TOP NEWS

💻 IHG saw progress from AI experimentation in 2025 to measuring search visibility by 2026, utilizing 30 custom prompts per hotel. Hilton advanced from data cleaning to using AI for improved distribution and guest experiences, with bots handling 40–45% of guest messages. Marriott transitioned to AI-powered trip planning, and Wyndham expanded AI to its commercial platform, already used by 115 managers. Choice experienced a 3% RevPAR increase via basic content updates. AI's role is expanding in hotel marketing and operations.

💻 October 19, 2026, Likuri Island Resort Fiji adopted Shiji's integrated technology platform in Sydney, Australia. The implementation includes Daylight PMS, Infrasys POS, and Astral Payments, enhancing efficiency and guest experience. This system improves decision-making, service speed, and accuracy. Key benefits include faster guest processing, improved service times, and accurate revenue capture. Shiji supports 91,000 hotels worldwide, driving operational excellence and growth in hospitality through a unified ecosystem.

🍴 Who? Hotels, travelers, and F&B sectors. When? Current trends in hospitality. Where? Global hotel industry. What? Improving dining experiences to boost F&B revenues. How? By enhancing ambiance, food quality, personalized service, and offering unique dining experiences. Key strategies include leveraging technology, creating seasonal menus, and adopting sustainable practices. Successful examples: Ritz-Carlton's personalized experiences, Hyatt's sustainability initiatives, Marriott's innovative room service, Four Seasons' unique events.

🛂 18 October 2026: Two live tests showed AI agents' access to hotel websites varied. Marriott, IHG, Accor, and Choice allowed agents to reach checkout, while Hilton, Hyatt, and Wyndham had mixed results due to bot challenges. Chinese hotel groups required mobile logins. Bot management settings, not formal policies, primarily affected AI access. Despite Gemini’s claim of blocked reservations, live tests contradicted it, emphasizing the need for hotels to verify AI compatibility on their sites.

🏨 Wellness trends are reshaping the hospitality industry. The longevity revolution drives travelers to prioritize health, expecting hotels to support wellbeing with amenities like air purification, circadian lighting, and fitness gear. Medical knowledge is doubling every three years, increasing guests' awareness. Hotel business strategies should leverage wellness to boost revenue, offering premium wellness categories and room add-ons. This democratization trend ensures upscale experiences at all budget levels, making integrated design essential for profitability and guest satisfaction.

📅 The next generation of hotel booking technology is evolving into full commerce platforms, integrating room reservations with dining, wellness, and recreational experiences. This shift aims to reduce operational pressure and increase revenue per guest. The potential for a 2% channel shift in annual revenue through behavioral data analysis is significant. AI-assisted commerce will personalize recommendations, enhancing guest satisfaction and conversion rates. Migration challenges persist, but advancements are expected within the next year.

🤖 Hotels and resorts use AI for 24/7 guest support, personalized stays, pricing and automated operations. Hospitality AI’s market value is projected to reach $8.12 billion by 2033. Hotel Tech Report says 70% of guests find chatbots helpful for simple tasks. McKinsey reports AI-powered revenue management can increase revenue by 17% and occupancy by 10% versus traditional methods. Hilton’s Connie robot provides tourist information, while Dorchester Collection uses AI to analyze guest feedback.

🍴 Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan and Riggs Washington DC are adapting in-room dining to meet modern guest needs. Over the past five years, traditional room service evolved towards faster, mobile-driven, and affordable models, influenced by services like Uber Eats. Crowne Plaza offers a Burgerology delivery experience, while Riggs uses Tray Away for tray tracking. At Rosewood Washington D.C., mobile ordering improves efficiency. Hotel Communication Network reports a 20% increase in order size with in-room tablet use.

📈 PriceLabs' survey found that 82% of guests who booked a B&B, inn, or small hotel would consider a short-term rental at the same or slightly lower price. Guest consideration of short-term rentals is 30% for small hotels compared to 16% for large brands. Independent hotels face challenges due to less flexibility, with 20-50 rooms, as opposed to large brands with more supply. AI assists in processing data to track market trends beyond traditional competitors.