Market Trends

🏢 YOO and IWG announce a global partnership to merge design and flexible workspaces, to be rolled out over five years. This first-of-its-kind collaboration will offer spaces for both work and lifestyle needs, enhancing work-life integration with world-class interiors, advanced technology, and community experiences. Targeting key markets in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East, the venture will cater to modern professional demands and provide environments for work by day, and entertainment by night.

🏦 The Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest, dating back to 1873, has recently opened at the Calea Victoriei and Elisabeta Boulevard intersection. Renowned for its pioneering electric lighting and elevator, the hotel now offers 30 exclusive suites with a mix of traditional and modern designs. It features three dining venues: Boulevard 73 with French-Romanian cuisine, Sass’ Restaurant & Lounge for Mediterranean dishes, and the Heritage Bar. The Corinthia Spa provides relaxation rooms, a gym, treatment rooms, and a Himalayan salt wall sauna. The renovation was led by QP and GA Design, blending Belle Époque with contemporary elements.

🎊 The Bristol Hoteliers Association hosted the "Night of the Stars" gala at Ashton Gate Stadium, celebrating Bristol's hospitality heroes. 450+ attendees raised £6,015 for Brain Tumour Support. Awards included Employee of the Year (Kareem Abujerise), Green Initiative (Radu Rosu), and Chef of the Year (Ian Acosta). The event praised the resilience of the hospitality sector despite recent challenges.

🏨 Neha Jadhav grew up with parents in the hospitality industry, inspiring her career choice. She values creating meaningful guest experiences in the industry. Jadhav credits her parents as influential mentors, teaching her integrity, resilience, and the importance of risk-taking. Optimistic about diversity and inclusion in hospitality, she advocates for hiring based on qualifications, regardless of gender or ethnicity. While the lodging industry shows progress in women's leadership roles, initiatives like Wyndham’s Women Own The Room support further advancement, yet more efforts are needed for equal leadership access.

🏡 TownHouse Mykonos in Greece, part of Elegant Hotel Collection, was awarded a Michelin Key in Greece's first Michelin awards. Michelin Key criteria include architecture, service quality, character, value, and community contribution. The TownHouse Mykonos is among 14 hotels on the island to receive the distinction, featuring 19 rooms and a rooftop lounge. The Michelin Guide's inaugural selection for Greece includes 68 hotels, showcasing diverse accommodations from Athens to island retreats.

🏡 VIC Properties, a top real estate developer in Portugal, has partnered with Six Senses, an ultra-luxury brand within IHG Hotels & Resorts, for the Pinheirinho project in Comporta. Scheduled for completion in 2028, Six Senses Comporta will anchor the 400-hectare estate, featuring an 18-hole golf course, outdoor sports, equestrian facilities, and direct access to a 62km beach. The property, a former private estate, will include a 70-key hotel and 58 branded residences. VIC CEO João Cabaça and Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs express commitment to sustainability and nature integration. The development will offer a variety of amenities, including a spa, culinary experiences, and a children’s area.

🏨 Hospitality Operator Forum, an event for hospitality industry professionals, will be held on June 12th at InterContinental Paris Le Grand. Federico Gonzales Tejera, CEO of Louvre Hotel Group and a specialist in business transition, will share insights on driving transformation. The focus is on continuous change and the critical role of leadership in implementing a customer-focused vision and strategy. Attendees can join and engage with industry changemakers.

💳 At the Abta Travel Finance Conference in London, David Sykes of Klarna revealed that about half of UK adults avoid credit cards and their 36% APR, opting for BNPL services instead. Equals Money's James Simcox highlighted open banking's 90-second transaction speed, lack of chargebacks, and absence of consumer protection. Sami Doyle noted just 12 active UK merchant acquirers, cautioning about the risks associated with payment options and the Atol scheme. Doyle also cited the FTI Group's failure due to payment-term disconnects.

📈 James Bland of BVA BDRC discusses the robust nature of the hotel sector against brand fatigue. KitKat introduced three new flavors in 2025: salted caramel, hazelnut, and double chocolate. IHG acquired the Ruby Hotels brand for €110.5 million, expanding their brand portfolio to 20. With global hotel operators approaching 50 brands each, such as Accor, the focus is on catering to diverse consumer experiences. Brand importance influences only 9% of consumer decisions, yet 53% reflect brand-driven selections. IHG's investment in Ruby Hotels is expected to yield financial benefits, further indicating the industry's trend towards more personalized offerings.