TOP NEWS

✈ Travelport released its "2025 State of Modern Retailing Report," signaling critical travel industry trends: transparency demand, new subscription models, and AI advancements. Nearly half (44%) of consumers cited travel companies for "consumer washing," with 45% for credit card companies. 47% see Fintech simplifying finances, but 56% find airline offers confusing. 56% also feel overwhelmed by content choices. Subscriptions gain traction, with eDreams ODIGEO's 6.5 million Prime subscribers. 35% would consider travel subscriptions in 2025. AI trust is high in travel; 42% of consumers trust travel brands with AI, and 58% use AI in their lives. Jen Catto, Travelport's CMO, emphasizes the importance of simplicity, transparency, and trust.

🏨 Honeywell, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., with its INNCOM Energy Management System, can save up to 40% on HVAC energy use. Verdant by Copeland, based in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, is present in 8,000 hotels, reducing heating and cooling run times by about 40% and cutting energy bills by 20%. Loxone from Kollerschlag, Austria, claims 70% savings on heating and cooling and 80% on lighting. Italy's Telkonet reports 37% energy savings and $300,000 annual savings for hotels, potentially increasing real estate value by 15%.

📱 G6 Hospitality, owner of Motel 6 and Studio 6, partners with HotelKey for property management across its 1,500+ North American properties. The partnership, announced in Nagpur, India, with key figures like Shri Nitin Gadkari and Ritesh Agarwal in attendance, aims to optimize hotel operations and enhance guest experiences. G6 plans to add over 150 hotels by 2025. HotelKey is celebrated for its user-friendly technology, contributing to G6's operational continuity and expansion strategy.

📰 G6 Hospitality partners with technology provider HotelKey to upgrade tech capabilities in over 1,500 North American properties under Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands. The collaboration, strengthening operational continuity for franchisees, was announced in Nagpur, India, with plans to add 150+ hotels in 2025. The event had Indian dignitaries like Shri Nitin Gadkari and industry leaders including OYO's Ritesh Agarwal. HotelKey's PMS to remain the core system across G6's network, aiming to optimize hotel operations and guest experiences.

🏨 On Jan. 15, 2025, Chris Bowling, Head of Digital and Consumer Marketing at BWH Hotels Great Britain, discussed the significance of direct bookings over OTA's and AI's influence on hospitality on the Hospitality Daily Podcast. His insights are detailed in "The Hotel Hype" newsletter, supported by Shiji Group, a global hospitality technology leader. The episode emphasized technology implementation for business improvement and guest experience enhancement.

🏖️ Islander Resort in Islamorada, Florida, unveiled its renovated 114 bungalows and suites, 25 two-bedroom townhome villas, and amenities. The enhancement featured modern amenities, waterfront views, with guestrooms averaging 350 sq ft and patios 300 sq ft. Twelve new Cabana Poolside Rooms and 14 oceanside suites up to 1,070 sq ft are added. The resort offers a two-acre activity area, two pools, 9-hole Seaside Links course, and multiple sports courts. Five on-site dining options are available, and the resort can host events for up to 1,000 guests in its 129,000 sq ft of space. Sustainability is emphasized with solar energy, water reclamation, and energy-efficient upgrades. Islander Resort supports local artisans and Reef Relief conservation.

🏨 Thomas Haugeman joined Meininger as COO in 2018, after working with the Radisson Hotel Group. Meininger, a leading hostel brand in Europe, is nearing 50 properties with recent project announcements like a new-build in Strasbourg due in 2026. Currently, Meininger operates 36 hotels across Europe, with upcoming openings in Edinburgh, Barcelona, Kiel, and Tel Aviv. They maintain a lease-focused strategy, preferring 20-year terms, as seen in France due to tax considerations. The brand caters to a diverse clientele, including 25% groups, 10% backpackers, and sees potential growth in family and corporate segments. Automation and the enhancement of public areas are current focuses for Meininger's operational strategy.