How Japan’s Vacant Akiya Houses Are Becoming Hospitality Businesses

In Japan, “akiya” (空き家) refers to vacant homes that have been abandoned due to a growing phenomenon driven by demographic shifts and economic changes. Decades of low birth rates, rapid urbanization and an ageing population have gutted rural areas, which has left many traditional houses empty. Often, heirs inherit these properties but cannot afford their upkeep or renovation

Portugal’s Travel & Tourism Sector Enters Golden Era

New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals Portugal’s Travel & Tourism sector is set to continue growing in 2025, following a landmark year in 2024 that saw the industry surpass all previous peaks across economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending.

The Importance of Secure and Scalable Hospitality Infrastructure

When a guest walks into your hotel, they expect a seamless experience. The check-in should be quick, their key should work instantly, and payments should just happen. None of that is possible without the right infrastructure – and most of the time, when it’s working perfectly, no one notices it.

How Sustainability is Becoming the Cornerstone of Future Luxury Stays

For a long time, luxury in hospitality was defined by an abundance of staff, grand lobbies, imported materials, and elaborate service. On the other hand, sustainability was often viewed as a limitation, implying a need to cut back. But today’s travellers are changing that view. Luxury and sustainability are no longer on opposite sides; they are deeply intertwined with each other.

Don’t let hype about AI agents get ahead of reality

Google’s recent unveiling of what it calls a “new class of agentic experiences” feels like a turning point. At its I/O 2025 event in May, for example, the company showed off a digital assistant that didn’t just answer questions; it helped work on a bicycle repair by finding a matching user manual, locating a YouTube tutorial, and even calling a local store to ask about a part, all with minimal human nudging. Such capabilities could soon extend far outside the Google ecosystem. The company has introduced an open standard called Agent-to-Agent, or A2A, which aims to let agents from different companies talk to each other and work together.

Hospitality Vibes: Maggie Chen’s Manifesto for a Human-Centered Future in Hospitality

I must admit, I feel a little bad that I am only now featuring this book on Hospitality Net. Maggie Chen is a friend I have known for many years at EHL Hospitality Business School, and her latest work deserves much more attention. Hospitality Vibes is not just another industry book. It is a heartfelt and deeply researched exploration of what makes our sector truly unique. The insights she shares are, in my view, a must-read for hospitality students and professionals around the globe who want to understand how our industry can evolve with purpose.

The Hotel Shakeup That’s Changing the Presidential Suite Forever

Presidential suites have come a long way since they first made an appearance in luxury hotels in the early 1900s. Originally designed as comfortable, spacious dwellings for dignitaries and heads of state—with ensuite bathrooms!—a presidential suite may now occupy 3,000 square feet, a palace of one’s own. Expect multiple bedrooms, dining rooms, private art collections on display, wet bars, and personalized wellness rooms—all accessed by private elevator and served by a 24-hour butler and concierge.