TOP NEWS

🏖️ In February 2025, Madrid welcomed 739,938 visitors, a 7.8% year-on-year increase, with 379,430 international guests representing 51.3% of the total. Despite a 4.5% surge in overall tourism, domestic visitors grew by just 0.7%. Madrid's population was 7,001,715 in 2024, based on INE data. A tourist tax, similar to that in Barcelona and Balearic Islands, was proposed in 2023 by ex-Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto to manage overtourism and faced resistance from the Madrid Hotel Business Association.

🌐 Stay22, a Canadian startup, revolutionizes travel monetization with tools that have skyrocketed blogger Lukáš Konečný's affiliate income by 400%, from €400 to €3,200. In six months, his revenue leapt from $2,801 (299 bookings) to $13,319 (731 bookings), a 375% increase. Travel creators using Stay22 have seen their revenue multiply by 3x - 10x. The company faced three crises: a 90% revenue drop due to COVID in 2020, Airbnb's affiliate shutdown in March 2021, and Google's algorithm update in March 2024. Despite these, Stay22's GMV growth speaks volumes: $12 million (2020), $44 million (2021), $75 million (2022), $250 million (2023), $500 million (2024), and $280 million in Q1 2025, marking a 4000% growth from 2020 to 2024. Stay22 has 3,192 partners, emphasizing quality over quantity. They've expanded to travel media and weather platforms, with weather sites now being a fast-growing segment. Challenges include scaling support, competitive responses, platform risks, and maintaining a balanced user experience.

📌 In Venice Beach, California, BOB Hotels integrates Stayntouch's cloud-based PMS and olive's AI-powered booking engine for an enhanced, guest-centric booking experience. The partnership aims to boost conversion by personalizing booking journeys, optimizing offers in real-time, and accelerating revenue through upsells and group bookings. The AI-driven system is designed to improve guest experiences and drive smarter marketing strategies. Stayntouch CEO Jacob Messina and olive CEO Eric Lutz highlight the benefits of their technologies in creating seamless guest moments and business success stories.

🏨 AAHOACON25 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center discussed the legacy of first-generation hoteliers and the growth with second-generation hoteliers in the US. AAHOA Vice Chair Kamalesh Patel and panelists highlighted succession planning, the risks first-generation hoteliers took, and preparing for third-generation hoteliers' new direction in the industry. Emphasis was placed on the importance of passion and adaptability for future success, including diversification into short-term rentals, glamping, and cruises.

🏨 Improving guest satisfaction in hotels, 2025: Personalization, advanced technology, and enhanced training methods are pivotal. Aim is to elevate reviews, build loyalty, and increase revenue. Article by Vanshikha Dhar, featuring on Hotelogix Blog, hints at a strategic approach for the hospitality industry's future.

📅 Key facts extracted from the article include: - CBRE reported a 14.5% growth in hotel loyalty program memberships in 2024, reaching over 675 million members. - These loyalty programs accounted for 52.8% of occupied hotel rooms. - The article discusses the potential of advertising automation in the hotel industry, with a focus on online advertising going on autopilot. - It mentions the trend of fashion brands like Prada and Louis Vuitton venturing into hospitality as part of experiential retail. - The article also touches on the concept of micro-hotel-brands and their appeal in both Western hotels and emerging markets. - Martin Soler, a fractional CMO and co-founder of 10minutes.news, is the author sharing his experience and opinions on the hospitality industry. Summary: CBRE reports a 14.5% increase in hotel loyalty program membership in 2024, reaching 675+ million members and accounting for 52.8% of room occupancy. The hotel industry sees a rise in advertising automation and experiential trends with fashion brands entering hospitality. Micro-hotel-brands gain popularity, offering unique guest experiences. Hospitality insider Martin Soler provides insights into the industry's growth and transformations.

🏢 Global MICE market valued at USD$998.59 billion in 2024, projected to reach $2 trillion by 2034. MICE bookings offer higher room rates and ancillary revenue for hotels. Post-Covid, MICE emerged as the most profitable hospitality segment, with trends shifting towards this sector. Technology and data remain underutilized in MICE, with an average global RFP response rate of 45% and a conversion rate of 5-7%. The Middle East and APAC regions have witnessed significant growth in MICE business, with specific industry growth noted: Automotive in the Middle East (53%) and Electronics in APAC (55%). Europe holds 50% of the global MICE market as of 2024, recovering to 2019 levels. London remains a key MICE destination in Europe. Data-driven strategies are emphasized for MICE market success, with commercial teams using analytics 3.5x more likely to thrive.

🏕️ The French outdoor hotel market has transitioned from family ownership to a more structured sector. Serviced pitches increased by 20% from 2010 to 2016, constituting over 40% of all pitches. Campsite services have improved, with sites offering restaurants up by 7% and swimming pools by 8.5% from 2011 to 2021. The industry has also adapted to digital demands, with a surge in wifi access.

🏨 "Hotel Management Tips for New Hoteliers in India" is a 2025 guide aimed at newcomers to the Indian hotel business. It offers advice on technology, guest services, revenue maximization, and digital operations. Authored by Debiprasad Sarangi, the guide emphasizes the importance of a property management system and room reservations to improve guest sentiment and hotel operations.

🌝 Loews Hotels & Co. opened Universal Helios Grand Hotel in Orlando, Florida, for Universal Epic Universe guest previews on April 17, 2025. This addition marks the 11th hotel in the Orlando portfolio, totaling 11,000 rooms. The Helios has 500 rooms, part of the Signature Collection, offering a rooftop bar, pool, cabanas, and early park admission. Features include Presidential to Kids' Suites, Mediterranean-inspired dining, and an event space with park views. Art and decor capture adventure and wonder themes, enhancing the guest experience.