Automatic - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 94

2 min

Sonder Hotels Liquidation Exposes Limits of Tech-First Hotel Models

💸 Sonder, once valued at $2.2 billion after its 2022 SPAC public listing, entered liquidation in 2025 following a failed asset-heavy model and a collapsed Marriott partnership. Attempts to integrate with Marriott's systems were costly, leading to revenue cuts and mounting losses. The Nasdaq delisted Sonder by 2024. In November 2025, Marriott ended their partnership, prompting Sonder’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This collapse underscores the risks of tech-heavy branding in operationally intensive sectors and shifts investor focus to hybrid, asset-light models.

3 min

Same product, same pitch: How to stand out when everyone is selling the same thing

🏖 In Zanzibar, three entrepreneurs transformed ordinary motorboats into "Ferrari," "Porsche," and "Lamborghini" boats, creating an Instagram-friendly experience with drone shots, pivoting from competing in the same market to becoming the market. A budget alternative offers similar visuals at half the price with transparent boats. By adapting to market dynamics, like timing and storytelling, they attract tourists without pursuing them, emphasizing perception over price. Revenue management is about differentiation and creating irresistible experiences.

3 min

Travel Media Group Surpasses $1 Million in Social Media Ad Spend for Hotel Partners

📱 Travel Media Group has invested over $1 million in social media ad spend for hotel partners, enhancing their visibility and competitiveness online. With both organic and paid strategies, they boost posts—often with $5 boosts—on major platforms, driving engagement and booking decisions. Led by Brian Ross, the social media team personalizes hotel voices. Jason Lee highlights the impact of these micro-campaigns, while President Dana Singer emphasizes ongoing innovation to adapt to social media changes.

CEO Pay in Hospitality 2025

💸 Amid global uncertainty, hospitality CEO pay rose, with average compensation climbing from $9.8M to $11.9M. Long-term incentives were the key driver. The CEO-to-average worker pay ratio widened to 205:1. Glenn Fogel led with $44.8M in total pay, while Josh Weinstein at Carnival had a $12.7M bonus. Market cap grew from $17B to over $24B, and EBITDA increased from $922M to $2B. Rob Hays from Ashford Hospitality was the most underpaid CEO, with an AVI score of 220.

2 min

Four Points by Sheraton Celebrates Its Milestone 100th Hotel in the Greater China with the Opening of Four Points by Sheraton Xi’an Bell Tower

🏨 Four Points by Sheraton opened its 100th hotel in Greater China, located in Xi'an's Lianhu District. Positioned 30 meters from Guangji Street Metro Station, it's 5 km from Xi'an Railway Station, 17 km from Xi'an North, and 37 km from the airport. The hotel includes 214 rooms, a 510 sqm event space, and offers a 24-hour fitness center. Marriott Bonvoy members receive a 10% discount. Enjoy local and Western cuisine, including locally crafted beers at THE MESH.

2 min

Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites Signs First Property in Saudi Arabia

🏠 Minor Hotels signed an agreement for Oaks Residences Riyadh during the TOURISE Summit in Saudi Arabia, attended by CEO Dillip Rajakarier and Tabarak Holding's Aly El Shorbany. Located in Riyadh, the 146-residence project opens in 2026. The deal includes NH Collection launches in Cairo, Egypt by 2029. Minor Hotels aims for 100 properties in the Middle East & Africa, valued at over $6 billion by 2030.

3 min

Ten Reasons Why Customers Hate Calling You for Help

📞 76% of customers have experienced frustration with automated phone menus, often yelling "Agent" before hanging up. A survey revealed 34% would prefer a dentist visit over calling support. Key issues include buried contact info, long hold times, repeated story-telling, transfers, and inadequate agent empowerment. Companies should offer 24/7 access, intuitive self-service, and reduce anxiety through improved customer experience. Implementing these changes can make customers more likely to return and improve overall satisfaction.

2 min

Influencer discussions on AI bubble surge 200% on X as concerns grow over massive investments, reveals GlobalData

📰 In October 2025, influencer discussions on platform ‘X’ about the 'AI Bubble' surged by almost 200%. Concerns are growing over AI investment sustainability, reminiscent of past economic bubbles. Influencers like Edward Dowd and Daniel Niles highlight investment risks, while some, like Austin Lieberman, see it as an AI boom. GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform tracks these trends. GlobalData aids 4,000 large companies, including 70% of FTSE 100, with data insights.

1 min

IHG Hotels & Resorts inks deal to bring its premium brand, Crowne Plaza to the historic city of Multan, Pakistan

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to open Crowne Plaza Multan in DHA Multan, Pakistan, by early 2028. This 200-room hotel, the brand's first in the city, will be part of the Serene Tower. Positioned along Bosan and Mattital Roads, it will cater to corporate travel, MICE, golf, education, and healthcare tourism. The hotel will feature modern guest rooms, dining venues, meeting spaces, a fitness center, and a pool, expanding IHG's presence in high-potential cities.

3 min

Tourism and Music Sectors Partner to Harness Power of Entertainment as Driver of Development and Opportunity

🎵 In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, UN Tourism and UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle (UMHL) announced a partnership to boost music tourism for economic growth and job creation, targeting high-growth economies. Khabane Lame, a digital creator with 250 million followers, joins as UN Tourism Ambassador. Music tourism, expected to reach $267 billion by 2030, aims to drive local economic development. This partnership involves research and data generation by CME, expanding music tourism's role in poverty eradication and economic improvement.

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