Lokulus named in Grant Thornton's Hospitality, Retail & Travel Tech: Ones to Watch 2026

We're delighted to share that Lokulus has been included in Grant Thornton UK's inaugural Hospitality, Retail & Travel Tech: Ones to Watch 2026 report, recognising 100 of the most exciting technology businesses across the UK.

The report highlights companies demonstrating strong product capability, meaningful innovation and differentiated market offerings across hospitality, retail and travel technology. Lokulus has been recognised alongside some of the sector's most established and fastest-growing technology providers.

For us, this recognition reflects something bigger than our own journey. It signals a wider shift taking place across the travel industry.

A New Era for Travel Technology

Grant Thornton's report highlights several themes shaping the future of travel technology:

• AI adoption is accelerating across the industry
• Travel businesses are prioritising integrated platforms over fragmented technology stacks
• Operational efficiency and automation are becoming critical competitive advantages
• Real-time data and connected customer experiences are increasingly essential
• Investors are placing greater value on specialist, vertical technology platforms with deep industry expertise

These are challenges and opportunities we see every day when working with Travel Management Companies (TMCs), corporate travel providers and travel brands.

As customer expectations continue to rise, travel businesses are under increasing pressure to deliver faster response times, more personalised experiences and seamless service across multiple communication channels. At the same time, operational teams are often working across disconnected systems, fragmented workflows and growing servicing demands.

The Biggest Challenge Isn't AI. It's Fragmentation

One of the clearest themes running throughout Grant Thornton's report is that AI success depends on connected data and integrated workflows.

Across travel, hospitality and retail, fragmented systems are increasingly being recognised as one of the biggest barriers to productivity, automation and service excellence. While organisations continue to invest in AI, many are still operating across disconnected platforms, siloed data sources and manual processes that limit the impact new technologies can deliver.

The organisations that will benefit most from AI are not necessarily those adopting the newest tools. They will be those creating a connected operational foundation that allows people, processes and technology to work together effectively.

As the report highlights, the future belongs to businesses that can combine intelligent automation with real-time data, integrated systems and seamless operational visibility.

Why This Matters

One of the strongest themes throughout the report is the industry's move away from disconnected point solutions and towards connected technology ecosystems that improve visibility, productivity and service delivery.

For travel businesses, this means bringing together customer interactions, operational workflows, traveller data and AI-driven automation into a single operational environment.

It's an approach that sits at the heart of the Lokulus platform.

By connecting systems, surfacing customer insight and automating repetitive operational tasks, Lokulus helps travel teams reduce complexity while improving both consultant productivity and traveller experience.

The report also highlights how AI is moving beyond experimentation and becoming an operational force across the travel sector. As organisations look to adopt AI successfully, the quality and accessibility of their data will become increasingly important.

Technology alone isn't the answer.

The businesses that succeed will be those that combine intelligent automation with connected data, operational visibility and the human expertise that remains central to exceptional travel service.

Recognition for the Industry, Not Just Lokulus

We're proud to see Lokulus recognised as one of Grant Thornton's Ones to Watch for 2026.

More importantly, we're excited to be part of a new generation of travel technology providers helping the industry modernise how it manages customer interactions, operational workflows and service delivery.

As travel continues to evolve, we remain focused on one goal: Helping travel businesses eliminate servicing chaos, unlock operational efficiency and create better experiences for both consultants and travellers.

We'd like to thank our clients, partners and team for being part of that journey.

To explore the trends shaping the future of the industry, read the full Grant Thornton Hospitality, Retail & Travel Tech: Ones to Watch 2026 report