Market Trends

📈 Britain's top contract caterers saw a 9.3% sales increase in Q2 2026, following a 10.5% rise in Q1. The Contract Catering Tracker by NIQ, CGA intelligence, Bidfood, and UKHospitality highlights consistent year-on-year growth over five years. 📈

🏝️ In May 2026, TheLifeCo Saint Lucia opened as the Caribbean’s first medical wellness retreat in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia. The development, exceeding $1 billion, includes three resorts, 500 residences, a medical district, 20 restaurants, and a 523-acre organic agricultural estate. It features advanced therapies like NAD+ IV, HBOT, and stem cell treatments. With a global repeat guest rate of 65%, TheLifeCo promotes long-term health through fasting and personalized health programs, appealing to health-conscious travelers.

📈 STR and Tourism Economics raised the 2026 U.S. RevPAR growth forecast to 4.4%, driven by World Cup premiums. A potential government shutdown in September could cost the travel sector $1 billion weekly, affecting over six million travelers and delaying 9,000 flights. Cambria Hotels opened new properties in Oregon and Texas. Meanwhile, 42% of U.S. hotel operators face workforce shortages, with digital tipping aiding in staff retention. Millennium Hotels partners with HXE to boost MICE demand across 145 properties.

📈 Strong demand in Q2 2026, boosted by World Cup premiums, raised year-end RevPAR projections to +4.4%. Demand and ADR increased by +1.7% and +3.1%. In 2027, U.S. GDP is expected to grow +2.6%, cooling inflation to +2.3%. Luxury chains forecast double-digit RevPAR growth in Q2 and Q3 2026. Supply growth projected at +0.4% in 2026 and +0.6% in 2027. Despite challenges, RevPAR growth continues, albeit slower, fueled by macroeconomic improvements and group recovery.

💸 Confidence in the UK economy hit 30% in July, a 21-month high, up six points from the previous month. European economic confidence also rose six points to 35%, the highest since 2015. According to Barclays UK Consumer Spend Report, 47% of consumers feel secure in their jobs, and 53% are confident about spending on non-essential items.

🍽 Saladplate, official hub for Informa Markets' Hospitality, Food & Beverage portfolio, offers insights into industry trends. It provides weekly news, a monthly newsletter, and a bi-monthly e-magazine. Access over 10,000 brands and products, plus updates from 35+ international trade events via its supplier directory.

🏨 Renaissance Austin utilized early integration in its wellness-centered design, achieving a unique guest experience and earning industry awards. Design for wellness is shifting from luxury to more accessible properties by focusing on layered lighting, natural materials, and acoustic attention. Specificity to place, as seen in Napa and Maine projects, enhances authenticity. Emphasizing emotional impact, properties that adopt wellness as a design philosophy, rather than mere amenities, create lasting loyalty.

📈 In Q2 2026, Marriott Bonvoy's loyalty program reached 295 million members, with 68% of room nights globally, and 75% in the U.S. & Canada, booked by members. Across leading hotel loyalty programs, over 800 million memberships are recorded: Hilton Honors (260M+), IHG One Rewards (160M+), Accor ALL (100M+), and World of Hyatt (69M). Loyalty is evolving into a crucial distribution engine, enhancing guest relationships and personalization while reducing dependence on OTAs.