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Automatic

2811 posts

Expedia’s 2025 turnaround gains momentum under new leadership

📈 Jan 8, 2026, Expedia Group showed signs of recovery in 2025, with high-single-digit room night growth in Q4, outperforming competitors. The improved marketing efficiency and strategic changes by CEO Ariane Gorin contributed to EBITDA margin expansion. While B2B growth accelerated, consumer brands like Hotels.com and Vrbo remain central. Leadership changes and pandemic-era restructuring under previous CEO Peter Kern helped modernize technology and strengthen the loyalty platform.
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IHCL Signs a Taj in Mohali, Punjab

🏨 Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Mohali, Punjab, as a greenfield project. The 225-room Taj Mohali will feature restaurants, a bar, a pool, a gym, and a health club. It boasts over 26,000 sq. ft. of banqueting space, the largest in the region. Mohali, known for its modern infrastructure, will host IHCL's 14th hotel in Punjab, with 7 still under development.
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IHCL Announces Signing of Gateway Hotel in Hennur, Bengaluru

🏨 Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced a new Gateway hotel in Hennur, Bengaluru, a greenfield project. The 350-key hotel will feature dining options, a 16,000 sq. ft. banqueting space, meeting rooms, a gym, health club, swimming pool, and treatment rooms. Located in North Bengaluru, it offers excellent connectivity near IT hubs and the airport. With this addition, IHCL will have 20 hotels in Bengaluru, including 11 under development.
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New Year’s Resolutions: Stop Doing These in 2026

💡 January 2026, Shep Hyken outlines 12 New Year’s resolutions for customer service. Key actions to stop include overemphasizing WOW moments, wasting customers' time, and relying solely on AI. Emphasize predictable experiences, respect customers' time, and maintain a balance between AI and human interaction. Avoid company jargon, consider frontline feedback, and reinforce training. Challenge assumptions about loyalty programs and silent customers. Promote genuine customer focus to foster lasting loyalty. Check Hyken's work for more insights.
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Rising Travel Costs Reshape How Americans Travel in 2026, Internova Travel Group Research Finds

🛫 Rising travel costs in New York are influencing American travel behavior, as reported by Internova Travel Group. Business class airfare increased to $4,500, while luxury hotel rates rose by 4.9% in North America. Expedition cruise costs climbed over 20% since 2023. In 2026, 27% plan to travel more, with 60% relying on travel advisors. Despite economic uncertainty, strategic, experience-driven travel is prioritized, with a focus on expert planning and value.
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WITT Launches New Global Accreditation for Wellness Hospitality Professionals

🏨 WITT launched the WITT Accredited Professional (WITT AP) credential, the first global wellness accreditation for hospitality professionals, aiming to certify those who develop wellness-centered experiences. Grounded in Core Wellness Standards and Five Pillars of Wellness, it targets hotel leadership and related roles. Graduates earn a professional certificate, digital badge, and directory listing. This supports career growth in the burgeoning wellness travel sector, enhancing expertise and organizational value.
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Choice Hotels International Accelerates Growth in Canada with Six New Ascend Collection Properties in Québec

```html 🏨 In early 2026, Choice Hotels International expands its Ascend Collection with six new properties in Québec, Canada, strengthening the brand's presence by 20%. The hotels are located in Montréal, Brossard, Orford, Thetford Mines, and Venise‑en‑Québec. The deal, led by Bing Zhao, supports rapid growth after consolidating Choice Hotels Canada. In Q3, Canadian RevPAR rose by 7%. The company's global portfolio now exceeds 150,000 rooms outside the U.S. ```
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2026 Hospitality Outlook: how AI is reshaping hotel experiences

🏨 In 2026, AI will transform the hospitality industry, as outlined by Mews. Generative AI will enhance booking processes, while agentic AI will optimize hotel operations. Automation will free staff for personalized guest interactions, without replacing human touch. The report emphasizes investing in AI for sustainable growth and guest satisfaction. Mews supports over 12,500 customers in 85 countries, backed by $410 million in funding. Early adopters of AI will gain a competitive edge in the industry.
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Hospitality Financial Leadership: The Luggage

🏨 The Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, underwent a significant renovation in 1988, closing for 6 months and resulting in one fatality. The renovation, which doubled the budget, was completed by summer 1989. The Canadian Pacific Presidents Conference was the first major event hosted post-renovation. Notable attendees included William Stinson, Canadian Pacific's chairman. The conference involved complex logistics, such as misplaced luggage and a shortage of phone lines, highlighting the challenges of hotel management.
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The Restaurant Floor: Life in the Fast Lane

🚗 Andrew Hopson likens working in Food & Beverage to a road trip. In restaurants, like driving, control and presence are crucial. Starting service is akin to turning a car ignition, while achieving a smooth operation echoes finding a driving rhythm. Missing an exit can add 15-20 minutes to a journey, similar to service mishaps in hospitality. Quick adjustments during traffic jams parallel problem-solving in a bustling restaurant environment. A great soundtrack enhances both journeys and work experiences.
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