In a recent podcast on dojo.live, I spoke about the game-changing role of a unified data layer in staying competitive, especially in an era driven by AI and other emerging technologies.
Hotel Market Beat 2025 Q1 – UK
The UK hotel investment market saw record-high transaction volumes in 2024 primarily driven by major portfolio deals such as Edwardian & Village. While Q1 2025 showed a 72% reduction in volume, a higher number of deals were recorded, totaling 28 individual transactions. Institutional buyers drove transaction activity in Q1 2025, accounting for 40% of total volumes. This reflects a shift from Q1 2024, when the market was primarily dominated by private buyers. The Upscale & Luxury segments led marginally in terms of market share (25% & 23%, respectively), though total volumes were down. Looking forward, single asset transactions are expected to dominate, supported by increased price alignment between buyers and sellers and fewer anticipated portfolio deals by year-end.
A Riviera Icon Reimagined: Le Beauvallon Opens Its Doors to Guests for the First Time in Nearly a Decade
Le Beauvallon, which first opened in 1914, distils the essence of the Cote D’Azur lifestyle: a striking Belle Epoque palace, 10 acres of terraces and gardens with palms and umbrella pines overlooking the Bay of Saint-Tropez, a glamorous Mediterranean beach club, and a private pontoon for yacht tenders. Occupying a beachside location and adjacent to the renowned Golf Club de Beauvallon, the hotel is only eight minutes by boat from the vibrant heart of ’St Trop’ on the other side of the bay.
How Hotels Can Win at eCommerce & Drive Direct Bookings
Independent hotels have a competitive edge in their DNA – offering rare, remarkable experiences that guests want to talk about, post about, and relive. According to Expedia Group’s Unpack ’24 report, more than 90% of travelers say the vibe of a hotel is important when booking. Additionally, 67% of travelers would pay more to stay at a hotel that aligns with their preferred vibe, highlighting the significance of personalized and unique experiences in the hospitality industry.
Cloudbeds appoints Adnan Malik as MD of Franchise Development
San Diego, CA (June 12, 2025) – Cloudbeds, the premier hospitality management software platform, has today announced the appointment of Adnan Malik as Managing Director of Franchise Development.
Canary Technologies Raises $80M to Solidify Its Position as the Hospitality AI Leader and Accelerate Global Reach
Canary Technologies, the award-winning global leader in hotel guest management technology, announced today it has closed an $80 million Series D round of funding to accelerate the company’s global expansion as a leader in hospitality AI. Brighton Park Capital led the round, with participation from existing investors: Insight Partners, F-Prime Capital, Thayer Ventures, Y-Combinator and Commerce Ventures. This latest investment brings Canary’s valuation to approximately $600 million dollars.
The Hotel Company of the Future (What Happens When You Ditch the Three-Legged Stool)
Imagine a hotel company that doesn’t rely on a Frankenstein-esque business model cobbled together from a franchise, a management company, and a brand – each with their own agenda, their own KPIs, and absolutely zero alignment. Imagine instead a sleek, modern, hospitality-first, customer-centric organization that actually makes sense.
Capella Hotels and Resorts to Make European Debut in Heart of Florence
Opening in 2027, Capella Florence will honour an 800-year cultural legacy of art, spirituality and community with its visionary reimagining of Via San Gallo historic complex.
Grand Metropolitan Hotels Selects dailypoint™ as Loyalty and Data Management Partner
Grand Metropolitan Hotels, a fast growing third party hotel operator with over 450 properties on its management platform, has selected dailypoint™ as its strategic technology partner for the development and operation of its new Loyalty Program. This cooperation underscores Grand Metropolitan’s commitment to guest-centric innovation and digital excellence.
Overseas Travel Intentions to Europe Soften for Summer 2025 amid Global Tensions and Rising Costs
The latest edition of the Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB 2/2025), published by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV, reveals a drop in long-haul travel sentiment to Europe for the summer season 2025. While global tourism continues to show resilience, growing cost concerns, geopolitical instability, and weakening consumer confidence are influencing consumer decisions across key markets.

