This page brings together the most relevant AI related news and updates impacting hospitality and travel, with a dedicated focus on developments around Airbnb. Content is curated from trusted industry publications, official communications, and expert analysis to provide a clear and dependable view of how technology, data, and AI are shaping the company and the wider market. The objective is to give readers timely, accurate, and meaningful insight into strategic moves, product innovation, and emerging trends, all in one place and sourced from authoritative voices across the industry.
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IRIS partnership with Mandarin Oriental delivers 54% growth in mobile ordering, enhancing the guest experience
IRIS, the global market leader in digital F&B and guest experience solutions for hotels, has announced outstanding year-on-year growth with Mandarin Oriental, one of the world’s most luxurious hotel operators. Over the past year, Mandarin Oriental saw F&B room service revenue increase by 54% and orders grow by 39% through the IRIS platform, highlighting the power of digital innovation in elevating luxury dining experiences.
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“Will AI kill SaaS?” The recent SaaS stock selloff seems to suggest that AI will replace SaaS/vertical SaaS altogether. I think that’s far from reality.. AI is a utility, infrastructure service. This… | Bhanu Chopra | 25 comments
💻 In the tech landscape, concerns about AI replacing SaaS have emerged amid a stock selloff, but it’s reminiscent of past misconceptions from 10–15 years ago about cloud infrastructure. Instead, AI, much like the cloud, acts as foundational infrastructure enabling SaaS growth. With less than 10% tech adoption in travel & hospitality, AI can supercharge SaaS with innovations in pricing and distribution. Companies like RateGain are integrating AI to enhance existing systems, emphasizing AI as an accelerator, not a replacement.
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Hospitality America Marks 30 Years of Partnership-Led Growth and Operational Stewardship
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Hospitality America, a hotel management company built on three decades of partnership, performance, and people-first hospitality. Founded in 1995 by Chris Cargen, Hospitality America continues to build on its strong foundation under the leadership of President and CEO Ben Campbell, who stepped into the role two years ago following the retirement of Cargen, the company’s former chief executive.
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Markos Chaidemenos of Canaves Collection on Family Leadership, Nature, and Sustainability
Canaves Collection is a family owned luxury hospitality group rooted in Santorini, with a portfolio built around the island’s dramatic caldera views, volcanic landscape, and the intimacy of boutique scale. In this Brand Insiders conversation, CEO Markos Chaidemenos explains how Canaves began as a family business back in 1983 and why, even as the brand has evolved, it remains anchored in people, place, and a service culture that prioritises real warmth over performance.
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At ITB Berlin 2026, LodgIQ Will Show How AI Can Turn Revenue Managers into Commercial Strategists
💻 LodgIQ debuts its AI Wizard at ITB Berlin 2026, March 3–5, in Hall 10.1, Stand 205. This tool aids revenue teams by converting complex data into actionable strategies, enhancing decision-making amidst volatile markets. CEO Vincent Ramelli emphasizes its ability to simplify insights for hoteliers globally. Attendees can see live demos and book appointments for insights on revenue management transformation. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, LodgIQ aims to revolutionize revenue management with AI-driven solutions.
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The Dean Berlin Now Open
🏨 The Dean Berlin, debuting in February 2026, marks The Dean’s first hotel outside Ireland. The 81-room hotel in Charlottenburg, Berlin, blends rawness and refinement, with design by Rachael Gowdridge. Rooms feature bespoke furniture, and guests enjoy exclusive bath amenities by DS & Durga. Rates start at €135/night. Benedict, the hotel’s bakery-bar, serves international dishes. The Dean’s art curation, *Wanderers*, showcases German-based artists, integrating the hotel into Berlin’s creative scene.
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Villa D’este La Collezione Announces Opening Of Miralago Luxury Apartments
🏠 Scheduled for June 2026, Miralago Luxury Apartments open in Cernobbio, Italy, featuring eight exclusive lakefront residences. Located along the Lake Como waterfront, the project, led by Studio Droulers, involves the complete renovation of the former Miralago Hotel. The four-floor property offers tailored services, including a bespoke breakfast experience. Guests gain access to Villa d’Este amenities, such as the Sporting Club and floating pool, blending privacy with exceptional hospitality.
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Luxury hospitality reimagined: Cairns 5-star hotel elevates guest experience with Shiji’s Infrasys POS
🏖️ Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, a five-star luxury hotel in Tropical North Queensland, Australia, upgraded its guest service by implementing Shiji’s Infrasys POS, enhancing operational efficiency and guest experience. The hotel, with 255 rooms, now features faster ordering and real-time updates, improving service across dining venues. Shiji, a leading hospitality tech company, supports over 91,000 hotels globally, offering cloud-based solutions with over 5,000 employees worldwide.
