At the forefront of travel innovation, Kasia Pankowska, the CEO and co-founder of Hotel Treats, provided insightful perspectives during her interview at Phocuswright Europe 2025 in Barcelona. This year’s event, held from June 10 to 12 at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, brought together over 600 industry leaders, innovators, and thought leaders, showcasing the latest advancements and emerging trends in travel technology.
In this enriching dialogue, Pankowska reflected on her experiences at Phocuswright, emphasizing how the event has evolved over the years. She noted, “The event has been fantastic. This is my third Phocuswright event—second in Barcelona, and third globally, as I also attended the one in Phoenix last year. We’re actually very lucky to have been the winners of last year’s Global Startup Competition, so it’s amazing being here again, seeing some of our old friends and maybe meeting some new ones as well.”
The discussions at Phocuswright Europe 2025 revolved around transformative themes such as generative AI, digital identity, and the evolving landscape of distribution models within the travel sector. Pankowska expressed particular enthusiasm for how the industry is beginning to recognize that travel experiences commence at home. “Many tour operators and accommodation providers are starting to realize they need to begin engaging with people exactly where they live before travel actually begins. This is something we’ve been doing for quite some time, so I’m very happy that it’s now becoming a forefront of where the industry is going.”
Hotel Treats: Bridging Local Guests and Luxury Hotels
Hotel Treats operates on a unique model that connects luxury hotels with local residents, enabling them to enjoy premium amenities without having to travel far. Their platform allows hotels to sell and distribute gift vouchers and luxury experiences online, catering to locals who wish to indulge in spa treatments, brunches, and afternoon teas. This approach not only elevates the guest experience but also creates new revenue streams for hotels, reinforcing their connection with the community.
“Our business, hotelreats.com, helps luxury hotels sell day experiences to local residents,” Pankowska explained. “We work with multiple luxury hotel chains and individual properties, creating products like Sunday brunch, pool day passes, afternoon tea, tasting menus, and more. These are sold to local residents who live around the hotels. Our aim is to help hotels introduce themselves to people who live locally and engage with them throughout the year, not just during the week they’re away on holiday.”
This innovative approach not only benefits the hotels by increasing their occupancy rates during off-peak times but also allows locals to explore the luxurious offerings in their vicinity. The emphasis on local engagement is crucial, especially in a post-pandemic world where travel habits have shifted dramatically.
Expanding Horizons: Growth Beyond Borders
Hotel Treats has significantly expanded its footprint since its inception. Originally based in Palma de Mallorca, Spain has been their primary market from day one. However, the company has successfully ventured into Portugal, Italy, France, and the UAE, demonstrating a robust growth trajectory. Pankowska highlighted this expansion, stating, “We’ve now expanded to Portugal, Italy, France, and the UAE.” This geographical diversification is a testament to the growing demand for luxury local experiences across different cultures and markets.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Pankowska remains optimistic about the future. She believes that the integration of technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing the customer experience. The discussions around AI-driven solutions at Phocuswright resonated deeply with her vision for Hotel Treats. By leveraging data analytics and customer insights, hotels can create personalized experiences that cater to the unique preferences of local clientele.
The Future of Travel: Embracing Technology
Phocuswright Europe 2025 placed a strong emphasis on technological innovations that are reshaping the travel landscape. Generative AI was a central theme, with discussions centered around how it revolutionizes customer interactions, from personalized travel recommendations to automating customer service via intelligent chatbots. Pankowska noted, “AI can enhance efficiency and personalization at scale, allowing companies to offer more customized experiences to travelers.”
Another significant topic was digital identity and its implications for the travel industry. The conversations explored how digital identification systems streamline check-in processes, improve security, and facilitate smoother cross-border travel. As countries move towards biometric systems, the emphasis on secure and efficient identification will become increasingly vital in the travel experience.
The evolving distribution models were also a focal point at the conference. Traditional travel services are facing disruption as new players and technologies emerge, providing consumers with greater control over their travel plans. This transformation allows for more seamless, multimodal travel options, empowering travelers with flexibility and transparency.
Pankowska’s insights reflect a broader trend within the industry—one that acknowledges the significance of local experiences in a globalized world. “I’m very much looking forward to the next Phocuswright event. I’ll definitely be going to that one as well and would encourage everyone else to do so,” she concluded, echoing the sentiment of many attendees eager to explore the future of travel innovation.
Conclusion: A New Era for Luxury Travel
Kasia Pankowska’s vision for Hotel Treats exemplifies a shift in the luxury travel sector, highlighting the importance of community engagement and technological integration. As the industry continues to navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world, her innovative approach serves as a blueprint for connecting luxury hotels with local guests, ultimately enhancing the travel experience. With a focus on local luxury experiences, Hotel Treats is poised to redefine how residents interact with their local hospitality venues, ensuring that luxury is accessible to everyone, right in their own backyard.
