Robin McLaughlin - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

3 min

First Hospitality Helps Owners Enhance GEO for AI Searches

🏨 First Hospitality is implementing a new Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Playbook to help hotels leverage AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for better visibility. 📅 Currently deployed in 12 hotels, the program aims to enhance recognition by AI. Designed for easy adoption across different hotel types and budgets, the playbook aligns on-property leadership with GEO strategies. 📊 Early feedback is positive, with acknowledgment that measuring GEO's success, compared to traditional SEO, will take time.

9 min

Collaboration in Action: Smarter Sourcing and Procurement Partnerships Deliver Value for Hotels

💸 U.S. hotels have faced supply chain challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic. Product shortages hit in 2020, avian flu restrictions in 2022, and tariffs are a current concern. Ted Peters from Remington Hospitality says prices remain high, and delivery times can be long. Ashley King from Resolute Road Hospitality notes improved lead times and predictability. Jason LaBarge of Raines foresees possible procurement cost increases of 15-30% by 2025. GPOs like Foodbuy Hospitality help mitigate these issues through strategic partnerships.

3 min

Expert Perspectives on Building Alignment and Agility Across the Hospitality Sector

🏨 On day two of The Hospitality Show 2025, industry leaders highlighted profitability challenges due to a fragmented market. Jeanelle Johnson of PwC stressed the need for aligning owners, brands, and operators. Navin Dimond of Stonebridge noted a 1-3% top-line drop can cut the bottom line by up to 8%. Pete Sams of Highgate linked margin erosion to COVID-19's impact. Jeff Wagoner from OUTRIGGER mentioned an unusually fast industry cycle reset, while Greg Lattin of Marriott stressed owner-brand alignment.

3 min

Industry Leaders Examine Profitability Amid Uncertainty at The Hospitality Show

🏠 The Hospitality Show 2025 took place in Denver, Colorado, focusing on profitability amid uncertainty. Eileen Herzog, Avendra's VP, led discussions with industry leaders. Mitch Patel from Vision Hospitality Group emphasized long-term investment in the capital-intensive hospitality business. Thom Geshay of Davidson Hospitality Group and Keith Pierce from Sonesta highlighted the need for alignment among owners, brands, and managers to drive profitability. Patel suggested improvements like booking payments with cancellation fees and e-tipping to enhance the business model.

4 min

Charlestowne Hotels Strengthens Its F&B Strategy With New Vice President

📄 Last month, Charlestowne Hotels named Tom Roman as VP of Food & Beverage. With 20+ years of experience, including roles at Life House/Lark Hospitality, he aims to streamline operations and boost guest experiences. Roman focuses on authenticity, partnerships, and innovation. He prioritizes employee relationships and standardized systems to enhance efficiency. Key trends include chef-driven concepts and evolving service models. Roman emphasizes creating meaningful guest experiences and advocates for fair, sustainable wages for frontline staff.

4 min

Hospitality in Focus: Experts Share Insights on Growth, Headwinds, and Opportunity

🏨 On The Lodging Conference's third day, hospitality leaders like Rosanna Maietta discussed industry trends. Leeny Oberg highlighted strong leisure and luxury demand, with 40% of US transient bookings under four days. Ayesha Molino noted macroeconomic impacts stabilizing wage inflation. Beth McMahon reported over 80% occupancy in Canada in August. Greg Juceam emphasized extended-stay demand. John G. Murray announced Sonesta’s brand extension, Americas Best Value Studios, amid competitive franchising markets. Upcoming events include the 2028 Olympics and 2026 FIFA World Cup.

3 min

Statistically Sound: Industry Leaders Weigh In on the State of the Industry

📈 At The Lodging Conference, industry experts discussed hotel sector trends. As of Q4 2024, there were 6,378 projects in the pipeline, the most ever, indicating a shift to smaller hotels. U.S. hotel performance showed mixed results as of July 2025, with luxury hotels thriving while economy properties struggled. ADR growth lagged inflation for 23 of the past 36 months. Sustainability is key due to rising energy costs. The Middle East leads in revenue growth, driven by UAE and Saudi investments.

2 min

The Lodging Conference Kicks Off With Deal Makers Discussion

📈 On the first day of The Lodging Conference, industry leaders discussed the K-shaped recovery. Mitch Patel led a panel addressing market bifurcation and cyclical trends. Ben Rosenbaum noted luxury RevPAR growth contrasts with struggles in midscale/economy segments. Jeff Wagoner highlighted luxury resilience in Hawaii. Dave Pollin cited investment opportunities in Baltimore, Portland, and New Orleans. Washington, D.C. demand is down 6% this year. Barry A.N. Bloom emphasized REIT transparency, while inflation concerns were expressed by Naveen P. Kakarla.

9 min

3 Decades of Shaping Hospitality: The Lodging Conference Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary Milestone

📝 The Lodging Conference is celebrating its 30th anniversary in October. Founded in 1995 by Harry Javer, the event has grown from 300 to over 2,900 attendees, becoming a key networking event for the hotel industry. Notable events include the 2001 cancellation due to 9/11 and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference encourages a relaxed, informal atmosphere and supports students with scholarships. Key locations have included the Arizona Biltmore and JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.

4 min

Amadeus Research Finds Shifts in Consumers’ Travel Technology Expectations

🛫 Travelers' expectations in 2025 reflect a shift towards personalization and seamless experiences, influenced by AI and biometrics. 📊 Amadeus' "Connected Journeys" report highlights that the U.S. travel market grew just 1% domestically. 🔍 A survey of 9,500 adults across seven countries revealed that 34% of U.S. travelers use social media for trip ideas, while 36% of respondents globally found new destinations via AI. 📈 Baby Boomers lead AI use for travel, increasing 60% in one year.

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