Sojern acquires integrated guest experience platform VenueLytics

TRAVEL MARKETING PLATFORM Sojern has acquired VenueLytics, an integrated guest experience platform catering to independent hotels, resorts, chains, and casinos. Sojern plans to integrate VenueLytics' features into its own Travel Marketing Platform, the company said in a statement.

According to the statement, the acquisition of VenueLytics expands Sojern's Travel Marketing Platform, allowing it to engage across the entire guest journey with VenueLytics' technology, encompassing an AI-powered virtual concierge, real-time guest feedback and digital reputation management tools, as well as a guest marketing suite for email and text promotions.

“This is an exciting step forward for our customers as we can empower hoteliers beyond advertising alone, expanding our offerings to be a true end-to-end marketing platform,” said Mark Rabe, CEO, Sojern. “VenueLytics’ expertise in analyzing, unifying and activating data from various hotel management and marketing systems will allow Sojern to deepen our relationships in hospitality.”

VenueLytics enhances multichannel capabilities by enabling engagement through various channels such as SMS, email, WiFi, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, ChatBot, Alexa, Google Home, and other social media and third-party apps, the company said.

Baskar Manivannan

“We have partnered with Sojern for more than a year, and joining forces will strengthen our customer base and reputation, while enabling us to offer the hospitality and travel industry a wider and timely range of solution,” said Baskar Manivannan, cofounder and CEO, VenueLytics, “With AI, data analytics and personalized multichannel guest engagement at the backbone of what we do, we have a shared vision to empower hotels around the world to drive profitability, and truly elevate guest experience and satisfaction.”

The integrated platform will direct guests to properties, enables mid-stay upselling, supports post-stay remarketing, and cultivates long-term loyalty, it said.

Recently, research firm Kalibri Labs began a partnership with industry associations, including AAHOA, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals and the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, to launch a Commercial Strategy Certification Program. The program will offer hotel operators with tools to navigate costs and enhance profitability amid digital disruption.