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AI-Native Distribution Is the One Thing Google Won't Build, Bed Bug Safety Beats Cleanliness as Top Booking Concern, Guest Identity Is Hospitality's Real AI Gap
Tuesday brought an argument that Google's ad-auction model leaves the door open for a new AI-native distribution entrant, fresh Phocuswright data showing bed bug safety has overtaken cleanliness and value as travelers' top booking concern, and a sharp case that fragmented guest identity data, not AI tools, is hospitality's real technology gap. Accor and H World's loyalty cross-access deal and a heavy properties day rounded out the session.
Culture First – The Most Important Investment We Make
HSMAI Europe President Ingunn Hofseth reflects on lessons from mentor Mike Leven, arguing that culture and people-first leadership are the foundation of lasting business success.
By Ingunn Hofseth, President & CEO, HSMAI Europe
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Hospitality Daily and Destination AI Launch Industry-Wide Survey to Benchmark How Hotels Are Using AI Today
Hospitality Daily and Destination AI launch a live survey to benchmark real AI usage across hotel organizations, covering investment priorities, measurable outcomes, and frontline employee sentiment.
How hotels turn data overload into profit growth
Sage Hospitality's Jeff Michael joins Revinate's Hotel Moment podcast to discuss how hotels can move from data paralysis to action, aligning revenue, sales, and marketing teams around profitability.
Karen Stephens, Chief Marketing Officer, Revinate, Inc.
Mandarin Oriental Introduces Its New Resort – Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca
Mandarin Oriental is delighted to introduce Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, welcoming its first guests this month. This exquisite transformation on the island's coveted southwest coastline in Calvià is near the elegant Puerto Portals, an exclusive marina known for prestigious regattas, fine dining and luxury brands. This is the third property in Spain, following Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona and Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid.
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View AllPATA Mid-Year Update: The Numbers Behind Asia Pacific's Tourism Growth - China’s Volume, Vietnam’s Velocity
PATA and PolyU project Asia Pacific international arrivals to hit 789.2M by 2028, reaching 115.6% of 2019 levels, with Vietnam and Mongolia among the fastest-growing destinations.
PATA and Hong Kong PolyU
Hotel Yearbook Article The Hotel Yearbook 2026 - Technology Edition
After the AI Hangover: What Happens to Hotel Photography?
Stefano Pinci writes from the photographer's perspective on what AI actually does — and does not do — to hotel imagery. The technology has become a genuine problem-solver in post-production, he argues, but its greatest risk is not bad output: it is the seductive pull toward a frictionless, anonymous visual average that makes every property look the same and none of them look real.
By Stefano Pinci, Professional Photographer, Stefano Pinci Photographer
Minor Hotels Signs First NH Hotels & Resorts Property in the Middle East with Debut in Saudi Arabia
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality leader with more than 640 properties in operation and under development across 66 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, is pleased to introduce NH Riyadh Prime Square Hotel to Saudi Arabia, marking the debut of NH Hotels & Resorts brand in the Middle East.
Nomad Hilton Singapore to Open in Late 2026
NoMad Hilton Singapore is set to open late 2026, marking the brand's debut in Asia Pacific. The hotel will embody NoMad's signature approach to luxury hospitality, featuring three distinctive dining and bar concepts plus a poolside lounge to deliver immersive dining and cocktail experiences across the 19-storey property.
Meliá Hotels International brings The Meliá Collection to Corfu, advancing its Mediterranean luxury expansion
Meliá Hotels International continues to weave its presence across the world's most coveted leisure destinations with the signing of a new hotel in Corfu, the Greek island where history, Venetian architecture and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean converge in a setting of timeless beauty. This new project reflects the company's ambition to further expand within the premium and luxury segment, connecting travellers with iconic destinations that blend authenticity, culture and a refined lifestyle, in line with Corfu's growing appeal as one of the Mediterranean's most sought-after escapes.
Supplier News
View allFolio Joins Avendra International’s Preferred eProcurement Partner Network to Help Hotels Optimize Program Spend
Folio joins Avendra International's eProcurement Partner Network, giving hotels access to 5,000+ contracted suppliers and $20.5B in purchasing power, with one client lifting program participation by over 10%.
Canary Technologies and Ulyses PMS by Septeo Announce Partnership to Expand AI-Powered Hospitality Across Spain
Canary Technologies integrates with Ulyses PMS by Septeo, enabling Spanish hotels to connect AI-powered guest engagement tools directly with their property management system.
Beyond PMS and POS. Building a Connected Hotel Data Ecosystem
Hotels with fragmented PMS, POS, and payment systems lose decision-making speed and personalization opportunities; this piece argues data integration is now a core strategic capability, not just an IT task.
