Guest Contributor - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

3 min

Guest Experience Masterclass: The 7 ingredients of a truly memorable hotel stay

🏨 In 1992, the author attempted to book personalized experiences in Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi’an but succeeded only in visiting a Go school for children. The hospitality industry now thrives on personalized experiences, driven by market changes, brand commoditization, and revenue potential. Example offerings: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London’s private Harrods shopping, exclusive Burj Khalifa tours by The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, and sapling planting at LUX* Resorts Mauritius. A seven-part formula for memorable hotel experiences includes novelty, quality, and personalization.

3 min

Luxury hotels are now becoming destinations. Here’s how it’s reshaping the industry.

Luxury hotels are no longer just places to stay; they are increasingly the primary reason travelers choose a destination. Recent large-scale developments—including Nobu Barbuda, a 391-acre property in Barbuda, and…

3 min

Hotel investment today is not about playing it safely. Rethinking risk is crucial.

🏨 Hotel investments in 2026 face a shift in priorities. Investors now focus on leadership judgment, cultural relevance, and decision agility. High-spend travelers value coherent experiences, prompting hotels to move from point-based loyalty to experience-led models. AI in hospitality requires integrated systems and grounded leadership for effective decision-making. Investment trends include sports tourism (e.g., 2026 FIFA World Cup), IP-driven travel, and wellness tourism. Seasonality blurs as remote work enables flexible travel. Smaller, differentiated assets gain liquidity by anticipating behavioral shifts.

3 min

Bottoms up: How a smart beverage program enhances the experience economy

🍸 U.S. tequila consumption dominates globally at 69%, with a 40% sales increase since the pandemic, driven by premiumization. Small-batch tequila offers hotels a chance to boost beverage programs with authentic, sustainable practices like waste minimization and agave byproduct usage. Crafting cocktails with such spirits allows premium pricing. Staff education on tequila production enhances guest experiences, creating lasting impressions and aligning with eco-friendly values. This approach emphasizes care and storytelling, elevating guest satisfaction.

4 min

Why the guest experience breaks before reaching the guest—and how to fix it

🏨 Guest experience in the hospitality industry is impacted by employee engagement and systemic factors. Gallup’s research highlights that organizations with high employee engagement see stronger profitability. The World Health Organization identifies burnout as a result of chronic workplace stress, affecting service quality and revenue opportunities. Cornell University research shows improved online reputation enhances revenue metrics like RevPAR. Effective team development must consider cognitive and emotional loads, ensuring systems support staff wellbeing for consistent guest experiences.

5 min

Great service in hospitality isn’t enough anymore. This is what guests want.

🛌 Hospitality is evolving beyond efficiency to prioritize human experiences. Lean staffing exposes flaws in operations, revealing that strong communication and leadership are crucial. Guests seek consistency in emotional experiences, not just mechanical precision. Leadership's role is evolving, focusing on emotional intelligence and sustainable practices. Hospitality isn't losing relevance; it's returning to fundamentals, highlighting presence over process. Consistency and connection in service foster guest loyalty and satisfaction. Presence is becoming the new luxury in hospitality.

3 min

How AI and smarter hospitality tech help hotels capture APAC’s travel boom

🛬 During the past holiday season, APAC hotels faced strong travel demand. Despite 86% satisfaction, only 37% of travelers rebooked, but 73% would if experiences were personalized. AI and integrated tech help hotels enhance personalization and efficiency. 68% of guests are willing to pay more for tailored stays. AI systems optimize guest profiles, predictive maintenance, and dynamic pricing. Mobile bookings exceed half of OTA reservations, enhancing digital journeys and guest loyalty.

3 min

Heritage that lasts: How historic hotels are turning legacy into loyalty

🏨 The Tiger Hotel, a landmark since 1928 in Columbia, MO, is revamping its legacy to attract modern visitors. Originally Columbia's first skyscraper, it's part of a trend where historical hotels leverage heritage for brand loyalty. Partnered with Glenn’s Café, established in 1943, these institutions maintain local traditions while integrating technology and sustainability. By joining a global soft brand, they balance operational independence with modern amenities, preserving authenticity and fostering community connections.

5 min

Owning Aman: Canyon equity homes in on über high-end living

🏠 Canyon Equity LLC, led by CEO Robert Hee, unveiled Aman Residences, Amangiri, in Canyon Point, Utah, in December. The development includes 12 luxury homes set on 900 acres near the Colorado Plateau. Each home, designed by Masastudio, features four to eight bedrooms across five to 19 acres. Amangiri, a 34-suite resort, opened in 2009. Canyon Equity also owns the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado in Santa Fe and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji.

7 min

Land of rising hospitality: Hotels rethink the spirit of Japan

🗺️ Japan, 2025: Over 40 million tourists visited, driven by favorable exchange rates and government policies. The JW Marriott Tokyo opened a 200-room hotel in October, featuring a Zen-inspired design and wellness amenities. Park Hyatt Tokyo reopened in December after renovations. The Ryokan Collection, founded in 2004, expanded to 53 properties, emphasizing authentic experiences. IHG expanded its Japan presence with 20 new properties, including luxury and midscale hotels, preparing for the World Expo. Japan's tourism and hospitality sectors are thriving.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.