Our Selection: The most important news in hospitality

🏨 Season 4 of Mike White's "The White Lotus" will commence filming in April 2026 and is expected to premiere in 2027. New cast members include AJ Michalka, Alexander Ludwig, Steve Coogan, Caleb Jonte Edwards, Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Messina, and Marissa Long. Filming locations include the French Riviera's Château de La Messardière in Saint-Tropez and a Paris hotel. The season's storyline might incorporate the Cannes Film Festival, adding a cinematic focus.

📈 In 2026, the hospitality sector will transform through smarter technology, personalization, and wellness emphasis. 🌍 Asia Pacific's hotels are leveraging demand generation, integrating marketing, sales, and revenue strategies to boost visibility and revenue. 📈 Amadeus highlights a five-stage demand generation strategy, emphasizing market understanding and targeted media strategies. 📱 Mobile could account for 50% of booking engine sales soon. 🏨 A third of Chinese travelers are influenced by travel celebrities, according to Amadeus's Travel Dreams research.

💻 Hotel groups are losing thousands of hours due to manual processes, hindering scaling efforts. Automating tasks like rate code maintenance has saved one group 72 working days monthly, while individual hotels lose 467 hours yearly on manual financial reconciliation. Automation enhances data accuracy and compliance, saving over 200,000 labor hours annually for RobosizeME clients. Join a webinar on February 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM GMT to learn more about optimizing workflows.

📈 In 2026, hotel industry forecasts reveal a challenging outlook with minimal RevPAR growth at 0.6%, contrasted by inflation at 2.4%. The industry faces a "trifurcated" economy, with luxury growing at 3.2% while other segments shrink. Short-term rentals capture all net accommodation gains. AI revolutionizes operations, necessitating hotels to adapt for AI recommendations. Notably, 40% of U.S. travelers now plan trips using GenAI, emphasizing the shift in consumer behavior and loyalty. The FIFA World Cup significantly impacts industry performance.

🏠 Sunborn London, the UK's only luxury yacht hotel moored at Royal Victoria Dock, partnered with Shiji for a tech overhaul. Check-in time dropped by over 80%, taking just 1 minute. F&B service improved, boosting revenue by ~20%. Housekeeping efficiency increased by 80%, with room turnaround now 10 minutes. The integrated system enhanced staff productivity and guest experience, seamlessly connecting departments, and ensuring secure, efficient transactions. This modern upgrade fosters personalized service in a unique floating hotel setting.

📈 Venues face revenue loss from missed inquiries during the "Golden Hour," when guest decisions peak. With UK weddings costing ~£25,000, missing 50 inquiries yearly can severely impact revenue. Guests prefer quick, clear responses, often choosing venues engaging promptly via social media. This demands emotional labor from staff, causing fatigue. Instead of major investments, incremental changes can protect margins and staff well-being, ensuring effective engagement without increasing headcount. Adapting to this shift benefits guests, staff, and businesses alike.

📑 Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Hospitality Upgrade plan the Executive Vendor Summit (EVS) at Hilton Fort Worth. This event, aimed at C-level executives in hospitality tech, includes networking, roundtable discussions on mergers, market trends, and cloud technology. Mike Sung and Michael Goldrich will speak on Web3 and AI's impact on hospitality, respectively. The summit concludes with a CIO panel. HFTP, founded in 1952, supports the hospitality industry globally.

🏨 Novotel launched the "Longevity Everyday" strategy to promote health and wellness across 67 countries. By 2030, the wellness travel sector is expected to be worth $4.6 trillion. Starting April 2026, Novotel will offer new menus with 25% plant-forward options. They partnered with Alfie Steiner for recipe development, joined the Seafood Task Force, and committed to ocean preservation with WWF, aiming to remove 350 endangered species from menus by 2027. Eco-certified beds will be installed globally by 2030.

🏆 FIFA World Cup 2026 spans June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. with 104 matches. Dallas hosts 9 games, while Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York/New Jersey host 8 each. Hotel prices soared 14.75% post-draw, with Guadalajara up 385% and Vancouver averaging $1,455 per night. On game nights, prices rise 31.44% on average, with Vancouver's peak at $513.58 higher.

