TOP NEWS

💸 Optimism among hospitality leaders fell to 35% over the next 12 months, per NIQ and Zonal's survey. Confidence dropped 16 percentage points since early 2026. Rising costs and lower footfall strained margins, with 41% experiencing declining footfall. 52% reported reduced profitability or operations at a loss. Employment costs rose by 10.7% over two years. Business optimism hinges on Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with 47% hopeful. A potential VAT cut in the autumn budget may boost confidence.

💻 [New York, 1 September 2026] – Mews launched Mews POS in the U.S. and Canada, enhancing hotel operations by integrating property management, food and beverage, and payments into a single system. Initially launched in 2024, Mews POS is operational in over 20 countries. This system eliminates manual reconciliation, saving hotels up to two hours daily, as seen with Meiser Hotels in Germany. It provides seamless guest service and efficient billing, as noted by Vanessa Mowell from Shelter Social Club.

🏨 In 2026, UK hotels are regaining investor interest, driven by improved liquidity and rising transaction volumes. JLL highlights the recovery from the 2023 trough. Cushman and Wakefield report increased Q1 2026 UK hotel transactions, despite cost pressures. Success hinges on innovative placemaking, boosting cash flow with diversified income from F&B and wellness, and maintaining occupancy. Investors must see credible business plans; flexibility in placemaking enhances value. Strong operations and adaptive legal structures are crucial for creating memorable destinations.

💸 Sep 1, 2026, Hotels.com launched a business travel mode with saved preferences like nightly rate and breakfast. Ten hotel nights a year elevate a traveler to Silver status. One Key rewards: 1% back for standard hotels, 2% for Silver/Gold, 3% for Platinum, at $236 a night. Surveyed average: 10 work nights/year, $2,360 spent, $47 earned in OneKeyCash. Expedia retiered One Key on July 28, 2026. Filters persist in the app without contracts or expense integration.

🎨 LABottega, located in Pietrasanta since 1920 and run by Serena del Soldato, was remodeled in 2011. A notable recent project, "Outsiders," involves collaboration with Copenhagen's Tableau studio. The initiative includes residencies at the La Stellata farm, where artists use local materials for creations displayed at LABottega. Vestigia 2026, hosted at Villa Marie in Vorno, features works by Jacob Egeberg and others, focusing on blending nature and creativity. The exhibition, running until September 26, 2026, challenges the definition of "collectible design.

📈 Aromar Hotels & Restaurants has chosen Cloudbeds to drive its growth and modernization efforts. This decision marks a significant step for Aromar, who plans to leverage Cloudbeds' comprehensive property management system. The collaboration aims to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. Aromar anticipates an improvement in efficiency and guest satisfaction through this strategic partnership.

💼 Business travelers find hotel rooms essential for relaxation, with 90% considering them the only place to truly feel "off the clock." Nearly half (47%) prefer alone time over networking events. 79% believe a high-quality hotel boosts work performance, while 80% see loyalty programs as crucial. Hyatt's Essentials Portfolio focuses on comfort, offering features like reliable Wi-Fi, 24-hour food, and complimentary breakfasts. Travelers prioritize consistency, and Hyatt accommodates with dedicated workspaces and rewards through its loyalty program.

📊 Influence Society will host a SOCIETIES event on September 28, 2026, at Château de Bonmont in the Geneva region. The event, in collaboration with Estelle Bernière, will focus on AI's impact on Swiss hospitality, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with lunch included. Registration is free but required by September 24, 2026. Attendees will explore AI-driven marketing, data utilization, and digital experiences, enhancing hotel visibility and customer relations.

🏨 July 2026, U.S. hotel performance peaked due to the FIFA World Cup's conclusion, impacting cities like Kansas City and New York City. Unexpectedly, non-host cities thrived: Chicago's RevPAR rose 16%, Detroit's 17%, and San Diego's 11%. This shift occurred as events moved from Boston and Philadelphia to avoid World Cup traffic. July marked the second consecutive month of U.S. hotel ADR growth above inflation at 8.2% over July 2025, although growth slowed in August.

📰 Andrea D'Amico and Lou Zameryka, former Booking.com executives, now lead Airbnb's hotel initiative from San Francisco and New York. Airbnb boasts 650 million user accounts, with 90% of demand direct. This is compared to Marriott Bonvoy's 300 million members. Airbnb’s Q2 revenue rose 17%, with hotel nights growing 3x faster than homes. In New York, Airbnb hotel supply exceeds most locations. No master service agreements with major brands yet, but discussions are hinted.