As hotels advance toward GSTC standards, procurement becomes more than purchasing, as it becomes governance. The section A1 and A2 set expectations for hotels to formalize responsible purchasing processes, ensure compliant suppliers, and maintain traceability. Section D2 further requires measurable, data-driven progress in reducing emissions, plastics, and waste.
Five Trends Shaping the Hospitality Landscape in 2026
WATG, the preeminent leader in integrated luxury hospitality design since 1945, spotlights five trends that will continue to evolve and shape Asia Pacific’s hospitality industry in 2026 and beyond.
MICE + hoteliers: it’s time to capitalize on London as a center of knowledge
MICE means money for hotels. But what industries are worth capitalizing on? With a fast-moving economy, hotels risk missing out if they don’t stay aware and agile. Here’s what hoteliers in London need to know about the state of MICE right now to define a Find, Book and Grow strategy that works.
UN Tourism welcomes G20 Leaders recognition and strong support for tourism under South Africa’s G20 Presidency
G20 Leaders have recognized the contribution of tourism to shared prosperity and sustainability at the first Summit held in Africa under the Presidency of South Africa.
Tripadvisor Winter Travel Index Report Shows Travelers are Hitting the Road this Winter with 60% Planning Trips
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, today released its annual Winter Travel Index revealing robust winter travel demand, with 60% of travelers planning trips and 45% indicating they’re traveling more this winter than last year. The comprehensive report shows a diverse mix of cold urban destinations and warm-weather escapes leading winter travel preferences.
GBTA Foundation Earns 2025 SPLC Leadership Award for Advancing Global Sustainable Travel Procurement Standards
The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) has named the GBTA Foundation, the cause-related arm of GBTA, a distinguished recipient of its 2025 Leadership Award in the Public Interest Advocate category. This recognition celebrates the Foundation’s dedication and success in generating positive outcomes through its pioneering sustainable procurement tools and standards.
Decentralization Is a Myth — But We Can Still Take Back Control
We’ve heard this promise before. The Internet was supposed to decentralize travel. Then came social media, metasearch, and the so-called “sharing economy.” Each new wave arrived with the same story: this time, hotels will finally connect directly with their guests again.
HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin – Week Ending 21 November 2025
Leonardo Hotels, the European division of the Israeli owner-operator Fattal Hotel Group, has acquired three UK properties in separate single-asset transactions: the four-star, 270-room Leonardo Hotel Southampton, the four-star, 170-room Leonardo Hotel Exeter, and the four-star, 94-room Leonardo Hotel Chester. All three properties are situated in central locations and include a restaurant and bar. Leonardo had already been operating the hotels under FRI leases, and the Chester acquisition also includes three commercial units that are let to third-party tenants.
Maestro PMS Launches Enhanced Online Gift Card Module to Help Hotels Strengthen Loyalty, Branding
Maestro PMS has recently enhanced its Online Gift Card module, giving independent hotels, luxury resorts, and multi-property groups new tools to grow guest loyalty, increase brand visibility, and drive repeat bookings throughout the year. With consumer demand for personalized digital gifting at an all-time high, this upgraded module empowers hoteliers to use gift cards as more than a point-of-sale transaction. Now, they serve as powerful tools for marketing, engagement, and revenue growth.
GSTC in Practice: How GCSTIMES Helps Hotels Meet Section D
Last week, we took a quick look at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and why it matters for hotels advancing environmental performance and responsible operations. This week, GCSTIMES is diving deeper into how we help hoteliers demonstrate alignment with GSTC.