📈 Stuart Greif, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Forbes Travel Guide, discusses luxury’s rapid growth in hospitality. Key themes include workforce changes, leadership readiness, and differentiation strategies. The episode also highlights the increased importance of human connection as luxury scales. This insight is crucial for hospitality leaders planning for the future.

💻 Join Harry Fielder from Umi Digital and the Revenue Rocks Podcast to explore the impact of AI and ChatGPT on hotel bookings. Discover what's genuinely shifting in the hotel industry and what’s just noise. Understand where AI fits in guest journeys, whether it poses a threat or an opportunity for smaller brands, and what hoteliers should focus on to safeguard bookings and profit margins. Perfect for boutique hotels and small groups aiming for clarity without the overwhelm.

📊 Yesterday, New York City hosted the sold-out Skift Megatrends event, highlighting travel industry shifts by 2026. AI and zero-click search are disrupting traditional models, shifting focus to generative engine optimization based on authority and relevance. OTAs remain important, but AI is changing trip planning. Live sports, music, and cultural events are boosting travel demand, with mega-events like the World Cup reshaping tourism strategies. Despite new travel tech innovations, access to demand remains a key growth challenge.

🏨 2026, the boutique hotel sector is optimistic despite cost pressures. With a focus on unique guest experiences, operators leverage technology for efficiency. Adaptive reuse of real estate is rising, with London leading investment activity. Key strategies include longer-stay programs, sustainability, and partner collaborations. Cost management is crucial due to potential rate hikes, while the emphasis is on operational discipline and guest connection for profitability. Boutique hotels are poised for quiet growth amid these market dynamics.

📈 2026, three weeks in, Fabian Bartnick reflects on two years of his newsletter with over a million views and thousands of subscribers. In 2026, he advocates for alignment over reinvention, emphasizing clarity rather than mere productivity. Revenue management isn’t just about numbers but optimizing life choices. The shift is towards sustainable, meaningful success. Fabian, a seasoned leader in commercial growth and revenue management, focuses on aligning decisions, behavior, and learning for measurable growth.

🗺️ In 2025, TNMT surveyed travel trends, revealing AI dominated 35% of media articles, followed by Transformative Travel's wellness focus. Google tested autonomous booking, while Booking.com and Expedia expanded AI use. Viral Travel saw TikTok and Booking.com partnerships boost bookings, marking a 62% rise in Jet2's loyalty. Restricted Travel was impacted by geopolitical tensions, as cities like Barcelona implemented overtourism measures. Despite AI's initial lead, experts favored Transformational Travel, highlighting travel's human-centric nature.

💻 In Kenya, hotels can digitally transform by enhancing roles with AI without changing their org charts. Key roles include the Guest Intent Owner, Service Recovery Orchestrator, Maintenance Intelligence Lead, and Revenue Signal Manager. These positions leverage AI for accountability, incident management, predictive maintenance, and real-time demand signal detection. This strategy fosters rapid, visible improvements by optimizing existing resources and expertise, ensuring that digital transformation becomes actionable and effective in the hospitality sector.

📈 Two weeks ago, Hapi concluded its strategic planning session to set priorities for the future. The focus was on honest discussions without unnecessary slides or buzzwords. They reflected on 2025, identified key areas for investment, and emphasized the importance of doing the right things together. Recent in-person meetings with customers and prospects validated Hapi's vision, highlighting the role of data in offering insights and personalized experiences in the hospitality industry.

🗺️ Brits in 2026 favor shorter breaks, with 34% opting for three to five-night holidays compared to 9% in 2016. Egypt’s Red Sea tops destinations, along with Costa Blanca, Tenerife, Amsterdam, and Antalya. Shoulder season getaways are popular, with February, April, and May leading. Spontaneity is up, with 36% booking within 90 days. All-inclusive trips make up 46% of bookings, and 24% book five-star escapes, a rise from 14% in 2016.

