TOP NEWS

💸 Flexible financing is revolutionizing hospitality by integrating directly with hotel systems, providing funding based on real-time transaction data. Unlike traditional loans, this approach adapts to business needs, offering approvals potentially within 72 hours without fixed repayment schedules, interest rates, or hidden fees. YouLend exemplifies this shift, allowing repayments to vary with revenue, ensuring hotels access capital precisely when they need it, whether for busy seasons, guest experience enhancement, or unexpected investments.

🏨 For 2026, hotels must adapt quickly to avoid budget failures. Key issues include: outdated assumptions, autopilot budgeting, lack of purposeful spending, data silos, undervaluing brand and experience, and planning for yesterday's market. Strategies like rolling budgets and monthly re-forecasting are recommended. Experts Max Starkov, Tamie Matthews, and Nicole Sideris emphasize tailored strategies and brand investments for better returns. Flexible, insight-driven budgeting is essential as markets evolve rapidly.

🛅 Inefficient marketing, complex booking processes, and internal miscommunication lead to waste in hotels. These issues cause guest frustration and missed opportunities. Emphasizing data alignment and streamlined operations can enhance guest experience and staff efficiency. Many hotels fail to analyze feedback effectively, missing chances for improvement. Traditional systems, data silos, and ineffective processes perpetuate waste. Reducing waste isn't cost-cutting; it's value creation, enabling hotels to prioritize genuine hospitality and innovation. Better visibility is the key to minimizing waste.

🏠 Brooklyn Mirage, a New York nightlife hotspot, faces demolition with 32,000 square feet set to be razed, costing $1.5 million. Avant Gardner, its parent company, filed for Chapter 11 in August 2025, owing over $155 million and facing $30 million redesign permit issues. Diane Keaton, who passed away, served 20 years on the Los Angeles Conservancy board, preserving architectural landmarks. 50 Best extended hotel rankings include 12 North American hotels, with Aman New York ranking highest at 61.

🏠 R:Evolution will unveil the ultra-luxury Eywa Tree of Life interiors in Dubai this November. Eywa is a brand focused on health, wellbeing, and longevity. This "living building" is the world's first to achieve LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum certifications. It includes 50 residences, two penthouses, private plunge pools, and a health concierge. Completion is expected by summer 2026. Crystals are embedded throughout the structure, enhancing the wellness experience.

📜 1900, Michelin started the Guide to boost tire sales. Stars debuted in 1926, with the 3-star system in 1931. Inspectors remain anonymous, and Michelin now rates hotels with the Michelin Key. Stars can be revoked for inconsistency or pressure. Self-nomination isn’t allowed; selection is based on research and feedback. The guide spans 45+ countries, maintaining selectivity for influence. Michelin’s credibility stems from consistency and storytelling, proving the brand's enduring global excellence.

🏨 H World Group leads hotel loyalty programs with 243 members per room, outperforming Marriott Bonvoy's 143. Global Hotel Alliance ranks second with 219 members per room, while BWH Hotels secures third at 190 members. Hilton follows with 174 members per room. Hyatt and Radisson both report 159 members per room, highlighting the competitive nature of hotel loyalty programs. These metrics underscore how companies measure success beyond raw membership numbers.

🚀 Jazeera Airways collaborates with Amadeus to implement Amadeus Segment Revenue Management Flex (SRM Flex). This system integrates with Navitaire New Skies, enhancing forecasting and visualisation to improve revenue and passenger experience. Based in Kuwait, Jazeera serves 5 million passengers across 60 destinations. This shift from route-based to network-focused strategy aims to optimize market responses and operational efficiency, enhancing competitiveness and sustainable revenue growth. Founded in 2004, Jazeera is a major low-cost carrier in various regions.