TOP NEWS

📈 Phocuswright's data projects global gross bookings to grow from $1.6 trillion in 2024 to $1.72 trillion in 2025. Online gross bookings will increase from $1.0 trillion in 2024 to $1.2 trillion by 2026, capturing 65% of the market. In 2024, online short-term rental bookings hit $176.3 billion. Over 75% of online air ticket sales were direct from airlines. North America's gross bookings are expected to reach $568.5 billion in 2025. Funding for travel startups fell to a 10-year low in 2023 at $5.2 billion, with $4.3 billion by 3Q24. B2B startups are outpacing B2C in funding, and 50% of travelers anticipate using GenAI within the next year.

📈 Sojern released the "State of Destination Marketing 2025" report with insights from nearly 200 global DMOs. While 60% of DMOs still rely on clicks as a metric, 54% struggle with ROI and 37% face tracking challenges. Programmatic advertising is used by 83%, with display ads (97%), social media (90%), and search marketing (80%) being the top channels. Despite 85% DMOs maintaining or increasing digital ad budgets, only 28% use AI for data analysis, and 52% now prefer always-on campaigns over seasonal ones. Co-op marketing grew in Europe by 16% year-over-year, with social media dominating at 91% usage, and Facebook and Instagram being top platforms for 99% of DMOs. Data analysis remains a challenge for 51% of DMOs, yet 84% leverage data for marketing insights.

🍔 Killer Burger added a second KDS screen, reducing wait times by 78%, with 90% of orders now under 10 minutes. They partnered with ezCater for catering, including a Burger Box of 12 sliders. They're piloting self-serve kiosks to enhance guest experience, particularly for the 70% of first-time visitors. Marketing relies on word of mouth and social media, with influencer partnerships for new openings, like November’s in San Antonio, Texas. Future expansion may include more drive-thrus; currently, two locations have them.

🏖 Meliá Hotels International, with Maria Zarraluqui as Global Development VP, prioritizes leisure destinations with a strategic presence in Southern Europe, the Balkans, and the Americas. The company boasts 3,200 keys across 21 hotels in Albania and plans for expansion in Croatia, Bulgaria, and Latin America, including Buenos Aires. They maintain a sustainable, quality-focused expansion with long-term partnerships, such as a 40-year collaboration in Bali. Asset distribution in their portfolio is 14-16% owned, 30% leased, and the majority managed or franchised. Meliá empowers women through training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities, with sustainability being a strategic priority for over a decade. Recent expansions include new hotels in Malta, Lisbon, Mallorca, Costa Brava, Punta Cana, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Pattaya, and Bali, along with a significant presence in the Middle East, including five hotels in Riyadh. The development team comprises around 25 global professionals, including 20 developers.

🏫 Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, launches an ambitious £12M roof restoration to be completed by 2026, to protect its heritage. Starting Spring 2025, visitors can enjoy three exclusive experiences: 'Roof Top View,' 'Life Below Stairs,' and 'Family Treasures.' These provide unique perspectives, uncover servant history, and reveal private treasures. Group tickets start at £39, with discounts for 15+ visitors, free access for group leaders, and perks for coach drivers. Restoration addresses water damage, beetle infestation, and preserving the ceiling fresco by Sir James Thornhill. The project also aims to improve environmental controls, safety, and energy efficiency. Contact for group bookings: 01993 815600 or email groups@blenheimpalace.com.

📰 Creator media economy generated nearly $250 billion in revenue last year, 15% of the global media and entertainment (M&E) market. It's grown approximately 25% annually over the past four years, accounting for almost half of global M&E growth, while corporate media has grown at 3%. The creator economy is expected to exceed $600 billion and 25% of global M&E revenue by 2030. Technological, cultural, demographic, and economic factors suggest it could grow even faster, increasingly at the expense of traditional media.

🏦 Sloan Dean, CEO of Remington Hospitality, discusses the merits of smart growth over rapid scaling in a podcast episode. On February 3, 2025, insights into building a people-first company and the significance of food and beverage in the hospitality industry were shared. This episode is featured among the "Most Popular Episodes" on the Hospitality Daily Podcast.

💸 In 2025, the business travel industry witnesses traditional practices evolving with technology. The "Value of Business Travel report" from June 2024 indicated a 62% CEO expectation for increased travel budgets compared to 2023. Decentralization of trip booking and AI integration play significant roles, with TravelPerk incorporating AI to aid customer experience. 2024 saw industry consolidation, a trend expected to persist due to consistent unit economics. Despite technological advancements, the core need for in-person interaction continues to drive business travel.