💻 Almost 33% of all-in-one tech users in the hospitality sector plan to switch to integrated 'Best-in-Class' solutions within 1-2 years, while only 14% of current best-in-class users consider moving to all-in-one systems. Larger hotels prefer best-in-class for functionality, while smaller properties value all-in-one for simplicity. AI adoption is rising, with 78% of hotel chains using it, yet strategic direction is often unclear. Future platforms must blend ease of use with advanced capabilities.

🏨 Crestline Hotels & Resorts will manage Hotel Spero Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel, in Union Square, San Francisco. The property features 236 guestrooms, conveniently located near dining, shopping, and the cable car turnaround. Crestline's CEO, James Carroll, emphasized their commitment to expanding their luxury hotel portfolio. This addition increases Crestline's presence in California to nine hotels.

📱 Tambourine, a leader in hotel marketing technology, launches Tambourine One, integrating website and booking engine tech. Key features: no booking engine transaction fees, built-in mobile wallets, room & air packaging, personalization, and accessibility protection. Mekell Barker, SVP, highlights cost reduction and improved performance. Existing clients upgrade at no extra cost. Trusted by hotels in 50+ countries, Tambourine offers a seamless switch with dedicated support for smooth implementation and long-term value maximization.

📖 In 2026, hoteliers explore innovative strategies through 20 must-listen hospitality podcasts. "Matt Talks Hospitality" hosted by Mews CEO Matt Welle features episodes on AI, automation, and luxury pet experiences. "Hotel Tech Insider" discusses tech transformations, while "Hospitality Mavericks" showcases 200+ conversations with industry leaders. "The Modern Hotelier" covers commercial strategy and branding. Other podcasts focus on sustainability, Airbnb tips, guest psychology, and global hospitality trends, providing diverse insights for modern hospitality challenges.

🏨 Kempinski's premiumisation strategy focuses on artisanal excellence, personalisation, and unique experiences. Each property acts as a European sophistication ambassador, aligning with the luxury industry's shift toward selectivity, emotional resonance, and experiential offerings.

📈 Los Angeles hotel occupancy was over 70% in 2023, below pre-pandemic upper-70% levels, due to strikes, soft travel demand, and 2025 wildfires. In 2026, eight FIFA World Cup matches from June 12 to July 10 will boost tourism. International travel through LAX was 10% below pre-pandemic in 2025, despite a 26% increase from Japan, attributed to Shohei Ohtani's influence. Filming days fell 16.1% in 2025. ADR growth is expected, aided by global events and luxury accommodations.

💰 84% of leisure travelers engaged in gaming behaviors with travel loyalty programs in the last year. 20% flew to maintain airline status, and 25% chose hotels solely for status retention. 39% used gift cards to earn points, and 16% manufactured spending. Despite loyalty, 57-68% used alternative brands. Brands must align product, pricing, and programs for true loyalty. Phocuswright’s research explores travelers' perceptions and loyalty engagement.

📈 In 2026, Andrew Farrow from RBH Hospitality Management emphasizes strategic positioning for independent hotels. At The Met Hotel Leeds and The Milner York, strategic repositioning and investments led to record revenues and guest satisfaction. Strategic branding guided investment decisions, ensuring alignment between digital and physical touchpoints. Future focus areas include market understanding, internal alignment, and rate resilience over volume. Clear strategies, driven by data and cultural alignment, differentiate hotels in competitive markets.

🏨 London, 20 January 2026 – Hotels using Journey's platform see a 95% AOV surge by offering curated experiences with bookings. Extras boost booking revenue by 16% and spa services increase AOV by 44%, from £371 to £534. Marketing efficiency improves with ad spend returns rising from 13 to 30. Repeat guests spend 1.5 to 2 times more. Simon Bullingham emphasizes treating experiences like revenue products boosts performance. Journey aids over 750 properties in enhancing guest experiences.

