Author: Admin

The AHLA Foundation today announced partnerships with the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) designed to strengthen opportunities for young people seeking professions in the industry. Building on the Foundation’s legacy of scholarship support for hospitality students, these strategic alliances represent an evolution of the Foundation’s talent pipeline mission—bridging the gap between higher education institutions and industry workforce needs.

1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is proud to announce the official opening of 1 Hotel Copenhagen, a transformative reimagining of the historic Skt. Petri. Copenhagen is one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities and a beacon of sustainability. So it makes sense that 1 Hotels—a purpose-driven brand built around sustainable travel—chose the city for its first location in continental Europe.

Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the global authority on luxury hospitality, today announced The Edge List 2025, honoring 20 hotels, resorts and cruises that redefine the boundaries of travel, providing access to remote, awe-inspiring destinations while delivering uncompromising comfort and elevated experiences.

I recently wrote about the Reality Rule in my Forbes column. Apparently, I hit on a topic that resonated with the Forbes readers, which prompted me to write a version for our subscribers to The Shepard Letter.

The launch of TikTok Go, in partnership with Booking.com, is a moment hoteliers cannot ignore. TikTok users can now book hotels directly within the app, enabling content creators to earn commissions when their followers make reservations. It is not just another marketing channel; it is a blueprint for the future of hospitality distribution. We covered the topic some years ago, but at the time, we were explaining how social commerce in China has become a new direct booking channel. It appears that TikTok is adopting an OTA-first approach, rather than basing it on the Chinese model.

Set to open in summer 2026, Eha is a new wellness retreat on Estonia’s unspoilt Hiiumaa Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, guests embark on a journey of renewal, guided by a philosophy deeply rooted in nature and the rhythm of the seasons. Encircled by the Baltic Sea and steeped in centuries of local tradition, Hiiumaa is one of Europe’s quietest islands, with some of its darkest, clearest skies. Two-thirds forested, with wild beaches and rare biodiversity, it offers the space and stillness that set the tone for every stay.

In a first-of-its-kind twist on hotel check-in, GCSTIMES has unveiled pet-themed, puzzle-style wooden key cards that turn an everyday item into a memorable guest experience. Designed for hotels catering to the growing market of pet-friendly travelers, the new key cards offer a unique blend of functionality, sustainability, and guest delight.

Founded in 1943, Brittain Resorts & Hotels (BRH) is the leading full-service hospitality management company in the southeastern United States. It is recognized for delivering exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence. With over 4,700 rooms, suites, and condos and more than 45 restaurants and bars under management, BRH brings deep expertise across all facets of hospitality, including operations, revenue management, sales, marketing, and HR.

Last week, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and Hospitality Upgrade successfully hosted 80 chief information officers (CIO) and hospitality industry professionals for two days of high-level exploration of tech and business trends impacting the hospitality space. In its 23rd year, the CIO Summit was held Sept. 3–5 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. In its two decades, the CIO Summit is known as a unique, invitation-only event for CIOs from hotel brands, management companies, cruise lines, gaming and independent hotels. The Summit program offers a mix of expert-led sessions and fun social activities that highlight the host city’s local treasures.

Data underscores how integrating the contract & payment workflows unlocks revenue, efficiency and guest satisfaction for hotel leaders