TOP NEWS

🏃 Qatar invested $200 billion for the 2022 World Cup, transforming Doha into a tourism hub. Dubai's Expo 2020 attracted over 24 million visitors, hosting 192 countries, and became Expo City Dubai. Mega-events enhance infrastructure, like airports and hotels, shaping long-term travel access. The 2026 World Cup will span American, Mexican, and Canadian cities, blending cultures. Sporting events drive global tourism, leaving lasting economic impacts and transforming city identities from industrial to cultural.

🏨 In Q3 2025, UK hotel investments surged 28% year-on-year, reaching £1.04 billion. Notably, London recorded £697 million in transactions, a 42% increase, while the South West saw a 360% rise to £180 million. Over 90% of transactions were single-asset deals focused on boutique hotels, reflecting investor preference for tangible assets. Domestic buyers accounted for 45% of acquisitions, with international investment increasing tenfold. Business rates reform in 2026 is set to benefit boutique hotels by reducing costs.

📰 U.S. Department of Agriculture confirms no SNAP funding from November 1st; 41 million Americans affected. Restaurants and chefs like Jose Andres and Sophia Roe respond with free meals and advice. DoorDash waives fees for SNAP grocery orders. Lily Allen and David Harbour's Brooklyn home is for sale, coinciding with Allen's album release. King's College study shows 22% stress drop after viewing art at London's Courtauld Gallery. James Turrell's largest Skyspace opens June 2026 in Denmark. BDNY Product Design Competition submissions close today.

📱 Ian Schrager was awarded the SevenRooms Icon Award on October 2025 during The World’s 50 Best Hotels ceremony in London. Known for pioneering the boutique hotel movement, his notable brands include Morgans Hotel Group, EDITION Hotels, and PUBLIC. In early 2026, Schrager plans to expand the PUBLIC brand to West Hollywood, Los Angeles. The new PUBLIC hotel will be designed with British architect John Pawson on the Sunset Strip. Schrager values industry recognition over mere success.

📖 The Hospitality ON team provides weekly expert insights into the hospitality industry. Membership offers access to exclusive content and job opportunities.

✈️ On 30-31 October, A World for Travel forum convenes at the Hôtel de l’Industrie, France, addressing global issues impacting tourism. Ministers, CEOs, and experts, including Serge Papin and Gabriel Attal, tackle geopolitical and environmental shifts. Key insights include a 3% increase in trust in insurers since 2021 and Radisson's two verified Net Zero hotels. Technology's role in sustainable travel is highlighted by experts from Airbus, Booking.com, and easyJet.

💸 U.S. hotels have faced supply chain challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic. Product shortages hit in 2020, avian flu restrictions in 2022, and tariffs are a current concern. Ted Peters from Remington Hospitality says prices remain high, and delivery times can be long. Ashley King from Resolute Road Hospitality notes improved lead times and predictability. Jason LaBarge of Raines foresees possible procurement cost increases of 15-30% by 2025. GPOs like Foodbuy Hospitality help mitigate these issues through strategic partnerships.