🏨 SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts, a leading Canadian hospitality company, revamped its financial planning by adopting FairPlanner and FairPayroll from Fairmas, enhancing accuracy and efficiency. Previously reliant on error-prone Excel spreadsheets, SilverBirch now enjoys improved forecasting, budgeting, and labor cost planning. Key benefits include increased budget accuracy, faster scenario comparisons, and enhanced decision-making. Fairmas, founded in 2003, serves over 5,500 hotels globally, expanding its presence beyond Europe.

🏆 Club Med celebrated its 75th anniversary with an immersive anniversary campaign. Forgoing a traditional retrospective, the brand launched an experiential marketing initiative that served as a manifesto of its identity. This campaign blended Club Med's heritage with contemporary appeal, creating a unified and influential marketing experience.

📈 European hoteliers, 2026: Focus on hyperpersonalization, tech stacks, data privacy. Africa's hospitality: $25.29B revenue in 2023; 7.31% growth by 2030. Travel Trends Report 2026: AI impact, emerging behaviors. China's travel: premium demand. AI investment ROI crucial in 2026. Accor's prediction: 25% search by 'mood' in 2026. Maestro PMS unveils roadmap January 14, 2026. Revenue Analytics' new integration in Atlanta. Sydney, December 2025: 81.3% occupancy, ADR AUD349.06. Paris, December 2025: 76.7% occupancy, ADR EUR371.87.

🏨 In a recent SMACK episode, Florian interviews Lennert De Jong, CEO of Another Star and ex-citizenM legend, about significant hospitality industry moves. CitizenM sold its brand to Marriott International while keeping operations, a strategic scaling decision. Lennert's team executed a record-speed tech integration in four months. Discussions cover AI's role in booking and loyalty programs, highlighting Marriott Bonvoy’s impact on major cities. This episode challenges perceptions about traditional hotel chains.

🏆 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. from June 11 to July 19 will boost hotel demand across 16 cities. Driftwood Capital, managing over 5,000 rooms in host cities, notes early booking rises; over 102% increase for the World Cup Final in New Jersey. Strategies include tailored offerings and community engagement. Carlos Rodriguez Jr. and Alinio Azevedo emphasize targeted marketing and operations to maximize success. This event is a "golden opportunity" for the U.S. hospitality sector.

📚 roommaster, a leading hospitality software firm, published "The 2026 Hotel Operations Blueprint." This guide helps hoteliers tackle rising guest expectations and operational complexities through digital workflows, automation, AI, and connected tech stacks. roommaster serves over 100 countries, emphasizing innovation and simplicity. The guide aims to streamline front desk, housekeeping, and maintenance operations for efficient hotel management by 2026. Download it at roommaster's website for practical strategies.

📈 Airbnb's role is more about resolving issues than hospitality, addressing failures like refunds and cancellations. Sonder, once valued at $2.2 billion, liquidated via Chapter 7 by November 2025. Vacasa, valued at $4.5 billion in 2021, was sold to Casago in April 2025 for $130 million, a 97% decrease. Inspirato's gross margins fell from 71% to 31%, leading to a $59 million acquisition by Exclusive Resorts. These failures highlight the operational challenges of short-term rentals.

💻 2026 is pivotal for hospitality as AI becomes integral, impacting guest communication, housekeeping, and booking. 18 experts predict AI will transform hotel operations. Around 33% of travelers use AI for hotel searches. Ancillary services like parking and spa access become strategic revenue sources. Reviews are essential for AI accuracy. IT leaders must rethink procurement for scalability and AI readiness. Despite AI’s growth, human interaction remains crucial, highlighting soft skills. Mews, powering 12,500 hotels globally, leads in this transformation, raising $410 million.

🌐 Expedia and Booking.com, day-one partners of ChatGPT's App marketplace, spend $14 billion annually on marketing to capture early-stage travelers. Nearly 40% of travelers use AI tools for trip planning, with over half using AI in some capacity. AI is altering OTA economics, reducing their influence as travelers shift to AI interfaces. Connect AI enables hotels to engage directly with travelers on AI platforms, offering direct bookings and full control over guest relationships, bypassing OTAs and their 15-25% commissions.

