This page brings together the most relevant AI related news and updates impacting hospitality and travel, with a dedicated focus on developments around Airbnb. Content is curated from trusted industry publications, official communications, and expert analysis to provide a clear and dependable view of how technology, data, and AI are shaping the company and the wider market. The objective is to give readers timely, accurate, and meaningful insight into strategic moves, product innovation, and emerging trends, all in one place and sourced from authoritative voices across the industry.
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At ITB Berlin 2026, LodgIQ Will Show How AI Can Turn Revenue Managers into Commercial Strategists
💻 LodgIQ debuts its AI Wizard at ITB Berlin 2026, March 3–5, in Hall 10.1, Stand 205. This tool aids revenue teams by converting complex data into actionable strategies, enhancing decision-making amidst volatile markets. CEO Vincent Ramelli emphasizes its ability to simplify insights for hoteliers globally. Attendees can see live demos and book appointments for insights on revenue management transformation. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, LodgIQ aims to revolutionize revenue management with AI-driven solutions.
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The Dean Berlin Now Open
🏨 The Dean Berlin, debuting in February 2026, marks The Dean’s first hotel outside Ireland. The 81-room hotel in Charlottenburg, Berlin, blends rawness and refinement, with design by Rachael Gowdridge. Rooms feature bespoke furniture, and guests enjoy exclusive bath amenities by DS & Durga. Rates start at €135/night. Benedict, the hotel’s bakery-bar, serves international dishes. The Dean’s art curation, *Wanderers*, showcases German-based artists, integrating the hotel into Berlin’s creative scene.
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Villa D’este La Collezione Announces Opening Of Miralago Luxury Apartments
🏠 Scheduled for June 2026, Miralago Luxury Apartments open in Cernobbio, Italy, featuring eight exclusive lakefront residences. Located along the Lake Como waterfront, the project, led by Studio Droulers, involves the complete renovation of the former Miralago Hotel. The four-floor property offers tailored services, including a bespoke breakfast experience. Guests gain access to Villa d’Este amenities, such as the Sporting Club and floating pool, blending privacy with exceptional hospitality.
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Luxury hospitality reimagined: Cairns 5-star hotel elevates guest experience with Shiji’s Infrasys POS
🏖️ Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, a five-star luxury hotel in Tropical North Queensland, Australia, upgraded its guest service by implementing Shiji’s Infrasys POS, enhancing operational efficiency and guest experience. The hotel, with 255 rooms, now features faster ordering and real-time updates, improving service across dining venues. Shiji, a leading hospitality tech company, supports over 91,000 hotels globally, offering cloud-based solutions with over 5,000 employees worldwide.
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Hotels were late to the internet. Late to mobile. This time can be different.
🌐 ChatGPT hit 800 million weekly users in 17 months. Phocuswright research shows 15% of consumers use AI platforms like ChatGPT for travel shopping, doubling recently. Currently, 39% of travelers incorporate AI in planning. OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia partnered with ChatGPT early on, while most hotels lag. Lighthouse’s Connect AI links hotels directly with AI platforms, enabling control over data and booking. On February 25, Lighthouse hosts a session on enhancing hotel discoverability in ChatGPT.
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IHCL Expands Presence in Sri Lanka, Signs a Taj Hotel in Weligama
🏨 Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) announced on [current date] the signing of a new Taj hotel in Weligama, Sri Lanka, featuring 220 keys, including 80 luxury apartments. Located in the Southern Province, this beachfront resort offers extensive amenities, including a 9,000 sq. ft. banquet hall and Taj’s iconic J Wellness Circle. Established in 2004, the Beryll Group owns the project. Weligama is famous for its crescent-shaped bay and surf-friendly waters.
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Citi Group Papua New Guinea Enhances Operations with IDS Next
💻 Citi Group in Papua New Guinea partners with IDS Next for operational technology across four properties, including Citi Boutique Hotel and Citi Serviced Apartments, located on Lahara Avenue, Korobosea, Lagatoi Place, and Gaba Place. IDS Next, a leading ERP provider, enhances operations through its cloud-native platform, boosting guest engagement and service standards. With a presence in 50+ countries, IDS Next supports 300,000+ rooms and collaborates with brands like Wyndham and Taj Hotels. Saif Jugari and Jacob K.I commend the…
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U.S. Hotel Forecast Assumptions – February 2026
🛌 STR/Tourism Economics forecasts a 0.6% RevPAR growth for 2026, after a 0.3% decline in 2025. Demand dipped 0.5% in 2025, expected to rebound by 0.4% in 2026. The 2026 World Cup will boost U.S. RevPAR by 0.4%. U.S. inbound travel is expected to rise 3.7%, with outbound travel increasing 4.6%. Supply growth is reduced to 0.7% for 2026, and ADR growth remains below inflation. Group demand fell 1.8% in 2025, offset by 4.0% ADR growth.
