312 posts

Al Qimmah Hospitality and Marriott International Partner to Add More Than 2,700 Hotel Rooms in Saudi Arabia

🏨 February 24, 2026, Bethesda, Maryland: Al Qimmah Hospitality and Marriott International signed five hotel projects in Saudi Arabia, adding over 2,700 rooms in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. The projects include JW Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Element Hotels, and the debut of Four Points Flex by Sheraton. Marriott has 44 properties with 11,000 rooms in Saudi Arabia. JW Marriott Jeddah will feature 356 apartments, while Four Points by Sheraton will offer 1,830 rooms across Makkah and Madinah.
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Blackstone Enters Agreement to Acquire Hamilton Island, Australia’s Iconic Resort Destination

🏖 February 24, 2026, Sydney, Australia: Blackstone announced an agreement to acquire Hamilton Island from the Oatley family. Located in the Whitsundays, Queensland, it spans over 2,800 acres with 5 hotels, 20+ restaurants, and an airport. This acquisition supports Blackstone's investment in leisure and hospitality in the Asia Pacific. Hamilton Island is a major employer and community hub in the region. Blackstone's global portfolio includes investments in Japan, India, and the US.
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Outrigger Hospitality Group Appoints Chris Long General Manager of Phi Phi Island Resort

🏝️ February 24, 2026, Thailand. Chris Long becomes General Manager of OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort, debuting in February 2026. Long, with nearly a decade at OUTRIGGER, emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing. Located on Laem Tong Beach, the resort offers 63 suites and villas. Culinary experiences feature Southern Thai cuisine, and partnerships with local fishermen. Sustainability includes chef's gardens, coconut husk charcoal, and freshwater pools. Long's approach blends cultural, culinary, and ecological elements.
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  • 2 min

I’ve been playing around with Claude Cowork Anthropic’s AI and OpenClaw (Now part of OpenAI) lately… and honestly, It’s a shift. If you work in hospitality and you’re not experimenting with AI… | Joan Sanz

💻 Claude Cowork by Anthropic and OpenClaw (now part of OpenAI) are revolutionizing hospitality with AI. AI agents can now optimize CRM pipelines, set up hotel PMS in minutes, and manage room types in Channel Managers with full mapping logic, reducing manual errors and inefficiencies. These agents can detect operational anomalies, optimize room assignments, and predict maintenance issues, all through platforms like WhatsApp, Slack, or Telegram, enhancing efficiency and execution in Hoteltech sales.
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Why Hotels Are Choosing Independence Over Brand Affiliation

💰 In 2025, Sonder's immediate wind-down raised concerns about brand affiliation security. With brand fees weighing on low growth, hotels are reconsidering independence. By 2026, RevPAR growth is projected at just 0.6%. Independent hotels, valued at $281.7 billion in 2025, are expected to grow at 11% CAGR, reaching $800 billion by 2035. Brand affiliation costs include 2-6% royalty fees. Independence offers strategic flexibility, creativity, and agility, enabling hotels to adapt quickly and innovate freely.
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  • 3 min

Booking Studio by Shiji, a customizable direct booking engine built for hotel websites

📅 Berlin, Germany, February 23, 2026 – Shiji launches Booking Studio, a direct booking engine integrated with Daylight PMS, enhancing hotel control over booking experiences. Key features include real-time availability, centralized control, and flexible booking flows. Booking Studio supports hotels in optimizing their direct booking strategies, reducing third-party reliance. Shiji serves over 91,000 hotels and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide, offering comprehensive technology solutions for the hospitality industry. For details, visit Shiji's website.
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  • 1 min

156 JFK T1 – Lufthansa Allegris Tetris, Air Canada A330, JFK faster than fast-track, 100th liveries, JetClock, how to choose a seat

✈ Lufthansa's new business class on their A350 features 5 outside cameras. At JFK Terminal 1, passengers can experience fast-track services. Vinod enjoyed flying on an Air Canada A330. JetClock offers a unique flight tracker for your desk. Paul suggests Air Canada add Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps onboard. JetClock and other links are available on the Layovers podcast's website and social media platforms.
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  • 4 min

How to Build a Cult-Status Hotel: The Fashion Marketing Playbook—Part 1

🏨 In San Juan, the Independent Lodging Congress hosted the INDIEConfab event discussing fashion-hospitality crossovers. Participants included Galli Arbel of Hotel Anna & Bel and Alexander Buchholz of Bar Rêve. The hotel industry faces challenges in escaping commodity status, unlike fashion, which creates brand loyalty. The $990 difference between Hanes and Prada tees exemplifies fashion's branding success. The hospitality sector needs to leverage its unique "escape" offering to avoid stagnation and remain financially viable.
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