Market Trends

✈ During 2023, 276 million passengers transited through UK's airports; only 64% of flights were on time within a 15-minute window, versus 79.8% in the top 10 North American airports. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) highlights travel disruptions, including extreme weather, strikes, and technical outages. Airline workers often face verbal or physical abuse, with only 43% of passengers getting clear communication during disruptions. Airlines' outdated IT systems hinder efficient information sharing and amplify disruption impacts, suggesting a need for modernized, unified systems for better customer communication and disruption management.

🏨 Loyalty program members at five major hotel companies grew by 11.3% in 2023, contributing to nearly 51% of occupancy, up from 48% in 2022. Average room nights booked by a loyalty member returned to 1.1 in 2023, matching 2019 levels, but below the 1.8 nights in 2016. Liability per member was 87% of pre-pandemic levels. Loyalty redemption revenues increased by 11%, reaching $1.1 billion in 2023. CBRE's sample of 4,454 U.S. hotels showed a 17% growth in guest loyalty program fees, outpacing the 8.8% increase in total operating revenue. Upper-midscale, upscale, and upper-upscale hotels had the highest loyalty fees as a percent of total operating revenue.

🌱 AAA projects nearly 80 million travelers for the Thanksgiving holiday, up from last year by 1.7 million and 2019 by 2 million. A record 71.7 million will travel by car, surpassing 2019's 70.6 million. Gas prices could drop below $3 a gallon. Air travel will see 5.84 million people, a 2% increase from last year and 11% over 2019, with international flight bookings up 23%. Other modes like buses, cruises, and trains will see nearly 2.3 million travelers, an 18% rise from 2019. Peak congestion is expected in metro areas, with the worst times to drive on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

🏡 Aloft Tallahassee Downtown completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of its 162 guestrooms and communal spaces. The pet-friendly hotel, situated on North Monroe Street, is close to Florida's Capitol, Florida A&M University, and Florida State University. Renovations include new flooring, vinyl tiles, paint, LED lighting, art from local artists, a refreshed lobby, updated 2,100 square feet of meeting space with 75” smart TVs, and a revamped 24-hour gym. The W XYZ bar, Re:Mix lounge, and 24/7 Re:Fuel market offer food and drinks, while the outdoor pool area boasts new lounge furniture and poolside firepits. The project was overseen by McKibbon Places and carried out by First Finish.

🎉 Broken Shaker, a Miami Beach oasis operated by Authentic Hospitality, embodies tropical nostalgia with its Pan-Latin and Caribbean menu and refreshing cocktails. Launched as a pop-up in 2012, it now has locations in Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City. In 2024, industry veterans Matt Kliegman, Carlos Quirarte, and Matthew Charles revitalized the venue. Open 4pm–12am Sunday to Wednesday and until 1am Thursday to Saturday, it features a revamped menu by Michelin-Starred chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske Valtierra. The design by Melissa Bowers combines mid-century furniture with lush greenery. Authentic Hospitality runs six NYC venues while Freehand Hotels, acquired by Queensgate Investments in 2019, offers unique accommodations in vibrant cities.

💻 Team from The Hoxton, Downtown LA, discusses building high-performing hotel teams, mentorship, and growth culture. General Manager Kara Bartelt, Director of Engineering Michael Lopez, and Engineer Stephen Burrell share strategies on empowering teams, fostering future leaders, and blending technical skills with emotional intelligence for guest experiences. The podcast episode aired on Nov. 27, 2024, providing insights for hotel management and talent development. Roomza sponsors, offering free Hotel Personalization Starter Kits featuring Dyson and Theragun.

🍽 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999 and Restaurant Hospitality since 2016, previously wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008), Asia Times, and Manager magazine in Thailand. He graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University in 1990 and studied at Le Cordon Bleu in 1986. Thorn won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award, was president of IFEC in 2005, and was inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014. Contact: [email protected]

🍜 Sesame balls, a Chinese snack with rice flour dough and sweet fillings, have increased in popularity on restaurant menus by 36% in the past four years. Datassential's Menucast predicts a further 25% growth over the next four years, as American consumers develop a taste for Asian-inspired treats like mochi and boba. The snack's appeal lies in its crispy, sesame-coated exterior and chewy interior.

🌏 Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. converted the 226-room Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans to a Tribute Portfolio property. The hotel, built in 1907 and part of Historic Hotels of America, underwent a $19 million renovation. Upgrades included the hotel lobby bar, now Bar 1803, inspired by the city's French roots. Located near the French Quarter, it's positioned for Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras in 2025 to boost its profile.

🏖 67% of travel ideas are influenced by children, with family travel making up 30% of global outbound tourism. The Kids Hospitality Report by Wanderland London, in partnership with Data Think Lab and Kids Know Best, reveals insights into children's impact on travel planning. In 2024, family accommodation searches increased by 8%, 85% of parents are likely to travel with children, and hotels with family amenities saw a 12% revenue boost. Families tend to stay longer, spend more at hotels, and 65% prefer city vacations. Parents are 77% influenced by their kids' vacation preferences, and 85% consider their teens' happiness as a key vacation decision factor.