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Automatic

3028 posts

Why Expedia won’t fight ChatGPT’s travel ambitions

🌐 Jan 8, 2026, Expedia aligns with AI agents like ChatGPT instead of blocking them, focusing on AI as a primary travel planning and booking channel. The company is investing in backend tools to enable AI access to its inventory, ensuring visibility in AI-mediated travel discovery. Despite risks like revenue model shifts and reduced brand visibility, Expedia aims for relevance. This approach mirrors an industry trend of embracing AI as essential intermediaries for future competitiveness.
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U.S. lodging outlook points to cautious growth amid structural shifts

🏨 Jan 8, 2026: The PwC Hospitality Directions report anticipates a 0.9% RevPAR increase in the U.S. lodging industry, with occupancy at 62%. RevPAR gains are modest amid demand divergence, rising supply, and AI-driven changes. Leisure travel thrives, but corporate and international travel lag. Supply growth is back, especially in secondary markets, posing risks of imbalanced supply-demand. AI transforms operations, and investment opportunities arise for well-capitalized buyers. Source: PwC US Hospitality Directions.
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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

🏨 Choice Hotels International plans to expand its Ascend Collection brand in Canada with six new properties in Québec by early 2026. This expansion will increase the Ascend portfolio in Canada by 20%. The hotels include Hotel Brossard, Hotel Cheribourg, Hotel du Domaine, Hotel Montréal Metropolitan, La Cache du Lac Champlain, and Manor Des Sables. The company reported a 7% year-over-year increase in Canadian RevPAR in Q3. Franchisee Bing Zhao leads the multi-unit deal.
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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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