🏨 Jan 16, 2026, Deloitte's report highlights the hospitality industry's transformation due to shifting consumer behavior, economic challenges, and technological advances. Traditional growth models are strained by AI-driven demand and regulatory scrutiny. Key insights: AI is central to guest journeys; experience-led growth surpasses brand loyalty; portfolio diversification captures fragmented demand; efficiency through real-time data; responsible operations are essential; workforce transformation requires digital skills. The industry faces capital constraints, labor shortages, and social backlash against mass tourism.

📱 GenAI use by travelers is set to increase significantly, with predictions reaching 24% during the upcoming holiday season, up from 16% in 2024 and 8% in 2023. Currently, OTAs handle 20% of U.S. hotel bookings, translating to 325,000 daily room reservations. A debate is ongoing regarding AI's impact on OTAs, with some believing AI will benefit OTAs, while others argue it may weaken them. The outcome will influence future booking dynamics.

📈 Q1 2025, a travel outlook for Lufthansa's TNMT.com became its most-read article. LinkedIn roundup gained ~100k impressions. Supported Beautiful Destinations' report on social media in travel. Launched OneChart merch. Q2: Collaborated with OAG and Microsoft on AI in aviation. Column for ZAL magazine on sustainable aviation. Hired two for Research+Attitude, turning freelance support into a business. Q3: Conducted "10 Principles of High-Impact Data Visualization" workshop. Worked remotely from Florida. Discovered useful AI tools Wispr Flow and Julius AI.

📈 Based on 42 million reviews from 12,000 hotels in 2025, guest satisfaction increased worldwide, including EMEA, Americas, and APAC regions. Hotel response times averaged 3.5 days, with review volumes up by 2.1% year-over-year. Key departments like Value, Food & Beverage, and Cleanliness influenced guest perceptions. Analysis of 127 million mentions provided benchmarks for improving Global Review Index (GRI). Global star segment scores for tourism cities were also shared.

📰 Google and Shopify released a new AI-driven commerce protocol last week. CES 2026 recaps highlight robotics, though practical applications remain a decade away. Expedia pivots to infrastructure, gaining European regulatory advantages over Booking.com. Social platforms now influence travel decisions, emphasizing authenticity. A new global distribution chart helps hotels focus on markets with strong reviews. Feedback is welcomed for updates. Google offers free AI courses.

🏨 2026 marks a pivotal shift in the hotel industry. Generative AI is integrating search, chat, and booking into a single flow, transforming guest interactions and visibility. Hotels must have clean, structured content and open APIs to remain visible. Personalized experiences are replacing points-based loyalty, driven by connected systems. Agentic AI is enhancing operations like bookings and housekeeping. Automation will allow staff to focus on connections, adding value and enhancing guest experiences. Hoteliers must adapt swiftly to these changes.

💻 Roiback, part of HBX Group, will launch its AI-powered platform, OdysseIA, at FITUR 2026 in Madrid next week. Designed for hotel marketing, it optimizes advertising and enhances direct-channel growth using first-party data and machine learning. Managing Director Cristina Perea highlights its commitment to privacy and profitability. The debut marks a significant milestone in Roiback’s innovation strategy, aiming for autonomy and intelligence in the hotel industry.

🏨 Jan 15, 2026: The hospitality sector is navigating a stable yet demanding era. Hotels are leveraging AI to enhance revenue management and guest services, while wellness and experiential elements are boosting ADR and RevPAR. Luxury properties outperform due to fewer but more expensive stays. Lower interest rates are accelerating investments. Loyalty programs and soft brands are driving guest choices. Trends like wellness and destination-centric stays are becoming foundational in shaping hotel performance.

📰 Jan 15, 2026: The hospitality industry is shifting from fragmented systems to coherent platforms. This change, noted by Shiji and Amadeus, aims to integrate data, workflows, and decision-making into a single operational framework to meet rising complexity and guest expectations. Partnerships created during the pandemic now focus on reliability and scalability. Platforms enhance personalization, emphasize guest-centric designs, and aim to support hotel teams by reducing operational burden.📊