Category: Recent News

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), a global leader in hospitality, continues expansion of its midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, across Southern Europe, with the rebranding of a Pacini Group property to Garner Hotel Rome Aurelia. This transformation underscores IHG’s commitment to strengthening its midscale portfolio in Italy, with a conversion brand that offers a flexible and purposefully different guest experience while leveraging the established presence of Pacini Group in the market. Garner Hotel Rome Aurelia will join a robust and growing global pipeline of more than 88* Garner properties.

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative emphasizing the impacts of Global Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) on travel technology companies and the travel industry at large.

ITB Berlin is setting the pace shortly before the trade show begins: with 95 per cent of the display area already booked, a record number of international exhibitors from 165 countries as well as strong growth in key travel segments, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show reflects the upturn in the travel industry. Demand is particularly high in the cruise sector, as well as Southern Europe, Asia and Africa. The travel technology sector is also booming, and now occupying a larger area in Hall 4.1. Regular exhibitors including Trenitalia, Panama and Hamburg, as well as new participants such as Djibouti and Visa, are giving the show an extra boost. Albania, this year’s host country, will host a spectacle for “all the senses” in Halls 3.1 and 4.1. Taking as its slogan ’The Power of Transition Lives Here’, the ITB Berlin Convention focuses on the major challenges and opportunities in global tourism. In addition to a wide variety of exhibitors, participants can also look forward to numerous…

HSMAI Europe is doubling down on its commitment to nurturing future hospitality leaders with the appointment of Yana Kyrylyuk as Young Talent Programme Manager. A natural fit for the role, Yana transitions from Chair of the HSMAI Europe Student Council to steer projects that guide students and young professionals towards thriving careers in the industry.

Our views around the world reflect early optimism for 2025, with the anticipation of stronger transaction activity and modestly improving hotel metrics in most regions.

📍 Utrecht, The Netherlands – 13 February 2025

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to announce the Gold Winners of the 2024 Adrian Awards, recognizing the best in advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and integrated campaigns within the travel industry. These winners will be honored at the Adrian Awards dinner reception and ceremony on February 18, 2025, at the New York Marriott Marquis, where the Platinum and Best of Show recipients—selected from the Gold winners—will be revealed.

Safemark, a global leader in guest room safe solutions for the hospitality industry, is proud to announce its recognition by EcoVadis for its commitment to sustainability. Safemark has earned the Committed Badge from EcoVadis, reflecting its top-tier performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This acknowledgment reflects Safemark’s ongoing dedication to integrate sustainable practices across its operations and its positive impact on the world.

AI is reshaping customer service and customer experience faster than we could ever imagine. But some are getting it wrong. While everyone’s racing to implement AI, many are missing the most important part – keeping the human element alive. Smart companies have found the balance between the human touch and the digital experience.

AAHOA, the world’s largest hotel owners association, is proud to announce key leadership promotions that underscore its commitment to serving its members and driving industry progress. Geetika Rana has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Membership & Events, and Dennis Smith has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Business Development.