TOP NEWS

📈 Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky plans to rejuvenate the company. By September 2025, Airbnb's growth slowed to 8-10% in Q3, missing the target of double-digit expansion. Chesky aims to expand by relaunching Experiences, adding boutique hotels with competitive 15.5% commission rates, and targeting growth in underpenetrated international markets. With 70% of business in just five markets, Airbnb seeks to diversify into a multi-business platform with 10-15 distinct offerings by 2026 and beyond.

🌳 Hosted creators at a treehouse resort weekly. Over two years, 93% direct bookings achieved, generating $1M+ in sales by collaborating with creators. Initial disorganization gave way to a refined strategy with structured agreements. This approach significantly accelerated brand growth. The key takeaway: embrace experimentation, adjusting strategies as you progress. This method is now being used to scale direct bookings across multiple properties.

🏖 Imagine a guest checking in with a single tap in Dahn, Germany. Pfalzblick Wald Spa Resort, a four-star superior wellness retreat, revolutionized its operations by implementing Shiji’s Daylight PMS and Meridian Experiences. This transformation unified spa, dining, housekeeping, and guest engagement systems, creating one of Europe’s most connected hotel operations. The resort boasts a natural swimming pond of 1,500 m² and gardens spanning 61,000 m², enhancing personalized guest experiences. General Manager Volker Zimmermeier shared insights on this digital leap.

📈 In 2025, online reputation management (ORM) is crucial for hotels as fast-spreading reviews influence booking decisions. A 2024 study by Accor shows 76% of European travelers read online reviews before booking. Tools like GuestRevu help hotels manage feedback. AI-generated summaries now impact hotel discoverability, with reviews playing a significant role. Cornell University research indicates a one-point increase in review scores can raise prices by 11.2% without losing occupancy. Balancing AI tool use with personal touch is essential for effective ORM.

🌍 Denmark, 1 July 2025, EU Presidency: Denmark aims to boost Europe's tourism sector, emphasizing economic viability and harmony with communities and the environment. Tourism is Denmark's fourth largest export industry. The Presidency supports the EU's 2026 sustainable tourism strategy, involving SMEs and stakeholders in its development. Workforce issues in tourism are a focus, with continued dialogue on creating jobs and enhancing sector resilience.

📑 Sep 16, 2025, Vanshikha Dhar explores key features and trends in Hotel Property Management Systems (PMS) on the Hotelogix Blog. Essential features include booking, front desk management, housekeeping, reporting, and guest CRM. Future trends are anticipated for 2025. The blog provides insights into what to look for in PMS to enhance hotel operations effectively.

💸 AUSTIN, Texas—2025 saw hotel customer acquisition costs drop 19% thanks to AI in Google's Performance Max for travel goals (PMTG). PMTG boosted hotel bookings and revenue over 4x. Conversion rates surged 262%, while media costs soared 20-40%. Google Hotel Ads cost-per-click rose 14%, decreasing click volumes. The Cendyn report warns hotels to invest in AI to maintain digital marketing ROI. Senior VP Luke Markesky advocates strategic AI use for sustaining growth in a competitive market.