The Latest in Hotel Marketing & Distribution

📈 U.S. hotel industry, 4-10 January 2026, saw year-over-year declines. Occupancy fell to 48.1% (-2.4%), ADR to $142.85 (-0.9%), and RevPAR to $68.69 (-3.3%). Tampa had sharp declines: occupancy 60.9% (-23.2%), ADR $156.81 (-12.0%), RevPAR $95.44 (-32.4%). San Diego's ADR dropped to $161.76 (-9.5%), RevPAR to $82.72 (-22.5%). St. Louis improved with occupancy 46.9% (+18.1%), ADR $117.19 (+14.2%), RevPAR $54.92 (+34.9%), aided by the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

📈 Duetto and HotStats revealed that global RevPAR increased by 19% since 2019, but Booking Costs PAR rose by 25%, impacting profitability. In 2025, the Americas' flow-through averaged 18%, while Europe reached 29%. Hoteliers need integrated tech strategies to manage revenues and costs effectively, with Duetto's RP-OS highlighted as a solution. Alex Zoghlin and Michael Grove emphasize the necessity of aligning revenue strategies with cost control to secure financial stability.

💳 Jan 12, 2026, hoteliers worldwide are recognizing the strategic role of payments. Modern payment strategies are crucial for guest satisfaction, conversion, and efficiency. Diverse payment options improve booking conversion and reduce reliance on intermediaries. Streamlined payment systems enhance operational efficiency, reducing errors and manual tasks. Flexibility in payment methods caters to international travelers and corporate clients. Payment decisions impact cash flow and revenue quality, making them integral to commercial strategy. Source: PhocusWire.

📈 Pulled from public sources, franchise fees for IHG, Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham, and Accor average 10-12% of gross room revenue. Additional costs include PIP requirements of $10K-$50K per room. Loyalty program fees are rising by 3.9% annually, outpacing the 2.7% increase in room revenue. The infographic details costs for royalties, marketing, and reservation systems, with variations in F&B royalties and technology bundling. Know these differences before franchise talks.

🏨 Hotels are evolving from departmental silos into integrated ecosystems. The shift, known as commercial convergence, combines sales, marketing, and revenue into a unified experience, emphasizing data-driven collaboration. Advanced AI tools like CRMs and predictive analytics are key, while leaders transform into "Commercial Strategists" focusing on data and empathy. Success hinges on cultural unity and cross-functional teamwork, as hotels aim to enhance guest connection and long-term loyalty, rather than just increasing bookings.

📰 2023 taught us key lessons in the hospitality industry. Revenue management emerged as a vital skill, with AI advancing in pricing and automation. Many teams struggled with alignment despite it being the year's buzzword. Personal resilience was highlighted by a move from Germany to the UAE, facilitated by family support. A travel schedule of three weeks per month showed the significance of having a support network. As we head into the new year, remember the value of teamwork and personal connections.