Market Trends

✈️ SAP Concur's 2025 Global Business Travel Survey highlights that 89% of business travelers, 93% of travel managers, and 90% of CFOs anticipate their travel budgets to increase or remain stable. In the first half of 2025, global business travel volume rose by 2.6% from 2024. Airfare prices averaged $1,681 in Q1 and $1,684 in Q2 2025. The US, Germany, and the UK are the top international destinations, with the US accounting for 15.3% of all international business trips.

🏨 Jonathan Tisch, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, discusses the economic power of travel and tourism in the U.S., highlighting its job creation surpassing sectors like manufacturing. Tisch argues for increased industry advocacy, especially in light of major events like the World Cup and LA Olympics. He shares insights from his experience, including lobbying post-9/11, emphasizing the need for hospitality leaders to inform policymakers. This was hosted by Emily Goldfischer, editor-in-chief of hertelier.

🏨 Global hotel rates are expected to remain stable through 2026 due to geopolitical instability and potential US tariffs. The "Hotel Monitor 2026" by Amex GBT predicts rate increases in London (4.2%), Paris (2.6%), Madrid (4.8%), Sydney (1.5%), Dubai (2%), and Riyadh (2.3%). London plans 80 projects with nearly 15,000 rooms, and Riyadh over 17,000 rooms. India and Bengaluru show strong rate growth. Wellness, accessibility, and inclusivity are rising in importance for meetings and events.

📊 Discussion with Carlos Cendra from Mabrian Technologies highlights the need for a destination-centric approach in hospitality. Real-time sentiment analysis and macro data are crucial for understanding market dynamics and shaping strategic narratives. Observational research using AI aids in interpreting vast data, turning insights into actionable strategies. A case study reveals the impact of geopolitical events and travel costs on destination perception and pricing strategies. Emphasizing that travelers choose destinations, not just hotels, is key for future success.

🏖 France, July 2025: National hotel occupancy rose by 2.3 points to 73.2%, but daily rates fell by 8%. Upscale hotels experienced a 5.7-point occupancy boost. The French Riviera hosted 55% international guests, with Americans spending €170 daily. Paris saw a 5.3-point occupancy rise due to American and Asian tourists. Provinces saw RevPAR grow: Normandy +12.6%, Brittany +9.2%. Cities like Paris and Lille faced -14.6% RevPAR declines due to heatwaves over 40°C, redirecting tourists to cooler destinations like Strasbourg and Rouen.

🏖️ In July 2025, Eurostat noted a rise in bookings via seasonal rental platforms, continuing from 2024. European hotels faced a 2.3% decline in RevPAR compared to July 2024, with a notable 5.4% drop in the economy segment due to a 4% decrease in average daily rates. Spain's RevPAR grew by 3.3%, while Greece led with a 15.4% increase, despite occupancy challenges. Italy and Portugal saw declines, with Italy's RevPAR dropping by 5.4%.

🍽 Saladplate, the official content hub for Informa Markets' Hospitality, Food, and Beverage portfolio, offers insights and trends in the industry. It provides weekly news, a monthly newsletter, and a bi-monthly e-magazine. The platform connects users to over 10,000 brands and products, alongside updates from more than 35 international trade events. It's a key resource for staying informed and connected in the hospitality sector.

📱 Born 1997-2012, Gen Z (ages 13-28) are tech-savvy, valuing authentic experiences over luxury. They favor boutique hotels, sustainability, and social responsibility. With 37 million Gen Z on TikTok, 32 million on Instagram, and 49.5 million on Snapchat, social media drives their travel decisions. 75% use phones for purchases. They demand fast service, personalization, and eco-friendly practices. Mews' mobile-first hotel solutions cater to these expectations, emphasizing digital convenience, instant service, and unique experiences.

🌎 Multi-day tours generated US$89 billion globally across 10,000 operators in 2019, reports Arival. By mid-2025, some operators are matching or exceeding pre-pandemic revenues. The market grew at a rate of 26.6% annually over the past three years, reaching $12.1 billion in 2024. Arival identified 50+ OTAs focusing on multi-day tours, releasing a detailed guide categorizing them into package tours, custom trips, and specialty experiences. The guide advises on commission models, typically 15-20%.