AI Agents Take the Reins: Your Next Guest’s Arrival Decided by Artificial Intelligence – Image Credit Unsplash+    Alan Young of Infor writes about the development and rise of agentic AI, exemplified by OpenAI’s Operator, which is set to alter the hospitality industry fundamentally. This behavioral revolution will transform travelers’ discovery, selection, and experience of accommodations, […]

STR Weekly Insights: Weekend Bookings and Non-Top 25 Markets Drive U.S. Hotel Revenue Amid Global Slowdown – Image Credit STR    U.S. hotel Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) rose 0.9% due to strong weekend bookings and performance outside the Top 25 Markets. Despite a global slowdown, RevPAR remained positive, although mixed signals are expected for the […]

Soneva Secret, Maldives – Image Credit Soneva Group    KSL Capital Partners has taken a majority stake in Soneva Group. Neil Gallagher appointed as the new CEO of Soneva Group. In a recent development, KSL Capital Partners has taken a majority interest in the Soneva Group. This move expands on KSL’s previous minority […]

Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel – Image Credit Minor Hotels    Minor Hotels has signed a strategic hotel management agreement with Seven Tides for a property on Palm West Beach in Dubai. The new addition, effective from August 2025, includes 273 hotel keys and 287 serviced apartments, making Minor Hotels the largest […]

Ritz-Carlton Sarasota – Image Credit Ritz-Carlton    The Sarasota market is no longer just a snowbird destination in the winter months. Instead, the area is now thriving as a year-round destination, as evidenced by the area’s rising tourist tax collections, expanding demand centers including athletic facilities, and numerous development projects in the market’s pipeline. Sarasota Hotel […]

South African Travel & Tourism Sector Poised for Record Employment Despite Lingering Challenges – Image Credit Unsplash+    South Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector is expected to support a record 1.9 million jobs this year, marking an all-time high. However, the industry’s contribution to GDP and international visitor spending lags.   Projected Employment Growth According to […]

The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Star Rating Systems – By Jonathan Gough – Image Credit Unsplash+    In this guide, we’ll break down the star rating system, explain how it impacts bookings, and offer actionable tips for improving your hotel’s ratings and reviews. When it comes to choosing accommodation, travelers have more options than ever before […]

ETC and GDS-Movement Launch White Paper to Help Destinations Navigate EU Sustainability Rules – Image Credit European Travel Commission    The European Travel Commission (ETC) and the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) have released a white paper, “A Destination’s Guide to the New EU Sustainability Regulations”, at IMEX Frankfurt 2025. This guide aims to help destinations […]

Fairfield Inn & Suites Tulsa South Medical District – Image Credit CBRE    CBRE Hotels is soliciting offers for the acquisition of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in south Tulsa, Oklahoma. This asset, located in a thriving submarket of Tulsa, has significant potential for value enhancement. Property Overview The Fairfield Inn & Suites is situated 2 […]

Join the Distribution Revolution: What You Need to Know About Smart Distribution for Hotels – By Laure Cremers – Image Credit Lighthouse    Smart Distribution is the future of managing your booking channels – driving more revenue and saving you time thanks to AI innovation and reliable automation. The hospitality industry has become fiercely competitive and […]