Market Trends

🏨 North Bethesda, Maryland—Research by Choice Hotels International reveals key trends in travel preferences. 64% of travelers value rewards, and 83% emphasize trust as vital for hotel value. 73% prioritize comfort, consistency, and cost balance, while 75% appreciate thoughtful gestures over basic amenities. 57% have encountered hidden fees, undermining value perception. The findings highlight that value is tied to trust and loyalty, not just cost, impacting travelers' choices.

📈 In 2025, the European hotel investment market soared to €22.6bn (£19.5bn), marking a 30% rise from the previous year. There were 461 deals involving 725 hotels, with an average hotel price of €31.1m (£27m) and a 7% price increase. The UK led the market, contributing 25% of the total volume. Single asset transactions, a significant portion of the activity, hit €15.6bn (£13.5bn). North American buyers dominated hotel portfolio purchases with €599m (£518m).

📈 In September 2026, the European Union's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive will require companies to independently verify environmental claims. Green Tourism has submitted a new certification standard to UKAS to meet these requirements. This affects UK hotels targeting European guests, as non-compliance may lead to loss of visibility on platforms like Booking.com. Green Tourism supports over 3,000 members globally, with 50,000 assessments completed, and has introduced a GreenCheck platform for efficient verification.

💸 Mar 25, 2026: Corporate rate agreements set annually often fail due to loading errors and booking tool issues, leading to 5-10% booking loss. Regular audits in January and mid-year, alongside monthly room night tracking, are essential. Out-of-cycle renegotiations can occur if rates become uncompetitive or account demand increases. A quarterly management cycle improves program performance, not requiring dedicated resources for hotels with 10-20 accounts. Consistent relationship management, not the best rates, often secures repeat business.

🏨 In 2025, Europe's hotel investment market reached €22.6 billion, a 30% increase from 2024. The UK led with 25% of the market volume. There were 461 deals involving 725 hotels, with an average transaction price of €31.1 million. Single asset transactions hit a record €15.6 billion. London surpassed Paris in single asset market liquidity with €1.8 billion. Portfolio transactions grew 3% to €7 billion. European investors led with 81% of single asset transactions.

🏨 Over the next decade, international tourism growth is projected to drop below 2% annually from previous rates of 4-5%. By 2027, micro-luxury hotels will emerge. Two major hotel chains may face bankruptcy or breakup within five years. Labor shortages could reach 1-1.5 million in the Netherlands by 2035. Average city hotel stays are declining from 3.2 nights in 2019 to 2.4 nights by 2024. Additionally, AI might bifurcate the hospitality market, with 40% of mid-tier hotels potentially facing bankruptcy or acquisition.

📈 Mar 24, 2026, global SME travel market: SME segment grew to 26% of the global business travel market in 2024 with a projected annual growth rate of 7.1% until 2029. In 2025, 46% of SMEs planned more travel, compared to 33% of larger firms, with 51% increasing travel investment. Navan's AI hotel catalog launched in March 2026 streamlines bookings. SME segment represents $834 billion in annual spend, with $200 billion managed. Content quality and rate visibility drive bookings on platforms like Navan and Perk.