TOP NEWS

🏨 Hotel asset management (HAM) has evolved since the 1970s by separating property ownership and operations, initially thriving in the U.S. and gaining traction in Europe over the last 20 years. Analyzing 22 interviews, findings reveal 100% of property owners and 90% of asset managers expect increasing HAM relevance. Key trends include AI adoption, operational involvement, real estate focus, ESG importance (18%), and interpersonal skills. The shift is driven by competitive markets, franchise growth, and international investors.

💻 Agnelo Fernandes, CEO of Cote Hospitality, shares insights from a recent trip to Northern California on the evolving role of technology in the hospitality industry. He emphasizes the critical shift towards AI-driven personalization and its impact on operational efficiency. With financial and operational pressures, there's a need to rethink labor and data strategies. This discussion highlights the non-negotiable aspects of adapting to rising expectations and tighter margins for industry leaders.

🏈 Perth's Ashes Test (21-25 Nov) peaked on the second night: occupancy at 96.0%, ADR AUD409.36, RevPAR AUD393.03, with 46.9% and 50.3% growth, respectively. Brisbane's Test (4-8 Dec) saw 90.3% occupancy initially; peak ADR AUD406.16, RevPAR AUD363.85 on the third night, up 55.7% and 74.4%. The upcoming Adelaide Test (17 Dec) projects occupancy at 96.1%. Past peak in Hobart was 88.8% occupancy during Jan 2022 Ashes.

🌍 In 2026, the travel industry is shifting from tracking past metrics to focusing on predictive analytics. Key trends include save rates on social content, TikTok travel trends, AI travel queries, and Pinterest wishlists. Notably, Pinterest recorded over 1 billion travel searches and 10 billion saves in one year. These signals help travel marketers allocate budgets efficiently and launch campaigns when interest peaks, offering a competitive edge in predicting travel demand.

🛁 Local or regional DMOs can boost a hotel's visibility through expansive marketing campaigns and insights into travel trends. Technology partners streamline operations for better efficiency and decision-making. Collaborating with local suppliers enhances guest experience and supports the local economy. Distribution partners increase reach, visibility, and booking potential. Associations provide industry insights and networking benefits. Such partnerships help hotels stay competitive, expand reach, and offer authentic hospitality experiences. Lighthouse supports over 70,000 hotels worldwide with market insights and pricing tools.

📈 In December 2025, FHS World in Dubai gathered 1,600 hospitality leaders from 70+ countries, featuring 250 investors managing $5.5 trillion in assets. $975 million in business opportunities were presented, with 12 major agreements made. The event underscored the rise of integrated ecosystem models, AI efficiency, and sustainability as a financial strategy. The hospitality focus shifts to creating purpose-driven, emotionally connected destinations. The next FHS Saudi Arabia is scheduled for April 20-22, 2026, in Riyadh.

📈 Hotelogix, Singapore, 17 December 2025: Surpassed 400,000 rooms in India and 15,000 keys in the Philippines, capturing 15% of India's hotel inventory. 2025 marked 35% revenue growth from 2024, achieving EBITDA positivity through AI efficiencies and enhanced customer support. Launched AI-integrated products like multi-property dashboards and hourly booking, driving operational efficiency. Expanded compliance capabilities in Malaysia, Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. Planned a 50% expansion in Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa by 2026, focusing on AI innovation.

📈 Dec 17, 2025, Google emphasizes that AI-powered search in the hospitality industry relies on traditional SEO fundamentals like strong content and clear information. No special "AI SEO" exists; successful strategies still depend on high-quality content and trustworthy websites. AI search impacts will vary among hotels, offering new discovery opportunities, especially for younger travelers. Google maintains that its model focuses on directing traffic to original sources, not replacing them.

📈 PwC's Hospitality & Leisure: US Deals 2026 Outlook reported a 40% increase in deal volume in Q3 2025 compared to Q1 and Q2. Although deal volumes mirror 2024, average transaction size fell by 55%. Key trends in late 2025 included focus on luxury, digital segments, and gaming. AI integration and data quality are emphasized for 2026. Loyalty ecosystems are now valued as asset classes, with strategic clarity essential for value creation.