Regulatory and Legal Affairs

📈 The European Union will implement new sustainability regulations for hotels in 2026, focusing on transparency and standardization. Key measures include a lifecycle-based PEFCR framework for environmental impact, third-party verification of sustainability claims, and stronger transparency under CSRD. By 2026, hotels must measure energy, water, waste, and emissions per guest-night and avoid unverifiable marketing claims. GCSTIMES, a pioneer in sustainable solutions since 2011, operates in 140+ countries, with centers in China, the US, UAE, France, and Australia.

📝 Marriott and Sonder have ended their agreement, leading Sonder to file for Chapter 7 BK liquidation, signaling a shift in the short-term rental industry. AvantStay operates 3,000+ units and 10,000 doors in 175+ cities, with 150,000+ reviews averaging 4.8 stars. Over 24 months, ex-Sonder properties shifted to AvantStay, seeing 20-30% market outperform, guest ratings rising from below 4.10 to 4.85+, and 42%+ more direct bookings. A 20% discount is offered on new bookings for affected travelers.

🗺 UN Tourism concluded its largest General Assembly in 50 years in Riyadh, welcoming 148 Member States, 90 Ministers of Tourism, and 70 Ambassadors. Shaikha Al Nowais was appointed as the first female Secretary-General, starting in 2026. The Riyadh Declaration outlines AI's transformative role in tourism. Smart Tour from Brazil won the AI Challenge. The next General Assembly will be in the Dominican Republic. World Tourism Day 2026 will focus on “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence” in El Salvador.

📈 Marriott International, based in Bethesda, Maryland, announced the termination of its licensing agreement with Sonder Holdings (SOND) due to a default by Sonder. As a result, Sonder is no longer affiliated with Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott, which operates nearly 9,100 properties across 142 countries, is actively assisting guests with current and future Sonder reservations. Guests who booked via Marriott channels will be contacted directly, while those using third-party agencies need to reach out to those agencies.

📱 November 11, 2025, Mexico City: Nomade People Group's Nomade Tulum and BE Tulum resorts implemented Shiji’s Infrasys POS across 14 workstations and 17 tablets in seven outlets. This integration enhances service efficiency for their beachfront and in-room dining. Gonzalo Gómez, IT Director, praised the technology’s adaptation and plans to expand it to new Spanish properties. Shiji, with 91,000 hotel clients and 5,000 employees globally, supports these initiatives.

💸 Marriott International terminated its licensing agreement with Sonder Holdings Inc. on November 9, 2025, due to Sonder's contract default. Sonder, struggling financially since its 2021 SPAC debut, recently faced a market cap drop below $7 million. Marriott's inventory forecast decreased to 4.5% for 2025. Travelers experienced disruption, with stays abruptly canceled and rebooking challenges. Marriott offered full refunds or alternative bookings, but guest dissatisfaction surged, prompting complaints and calls for boycotts.

📈 Sonder Holdings will wind down its US operations immediately, seeking Chapter 7 liquidation due to financial struggles from integration challenges with Marriott. Marriott terminated their 2024 agreement to add over 9,000 Sonder units, affecting Marriott's projected 2025 net room growth, now adjusted to 4.5%. Sonder properties are no longer bookable through Marriott, and Marriott is prioritizing support for existing guests and addressing bookings made through other channels.

💻 In 2025, the hospitality sector faces increasing cybersecurity threats, with 70% of CISOs citing ransomware as the top threat. The RH-ISAC CISO Benchmark Report highlights a rise in CISOs reporting to senior executives from 7% in 2024 to 19% in 2025. Business continuity is now the top priority, with a focus on operational resilience, vendor security, and AI-driven defences. Enhanced cybersecurity is crucial for protecting revenue and guest trust amid evolving risks.