NEWS: WORLD

Shifting Sands: US Travel Industry Faces Workforce Reductions and Automation Surge Amid Changing Demand

With falling demand for budget travel, major US travel companies like Marriott and Booking.com are planning layoffs in 2025. The industry is turning to automation and efficiency measures to sustain operations, as higher-income travelers bolster demand in an uncertain economic climate.


Global Hotel Performance: Resilience and Transformation Amidst Market Normalization

As global hotel performance nears normalization by 2025, the industry faces slowing leisure demand, resurging corporate and international travel, and limited supply growth. These dynamics will support elevated rates, drive asset transactions, and attract investment to high-barrier and emerging markets.


India’s Hospitality Sector Q3 2024: Sustained Growth Amid Rising Corporate Travel and Regional Expansion

The Indian hospitality sector saw robust YoY growth in Q3 2024, with a 10.8% increase in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), driven by rising Average Daily Rates (ADR). Hyderabad led RevPAR growth, while Tier II and III cities gained prominence with 80% of new hotel openings.


Google’s “Blue Link” Test: A Compliance Experiment in EU Hotel Searches

Google adapts its search display for hotels in select EU markets, implementing "blue link" results to align with the Digital Markets Act. While aiming for compliance, the shift raises questions about its impact on travel businesses and user experience.


Europe’s Hotel Pricing Dominance: Outpacing Asia and the Americas in 2024

Europe solidifies its lead in competitive hotel pricing strategies, outperforming Asia and the Americas in 2024. With dynamic shifts in seasonal rate performance, evolving city trends, and continued competition with OTAs like Expedia and Booking.com, the European market showcases its adaptability and strategic edge.


Dubai Reinforces Ban on Alcohol in Food Preparation: Policy Update Sparks Industry Debate

A renewed emphasis on Dubai’s prohibition of alcohol in food preparation has sparked conversation among chefs, hoteliers, and restaurateurs, reshaping culinary offerings in the emirate.


This Week in Hospitality: New Openings and Expansions Shaping the Global Landscape

From Dubai’s grand hotel expansions to Kuwait’s first Park Inn by Radisson, the hospitality industry sees significant growth this week with new partnerships, upgraded dining destinations, and thousands of additional five-star rooms.


Farewell to a Visionary Leader: Remembering Farouk Yousuf Almoayyed’s Legacy

Gulf Hotels Group mourns the passing of Farouk Yousuf Almoayyed, a pioneering chairman who steered the company for over two decades, leaving an indelible mark on Bahrain’s business and hospitality landscape.


November 2024: Major Hotel Transactions Reshape Europe’s Hospitality Landscape

From high-profile acquisitions in the UK to new ventures in Madrid and Paris, November 2024 marked a transformative month for Europe's hotel market, signaling bold investments and strategic expansions.


Milwaukee Welcomes Dual-Branded Marriott Center at Poplar Creek

A game-changer in Brookfield, the Marriott Center combines the Residence Inn and Courtyard brands with top-tier amenities, community integration, and eco-conscious design, redefining modern hospitality in Milwaukee.


Wyndham Elevates Makkah Hospitality with New Ramada by Wyndham Property

Scheduled to open in January 2026, Ramada by Wyndham Mekkah Al Jumaizah will offer 347 modern guest rooms in Makkah's Ma’abada neighborhood, bringing accessible luxury and job creation to the holy city.


Radisson Hotel Group’s Saudi Vision: Expanding Horizons with Sustainability and Innovation

With Saudi Arabia as the epicenter of its growth strategy, Radisson Hotel Group plans to double its footprint in the Kingdom by 2030, blending innovation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.


2025 U.S. Hotel Growth: Resilience Amid Challenges

PwC forecasts muted growth for U.S. hotels in 2025, driven by modest ADR increases and tempered demand amidst a stabilizing yet uncertain economic landscape.


Hilton’s Spark Shines Bright: 150 New Hotels Planned for India

Hilton is bringing its premium economy brand, Spark, to India through a landmark deal to open 150 properties in partnership with Olive by Embassy, aiming to blend affordability with thoughtful simplicity across the country.


Rafael Nadal and Melia Hotels Unveil Zel Punta Cana: A Mediterranean-Caribbean Oasis

Rafael Nadal and Melia Hotels International are bringing their unique lifestyle brand, Zel, to the Caribbean with the launch of Zel Punta Cana, a reimagined all-inclusive resort blending Mediterranean elegance with the vibrant spirit of the Dominican Republic.


Booming Hospitality in the Southeast: Investment Trends Across the Carolinas and Georgia

Thriving business hubs, rich cultural landmarks, and improving financing conditions are positioning cities like Charleston, Atlanta, Savannah, and Raleigh-Durham as hotspots for hotel investments. A dynamic blend of tourism growth and economic development drives the resilience and appeal of these markets.


Oasis Reunion Sparks Hotel Boom Across Europe

The Oasis reunion tour is sending shockwaves through Europe's hotel industry, with cities like Cardiff experiencing record-breaking occupancy surges, reaching 73.6%. The iconic band's 2025 summer performances are transforming concert excitement into economic benefits for local markets.


Hotels in Flux: U.S. Elections, Hurricanes, and Global Trends Shape Weekly Performance

The U.S. elections triggered a temporary dip in hotel performance, with RevPAR dropping 3.5%, while international markets, led by Japan, continued to thrive. Seasonal shifts and regional events are setting the stage for an intriguing close to the year.


Travel in 2025: Bold Trends, Tech Innovations, and Sustainable Escapes

Travelers are planning more holidays than ever in 2025, with emerging trends like "Bravecations" and "Heritage Holidays" leading the way. AI is transforming trip planning, while sustainability plays a key role in shaping traveler choices.


Marriott Elevates Shenzhen: Two New Hotels to Redefine Hospitality in China

Marriott International is set to expand its footprint in Shenzhen, China, with two exciting new properties—a Luxury Collection Hotel and an AC Hotel by Marriott—both strategically located near Shenzhen North Railway Station, blending convenience with world-class amenities.