Europe’s Best Hotel Technology of 2025 Revealed in Portugal at the Renowned IHTF Awards – Travel And Tour World

Europe’s best hotel technology innovations of 2025 were officially unveiled in Portugal during the prestigious International Hotel Technology Awards, held on 19 March at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort. As part of the International Hotel Technology Forum (IHTF) Europe 2025, the awards celebrated cutting-edge advancements in AI, guest experience, sustainability, and staff operations across the hospitality sector. From AI-powered services by PortoBay to immersive resort tech from Belmond, the event honoured the most transformative solutions shaping the future of European hospitality.

The hospitality technology industry reached a new milestone as the International Hotel Technology Awards Europe 2025 were presented on 19 March 2025 during an elegant evening gala at the renowned Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal. The awards ceremony marked the crowning moment of the International Hotel Technology Forum (IHTF) Europe 2025, which unfolded from 18 to 20 March.

Held annually for over two decades, the IHTF Europe continues to be the epicentre of hotel technology discussions in Europe. This year’s edition drew industry leaders, tech innovators, and hospitality experts from across the continent for three packed days of keynote speeches, panel sessions, immersive case studies, and rich networking opportunities.

A Platform That Defines the Future of Hospitality Tech

IHTF Europe is more than just a conference—it’s a future-shaping arena where hotel executives meet technology providers to explore solutions to pressing challenges, share transformative digital strategies, and witness the newest advancements in guest experience technologies.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the International Hotel Technology Awards Europe 2025, held on 19 March, where pioneering achievements in hospitality innovation were celebrated in style. These prestigious accolades recognise organisations that are pushing boundaries and redefining the guest experience across categories like artificial intelligence, sustainability, in-room technology, and integrated hotel operations.

The International Hotel Technology Awards Europe 2025 Winners

This year’s award winners represent a dynamic cross-section of hospitality brands, from boutique resort groups to global hotel chains. Each was honoured for exceptional work in their respective domains—championing technology-driven transformation, sustainable practices, and unmatched guest engagement.

Here’s a closer look at the standout winners of the 2025 ceremony:

AI Adoption of the Year: PortoBay Hotels & Resorts (Portugal)
PortoBay Hotels & Resorts took home the title for their impressive integration of artificial intelligence in guest services and back-end hotel operations. From AI-powered concierge systems to personalised guest interaction engines, PortoBay has set a new benchmark for digital hospitality. Their use of predictive analytics and natural language processing tools significantly enhances guest satisfaction while streamlining resource management.

This win is particularly notable for a Portuguese hotel brand, showcasing how homegrown innovation can lead European hotel technology narratives.

CTO/CIO of the Year: Kari Anna Fiskvik (Nordic Choice Hotels)
Recognised as a transformative leader in hospitality technology, Kari Anna Fiskvik was celebrated for her outstanding impact as Chief Technology Officer. Under her guidance, Nordic Choice Hotels has undergone a sweeping digital transformation, enhancing everything from internal infrastructure to customer-facing solutions.

Her leadership in adopting agile frameworks and data-driven innovation has inspired many within the hotel tech ecosystem.

ESG Initiative of the Year: Blue & Green Hotels & Resorts (Portugal)
Portugal scored another major recognition with Blue & Green Hotels & Resorts winning the ESG Initiative of the Year. The brand was lauded for its unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, social equity, and transparent governance.

From eco-certified construction practices to community engagement programs and zero-waste hospitality goals, Blue & Green is pioneering a new generation of sustainability in European tourism.

Hotel App of the Year: RIU Hotels & joyned (Spain + Tech Partner)
A collaborative win between RIU Hotels and tech innovator joyned brought home the award for Hotel App of the Year. The app’s personalised features, from real-time concierge messaging to curated activity recommendations, set it apart in a crowded marketplace.

The user-centric design combines efficiency with elegance, offering guests seamless check-in experiences, loyalty integration, and itinerary planning at their fingertips.

