Shiji launches the Hotel Distribution Technology Map 2025/2026

In a relentless digital world that changes almost daily, Shiji, a global leader in technology for the hospitality industry, launches the long-awaited 2025/2026 edition of its Hotel Distribution Technology Map. This tool—already a staple for many industry professionals—returns with an updated, more visual, and free version, designed to guide hoteliers, operators, and consultants in Mexico and around the world amidst the
current technological turmoil.

And the truth is, the timing couldn't be more opportune. The Mexican tourism industry is undergoing a digital transformation that is not only rapid but profound. In this context, Shiji's new map serves as a necessary and essential compass.

Among the most relevant trends it highlights are:
Social media as new booking channels: Yes, what started as entertainment is now selling rooms. Platforms like WeChat and Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) are no longer just for watching videos; they are also closing direct bookings, especially in Asia.

Artificial Intelligence, from promise to everyday reality: AI has infiltrated almost every corner of the hotel ecosystem: from personalizing the guest journey to calculating prices with surgical precision. It's like having a digital assistant that never sleeps.

All-in-one solutions on the rise: Instead of juggling multiple systems, more and more hotels are opting for integrated platforms with open APIs that provide freedom without sacrificing efficiency. It's a bit like going from a basic Swiss Army knife to one with 30 tools in one body.

New categories that didn't exist five years ago—Marketplaces, Smart Upselling, and Social Media with Reservations—are now prominent, reflecting how the rules (and opportunities) of the game are changing.

“This map is a strategic tool for hoteliers in Mexico who want to innovate without losing their way in a rapidly changing market,” explained Natalie Kimball, Vice President of Strategic Accounts for the Americas and EMEA at Shiji Horizon Distribution. “Investing in distribution technology isn't just about
efficiency or profitability. It's also about creating more human, memorable experiences that are much more connected to what today's traveler expects.”

For independent hotels, mid-size chains, and even online travel agencies, this resource is especially valuable. Why? Because it helps them understand their position, where the market is headed, and, above all, how to get the most out of each guest without losing the personal touch.

What is the Shiji Technology Map, in essence?
More than just a pretty infographic, it's like a high-resolution X-ray of the hotel technology ecosystem. Since its launch in 2015, it has earned its place as a global reference for understanding how information flows between hotels and their guests.

Imagine this:
The hotel is the heart: At the center is the PMS (Property Management System), which pulses with every daily operation.
From there, the connections emerge: OTAs, GDS, wholesalers, proprietary websites, booking engines… all branching out from that nerve center.

And it all works thanks to a technological framework: channel managers, central reservation systems, marketing tools, reputation, and more. Everything connected. Everything alive.

The interesting thing about the 2025/2026 edition is that it signals a fundamental change. It's no longer just about having technology, but about that technology working together, feeding off real data, and adapting quickly. AI is no longer "the technology of the future": it's the present. And first-party data is the gold standard of the moment.

How to access the Map?
The new version of the Hotel Distribution Technology Map is now available—free of charge—along with explanatory articles, previous versions, and other useful resources.

Everything on Shiji's knowledge portal. Website: insights.shijigroup.com. There you'll find the high-resolution infographic and additional content for further exploration.

In short, if you work in the industry and feel like there's something new to learn (or implement) every day, this map could be the starting point you needed. Because in modern hospitality, technology isn't a luxury: it's the new language used to write the guest experience.

Fuente: Shiji.