TOP NEWS

🏨 Nov 18, 2025, the UK hotel industry faces steady demand but limited new supply and cost pressures. Despite economic challenges, international travel and domestic leisure trips drive demand. Rising costs push hotels toward productivity, automation, and flexible staffing. Sustainability strategies, like energy-efficient tech, aid cost control and ESG goals. Extended stays and hybrid accommodations diversify revenue. Selective financing requires proactive refinancing and asset management for liquidity and returns. More details at [PwC](https://www.pwc.co.uk/industries/hospitality-leisure/insights/uk-hotels-forecast.html#bottom-kick).

🛌 High-end hotels, like Rosewood Miramar Beach and Ritz Paris, are transforming retail spaces into cultural marketplaces. They're offering limited-edition collections and exclusive collaborations, capitalizing on affluent guests. FRAME's apparel at Ritz Paris sold out rapidly. Hotels leverage atmosphere and emotional resonance to create memorable retail experiences, turning products like a $450 robe into lasting memories. Strategic retail elevates guest perception and increases revenue, creating brand ambassadors worldwide. Successful execution demands curation, dynamic inventory, storytelling staff, and local partnerships.

📈 ATLANTA, Georgia—Q3 2025's Hotel Profitability Performance Report reveals U.S. hotels' strategy shift. Hotels experienced a 9% shortfall in budgeted RevPAR at $119.22. Yet, GOP margins remained stable at 37.7%, just 1.2 points below expectations. Key strategies include precise forecasting and cost control. Upper-midscale and upscale hotels excelled in GOP margins, with strong performance in Hawaii, California, New York, and Washington, D.C. For 2026, dynamic forecasting and aligning labor to demand are crucial for maintaining profitability.

📦 Tina Necrason, global head of branded residences at Hyatt, discusses the sector's growth drivers and future opportunities. Hyatt is adapting its portfolio to align with evolving demands.

📷 Khaby Lame becomes the UN Tourism Ambassador, announced during the organization's General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a staggering TikTok following, he will focus on promoting responsible tourism, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices. His efforts will highlight tourism's developmental power and emphasize youth engagement and "hidden gem" destinations. UN Tourism comprises 166 countries, 6 territories, and over 500 private sector members, underscoring its global influence and commitment to sustainable development goals.

🛡️ In 2000, Georges Panayotis founded the Hospitality Awards to highlight hotel industry innovations. Over 25 years, the sector evolved from standardization to unique identity-driven experiences. Post-Covid, hospitality merged work, leisure, and wellness, emphasizing sustainability and experiential luxury. Digitalization reshaped operations, while human capital regained importance. ESG policies now guide investments. The industry’s transformation reflects a shift towards data-driven, meaningful experiences, blending hospitality with sectors like mobility, retail, and health.

💸 2024-2025, globally: Hotels with wellness amenities saw a GOPPAR increase of 4–6% and ADR growth of 2–3% year-over-year. Luxury hotels offering wellness programs reported a 3% higher ADR and 4% stronger GOPPAR. Wellness properties showed lower GOPPAR volatility and stable margins compared to non-wellness hotels. Non-room departments, like F&B and Spa, grew revenues by up to 3% and achieved double-digit profit margins. Investing in wellness enhances guest satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term profitability.

🏨 UK hotel sector in 2026 shows resilience amidst economic challenges and rising costs. Supported by international demand and event-led travel, the market is stable. Adapting quickly and leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainability are crucial. Focus areas include operational efficiency, cost management, flexible staffing, sustainable energy use, and revenue diversification. Financing conditions remain selective, urging disciplined capital management through refinancing and joint ventures to ensure profitability and growth.

📚 Ascott Limited launched a Disability Inclusion Playbook in Singapore, supported by SG Enable, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and Valuable 500. By 2026, Ascott will report on hiring persons with disabilities and host community programs. By 2027, all frontline staff will complete disability awareness training. By 2028, digital platforms will meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. The playbook, reviewed by 20 experts, provides practical steps for inclusive hospitality. An assistive amenities toolkit will be piloted in Singapore properties.

🏨 Hotels worldwide are transforming underutilized spaces like rooftops and meeting rooms into multi-functional areas, boosting revenue and guest experience. By 2025, 300,000 to 400,000 U.S. hotel rooms will be renovated. Notable projects include Waldorf Astoria's $2 billion NYC redevelopment and Great Wolf Lodge's $40 million California upgrade. Trends emphasize sustainability, technology, and adaptive reuse, with smaller investments like patio refreshes yielding high returns. Revamped spaces enhance occupancy and guest satisfaction, complying with brand standards.