The acquisition enables boutique hotels and short-term rental operators to package and sell experiences such as private dining, wellness and excursions alongside accommodations.
Journey said the move is intended to help operators manage more of the guest relationship directly, including activities and services that are often booked outside the property.
With the acquisition, Journey said its partner network will be able to sell experiences through the same system used to manage guest profiles and rewards. Travelers will be able to book those services through the Journey mobile app and accrue rewards.
Epicurate founder Max Porterkhamsy will join Journey as head of dining and experiences.
“We are delighted to join Journey and continue to focus on the moments that make a place feel unforgettable, ”Porterkhamsy said. “Journey is building the infrastructure to carry that feeling forward. Together, we’re connecting those one-off experiences into something bigger, where a great meal or a perfect afternoon doesn’t just end with the trip, but becomes part of an ongoing relationship with the traveler.”
Journey has positioned its offering to appeal to the luxury travel segment. According to Phocuswright research on luxury travelers, called "indulgent explorers," nearly half (47%) say they prefer travel experiences that not everyone can access. When asked what they most associate with a luxury trip, the top association is fine dining and wine experiences (45%).
Beyond the acquisition, Journey said it has expanded its seed round to $15 million, including new capital from FirstMark and Headline.
The total builds on the $7.7 million seed funding Journey disclosed last year, which was co-led by venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau and Slow Ventures. That capital was targeted to support the launch of its loyalty and lodging technology platform.
Terms of the Epicurate acquisition were not disclosed.
Tags: Journey Epicurate Max Porterkhamsy dining and experiences technology