PPHE Hotel Group reimagines the digital guest experience across 17 European hotels through Hudini partnership
PPHE Hotel Group is deploying Hudini's platform across 17 European properties, including a guest web app, mobile room keys, self-service kiosks, and staff tools to streamline operations and personalise guest journeys.
Bed Bug Safety Overtakes Stars, Cleanliness and Value as Travellers' #1 Hotel Booking Concern, Phocuswright Research Confirms
Phocuswright survey of 1,082 US, UK, and French travellers finds bed bug safety now outranks cleanliness, value, and location as the top hotel booking concern, with 84% choosing a certified 4-star over an uncertified 5-star.
Valpas and Phocuswire
Hotelogix introduces Multi-Property Manager to strengthen group-level oversight for expanding hotel chains
Hotelogix launches Multi-Property Manager, giving hotel group corporate teams centralized visibility into revenue, occupancy, RevPAR, OTA allotments, and bookings across their entire portfolio via single sign-on.
Unlocking Poolside Leisure: GCSTIMES Key Card That Double-Functions as a Travel Companion
GCSTIMES introduces a cherry wood, floral-shaped hotel key card that doubles as a 360° rotating phone grip, marketed as a guest amenity that combines sustainable materials with practical design.
Lake.com Launches AI-Powered Lake Chat for Waterfront Vacation Planning
Lake.com launched Lake Chat, a conversational AI concierge that lets travelers explore waterfront destinations and compare accommodations through natural language instead of traditional search.
IHG Hotels & Resorts adds 653 rooms to Spanish pipeline with a trio of Holiday Inn Express signings
IHG signed three new-build Holiday Inn Express franchise agreements in Madrid, Málaga, and Barcelona totalling 653 rooms, in partnership with Tikehau Capital's new Selecto select-service hotel platform.
IHG Hotels & Resorts brings Crowne Plaza to Vienna
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Crowne Plaza Vienna, bringing the Crowne Plaza brand back to Austria. The hotel will be operated in partnership with FEURING Asset Management GmbH, a hotel asset management company with a strong track record across key European destinations.
Cordis joins Xi'an's new takeoff: Heart-led hotel comes to airport zone reviving the spirit of the Silk Road
Langham Hospitality Group’s (LHG’s) Cordis Hotels & Resorts brand has landed in Airport New City, a rapidly evolving district adjacent to the visually striking fifth terminal at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport – the primary aviation hub serving both the Xi’an and Xianyang metropolitan areas. Cordis, Xi’an – like the terminal – blends Tang Dynasty-inspired design with the energy of modern travel to create a grand arrival experience worthy of its namesake’s historical role as China’s imperial capital and the starting point of the Silk Road – the storied travel route that made the city a vital nexus for transportation, trade and cultural exchange.
UN Tourism and ITF call for action on women in tourism transport
A joint UN Tourism and ITF report reveals women hold just 6% of pilot roles and 3% of land transport jobs, prompting a three-year action plan to address structural and legal barriers.
The India Hospitality Market: Domestic Demand and Growth Beyond Metros
India's hospitality market, anchored by 2.9 billion domestic tourist visits in 2024, is expanding fast into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, but talent gaps and regional fragmentation are testing operators' ability to scale.
By Noxolo Behane, Thought Leadership Writer, EHL
Hotel Mobile Check-In: Faster Guest Arrivals
An explainer covering how hotel mobile check-in works, the operational and revenue benefits, first-party data capture opportunities, and when the technology is or isn't the right fit for a property.
By Stephanie Clemo, BOSC 6 Student and Hospitality Strategy writer, EHL
The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Cancún Celebrates Its Official Opening with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Marking a New Era of Luxury in the Mexican Caribbean
The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Cancún officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together industry leaders, government officials, project owners, and strategic partners, marking the arrival of a remarkable new luxury destination to Marriott International's portfolio in Mexico.
Gunter Hotel Officially Joins Marriott Bonvoy's Tribute Portfolio
The historic Gunter Hotel announces its official transition to Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, joining Marriott Bonvoy's global collection of independent hotels celebrated for their distinctive character, captivating design, and deep connection to local culture. To commemorate the milestone, the hotel has also launched a special limited-time room package.
MIMARU Highlights How International Travelers Are Turning Japan's Marathons into Family Holidays
MIMARU reports nearly 80% of guests at its Tokyo Shinjuku property during marathon season are race participants, reflecting a growing trend of travelers building Japan holidays around marathon events.
Accor and H World Group Expand Long-Term Partnership Across Direct Booking and Loyalty Platforms
Accor and H World Group will give their combined 430 million loyalty members cross-access to each other's properties and select benefits across China, Europe, and the Middle East starting in 2026.
Pullman Hotels & Resorts Brings its Brand Evolution to Life
Pullman Hotels launches a new global brand campaign centered on human connection and cultural exchange, supported by the Pullman xChange event in Paris and a pipeline of 60+ new properties targeting 200+ hotels within five years.