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LODGING Staff

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Agilysys Launches Over 30 AI-Powered Features at INSPIRE Conference, Attendance Up 26% Year-Over-Year

💻 Agilysys unveiled over 30 new AI-powered features at its INSPIRE Technology User Conference in Alpharetta, Georgia, from April 20-23, 2026. Attendance increased by 26% compared to last year. The new features aim to enhance hospitality operations, focusing on guest engagement and revenue. Key modules include Conversational Reservations and Revenue Intelligence. Early deployment is expected within 90 days at select sites. Agilysys aims to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and personalize services.
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Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation of All 791 Guestrooms in Honolulu

🌴 Waikiki’s Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, completed a multimillion-dollar renewal in 2025, updating 791 guestrooms and public spaces. The Surfrider Wing, named in tribute to the 1952 standalone hotel, reflects surf culture with beach-loft interiors. Renovated Tower, Banyan, and Surfrider Wings offer diverse accommodations and amenities. The Moana Lani Spa and a new oceanfront event venue were also enhanced. Designers Lisa-Maria Priester and Bev Tagami drew local inspiration, while highlighting Hawaiian artists.
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The Margot Hotel Opens in San Diego as Part of Hilton's New Outset Collection, Offering 135 Suites

🏨 The Margot Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, part of the Outset Collection by Hilton, opened in San Diego, California, near Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center. The hotel offers 135 residential-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows. Managed by Ensemble, it includes amenities like a 24-hour gym, pet-friendly options, and eco-conscious features. The lobby bar will soon offer a curated drink menu.
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U.S. Travel Spending Projected to Reach Record $1.37 Trillion in 2026, Driven by Domestic Growth

🗺 U.S. travel spending will reach $1.37 trillion in 2026 and $1.42 trillion in 2027, driven by a 3.4% increase. Domestic travel represents 87% of spending, with domestic leisure projected at $909 billion in 2026. International inbound travel spending is expected to rise by 1.6% to $178 billion in 2026. The 2026 FIFA World Cup could boost tourism, although the U.S. travel trade deficit hit $72 billion in 2025. Business travel will grow modestly to $319 billion.
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Global Rescue Survey Reveals Surge in Luxury and Adventure Travel, with Emphasis on Personalization and Unique Experiences

🌍 Lebanon, NH—The Global Rescue Winter 2026 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey reveals trends in travel preferences. Nearly 40% define luxury travel as upgrading journey aspects. Adventure travel is defined as remote travel by 35% of respondents. Men favor remoteness, women personal challenge. U.S. travelers prioritize remote travel with infrastructure; international travelers, personal limits. Business travel is evolving, with almost 30% wishing to combine it with leisure, and 33% satisfied with current practices.
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Courtyard by Marriott Chattanooga Downtown Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation of 128 Guestrooms and Amenities

🏨 Courtyard by Marriott Chattanooga Downtown completed a multi-million-dollar renovation over four months, updating all 128 guestrooms, public spaces, and amenities. Located in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, the hotel is owned by McKibbon Hospitality. It features a fully updated fitness center, flexible meeting spaces, and communal areas. The hotel enhances comfort and functionality for both business and leisure travelers, with easy access to the Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee River, Coolidge Park, and UT Chattanooga.
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Hunter Advisors Sells 233-Room Homewood Suites by Hilton in Chicago's Downtown to High Investor Interest

📍 Hunter Advisors sold the 233-room Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago-Downtown. Located near the Magnificent Mile, the hotel occupies floors 6-19 of a building. It features 1,784 sq ft of meeting space, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center. The sale was managed by Spencer Davidson and Riana Stadlen. The property promises value through improvement plans and benefits from its prime urban location, amid high demand for quality assets in supply-constrained markets.
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BWH Hotels Opens Aiden Sacramento Downtown, Featuring Local Art and Mid-Century Inspired Design

🏨 BWH Hotels announced the opening of Aiden Sacramento Downtown, located between Downtown and Midtown Sacramento, near the state capital. Managed by Ledgestone Hospitality, this hotel combines mid-century and modern design. Owner Suresh Patel of SJ Hospitality collaborates with Immortal Café to create a community-focused destination. The hotel features a custom mural by local artist John Osgood, part of the “Aiden’s Art Welcomes You In” initiative, celebrating Sacramento’s vibrant community and culture.
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Evolution Hospitality Appoints Matthew Boettcher as Senior VP of Operations to Enhance Lifestyle and Soft-Brand Hotel Performance

🏨 Evolution Hospitality appointed Matthew Boettcher as Senior Vice President, Operations in Plano, Texas. Boettcher has over 25 years in hospitality and previously served as VP and category leader for Marriott International, managing premium brands like Westin and Le Méridien. He will lead operations to enhance property performance, owner returns, and guest experiences. Chris Tatum, President of Aimbridge and Evolution Hospitality, highlighted the importance of his leadership in the fast-growing lifestyle and soft-brand segments.
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IHG Reports 4.4% Increase in Global RevPAR and Opens 82 New Hotels in Q1 2026

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts reported Q1 2026 results, showing a 4.4% increase in global RevPAR, with the Americas at 3.6%, EMEAA at 5.6%, and Greater China at 5.7%. Global rooms revenue rose, notably in groups (7%) and business (6%). The gross system size grew 6.6% YOY, with 14,900 rooms opened. IHG also signed 21,400 rooms and completed $240 million of a $950 million share buyback, reducing the share count by 1.1%.
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