🏖 Kerzner International has launched sales for One&Only Private Homes in Fiji, set to open in 2029. Located on Nacula Island, Yasawa Islands, the development spans 127 acres and is accessible via a 30-minute seaplane or two-hour speedboat from Nadi. The project features 22 private residences with 3-5 bedrooms, each with a pool. Owners gain access to resort amenities, including dining, spa, and sports facilities. Developed with BSP Life Fiji, it's One&Only’s first South Pacific venture.

📈 Italy's hotel RevPAR soared 53% since 2019, with €2.5 billion in 110 transactions, says JLL's 2026 Outlook. Paris saw a 10-year occupancy high of 78% and a 3% RevPAR increase. Japan is set to capture 35-40% of Asia Pacific's hotel transaction volume by 2026. In the US, RevPAR forecasts rose from 0.6% to 2.8%, with luxury at 5.3%. Owners should align forecasts with local demand trends, not global headlines.

📈 Juozas Kaziukėnas shared a deck titled "AI x Commerce. 2026 Summer Update". The presentation explores how industry forces are enhancing discovery, shaping shopping intent, and monetizing checkout through AI chat interfaces. A notable insight is ChatGTP's realization that purchase behavior was initially misaligned, highlighting the importance of focusing on diverse user experiences. The deck is available for download, providing a fresh perspective on AI commerce beyond common oversimplifications.

📈 TikTok GO launched in the US six weeks ago, replicating a successful model from China where Douyin generated $117 billion in local services GMV in a year. Foodism, an agency on Douyin, signed over 100,000 merchants and 10,000 creators in 120 cities. Institutional investors like SIG, Sequoia China, and Gaorong Capital are backing this model. In the US and Southeast Asia, OTAs like Booking.com see their margins halved, while 5% of creators drive 80% of GMV.

📺 YouTube creator content is featured in over 25% of prompts answered by AI assistants, especially in high-intent categories like consumer electronics and finance. This integration highlights YouTube’s influence on AI-driven responses, showcasing the platform's vast repository of information. As AI continues to evolve, YouTube’s role in shaping digital assistance is expanding, reflecting its significance in delivering relevant and accurate content.

📰 Marriott spent over $40 million on U.S. national TV ads in early 2026, with $35.5 million on Marriott Bonvoy and masterbrand campaigns. This accounted for 45% of the total $77.5 million spent by hotel brands. Despite the investment, Airbnb gained more impressions during the FIFA World Cup. Fairfield Inn & Suites was the leading sub-brand, spending $3.3 million, followed by Courtyard.

📈 May 19, 2026, Paris: Aroxys, founded in 2024 by Ara Adjennian, leads a €200 million redevelopment of the Rue de Rivoli building, 90% owned by Brookfield. The €300 million acquisition from Galeries Lafayette will transform 60% of the building into retail and hotel space over four years. Shein's presence has depleted BHV Marais' departments, leaving 30,000 square meters unoccupied. Brookfield targets international clientele, while staffing reductions are anticipated.

Capella Hotel Group has appointed Christian Westbeld as regional general manager, Southeast Asia, overseeing Capella Singapore, Capella Ubud and Capella Hanoi. Westbeld’s hospitality leadership journey spans 25 years across four…