Market Trends

🏨 Emara Ole-Sereni and Ole Sereni Hotels in Nairobi partnered with STAAH to enhance booking efficiency. They implemented STAAH's Channel Manager, Booking Engine, and Global Distribution System (GDS) for real-time updates, reducing double bookings and rate mismatches. This integration streamlines operations, boosts visibility, and supports both global and regional online travel agencies (OTAs). The partnership positions the hotels for future growth, maximizing booking and revenue opportunities while reducing OTA dependency.

📱 Josiah Mackenzie talks with Steven Moore, CEO of Actabl, about The Lodging Conference. They discuss its unique impact on hospitality leaders by fostering conversations, connections, and collaborations. Listeners learn to build stronger relationships and create beneficial environments. Access more insights with Actabl's "digital swag bag.

🏢 Corporate demand is predicted to double the global serviced apartment sector size by 2033. The 2025 GSAIR forecasts the sector's worth at £183.6 billion globally by 2030. The UK market is projected to hit £6.52 billion by 2033, with a corporate growth rate of 8.8%. Investor interest rose to 27% in 2025 from 24% in 2024. Gen Z's maturation boosts digital-first serviced apartment demand, while AI and sustainability gain focus. Key discussions occurred at Citadines, London.

🎨 Studio Paolo Ferrari has been named the 2025 Designer of the Year by *Boutique Design*, recognized alongside the 45th annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. Founded in 2016 by principal designer Paolo Ferrari, the studio is a Gold Key finalist for its work on Saudi Arabia's Shebara Resort and Desert Rock. The awards ceremony will be held on November 10th at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.

📅 In 2026, Skyscanner’s report highlights key travel trends shaped by personal interests and economic factors. 27% of UK travelers focus on local beauty culture, influenced by social media. 43% explore local supermarkets abroad for authentic experiences. 71% plan mountain escapes for tranquility, with a 103% YoY increase in mountain view hotel bookings. Literature-inspired trips attract nearly half of travelers, with a 70% increase in library filter use. Solo travel is popular, with a 39% interest rate, and family trips grow as 16% engage in multi-generational travel. 27% choose hotels as destinations themselves.

💻 Amadeus Travel Dreams Report 2024 surveyed 6,000 travelers globally, uncovering key insights: 70% want virtual tours pre-booking; 12% are willing to spend above ADR for amenities, adding up to $5,383/year per room. 52% will share data for personalized offers. Business travelers (71%) prefer self-service check-ins; leisure travelers (48%) opt for personal interaction. Eco-friendly practices appeal to 36% of business travelers, while 44% of all travelers seek wellness options. Integration of hotel systems is crucial for meeting these evolving expectations.

✈ Almost half of UK travellers value flexibility, with 46% prioritizing it more than five years ago. A survey of 2,000 Brits reveals that 59% of those under 34 prioritize flexibility, compared to only 39% over 65. Flexibility encourages bookings, especially for longer trips, with 76% preferring to mix airlines. High fees for changes frustrate 33% of travellers. eDreams ODIGEO's research highlights a shift toward adaptable travel, with subscription models offering solutions.

💻 At Destination AI 2025, a unified AI strategy is essential for hospitality, connecting systems like PMS, CRM, and GMS. Hotels using AI trip-planning agents increased conversions by 56%. Fully agentic systems outperformed human-plus-rules in revenue management. Security is critical, with blocked phishing rising from 350k to 60M monthly. The focus should be on strategy, not tools, aligning leadership on key business problems for a competitive edge in hospitality.

📈 Middle East tourism is evolving rapidly, as highlighted in Phocuswright's 2025 report. By 2030, Saudi Arabia and GCC countries aim to transform tourism through giga-projects and online platforms. The region targets luxury and sustainable travel, embracing cultural modernization and mega-events like Expo Dubai and the Qatar World Cup. Economic growth boosts intra-regional travel, with Phocuswright offering open access to comprehensive industry insights for strategic advantages.

🗺 In 2024, U.S. online travel agencies recorded $108.5 billion in gross bookings, a 4% rise from 2023 and 85% above 2019 levels. Companies like Expedia, Booking, and Hopper are driving revenue growth through expanded networks and AI integration, enhancing loyalty programs, and increasing private accommodations. Booking now sees 37% of room nights from alternative lodgings. Dynamic packages are on the rise, and the OTA market remains stable with minor channel shifts expected through 2028.