TOP NEWS

🔍 To save time and money, travelers are using metasearch platforms like Google Hotel Ads, Tripadvisor, and Trivago. Metasearch marketing is essential for hotels to reach more travelers, compete with OTAs, and increase direct bookings. Google phased out commission-based bidding on Google Hotel Ads as of April 2024, but will support existing strategies until February 2025. Popular metasearch engines include Google Hotel Ads, Tripadvisor, KAYAK, and Hopper. Metasearch marketing offers visibility, revenue growth, and the potential for direct bookings. Properties can optimize their reach, manage rates, and diversify offerings for effective metasearch strategies.

📍 Certified sustainability in hotels enhances marketability, reduces risk, and can increase revenue. Stefan Mühle of Noble House Hotels & Resorts stresses the benefits of external validation over internal programs. Marianne Balfe of Highgate reports positive reputation and booking rate impacts from certification. Bruce Becker's Hotel Marcel in Connecticut, a LEED Platinum-certified, 100% electric hotel, highlights certification's marketing benefits and alignment with corporate sustainability goals. Crescent Hotels & Resorts chose Green Key Global for international recognition and comprehensive sustainability focus. Noble House is committed to Green Key Global's Eco-Rating Program, also embarking on Green Seal certification. Certified properties often see operational improvements, such as Hotel Marcel's 75% energy bill reduction, saving over $300,000 annually. Third-party consultants are crucial for navigating complex certification processes. Certification ROI can surpass internal programs in reputation and business development. 🌱

🔥 Over 180,000 people evacuated due to Los Angeles wildfires, with the hospitality industry offering assistance. Hotels in Los Angeles provide discounted rates, essentials, and pet accommodation. The American Hotel & Lodging Association and President Biden support relief efforts; Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration. Some luxury hotels are fully booked. Local hotels like Hotel Figueroa, Hotel Per La, and others offer special rates and services for evacuees and first responders. Airbnb.org provides free temporary housing for those impacted.

🏨 Ben's company operates 50 hotels, focusing on guest-focused technologies and ensuring their value through beta testing. Their dedicated strategy department of three, led by a former investment banker, evaluates new opportunities. They prioritize integration with existing systems and view hospitality intelligence—the interconnectivity of services—as crucial. Ben emphasizes the importance of implementing technology that enhances customer experience, aiming to predict and fulfill guest preferences. Behind-the-scenes technology is also a key area, aimed at improving efficiency and job satisfaction for staff. Ben suggests future-proofing through adaptable technology frameworks and personalized guest interactions.

🏨 In the hotel industry, continuous improvement resembles a race with a moving finish line, demanding speed, anticipation of guest needs, and delivery consistency despite labor market challenges. Change unfolds in three phases: compliance within the first two quarters, understanding by the third quarter, and ownership by the fourth quarter, as outlined by Ryan Zarb, VP of Carpedia International. Sustaining gains requires addressing "broken windows"—minor lapses in accountability that can erode progress—and building a high-performance culture ensures long-term benefits and continuous improvement. Leadership and vigilance are essential to maintain and build upon improvement initiatives.

💰 The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, aimed at projects such as hotel construction, offers low-cost capital by attracting foreign investors seeking U.S. residency. It provides flexible financing options for development, debt refinancing, and expansion, attracting investors from China, India, Vietnam, and Brazil. The program mandates the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs per investor, aligning with large-scale projects and catalyzing growth in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) with lower investment thresholds. EB-5 also fosters a global network and mitigates market risks by offering stable investment alternatives.

🏨 In 2025, the hospitality industry leverages AI for personalized guest interaction, with tools like KITT handling bookings and upselling. Personalization is key, with AI predicting preferences for tailored experiences. AR and AI itinerary generators enhance stays and drive loyalty. Hotel staff roles evolve, requiring investment in AI literacy to manage strategic responsibilities and adapt to changes. Hotels embracing these trends stay competitive and offer a blend of technology and human connection.

🍽 Food, Drink & Hospitality Week runs from 17-19 March 2025 at Excel London, featuring an expanded HRC event with a new Pizza & Pasta section and stages for discussions on industry trends. Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, emphasizes HRC's significance for industry professionals. The event includes Chef HQ with chef demos and interviews, plus the return of the World Catering Technology Awards with FoodBev Media. Visitors can register for complimentary trade tickets at fooddrinkandhospitalityweek.co.uk.

🐉 Tareq Bagaeen, CEO of aQedina, highlighted China's economic growth, albeit slower. Marriott and Hilton adjusted outlooks in early 2024 due to a dip in domestic travel, particularly in second-and third-tier cities. Mandarin Oriental saw a 13% year-over-year revenue increase in Asia in the first half of 2024. Marriott boasts more than 550 properties in Greater China, with significant signings in 2024. Mandarin Oriental opened its 10th property in China, the Qianmen, Beijing, in October 2024. Major hotel groups continue to expand, expecting a rebound by Chinese New Year 2025.

💸 In the hospitality industry, hotels face challenges with traditional budgeting due to rapidly evolving market demands, inflationary pressures, and operational changes such as staffing and guest expectations. To address these challenges, a dynamic budgeting approach that includes continuous re-forecasting, data-driven decisions, and collaboration is recommended. Regularly updating financial plans using real-time data, using BI tools for insights, and frequent strategy sessions can improve profitability and guest satisfaction, giving hotels a strategic edge. Embracing dynamic processes early in the year can prepare teams for the budgeting season and make them more adaptable to change.