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🇷🇺 Abu Dhabi emerges as a leading destination for Russian long-haul travelers in H2 2024 with a 31.4% increase in seat availability from 2023. Russian outbound travel to the UAE surged by 14% in H1 2024 over 2023, with nearly 1 million visits to the UAE, marking an 11% year-over-year increase. Luxury accommodations are preferred, with 42.7% of Russians staying in 5-star hotels, and 90% choosing hotels, particularly resorts. Russian stays in Abu Dhabi extended by 57%, averaging 3.4 days in 2024 up from 2.9 days in 2023. Russia ranks third for average daily spending in Abu Dhabi.

🏨 As inflation impacts traveler budgets and "revenge travel" fades, hotels face shrinking profit margins. A shift from revenue to profit-centric strategies is essential for profitability. Key strategies include incentivizing profit over revenue, managing labor costs effectively, and implementing Total Profit Optimization to focus on all revenue areas and their profitability. CBRE's VP, Miri Vasilevsky-Pinto, emphasizes the need for a cross-disciplinary approach and data-driven decisions. Optimizing channel distribution can reduce acquisition costs and increase profit margins.

💰 Starting October 1, the U.S. GSA increases the FY 2025 standard lodging rate from $107 to $110 and M&IE rate from $59 to $68. The combined standard per diem rate sits at $178. Six locations previously classified as NSAs now receive the standard rate, with no new NSAs added. This change potentially injects $100 million into the hotel industry, as estimated by AHLA. The rates, reviewed annually by GSA, are based on a trailing 12-month period's ADR for lodging and meals, minus 5%.

🏨 Hotels must adapt to changing client and employee preferences, focusing on experience enhancement. Creating positive guest interactions involves technology-based self-check-in/out and attentive front desk service. Improved concierge services, digital communication options, and sustainability measures like using eco-friendly materials are also important. Promptly addressing negative feedback is vital. Benefits include a 29% increase in positive reviews from attentive service, 40% more for quickly resolving issues, and 13% higher return rates for recognized loyalty, per Deloitte.

🏨 Hotels cater to non-guests with amenities like pools and meeting rooms for revenue, exposure, and community ties. ResortPass, leading with 1,500 hotels in 27 countries, offers day passes often under $65, with luxury options over $200. Hilton and Hyatt embrace the trend for local and leisure daytime visits, with Hyatt piloting an experiential tech partner, Way, since late 2023. Royalton increased ResortPass bookings by 50% and revenue by 80% from June 2023 to June 2024. CitizenM offers memberships across its 34 hotels with perks like 15% off stays and free co-working space use. Hotels manage non-guest impact to prevent compromising guest experiences.

🏨 In 2023, travel restrictions lifted, boosting leisure market demand, notably in luxury and budget segments. CBRE predicts 2024 record RevPAR above pre-pandemic levels. The 'bleisure' trend grew, with hotels adapting amenities for work flexibility. Health & wellbeing integration into hotel services increased, alongside investments in spa facilities and bespoke treatments. ESG and sustainability remained key industry focuses into 2024, with a move towards hyper-personalization using big data for tailored guest experiences.

🏡 The luxury hospitality industry has experienced significant changes due to the Covid pandemic, with a shift towards health & wellness, resulting in the growth of spa and wellness facilities and a move towards healthier, locally-sourced cuisine. To advance a career in luxury hospitality, staying ahead of industry trends is crucial, as demonstrated by successful brand collaborations like Louis Vuitton and Supreme, or Omega and Swatch. Building a professional network, particularly during one's degree program at schools like Glion, is advised for gaining advice, friendships, and job opportunities. Passion for one's work is viewed as the key to a long and fulfilling career in this sector.