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Hotels were late to the internet. Late to mobile. This time can be different.
🌐 ChatGPT hit 800 million weekly users in 17 months. Phocuswright research shows 15% of consumers use AI platforms like ChatGPT for travel shopping, doubling recently. Currently, 39% of travelers incorporate AI in planning. OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia partnered with ChatGPT early on, while most hotels lag. Lighthouse’s Connect AI links hotels directly with AI platforms, enabling control over data and booking. On February 25, Lighthouse hosts a session on enhancing hotel discoverability in ChatGPT.
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IHCL Expands Presence in Sri Lanka, Signs a Taj Hotel in Weligama
🏨 Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) announced on [current date] the signing of a new Taj hotel in Weligama, Sri Lanka, featuring 220 keys, including 80 luxury apartments. Located in the Southern Province, this beachfront resort offers extensive amenities, including a 9,000 sq. ft. banquet hall and Taj’s iconic J Wellness Circle. Established in 2004, the Beryll Group owns the project. Weligama is famous for its crescent-shaped bay and surf-friendly waters.
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Citi Group Papua New Guinea Enhances Operations with IDS Next
💻 Citi Group in Papua New Guinea partners with IDS Next for operational technology across four properties, including Citi Boutique Hotel and Citi Serviced Apartments, located on Lahara Avenue, Korobosea, Lagatoi Place, and Gaba Place. IDS Next, a leading ERP provider, enhances operations through its cloud-native platform, boosting guest engagement and service standards. With a presence in 50+ countries, IDS Next supports 300,000+ rooms and collaborates with brands like Wyndham and Taj Hotels. Saif Jugari and Jacob K.I commend the…
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U.S. Hotel Forecast Assumptions – February 2026
🛌 STR/Tourism Economics forecasts a 0.6% RevPAR growth for 2026, after a 0.3% decline in 2025. Demand dipped 0.5% in 2025, expected to rebound by 0.4% in 2026. The 2026 World Cup will boost U.S. RevPAR by 0.4%. U.S. inbound travel is expected to rise 3.7%, with outbound travel increasing 4.6%. Supply growth is reduced to 0.7% for 2026, and ADR growth remains below inflation. Group demand fell 1.8% in 2025, offset by 4.0% ADR growth.
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Four Seasons Hotel Milano Unveils Two New Suites, Created by Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon: The Spectacular Presidential Suite and the Contemporary Designer Suite
🏨 Last summer, Four Seasons Hotel Milano revealed a complete redesign of its 118 rooms and suites by Pierre Yves-Rochon. The Presidential Suite, at 177 sq. meters, blends avant-garde and historic styles, featuring Italian art and a private kitchen. The 91 sq. meter Designer Suite highlights 1950s-70s Italian design with custom furnishings. Both suites preserve original marble, enhancing their luxurious appeal. The hotel’s restyling respects Milan’s design heritage, combining elegance and innovation.
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At ITB Berlin 2026, LodgIQ Will Show How AI Can Turn Revenue Managers into Commercial Strategists
💻 LodgIQ will showcase its AI Wizard at ITB Berlin 2026 from March 3–5, Hall 10.1, Stand 205. The AI Wizard enhances revenue management by converting complex data into actionable strategies for revenue teams, addressing market volatility and labor challenges. CEO Vincent Ramelli emphasizes the tool’s capability in cutting through data noise. LodgIQ, based in Silicon Valley, integrates AI into its revenue platform, allowing managers to evolve into commercial strategists. Bookings for demonstrations are encouraged.
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Traveller Review Awards 2026 Celebrate 1.81 Million Partners Worldwide and Reveal the Most Welcoming Destinations for the Year Ahead
Booking.com, a global leader in connecting travelers with incredible places to stay and seamless transport options including flights, car rentals, and airport transfers, announces the recipients of its 14th annual Traveller Review Awards. Powered by more than 370 million verified reviews from travelers across the world, the Awards celebrate the partners who consistently deliver standout hospitality across every corner of the globe.
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Plamondon Hospitality Partners Breaks Ground on Downtown Frederick’s New Hotel & Conference Center
Today, Plamondon Hospitality Partners celebrates the next milestone of the Marriott Downtown Frederick at Carroll Creek project, the highly-anticipated full-service hotel and conference center, with a groundbreaking ceremony. This project’s unique, four-way investment partnership combines public and private parties, and is poised to support the increasing demand of Frederick’s tourism economy.
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U.S. News Reveals the 2026 Best Hotels
U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs, today unveiled its 16th annual rankings of the Best Hotels. The 2026 rankings highlight more than 31,000 hotels across more than 400 destinations to help travelers find the hotel that suits their needs.
