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BTN Interview - Transforming Hospitality: Insights from Samir AbiFrem, CEO of Lokalee

Lokalee is an innovative platform that bridges the gap between hospitality services and guest expectations through advanced AI technology. Founded in 2021 and now part of the Beaconsmind Group, Lokalee delivers a seamless travel experience by integrating hotel services with curated local destination content.

Designed to enhance every phase of the guest journey, Lokalee provides tools such as trip planners, guest request systems, and hyper-personalised itineraries. By combining internal hotel services with authentic local experiences, the platform enables hotels to offer a truly tailored stay, fostering deeper guest engagement.

Lokalee empowers hoteliers with scalable, easy-to-integrate solutions that generate additional revenue streams. Hotels can earn from guest activity bookings both on and off-site, while reducing operational loads and enhancing guest satisfaction. With its AI-driven, adaptable system, Lokalee supports global expansion into key markets across Europe and Asia, making it a leader in hospitality innovation.

Lokalee Founder & CEO, Samir AbiFremLokalee Founder & CEO, Samir AbiFrem

Breaking Travel News: Could you tell us a little about your background in hospitality and how it led to the creation of Lokalee?

Samir AbiFrem, Founder & CEO of Lokalee : Certainly. I have been working in hospitality technology for almost 25 years, holding various roles focused on digital transformation and innovation. My most recent position was as Chief Information Officer at Rotana Hotels. In 2021, I joined the founding team of Lokalee, which was, at the time, just an idea. Together with two other founders based in Austria, we developed the concept into what it is today. Over the past four years, Lokalee has become an AI-driven travel experience platform that bridges hotel services and destination content. Just a few weeks ago, we announced Lokalee’s acquisition by the Beaconsmind Group in Germany.

Breaking Travel News: That is an impressive journey. What was the core vision behind Lokalee? What problem were you aiming to solve?

Samir AbiFrem, Founder & CEO of Lokalee : Having worked in the industry for many years, I noticed a significant gap between technology providers and guest expectations. Often, guests have needs and expectations that existing technology fails to address. Lokalee was created to bridge that gap by combining hotel services and destination content. We integrate curated local experiences, enabling hotels to offer personalised services throughout the guest journey. This distinction sets us apart in the market.

Breaking Travel News: How does Lokalee specifically assist hoteliers and holiday operators?

Samir AbiFrem, Founder & CEO of Lokalee : Lokalee supports every phase of the guest journey. From the initial planning stage to the in-hotel experience, we provide tools such as trip planners, guest request systems, and curated destination content. Guests no longer need to switch between multiple platforms for activities or information, and hotels can personalise these experiences based on guest preferences and travel purposes.

Breaking Travel News: That is quite innovative. How does Lokalee help hotels generate additional revenue?

Samir AbiFrem, Founder & CEO of Lokalee : Hotels can earn revenue from activities booked through our platform. Even budget-friendly hotels can now offer high-value experiences without needing to invest additional resources. Depending on how actively hotels utilise Lokalee, they can see returns of £20 to £60 per room per month, purely from additional services and activities.

Breaking Travel News: Lokalee was recently acquired by Beaconsmind. What lies ahead for the business?

Samir AbiFrem, Founder & CEO of Lokalee : Joining Beaconsmind marks a significant milestone for our global expansion. We will utilise their technology and market presence to grow across Europe and Asia while enhancing our AI-driven services. This partnership strengthens our ability to innovate and deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Breaking Travel News: Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping the hospitality sector in 2025 and beyond?

Samir AbiFrem, Founder & CEO of Lokalee : Personalisation and cultural authenticity are emerging as key trends. Travellers are increasingly seeking local, sustainable, and bespoke experiences. Hotels will need to adapt to these expectations. Sustainability is also becoming a decisive factor in travel decisions. At Lokalee, we are collaborating with local curators and authorities to make unique, local experiences more accessible to travellers.

Breaking Travel News: Where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth geographically?

Samir AbiFrem, Founder & CEO of Lokalee : At present, we are expanding across Europe, with clients in Germany, Austria, and Italy. In 2025, our focus will extend to Asia, particularly in markets such as Thailand, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Our platform is well-prepared to scale globally.

Breaking Travel News: Thank you, Samir. This has been an insightful conversation. We look forward to seeing Lokalee’s continued growth.

For more information on Lokalee visit: https://lokalee.app