Travel’s third-largest sector faces its defining decade - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

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Travel’s third-largest sector faces its defining decade

28 February 2026

🏖️ Experiences in the travel sector reached $271 billion in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and growing faster than the broader travel industry. The sector is projected to exceed $340 billion by 2029, with an 8% nominal CAGR from 2023-2029. Online channels are expected to rise from 17% of bookings in 2019 to 42% by 2029, with OTAs being the fastest-growing channel, increasing bookings more than fivefold from 2019 to 2029.

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HotelsMag March/April 2026

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Outside the Beltway: Why JW Marriott Reston Station is the perfect bridge between D.C. and Dulles

🏨 JW Marriott Reston Station opened in September 2025, located 20 miles west of Washington, D.C. The 248-room hotel, with design by Michael Graves, offers luxury accommodations and is part of a tech hub in Reston, Va., home to Google and Rolls-Royce North America. Managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, it features unique amenities like "mindful rooms" and the largest executive lounge in North America. The hotel had 175 jobs available at opening, attracting over 1,800 applicants.

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Asset-light only works if someone else owns the asset. And that’s the concern.

🏨 At ALIS 2026, IHG Hotels & Resorts CEO Elie Maalouf highlighted the dependency of asset-light hotel companies, like IHG, on asset-heavy owners. Hotel owners face declining profitability due to rising expenses and high interest rates. Over five years, hotel REITs declined by -9.5%, while the S&P rose by 74% and lodging companies like Marriott and Hilton increased by over 110%. Marriott's Tony Capuano emphasized the need to address high expenses to support owner profitability.

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Why hotel brands are betting big on this underdeveloped coastline in Mexico

🏖 Jalisco, Mexico, experiences significant hotel investment, with over $1 billion across 38 projects planned by 2028. Costalegre, a 150-mile Pacific coastline in Jalisco, attracts luxury brands despite its remote location and limited infrastructure. Key developments include Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo (opened 2022) and upcoming projects like Six Senses Xala and Chablé El Tezcalame, both slated for 2027. Costalegre's low-density approach values scarcity, long-term asset appreciation, and environmental conservation, contrasting with Guadalajara's rapid hotel growth.

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Waldorf Astoria Goa to open in 2030

🏨 Hilton is expanding in India with a new hotel, marking its third location after Jaipur and New Delhi.

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Five on Friday: February 27th, 2026

🏠 Airbnb's Barlochan Cottage in Torrance, Canada, site of "Heated Rivalry" finale, opens for bookings from March 3rd, offering six rooms and 400 feet of Muskoka waterfront. 📉 Jean-Georges' $200 million Tin Building in NYC closed due to low foot traffic; a balloon museum will replace it. 🚶‍♂️ 41% of NYC trips are on foot, prompting MIT's pedestrian movement model. 📚 Gen Z drives analog music and books sales, with 80% preferring physical books over e-readers.

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Going Solo: The power of being an independent hotel

🏨 Who? High-end travelers and independent hotels. When? By 2026. Where? Global trend with examples in the US, Norway, and Switzerland. What? Travelers prefer hotels with local charm and cultural authenticity; nearly 70% find modern luxury hotels standardized. How? Independent hotels leverage individuality and strategic affiliations to meet traveler expectations. 6 million members in 'I Prefer' loyalty program emphasize trust. Performance: Preferred Hotels affiliate costs

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Red Cliffs Lodge Moab Announces Property-Wide Renovation

🏖 Moab, Utah—Red Cliffs Lodge Moab underwent an extensive renovation over the past year, including a redesigned lodge, the new Ember restaurant, and revamped suites. The final phase of 31 riverfront cabins is ongoing. The lodge offers panoramic Colorado River views, a double-sided fireplace, and retail space with local goods. Ember serves modern American cuisine led by Chef Daniel Horn. Located 20 miles from Moab, the lodge is part of the Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors collection, near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

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Trailborn Hotels names COO

📈 Trailborn Hotels & Resorts has appointed Paul Eckert as chief operations officer. In spring 2024, the Hill House at Trailborn Mendocino, California, will open, followed by Trailborn Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in summer 2024. Eckert, who managed $400 million in revenue and $100 million in NOI at Davidson Hospitality Group, will now oversee Trailborn’s expanding portfolio. With 30 years of experience, his leadership aligns with Trailborn’s growth and guest satisfaction goals.

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