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Four Seasons Hotel Milano Unveils Two New Suites, Created by Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon: The Spectacular Presidential Suite and the Contemporary Designer Suite
🏨 Last summer, Four Seasons Hotel Milano revealed a complete redesign of its 118 rooms and suites by Pierre Yves-Rochon. The Presidential Suite, at 177 sq. meters, blends avant-garde and historic styles, featuring Italian art and a private kitchen. The 91 sq. meter Designer Suite highlights 1950s-70s Italian design with custom furnishings. Both suites preserve original marble, enhancing their luxurious appeal. The hotel’s restyling respects Milan’s design heritage, combining elegance and innovation.
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At ITB Berlin 2026, LodgIQ Will Show How AI Can Turn Revenue Managers into Commercial Strategists
💻 LodgIQ will showcase its AI Wizard at ITB Berlin 2026 from March 3–5, Hall 10.1, Stand 205. The AI Wizard enhances revenue management by converting complex data into actionable strategies for revenue teams, addressing market volatility and labor challenges. CEO Vincent Ramelli emphasizes the tool’s capability in cutting through data noise. LodgIQ, based in Silicon Valley, integrates AI into its revenue platform, allowing managers to evolve into commercial strategists. Bookings for demonstrations are encouraged.
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🗣️ "If you master purpose, value proposition and personality, you build brands that are future-proof.” Jean-Yves MINET oversees some of Accor’s most powerful brands as Global Brand President… | Hospitality ON
📈 Jean-Yves Minet, Global Brand President at Accor, manages ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, Novotel, and Mercure Hotels, representing nearly 70% of the group’s global portfolio with over 3,500 hotels worldwide. He emphasizes mastering purpose, value proposition, and brand personality to ensure future-proof brands. Minet’s approach focuses on delivering consistent, valuable experiences globally, shaped by his non-hospitality background. His full interview on brand strategy is available on Hospitality ON.
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I’ve been having a lot of interesting conversations with hoteliers lately. Almost every one of them eventually lands in the same place: “How does AI change discovery?” My take is simple. The future… | Adam Wallace
🏨 In the evolving landscape of hospitality, AI is transforming hotel discovery by prioritizing character and personality over uniformity. This shift highlights the need for hotels to embrace their unique stories and quirks, as AI systems focus on nuance, preference, and context. It’s an opportunity for independent and inspired hotels to shine, appealing to both humans and AI systems seeking authentic experiences. This marks a significant change, offering a more interesting future for the industry.
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Beyond Berlin and Munich: The Fontenay’s Thies Sponholz on Hamburg’s Luxury Moment
🏨 Thies Sponholz, General Manager of The Fontenay in Hamburg, won the Hotelier of the Year 2026 award from ahgz. Since 2018, The Fontenay has received two Michelin stars for its restaurant Lakeside and opened Osteria due in 2025. The hotel boasts three Michelin Keys, one of only six in Germany. Sponholz prioritizes trust, freedom, and continuous training. The Fontenay is known for its innovative, ecologically conscious design and emphasis on guest value. Hamburg offers cultural and architectural appeal, celebrating…
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Announces $50 Million in Capital Investments & Reaffirms Commitment to Atlantic City
🎸 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has launched a $50 million capital improvement plan for 2026, renovating 700+ rooms and eight penthouses. By 2026, the resort will introduce Sitar, an East-Indian restaurant, and Federal Donuts and Chicken. Enhancements include 16 EV chargers and new carpets. Since 2018, nearly $700 million has been invested. Upcoming 2026 performances feature Rod Stewart and more. The resort won its third USA Today Top Workplaces Award in 2026, supporting 500+ local organizations.
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Give the Right To Be Right: Free Will, Algorithms, and How Hotels Can Design Real Choice
📈 Travelers’ choices are influenced by algorithms, with Tripadvisor’s 2024 data showing over 31 million new reviews and 2.7 million fraudulent ones removed. Sponsored placements affect visibility. Influencers impact luxury markets, while AI answer engines become key to discovery. Booking Holdings reports AI enhancing conversions and reducing support needs. Psychological theories like the IKEA effect and self-determination highlight the value of perceived choice and co-creation, increasing guest satisfaction and reducing cancellations. Transparency in advertising is crucial.
