TOP NEWS

💬 Flexkeeping, a Mews company, launched a new integration with MARA Solutions, allowing hotels to transform guest feedback into immediate operational tasks. This integration links MARA's reputation management platform with Flexkeeping's operational system. Guest reviews are analyzed, and necessary actions are automatically assigned to the relevant hotel teams, streamlining efficiency and boosting guest satisfaction. This solution is now accessible to Flexkeeping and MARA Solutions clients, enhancing guest feedback response and operational workflow.

📰 Throughout 2025, Shiji Insights Podcast, guided by Florencia Cueto, examined hospitality strategies. Key discussions: In 2025, digital transformation emphasizes operational integration, with Amadeus and Shiji showcasing unified systems. FITUR 2026 highlighted the need for cohesive hotel technology, while Teresa de Pablo from Hotelkit stressed internal communication for revenue protection. Attribute-based selling was explored by Guillermo González of Hotelverse. Araceli Budia from Palladium Hotel Group noted guest experience as cross-functional. Operational coherence and system integration are essential for industry advancement.

📅 Apr 8, 2026: In recent years, travel has shifted from a simple destination choice to an expression of identity. This change impacts how travelers choose and experience hotels. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok influence this trend, with over a billion travel searches on Pinterest annually. Price and brand loyalty have less influence, as travelers seek properties that align with their values. Genuine identity in hospitality is crucial, with visual presence driving discovery and authenticity valued over aesthetics.

🏨 U.S. hotel occupancy reached 66.8% for the week ending March 28, with ADR at $170.30 and RevPAR up 8.3% year-over-year. However, expenses above GOP rose 4.1% and below GOP by 3.6% in 2024, outpacing the 2.3% revenue growth. Hospitality faces labor and cost pressures, with 71% of owners citing goods costs as a major concern. Investment volumes rose 22% from 2023 to 2025, with regulatory changes in LA and NY impacting the industry.

🏨 Apr 7, 2026: Since 2022, travel spending has surged, especially on experiences over goods. Post-pandemic, younger consumers prefer experiences to possessions. Hotels now serve as access points to destinations rather than being destinations themselves. Properties embedded in their locale, offering unique experiences, command premium rates and show higher direct booking rates. Distinctive hotels see lower OTA dependency and stronger repeat visitation. The focus has shifted from owning items to delivering unique travel experiences.

🎤 2026 is gearing up to be a pivotal year for event-driven tourism with major global tours from Ariana Grande, BTS, Bad Bunny, and Harry Styles. The Harry Styles Together Together Tour, spanning 68 dates across six countries, exemplifies a residency model that boosts sustained hotel demand. A notable 67% year-on-year spike in hotel demand is seen on May 24 in Amsterdam, even without a concert, highlighting the tour's impact. Hotels benefit by treating these events as marketing opportunities.