TOP NEWS

🚨 On November 9, 2025, Marriott International abruptly terminated its licensing deal with Sonder Holdings Inc. due to contract default, affecting thousands of units. Originally a 20-year licensing deal started in 2024, it allowed Sonder properties to join Marriott Bonvoy. The sudden termination left travelers in limbo and impacted Marriott's 2025 room growth forecast, dropping it to ~4.5%. Sonder's market cap fell to under $7 million, causing its stock to plummet.

🍴 Barrière group reinvests in its F&B vertical, operating over 150 restaurants and bars in casinos, hotels, and independent properties. Hippolyte Gras, Director of Catering, and Julien Huel, Managing Director of Hotels and Catering, highlight the 2025 season's record performance. Gastronomy emerges as a central pillar of their strategy to enhance hotel unit volume and spending. Meet them at the upcoming Hospitality Asset Forum to learn more about their strategic repositioning.

📈 Amber Chastain joined Vision Hospitality Group as a breakfast attendant in November 2021. In less than five years, she became the general manager of Tru by Hilton Chattanooga Hamilton Place. Through Vision’s Gear Up program, Chastain completed a 6-week Level 1 training and a 6-9 month Level 2 training. By July of this year, she was permanently offered the GM position. Vision boasts eight general managers out of 38 who advanced through Gear Up.

📈 The announcement of results for the first half of fiscal year 2025-2026 ended on September 30, marking the 14th consecutive quarter of record performance. This period saw further double-digit growth.

📊 Nov 7, 2025, Airbnb, U.S. — Airbnb projects Q4 revenue between $2.66 billion and $2.72 billion, surpassing analyst expectations, fueled by the August-launched "reserve now, pay later" feature. In Q3, revenue rose 8.8% to $4.1 billion with adjusted EBITDA at $2.1 billion. North American bookings surged, accounting for 30% of nights booked. Despite AI, lobbying, and market expansion costs impacting net income, the full-year margin target was raised to 35%. CEO Brian Chesky announced new ventures with boutique hotels and experiences.

📱 Contactless hospitality involves technologies like mobile check-in, digital keys, and room service apps to enhance guest experience, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Key benefits include improved safety amid Covid-19, personalization, and operational efficiency. Challenges involve tech integration and cybersecurity. Mews offers solutions like digital check-in kiosks and virtual concierge. To optimize the experience, hotels should blend tech with a personal touch and automate processes for a seamless, efficient stay.

🎠 Puy du Fou plans a €700 million theme park in Bicester, Oxfordshire, opening in phases starting 2029. Spanning 150 hectares, it will have 20,000 trees, 5 km of hedgerows, and 16 hectares of meadows. The park will create 2,000 direct jobs and 6,000 indirect jobs, attracting 1.5 million visitors each year and generating €500 million locally. It will feature historical shows and is easily accessible from London, located near the M40 and Bicester railway station.