OpenTravel Alliance Joins Overture Maps Foundation to Power Connected, AI-Ready Travel Infrastructure

The OpenTravel Alliance (OTA), the leading data standards organization for the travel industry and a member of the Linux Foundation, today announced it has joined the Overture Maps Foundation (Overture), another Linux Foundation initiative focused on building reliable and interoperable open map data for global use. By joining Overture, OTA will work with another leading consortium to resolve one of the travel industry’s most persistent challenges: standardizing location data across the highly fragmented ecosystem of travel providers, platforms, and markets by establishing open, interoperable mapping frameworks.

IHCL Enters into Sales, Marketing & Distribution Agreement for the Storied ’Clarks’ Brand

India’s largest hospitality company has entered into a strategic marketing and distribution partnership with Clarks Group of Hotels. Under the alliance, four Clarks hotels in Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho and Lucknow will be marketed under SeleQtions, a platform of curated hotels known for their unique identity and legacy offering travelers distinct experiences. This collaboration will also entail expansion of the Clarks brand.

STR Weekly Insights: 10-16 August 2025

U.S. hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) fell 0.5% for the week ending 16 August with significant influence from the difficult year-over-year comps in Houston. Houston, which accounted for 5 basis points of the national RevPAR decrease, was not alone as 47% of all markets saw RevPAR decline by more than half a percentage point—the most of the past four weeks. Falling occupancy drove the nationwide RevPAR decline, while average daily rate (ADR) rose a mere 0.4%.

AI-Powered Booking and Concierge Systems: A Strategic Lifeline for Independent Hotels

Independent and boutique hotels in the U.S. face unprecedented challenges. Labor shortages continue to strain daily operations, with over 60% of hotels reporting difficulties in filling staff positions. At the same time, reliance on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) cuts deeply into profitability, with commissions averaging 20–30% of gross bookings. For small operators, these dual pressures create an unsustainable environment.

A New Era of Elegance and Exclusivity with Brand New Luxury Suites at NEMA Design Hotel & Spa, Crete

NEMA Design Hotel & Spa is excited to announce the upcoming unveiling of 35 brand-new luxury suites in Spring 2026. Nestled along the Aegean coastline, NEMA continues to distinguish itself as an adults-only boutique retreat for discerning travellers seeking refined luxury in the heart of Crete, just 20 minutes from Heraklion International Airport. At NEMA, guests are invited to truly disconnect from the demands of daily life, stepping away from screens, routines and constant noise to rediscover stillness, simplicity, and the restorative rhythm of nature. ​ ​