Market Trends

🏨 In 2025, the hotel industry learned that chasing 100% occupancy can erode profits. Focusing on high-value niches rather than all guests proved more profitable. Property Management Systems alone are insufficient; a fully integrated tech stack is essential for revenue. Simplifying management processes to four key areas—Attract, Prepare, Deliver, and Adjust—enhanced efficiency. Robots can offer consistent, unbiased hospitality, while guests prefer online travel agencies for superior ease and UX. In 2026, strategic, data-driven decisions will shape the industry.

💸 Global wealth has surged since 2000, growing at a compound annual rate of 3.4%, despite a 2022 dip. In 2023, the EMEA region led the rebound, while 2024 highlighted North America's growth, supported by a stable US dollar. The US and China comprise over 50% of personal wealth in 56 markets, with disparity between regions. UBS's Global Wealth Report indicates a steady decline in those with under $10,000 and anticipates continued growth this decade.

💬 Craig Poole discusses the transformative power of hospitality in revitalizing neglected areas. He emphasizes that hope is not just a wish but a result of deliberate, selfless actions and risk-taking. Leaders in hospitality can create hope by investing in people who are often overlooked. This episode highlights the role of hospitality as a profession focused on giving and building community. Poole's insights are valuable for those looking to implement positive change within the hospitality industry.

📅 November 2025, London hosted the World Travel Market (WTM), a key event for the travel and hospitality industry. Thousands of professionals gathered to discuss industry trends, innovation, and technology. TrustYou participated, engaging with brands like MEININGER and Mandarin Oriental, and tech partners Apaleo and Mews. Networking included informal events and a TrustYou Happy Hour. WTM 2025 reinforced its role as a hub for the global hospitality community, with anticipation already building for WTM 2026.

🏨 Josiah Mackenzie interviews Craig Poole, a three-time Hilton Connie Award winner and AHLA’s General Manager of the Year, about revitalizing struggling hotels and communities. Craig emphasizes changing perceptions to restore dignity and hope before financial gains. He highlights investing in people and community engagement to transform environments. 🏨✨

🗺️ Phocuswright's 2025 research, comprising 32 reports, uncovers global travel trends. In 2026, the projected $1.67 trillion market spans APAC, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Consumer expectations are shifting in value and loyalty, while AI, fintech, and digital identity are reshaping travel commerce. The "Travel Forward" report, sponsored by Travel Guard, highlights industry segments and consumer behavior, supplying stakeholders with critical insights to navigate the evolving travel landscape.

🏨 In 2019, The Standard London transformed Camden Town Hall into a hotel. Madame Rêve followed in 2021 in the La Poste du Louvre. By 2025, over 20% of the workforce adopted remote work, prompting hotel conversions of abandoned office spaces. Savills highlights the economic benefits: hotels bolster local economies, sustain employment, and generate tax revenue. Hotel conversions align with ZAN and ESG goals, offering investors resilient, eco-friendly opportunities with lower environmental impacts than new builds.

🗺️ Exclusive Resorts Investments will acquire luxury travel company Inspirato and launch The Exclusive Collective, a multi-brand luxury travel platform. The deal, pending approvals, will unite Inspirato, Exclusive Resorts, and onefinestay. Targeting over 25,000 high-net-worth travelers annually, the platform expects revenues of $500 million and $70 million in EBITDA by 2026. Steve Case, AOL co-founder, backs the initiative to provide curated travel experiences for affluent clients.

📈 Paris saw a notable increase in RevPAR (+6.3%) in November 2025, with occupancy up by 1.1 points and ADRs rising by 4.8%. The luxury segment led growth with a +4.9% RevPAR increase. Meanwhile, provinces declined by -1.3% RevPAR due to a -1.6 points drop in occupancy. Île-de-France outside Paris improved slightly (+1.3%) but remained below 2023 levels. Regions like Île-de-France (+4.6%), Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur (+5.8%), and Occitanie (+5.7%) drove growth, contrasting with declines in Pays de la Loire (-10%), Brittany (-7.3%), and Normandy (-6.3%).

🏨 Spain and Italy show strong hotel performance in November 2025, with RevPAR increases of 5.3% and 4.4%, respectively. Madrid (+8.6%) and Bilbao (+15.3%) boost Spain's figures, while Rome (+15.3%) benefits from events like the Lipedema World Congress. Meanwhile, Venice suffers a 13.8% drop without the Art Biennale. The UK sees a 2.0% RevPAR rise, driven by London (+7.0%). France's RevPAR grows 1.7%, led by Paris (+6.3%) and Marseille (+13.7%).