TOP NEWS

✈️ 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.

📰 In 2025, the hospitality industry trends are transforming experiences. Personalization takes a leap with hyper-personalization from booking to check-out. Sustainability is key, with eco-friendly practices and local consumption. Digital nomads favor remote work facilities, while smart technology, like keyless entry and smart rooms, is essential. Wellness offerings and health safety measures are priorities. Hotels embrace the changing landscape with concepts like glamping, influencer marketing, and dynamic spaces. These trends aim to create unique, tech-driven, sustainable guest experiences.

🏨 Since 1997, Kolkata's Roland Hotel has transformed its booking processes using STAAH’s solutions, including a booking engine and channel manager. This 30-room hotel, located near Forum Mall, automated its manual distribution tasks to enhance efficiency. Key improvements include seamless booking experiences, direct booking visibility alongside OTAs, price transparency with WatchMyRate, and smarter group distribution. Results include significant growth in online bookings and revenue, showcasing how technology can drive success in the hospitality industry.

📈 Founded in 2019, Encore Mieux operates eight hotels in France, using the Nestor.OS system. Over 40,000 guests have experienced their Hotels with 52% direct bookings. By 2028, they plan 50 hotels and wider Nestor.OS availability. IHCL's I-LEAP, launched in September 2024, saved over 13,000 hours and impacted costs by ₹120–150 crore. Louvre Hotels' Booster launched in late 2023, with 92% satisfaction and 1,300 users. Marriott's ACU program saved 25,000 hours in two months. Radisson's Dream Machine launched in 2024 for innovative meetings.

📖 Club Med opens resorts to those who can't afford holidays, fostering inclusion and well-being. Dusit International launched "Tree of Life" in 2023, with 31 ESG criteria aligned with UN goals. Marriott trained 1.5 million associates against human trafficking, partnering with PACT and others. OKKO HOTELS offers free stays to parents of hospitalized children. Palladium Hotel Group's "Palladium Cares" initiated in 2022, with 580 projects globally. The Social Hub dedicates 1% of revenue to the TSH Talent Foundation for education and mentorship.

🏨 Kasada Hotels Africa partners with WOJO to introduce Workspitality® across Africa, integrating coworking spaces into hotels for digital nomads and remote workers, reflecting shifts in work and travel dynamics. The Leela Palace Trail offers a curated cultural journey through India's iconic palaces, emphasizing luxury and sustainability. Marriott Bonvoy Moments transforms loyalty programs with unique experiences, accessible via point bids. Mercure's BONS&VIVANTS enhances local guest experiences in 180 French hotels. Rocco Forte Hotels' Musical Room Service blends dining and live music for cultural immersion.

🍴 25th World Gourmet Festival, Bangkok: This annual event by Minor Hotels has transformed Bangkok into a global dining hub. Scheduled to gather over 3,000 guests and 20+ chefs at the Anantara Siam, it features Michelin-star chefs, mixologists, and Thai talents. Aimed at culinary exchange and innovation, it integrates mentorships and sustainability workshops, redefining hotel-led F&B experiences. The festival celebrates its 25th year as a platform for creativity and cultural exchange.

📰 Launched in June 2025, Accor's Guest Star campaign, featuring Kylian Mbappé, redefines hospitality by treating guests as stars. From September 19-22, 2025, Club Med celebrated its 75th anniversary at Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Four Seasons' White Lotus Experience offers a private jet journey from Hawaii to Sicily and Thailand. Ibis RockCorps, initiated in 2024, combines community service with exclusive concerts. Marriott Bonvoy ventures into the metaverse with Fortnite, creating Marriott Bonvoy Land for virtual travel exploration.

🧃 Chef Marco Pierre White and Master Distiller Chris Sadler's MR WHITE’S GIN is now available at Bottle + Co, Harvey Nichols, Birmingham. Released in spring, this 40% ABV gin (70cl for £30) showcases nine botanicals, mainly from the Mediterranean. Crafted traditionally in small batches, it balances tradition with innovation. Manager Carl Hawkins praises its authenticity and quality. Tasting notes highlight juniper, citrus, spices, and a smooth finish. Perfect for cocktails like Gin and It or White Negroni.