Category: Recent News

SH Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of award-winning brands including 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels, and Treehouse Hotels, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic global brand created nearly 30 years ago by Barry Sternlicht, one of the most innovative and influential leaders in modern hospitality. Along with this bold change, Starwood Hotels is poised for significant growth in 2025, with more than 40 properties open or in development across its three brands on four continents.

Vignette Collection is writing the next chapter in its ’A Means For Good’ story through a global partnership with the World Literacy Foundation. Announced today, IHG’s fast-growing collection brand will directly support the foundation’s mission to eradicate illiteracy by 2040. Meaningful initiatives hosted in the neighbourhoods of Vignette Collection hotels including pop-up libraries and literacy programs will champion change within the communities of the hotel’s localities and around the world. The partnership comes as a direct response to increased consumer consciousness about traveling responsibly as 82% say it is important to choose a hotel brand that operates responsibly1.

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) announced another year of strong growth across Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) with a record-breaking number of annual signings of 291 deals representing over 34,000 rooms in 2024. The company added over 180 properties to its operating portfolio in EMEA last year, expanding its product offerings in the region across travel purposes and segments – from affordable midscale to luxury, as well as entering three new markets – Luxembourg, Angola and Senegal.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group have unveiled Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism at ITB Berlin, spotlighting the innovations set to revolutionise the industry.

How would you like to know what made a customer angry or sad, leading them to leave a negative review? You might say, “I’ll just ask them,” and that’s a great answer. Direct feedback is a gift. But maybe there’s another way.

As it celebrates its 50th year, the United Nations specialized agency is reaffirming its founding vision of tourism for peace and security whilst also looking ahead to a more resilient and inclusive sector underscored by investments and innovation. At Messe Berlin, a UN Tourism Affiliate Member, UN Tourism again served as the bridge between public and private leaders and for the first time hosted a high-level summit featuring Ministers of Tourism from 23 countries.

Climate change is driving the world’s agenda. Business leaders everywhere are wrestling with how to respond to rising public and political pressure and align their systems and operations with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, established to keep global warming below 2°C and ideally 1.5°C. None more so than for hotels, that means implementing sustainable hospitality strategies to reduce their emissions by 90 percent by 2050.

BCD Travel’s Cities & Trends U.S. ranking highlights the top cities, states, routes, and booking habits of the year from BCD client’s U.S. business travelers. The findings based on BCD flight and car rental data from 2024 shows business hotspots and reveals growing markets and traveler behavior insights.

The hospitality industry has always been synonymous with luxury, comfort, and convenience. However, as the global community becomes increasingly aware of environmental challenges, the sector faces the pressing need to balance guest satisfaction with sustainability. Green practices in hospitality not only address environmental concerns but also appeal to the growing number of eco-conscious travelers who prioritize sustainable choices. Let’s delve into the significance of green initiatives in hospitality, the strategies being employed, and the long-term benefits for businesses, communities, and the planet.

In this week’s episode of the Hotel Moment podcast, Agnelo Fernandes, CEO of Cote Hospitality, joins Revinate CMO Karen Stephens with a workplace philosophy that encourages hoteliers to identify which aspects of their business foster efficiency and which hold their business back.