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📆 Attending hospitality industry events in 2025 offers networking, learning about trends, and discovering innovations. Key events in the US & Canada include: HEDNA in San Diego (Jan 27–29), Women in Travel and Hospitality in Westlake Village (Feb 20), HUNTER in Atlanta (Mar 18–20), AAHOA Convention in New Orleans (Apr 15-17, 6,000 attendees, 500 exhibitors), BITAC® Operations in Newport Beach (Apr 27–29), Hotec Operations in Orlando (May 19–21), NYU IHIIC in New York City (Jun 1–3), Boutique Hotel Investment Conference in NYC (Jun 4), HITEC in Indianapolis (Jun 16–19), HAC Conference in Ottawa (Jun 16–17), Hotel Data Conference in Nashville (Aug 6–8), Skift Global Forum in NYC (Sep 16–18), Independent Hotel Show in Miami (Sep 17–18), Boutique Hotel Owners Conference in Los Angeles (Sep 29–30), Glamping forum in Aurora (Sep 30–Oct 1), The Lodging Conference in Phoenix (Oct 6–9), The Hospitality Show in Denver (Oct 26–28), NEIRA in Newport (Nov 5–7), Phocuswright Conference in San Diego (Nov 18–20). In LATAM, ANATO in

🛌 A 2022 Statista survey revealed 50% of respondents desire permanent adoption of contactless hotel services. Sweet Accommodations, using Cloudbeds, increased upsells and repeat customers by 20%, dedicating 16 extra hours weekly to guest experience enhancement. Contactless technology includes online check-in, AI communication, and digital keys, with chatbots potentially boosting booking rates by 30% and upsells by 55%.

🚀 Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso, emphasized on Nov 22, 2024, that technology, particularly AI, enhances rather than replaces travel agents. With six generations traveling simultaneously, a historical first, luxury travel requires personalized experiences. AI streamlines logistics, enabling agents to focus on creating tailored journeys. Innovations like three-way video calls with local experts, such as those in Rwanda, add value to travel planning.

🏨 On Nov 22, 2024, at WiT Singapore, the "Three Shades of Hospitality" panel addressed the evolution of the industry towards innovative models like hybrid hotels blending work and leisure, and wellness-focused retreats for health-conscious, affluent travelers. Key changes include: adoption of management contract models by independent brands, an increased demand for holistic health experiences, and a necessity for personalization and unique experiences in hospitality, especially for luxury travelers seeking tailored services.

📱 Gen Z, with a third engaged in activism, is delineated by m1nd-set research as the future largest travel shopper group. Key behaviors include reliance on digital technology, prioritizing peer recommendations and using social media like TikTok for brand discovery. Sustainability and authenticity are central, as they favor eco-friendly travel, zero-waste, local products, and green transport. They opt for short-haul, flexible travel that supports responsible tourism, indicating a shift towards purposeful and sustainable travel. Study published on Nov 22, 2024.

📱 Accor's global study of 9,000 professionals reveals a potential 36% revenue increase if all important meetings are conducted face-to-face. 85% believe prioritizing in-person meetings could significantly boost revenue, expecting to close 37% more deals. 92% find face-to-face interaction important with clients, and 85% with internal colleagues; one in-person meeting equates to the impact of three virtual meetings. The main driver for business travel is to close deals (34%), followed by client (31%) and contract negotiations (30%). A hybrid model of digital and in-person meetings is becoming the standard. Sophie Hulgard, Accor's Chief Sales Officer, emphasizes the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions for business success.