In-Room Guest Tech of the Year: Alexa Smart Properties X NH Collection Hotels (Spain)
NH Collection Hotels, in partnership with Alexa Smart Properties, won big for their intuitive in-room guest technology. By leveraging voice-enabled experiences, they have transformed standard hotel rooms into responsive and intelligent environments.

Guests can now control lighting, room temperature, entertainment, and even order room service simply through voice commands—blending comfort with futuristic convenience.

Integrated Staff Operations Tech of the Year: CitizenM & Aphy RPA BV (Netherlands)
CitizenM Hotels, well-known for their design-forward approach to affordable luxury, teamed up with Aphy RPA BV to win this award for operational excellence. Their integration of robotic process automation (RPA) into staff workflows improves efficiency across departments—from housekeeping coordination to guest service ticketing.

This approach allows human staff to focus more on guest interaction and creative problem-solving, while bots handle repetitive administrative tasks behind the scenes.

Resort Tech Innovation of the Year: Belmond (UK-based Luxury Brand)
Belmond was recognised for taking the resort experience to the next level with immersive and personalised digital touchpoints. Their use of augmented reality experiences, AI-powered butler services, and tailored itineraries exemplify the brand’s luxury ethos while embracing high-end tech innovation.

This award solidifies Belmond’s reputation for blending tradition with cutting-edge hospitality experiences at iconic resort destinations.

A Milestone for the Awards Program in Europe

The 2025 event was the first European edition of the awards since the successful debut of the International Hotel Technology Awards Asia in November 2024. That inaugural event laid the foundation for a global recognition platform that now stretches across continents—acknowledging tech brilliance wherever it blooms.

The International Hotel Technology Awards are uniquely positioned as a cross-market celebration of creativity, progress, and innovation in an industry rapidly shaped by digital disruption.

IHTF Europe 2025: A Transformative Three-Day Experience

Beyond the awards, IHTF Europe 2025 delivered a rich agenda designed to spark fresh ideas and critical industry dialogue. The event featured panel discussions on the impact of generative AI in hotel marketing, case studies on automation in boutique properties, and workshops on cybersecurity for independent hotels.

Attendees also benefited from targeted matchmaking and networking events, allowing hoteliers and solution providers to explore real-world applications of emerging tech solutions.

The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort proved to be a fitting host venue—offering luxurious surroundings, high-tech conferencing infrastructure, and a scenic oceanfront backdrop for this landmark gathering.

Portugal: Fast Becoming a European Hub for Hotel Tech Events

With two major winners—PortoBay and Blue & Green Hotels—emerging from Portuguese hospitality, and the event itself held in Algarve, Portugal’s growing prominence as a hospitality innovation hub was on full display. Vilamoura, in particular, is gaining a reputation not just as a beach destination, but as a venue of choice for international hospitality and travel tech events.

Portugal’s focus on sustainable tourism, digital innovation, and smart hospitality is driving its hotel brands into global conversations.

Looking Ahead: Global Expansion and Next-Gen Innovation

As the hospitality industry continues to navigate evolving guest expectations, labour shortages, and sustainability goals, technology remains the cornerstone of adaptation. The International Hotel Technology Awards Europe 2025 have once again reinforced the importance of recognising forward-thinking leaders and companies.

With future editions expected in North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, the awards are poised to become the definitive global benchmark for excellence in hotel technology.

Europe’s top hotel tech innovations of 2025 were unveiled in Portugal at the prestigious IHTF Awards, celebrating breakthroughs in AI, guest experience, sustainability, and operational excellence.

A Night That Defined the Future of Hospitality

The International Hotel Technology Awards Europe 2025 weren’t just about trophies and applause—they were about honouring innovation that enhances lives, both for hotel guests and the staff who serve them. From the AI solutions of PortoBay to Belmond’s resort tech experiences, and from sustainable champions like Blue & Green to the intelligent guest rooms by NH Collection, every winner showcased a vision for hospitality that is inclusive, intelligent, and inspiring.