Regulatory and Legal Affairs

📖 Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP will change its name to Jeffer Mangels & Mitchell LLP (JMM) on February 1, 2026, marking its 45th year. The firm, founded in 1981 by Bruce Jeffer, Robert Mangels, and Burton Mitchell, operates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County, serving clients globally. JMM plans leadership changes and a new website as part of its strategic vision. The firm is known for its success in complex transactions and legal counsel.

🏠 Penn State University Park will host the "Creating Opportunities for Young Hospitality Leaders" (COYHL) program from July 12-17, 2026. This six-day camp, led by the Penn State School of Hospitality Management, targets high school juniors and seniors. Participants will learn about hospitality management and receive a certificate and digital badge. Established in 1937, Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management is one of the oldest and most respected, offering top-ranked programs.

📚 In August 2024, Sabre shared key insights in "The Secure AI Advantage" white paper, outlining governance for autonomous AI in travel. Chief Information Security Officer Scott Moser emphasized balancing autonomy with trust. The framework prioritizes data protection, continuous identity, real-time observability, and proactive governance. Sabre’s Travel Data Cloud and platforms like Mosaic and Sabre IQ enhance security and traceability. Modernized with Google Cloud, Sabre aims to provide secure, governed autonomy in travel services.

📈 In December 2025, the Berlin Regional Court ruled against Booking.com, holding it liable for damages to over 1,000 German accommodation providers due to rate parity practices that breach competition law. This decision could alter hotel and OTA relations by 2026. Lighthouse, a platform trusted by 70,000 hotels in 185 countries, provides insights on the ruling's implications.

🍽 UKHospitality Scotland urges the Scottish Government to fulfill its promise to support the hospitality sector. Leon Thompson highlighted steep business rates hikes: hotels face an average increase of £68,000 over three years, and pubs £36,000. The call comes after England announced its support package. Thompson emphasizes this as a sector-wide issue needing a comprehensive solution to ensure business viability, jobs, and community support.

🏨 Marriott's CEO Tony Capuano addressed ICE booking concerns, emphasizing employee safety and compliance. Marriott expanded in 2025 with over 700 properties and 100,000 rooms, including 400 conversions. CitizenM's acquisition added 37 hotels. The luxury segment thrived with 114 new projects, despite some market closures like Baltimore's Sheraton due to local infrastructure issues. Capuano discussed these challenges with Mayor Brandon Scott. Notably, 12% of undocumented U.S. workers are in accommodations, impacting the sector.

💸 Rachel Reeves is poised to announce a £300m bailout for UK pubs, potentially today, January 27, to combat soaring business rates, starting in April. Pubs will receive about £100m annually until 2029. Meanwhile, restaurants and hotels face a forecast of 2,076 closures by 2026 due to rate hikes, with average hotel bills rising £28,900 next year (115% over three years). Pubs will see a 15% rise next year, totaling 76% over three years. UKH urges a business rates discount increase for hospitality.

🗺️ Alexandria, VA, January 2026 – GBTA's poll of 571 global business travel professionals across 40 countries reveals cautious optimism. 59% are optimistic about the industry despite economic headwinds. Travel budgets are expected to increase for 44% of buyers, with trip volumes rising for 35%. Suppliers predict a 15% revenue increase. AI impacts pricing and analytics, while stricter U.S. border requirements raise concerns about travel to the U.S., affecting 64% of respondents.