TOP NEWS

🚀 Booking.com's stock is experiencing a rapid decline, possibly due to the rise of AI in travel. The traditional OTA model (Guest → Google → OTA → Hotel) faces disruption as AI enables direct bookings and personalized, frictionless travel plans. Booking.com retains key advantages, including global inventory and payment systems, making it a potential infrastructure provider for AI agents. Operators should focus on direct bookings and data ownership to adapt. AI will reshape the travel industry, impacting margins and transparency.

🏨 Mexico City, February 12, 2026: Shiji and ANCH, with partners like Amadeus and AWS, hosted the IT Assembly, gathering leaders from 32 hotel chains, covering 1,600+ properties and 250,000 rooms. The event emphasized digital transformation, highlighting AI, cybersecurity, and cloud systems. Investments yield returns in 14 months, boosting efficiency by 15%. Cybersecurity and digital payments were key themes, supporting Mexico's 300,000 hospitality jobs and aligning with ESG goals.

🎶 Smiling House Luxury Group integrates live music in chalets to enhance guest experiences, featuring local artists like singers, pianists, and DJs. The aim is to support local talent and offer authentic cultural connections. Future plans include curated access to local music events and personalized playlists. This strategy promotes creativity and unforgettable moments, using visual storytelling and artist collaborations to strengthen the brand's narrative and impact the travel community.

🏖️ In 2026, the hotel industry is embracing outdoor hospitality as a core growth platform. The global glamping market saw a 12.5% CAGR from 2020-2025. In fall 2025, Marriott Bonvoy launched its Outdoor Collection, and Google partnered with Ford to map the TransAmerica Trail. The U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary with outdoor-focused travel in demand. Hoteliers are urged to enhance outdoor experiences, offering flexible accommodations and integrating local partnerships. Challenges include seasonality and staffing, demanding strategic planning.

📈 Indian accommodation sector thrived in 2025, with 75% of hoteliers optimistic about growth. 70% reported higher occupancy rates, while AI adoption and upskilling are priorities. Hoteliers plan to hire 9.9 employees on average, focusing on housekeeping and food roles. Investment intentions dipped slightly, with 14% scaling back. Digital platforms are vital in mitigating seasonality, with 79% finding them effective. The survey by Statista and Booking.com involved 250 executives, conducted between July 7 and September 1, 2025.

🏨 The hotel industry houses over 450 brands with 17.5 million rooms under major groups and 14.3 million independent rooms globally. Marriott's 2016 acquisition of Starwood created the largest hotel group with 30 brands. Global and regional groups account for 55% of accommodation capacity. Franchises focus on owner economics rather than guest preferences. The "big five" hotel groups dominate through scale and loyalty ecosystems. Sustainability and personalized loyalty programs drive modern consumer decisions.

🏨 U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 Best Hotels rankings on July 2023, featuring over 31,000 hotels across 400+ destinations. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii, retained the top U.S. spot, while Adare Manor led in Europe. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia, topped the Caribbean, and Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas was best in Mexico. The rankings evaluate hotels using star ratings, expert opinions, and online reviews.

🏨 Benjamin Rafter, CEO of Hotel Equities and Springboard Hospitality, discusses a "reset" in the U.S. lodging market due to debt maturities and deferred capex, creating growth opportunities for operators with strong commercial engines. He notes a shift from brand loyalty to experience loyalty, boosting soft brands and independents. AI's role is highlighted in enhancing backend efficiency and gradually transforming distribution and guest interaction, potentially leveling the playing field for independent hotels.

📊 In 2026, FITUR in Madrid hosted 255,000 visitors, marking a shift toward technological integration in hospitality. The "Hall of Knowledge" debuted, focusing on tech collaboration. Discussions emphasized AI for personalization, guest feedback in revenue models, and experience-led growth. Spain's hotel investments rose 30% in 2025, reaching €4.2 billion, with expectations to surpass €4.5 billion in 2026. Catalonia aims for quality over quantity, enhancing its tourism brand by integrating sports and innovation.

📖 Influence Society launched "SOCIETIES 2025," a 60-page strategic guide for luxury hospitality brands. This edition emphasizes AI's role, the resurgence of long-form storytelling, and the shift towards experiential engagement over possession. Sébastien Felix, CEO, highlights emotional connection and creative identity as key differentiators. The magazine also explores decentralized hospitality and design rooted in place, forecasting a move from monolithic luxury to meaningful experiences. Available at Influence Society's website.