729 posts

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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  • 1 min

Leadership in Hotel Technology: Balancing Individuality and Consistency | Clayton Porter posted on the topic | LinkedIn

💻 When operating technology across thousands of hotels globally, each property's unique story emerges from diverse brands, ownerships, and international markets. Despite varied settings—urban high-rises or destination resorts—the operational demands remain remarkably similar. Successful technology leadership focuses on integration, ensuring systems like PMS and POS work seamlessly to enhance guest experiences. The key challenge lies in integrating these systems, which scales complexity faster than the tools themselves. Organizations excelling in this area design scalable ecosystems that maintain individuality and consistency.
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