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🗣️ "If you master purpose, value proposition and personality, you build brands that are future-proof.” Jean-Yves MINET oversees some of Accor’s most powerful brands as Global Brand President… | Hospitality ON
📈 Jean-Yves Minet, Global Brand President at Accor, manages ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, Novotel, and Mercure Hotels, representing nearly 70% of the group’s global portfolio with over 3,500 hotels worldwide. He emphasizes mastering purpose, value proposition, and brand personality to ensure future-proof brands. Minet’s approach focuses on delivering consistent, valuable experiences globally, shaped by his non-hospitality background. His full interview on brand strategy is available on Hospitality ON.
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I’ve been having a lot of interesting conversations with hoteliers lately. Almost every one of them eventually lands in the same place: “How does AI change discovery?” My take is simple. The future… | Adam Wallace
🏨 In the evolving landscape of hospitality, AI is transforming hotel discovery by prioritizing character and personality over uniformity. This shift highlights the need for hotels to embrace their unique stories and quirks, as AI systems focus on nuance, preference, and context. It’s an opportunity for independent and inspired hotels to shine, appealing to both humans and AI systems seeking authentic experiences. This marks a significant change, offering a more interesting future for the industry.
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Beyond Berlin and Munich: The Fontenay’s Thies Sponholz on Hamburg’s Luxury Moment
🏨 Thies Sponholz, General Manager of The Fontenay in Hamburg, won the Hotelier of the Year 2026 award from ahgz. Since 2018, The Fontenay has received two Michelin stars for its restaurant Lakeside and opened Osteria due in 2025. The hotel boasts three Michelin Keys, one of only six in Germany. Sponholz prioritizes trust, freedom, and continuous training. The Fontenay is known for its innovative, ecologically conscious design and emphasis on guest value. Hamburg offers cultural and architectural appeal, celebrating…
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Announces $50 Million in Capital Investments & Reaffirms Commitment to Atlantic City
🎸 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has launched a $50 million capital improvement plan for 2026, renovating 700+ rooms and eight penthouses. By 2026, the resort will introduce Sitar, an East-Indian restaurant, and Federal Donuts and Chicken. Enhancements include 16 EV chargers and new carpets. Since 2018, nearly $700 million has been invested. Upcoming 2026 performances feature Rod Stewart and more. The resort won its third USA Today Top Workplaces Award in 2026, supporting 500+ local organizations.
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Give the Right To Be Right: Free Will, Algorithms, and How Hotels Can Design Real Choice
📈 Travelers’ choices are influenced by algorithms, with Tripadvisor’s 2024 data showing over 31 million new reviews and 2.7 million fraudulent ones removed. Sponsored placements affect visibility. Influencers impact luxury markets, while AI answer engines become key to discovery. Booking Holdings reports AI enhancing conversions and reducing support needs. Psychological theories like the IKEA effect and self-determination highlight the value of perceived choice and co-creation, increasing guest satisfaction and reducing cancellations. Transparency in advertising is crucial.
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HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin – Week Ending 06 February 2026
🏠 Deka Immobilien acquired the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, Austria, for €92 million, with 303 rooms. From April 2026, it rebrands to Hyatt Regency Vienna. Set Hotels purchased the 374-room Occidental Menorca, Spain, rebranding as Seth Punta Prima. Compagnie du Mont-Blanc and Beyond Places bought RockyPop Chamonix, France, with 148 rooms. Kingstone Real Estate took over Premier Inn Rosenheim, Germany, 145 rooms. BlackRock acquired Hotel Excelsior, Munich, Germany, 114 rooms. KKR, Baupost sold Delta Hotels Birmingham, UK, 106 rooms. RoundShield…
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monday.com | Outpace everyone with the best AI work platform | Kurien Jacob
💻 2026 Super Bowl ads: 23% featured AI, with companies paying up to $10 million for 30-second spots. Wall Street sees AI disrupting software, with MNDY shares down 21% and Nasdaq up 0.9%. SaaS faces challenges as AI shifts focus to strategic human roles. Vertical software, like hospitality tech, needs to adapt by focusing on outcomes. AI-first products launched by companies like Lighthouse, ROH, LodgIQ, and others aim to stay ahead. Concerns arise about funding for large AI initiatives.
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Beyond Simplicity: Rethinking PMS Usability for Modern Hotels
🏨 In Markham, Ontario, Maestro PMS addresses hotel operational needs with intuitive, robust property management systems (PMS). While streamlined designs aid smaller hotels, larger properties require both simplicity and complex functionality. Maestro’s PMS integrates operations like front desk, housekeeping, and sales for a seamless guest journey. Established over 45 years, Maestro offers 20+ modules, enhancing hospitality efficiency. The system supports independent hotels, luxury resorts, and multi-property groups, emphasizing usability without sacrificing operational depth.