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HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin – Week Ending 06 February 2026
🏠 Deka Immobilien acquired the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, Austria, for €92 million, with 303 rooms. From April 2026, it rebrands to Hyatt Regency Vienna. Set Hotels purchased the 374-room Occidental Menorca, Spain, rebranding as Seth Punta Prima. Compagnie du Mont-Blanc and Beyond Places bought RockyPop Chamonix, France, with 148 rooms. Kingstone Real Estate took over Premier Inn Rosenheim, Germany, 145 rooms. BlackRock acquired Hotel Excelsior, Munich, Germany, 114 rooms. KKR, Baupost sold Delta Hotels Birmingham, UK, 106 rooms. RoundShield…
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monday.com | Outpace everyone with the best AI work platform | Kurien Jacob
💻 2026 Super Bowl ads: 23% featured AI, with companies paying up to $10 million for 30-second spots. Wall Street sees AI disrupting software, with MNDY shares down 21% and Nasdaq up 0.9%. SaaS faces challenges as AI shifts focus to strategic human roles. Vertical software, like hospitality tech, needs to adapt by focusing on outcomes. AI-first products launched by companies like Lighthouse, ROH, LodgIQ, and others aim to stay ahead. Concerns arise about funding for large AI initiatives.
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Beyond Simplicity: Rethinking PMS Usability for Modern Hotels
🏨 In Markham, Ontario, Maestro PMS addresses hotel operational needs with intuitive, robust property management systems (PMS). While streamlined designs aid smaller hotels, larger properties require both simplicity and complex functionality. Maestro’s PMS integrates operations like front desk, housekeeping, and sales for a seamless guest journey. Established over 45 years, Maestro offers 20+ modules, enhancing hospitality efficiency. The system supports independent hotels, luxury resorts, and multi-property groups, emphasizing usability without sacrificing operational depth.
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A Conversation with the President of Hilton, Chris Silcock
🏨 Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, discusses Hilton’s data-driven revenue management evolution and commercial strategy. Key takeaways: 1) Data must align with hotel objectives for organizational trust. 2) Hilton’s brand growth strategy involves owner-led demand and brand architecture. 3) AI enhances operations, guest experiences, and distribution. Hilton aims to use AI for personalized guest experiences and inspire travelers, leveraging their superior data and loyalty context over intermediaries.
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Frontline Hospitality Hiring in Asia is No Longer Fit for Purpose – What Must Change
📈 Asia Pacific and the Middle East, 2026: The hospitality industry faces a 48% annual frontline attrition rate due to challenging work conditions and low pay. With 340 million frontline workers, hiring processes lack clarity and transparency. Employers are urged to adopt AI-driven, skills-based hiring methods to improve candidate experiences and retention. This approach aligns hiring, training, and performance, enabling better service delivery and career progression, ultimately leading to stable, motivated teams.
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Fairmont Hanoi debuts in Vietnam
🏠 The resort offers nearly 300 guest rooms and suites, eight dining options, the area’s largest ballroom, and a wellness facility.
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Why hotels should consider third-party asset management in a challenging market
🏨 Hotel owners face rising costs and moderate demand growth, challenging profits. Third-party asset management is becoming essential, offering independent oversight to navigate complexities like labor costs and capital investments. Asset managers evaluate profitability, cost structures, and long-term value creation, aligning with owners’ interests. Effective collaboration with operators and brands can unlock hidden value, such as $50,000 fee reductions that increase asset value by $625,000. As market volatility persists, strategic asset management becomes crucial for resilience and accountability.
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Green From the Ground Up: The Evolving Sustainability of Flooring Products Supports Hoteliers’ ESG Goals
📋 Hotels are partnering with sustainable suppliers for property design, focusing on responsible flooring choices. GREENGUARD Gold Certified and FSC-certified products are emphasized. Signature Flooring products meet low-VOC and other standards, contributing to healthful indoor environments. Sustainable flooring offers better durability and lower lifecycle costs, narrowing price gaps with traditional options. Woodura technology, using 1/10th the lumber, increases durability and ease of maintenance. Future trends include circular economy principles, lower embodied carbon, and multifunctional performance.
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“It’s Personal Stories” podcast launches redesigned platform
💬 Founded in 2022, “It’s Personal Stories” podcast by David Kong, Rachel Humphrey, and Lan Elliott launched a revamped website. Hosting nearly 300 interviews, each 30-minute session features global hospitality leaders sharing personal stories and lessons. The platform, with tools for searching interviews, includes articles on topics like leadership and self-care. It has attracted almost 750,000 YouTube views and is free for users, aiming to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.
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IHG converts HIE Queenstown in New Zealand to voco brand
📍 IHG Hotels & Resorts and Pro-invest Group plan to convert the 227-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Queenstown, New Zealand to voco Queenstown by late 2026. The centrally located hotel will undergo refurbishment to include new meeting spaces, a Private Dining Room, and a restaurant, Mozzarella & Co. This strategic move aligns with New Zealand’s evolving hospitality market, leveraging IHG’s brand strength and systems for long-term asset performance.
