John Sutton, the company’s CEO, previously held various roles at Red Ventures, including Chief Digital Officer. Brian Kelly, known for his work at The Points Guy, lends his experience in loyalty and travel media. James McBride, recognized for his leadership at top luxury hotels, acts as Alliance Ambassador. Advisors like Eric Wu, co-founder of Opendoor, and Chris Burch, co-founder of Tory Burch, contribute their business acumen to support Journey’s growth and strategic direction.

The launch of Journey follows the company's acquisition of StayWatch, a platform specializing in short-term rental travel deals. This move will bolster Journey’s offerings and partnerships with top independently owned properties. Sutton noted that by spring next year, the platform is expected to feature 2,000 rental homes and 200 boutique hotels in its “Journey Alliance.” Some properties set to join include Nihi Sumba Island in Indonesia and Dawn Ranch in California.

Journey’s future plans include launching a credit card tailored for frequent travelers, aiming to compete with existing loyalty credit cards from major financial institutions.


Oracle Recognized as Leader in IDC MarketScape 2025 for Hospitality PMS

Oracle Recognized as Leader in IDC MarketScape 2025 for Hospitality PMS

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 15, 2025

Oracle Hospitality has been recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape Worldwide Hospitality Property Management Systems (PMS) 2025 Vendor Assessment, for the second time following its initial recognition in 2022.

The report commended Oracle for its consistent delivery against its roadmap, noting the company’s track record in providing planned updates, enhancements, and new functionalities to hotel clients worldwide. Oracle’s OPERA Cloud PMS was highlighted for addressing challenges faced by hotels across geographies, market segments, and property sizes.

Laura Calin, Senior Vice President, Oracle Hospitality, said, “Being named a Leader for the second time validates our commitment to delivering the most functional, secure, and future-proof cloud platform for property management. It also reflects the trust our thousands of hotel customers place in us to drive revenue growth and ensure smooth operations.”

The IDC MarketScape evaluation assessed vendors on integration and partnerships, user experience, innovation, data reporting, guest engagement, flexibility, and scalability. The study noted that OPERA Cloud supports hotels from midscale to luxury and resort segments, offering customizable workflows, role-based personalization, and functionality to ensure smooth guest experiences from check-in to checkout.

Dorothy Creamer, Senior Research Manager, IDC, said, “Oracle demonstrates a strong strategy to help hoteliers centralize operations while maintaining accessibility and enterprise-grade security.”

A key highlight is the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform (OHIP), enabling partners and clients to manage integrations independently. The platform continues to be instrumental in driving innovation and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

For hoteliers, Oracle Hospitality solutions provide a unified, customizable, and scalable platform, helping brands adapt to evolving market needs and elevate guest engagement.


Hotelogix Powers Over 400,000 Hotel Rooms in India, Accelerating Hospitality Digitisation

Hotelogix Powers Over 400,000 Hotel Rooms in India, Accelerating Hospitality Digitisation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 14, 2025

Hotelogix, a global leader in cloud-based hospitality technology, has reached a major milestone by powering over 400,000 hotel rooms in India across its complete product suite including the Cloud PMS under the Hotelogix brand and distribution solutions from AxisRooms. This accounts for over 15% of India’s total hotel room inventory, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing hospitality digitisation.

This achievement reflects the rapid shift of India’s mid-market hotel brands from legacy systems to modern cloud-based platforms. Brands across categories including luxury, leisure, heritage, boutique, budget, and co-living, such as Royal Orchid Hotels, Leisure Hotels, The Clarks, Brij Hotels, OYO, Zolostays, Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, Elivaas, Olive Living, and Sterling Holidays, are streamlining operations and scaling quickly with the help of Hotelogix and AxisRooms solutions. These platforms enable centralised control, faster property onboarding, and real-time OTA distribution, crucial for competitiveness and profitability in today’s market.

“We are privileged to partner with some of India’s most progressive, homegrown mid-market hospitality brands,” said Aditya Sanghi, CEO of Hotelogix. “Their quick adoption of modern, cloud-based technology is setting new benchmarks within the industry. With our integrated AI offerings, we aim to boost their operational efficiency and help them raise service standards.”

Sanghi also emphasised the importance of advanced solutions in the current competitive landscape: “As global hotel chains expand in India, local players need equally sophisticated tools to stay competitive. Our mission is to deliver affordable, high-impact solutions that allow Indian hotel brands to lead confidently.”

Hotelogix has recently introduced integrated AI tools designed to enhance operational efficiency, guest experience, and profitability. With more properties being onboarded nationwide, the company remains committed to empowering Indian hotels with technology that supports sustained growth and service excellence.


Elevating Guest Experience Through Technology – EYTE’s Cutting-Edge Work at Marriott Vashi

Elevating Guest Experience Through Technology – EYTE’s Cutting-Edge Work at Marriott Vashi

By Hariharan U

Published on August 13, 2025

In today’s hospitality landscape, technology is no longer an afterthought – it is the heartbeat of exceptional guest experiences. At the recently launched Marriott Vashi, EYTE Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has redefined what it means to blend comfort, convenience, and innovation. As trusted AV, IT, Acoustics, and IoT consultants with a presence in Singapore, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad, EYTE has delivered a seamlessly integrated technology ecosystem that enhances every touchpoint of the guest journey.

A Vision of Immersive Hospitality

image

From the moment guests step into Marriott Vashi’s lift lobby, they are greeted by a carefully orchestrated audio-visual environment. Strategically placed ceiling speakers set a warm, inviting tone, while dynamic signage displays deliver real-time updates and brand messaging. Centralized AV racks ensure all systems operate flawlessly, reflecting Marriott’s commitment to sophistication and reliability.

Enhancing Every Space – Tailored to Function & Mood

image

Whether it’s the soothing ambient music in the restaurant, high-brightness LED walls in the ballroom, or precision audio in the pre-function area, EYTE’s designs adapt to the unique atmosphere of each zone. Meeting rooms are equipped with dual high-resolution displays, cable cubbies for clutter-free connectivity, and beamforming microphones for crystal-clear hybrid conferences. Even the gym, spa, and terrace pool benefit from thoughtful technology integration – from motivational soundscapes to weather-resistant outdoor speakers.

Smart Solutions for Modern Hospitality

image

EYTE’s work goes beyond hardware. Intelligent volume controls, Bluetooth-enabled audio streaming, and synchronized BGM systems across connected spaces make managing the guest experience effortless for hotel staff. Floor boxes, discreetly embedded in lounges and event spaces, ensure power and AV connections are always accessible yet invisible, preserving Marriott Vashi’s refined aesthetic.

Driving Brand Experience Through Technology

By creating immersive atmospheres, streamlining communication, and supporting seamless event execution, EYTE has helped Marriott Vashi elevate its service standards. This project demonstrates how smart technology design can not only meet but anticipate guest needs – from the energy of a ballroom gala to the tranquility of a spa retreat.

image

EYTE Technologies, led by Managing Director Abdul Waheed, has transformed Marriott Vashi’s guest experience with a fully integrated audio-visual, IT, and IoT system. Their tailored solutions, combining innovation with comfort, set a new benchmark for hospitality technology in India.

EYTE Technologies’ expertise proves that in luxury hospitality, technology isn’t just a support system  it’s a signature of the brand. With projects like Marriott Vashi, they continue to set new benchmarks for integrated hospitality technology across India and beyond.

To learn more about EYTE Technologies’ hospitality solutions, visit www.eyte.sg.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.