Automatic

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the private sector in the Travel & Tourism industry, has published new research which highlights the damage that would be done to the UK economy if new visitor levies are introduced.

For more than a decade, much of hospitality technology strategy has centred on expanding proptech portfolios. Hotels invested in point solutions, piloted new tools, and layered integrations across increasingly complex stacks. That approach delivered meaningful gains. However, it did not fully redesign decision-making across systems.

LivAway Suites®, one of the nation’s fastest growing extended stay hotel brands, today announced the opening of its San Marcos, Texas location, the company’s first hotel in the state and the first of many planned across Texas.

AWH Partners announced today the acquisition of the Hotel Trio Healdsburg, a 122-key, all-suite hotel in the heart of Sonoma wine country. Since opening in 2018, the soft-branded Residence Inn has distinguished itself as the only Marriott-branded property in northern Sonoma and the second largest hotel in Healdsburg, one of the region’s most sought-after leisure destinations.

Peninsula Papagayo today announced plans for a second oceanfront collection of Andaz Residences, following the debut of its initial phase in 2023. The new neighborhood near Andaz Peninsula Papagayo will feature 35 thoughtfully curated residences in two-, three-, and four-bedroom floor plans with elevated amenities and finishes. Early commitments from existing owners have already been secured ahead of the public release, a reflection of the neighborhood’s resonance and the Andaz brand’s appeal.

Sonesta International Hotels (Sonesta), the 8th largest hotel company in the US, today announced the successful opening of 29 new properties during the second half of 2025, showcasing Sonesta’s global expansion and continued growth strategy.

Ruby Group continues to grow its presence in Italy with a new Ruby Hotels project in Milan. Following successful openings in Florence and Rome, the upcoming Ruby hotel marks the group’s third location in the Italian market. Located in the vibrant Isola district, the hotel brings the brand’s Lean Luxury philosophy to one of Europe’s most influential lifestyle destinations. The hotel will feature 128 rooms and reflect Milan’s distinctive urban energy. The project is being developed in partnership with landlord Kervis SGR S.p.A.

The Webster, a new design-forward lifestyle hotel brand, announces its official debut with the opening of The Webster Covent Garden, London in July 2026, followed by The Webster Times Square, New York in Winter 2026. Designed for the culturally curious traveler, The Webster blends thoughtful design, engaging programming, and dynamic social spaces to create a distinctly immersive urban stay in two of the world’s most inspiring creative capitals.

Grupo Brisas officially inaugurated Las Brisas Mérida, its newest property in Mexico, reinforcing its growth strategy and expanding its presence in one of the country’s most dynamic tourism and economic regions.

Effective Monday, February 17, 2026, the Mountain Valley Lodge located in Hailey, Idaho, will temporarily close to undergo a comprehensive renovation and conversion to Hampton by Hilton Hailey Sun Valley. The transformation represents a significant investment in the Wood River Valley and reinforces the company’s commitment to enhancing the region’s hospitality offerings.