TOP NEWS

🍽 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor at Nation's Restaurant News from 1999 to present, reports on U.S. F&B trends. He studied at Tufts University and Le Cordon Bleu, with past roles at The New York Sun and Oxford Encyclopedia. His podcast interviews culinary experts. Thorn, a Denver native, was inducted into the Disciples d'Escoffier in 2014. Notable awards include a 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.

📈 Hotels worldwide have heavily invested in BI tools but struggle with data-informed decision-making. Despite having advanced dashboards, many decisions remain gut-driven. A data-driven culture is crucial: teams should rely on data, not assumptions. Steps include leadership using data, setting clear goals, customizing dashboards for departments, and fostering data literacy. Success isn't about having most data but actionable insights that align teams and drive competitive advantage. Leadership commitment and a shared mindset are key.

💸 Independent hotels are leveraging technology for competitive advantages. Modern revenue management systems (RMS) are now accessible to independents, thanks to partnerships like Advance with Amadeus. These systems, awarded best RMS by HotelTechAwards four years in a row, allow dynamic pricing and real-time decisions. Independents benefit from no longer needing a dedicated revenue expert, enabling agile strategies and personalized guest experiences. This shift levels the playing field with larger hotel chains.

📖 May 19, 2025 - Kevin Kelleher, a former hotel leader and current account manager at Actabl, shares insights on hospitality growth. His episode discusses the "70% Rule," emphasizing that hospitality leaders accelerate growth by stepping beyond their comfort zones. This approach suggests that taking on challenges with a 70% confidence level promotes faster professional development. Listen to this insightful episode on the Hospitality Daily Podcast to explore how pushing boundaries can lead to success.

🍴 Carla Hall spoke at the National Restaurant Show, discussing her journey and strategies. Known for appearing on Bravo’s *Top Chef* at 44, she co-hosted ABC’s *The Chew* and authored four cookbooks. Her Brooklyn restaurant, Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen, closed after a year. She emphasizes resilience, leveraging "failures" for products like cornbread mix. Hall values social media insight and advocates using AI in business. Her focus is on trend adaptation rather than viral success.

🏨 Q1 2025 saw global guest satisfaction grow, with the Global Review Index™ reaching 86.7%, the highest in four years. Review volume increased slightly by 0.7% compared to Q1 2024; however, major platforms like Agoda and Tripadvisor saw declines. Notably, Hotels.com surged by 38.2%. While satisfaction improved across categories, the Value index slightly dropped. The global management response rate grew to 69.2%, with average response time reduced to 3.1 days. Regional trends varied, with North America leading in volume growth (+6.3%).

📈 Hoteliers leverage data for enhanced performance. Around major global events, data aids in optimizing occupancy, revenue, and guest attraction. In Cincinnati, demand fluctuates with events like FIFA Club World Cup. A survey of 6,000 travelers shows a rise from 23% to 33% in social media as a travel inspiration source over five years. 52% of guests cite good service as crucial for return visits. Data-driven strategies enhance revenue, sales, marketing, and operations for improved guest experiences.

📑 16 May 2025, Hotelogix Blog shares top alternatives to Cloudbeds for hotel channel management. These alternatives offer superior OTA synchronization, local support, and complete PMS integration, addressing the needs of hoteliers looking to improve operation efficiency. Key offerings include enhanced synchronization with online travel agencies and robust support systems. Authored by Vanshikha Dhar, the blog post aims to guide hotels in selecting the right tools for seamless management and integration.

📡 May 15, 2025: Ben Wolff, co-founder of Onera and CEO of Oasi, discusses his experience in group events within the hospitality industry. This episode provides valuable insights and practical ideas for engaging groups effectively. Tune in to learn strategies that could benefit your business and the people you serve. Note: Music for the show is by Clay Bassford from Bespoke Sound.

🔔 Lamont's panic button technology accommodates historic building structures with thick walls, meeting Marriott's technical criteria and integrating with hotel security systems. Intrado provides the solution with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE/cellular connectivity via SIM chips. When triggered, an Intrado Safety Shield alert notifies hotel management and staff without alarming guests. The implementation improved worker safety, morale, and retention, and is expanding across Lamont’s hotel properties. Hospitality companies are advised to assess infrastructure, involve staff in the selection process, and consider connectivity challenges with older buildings.