Expedia executive Elisa Ragno discusses AI's impact on hospitality and the balance between technology and human connection in guest services.
Knowland by Cendyn's London MICE market report shows Corporate segment leads at 48% share, with Training and Education showing highest growth driven by employee upskilling trends.
The author argues that hotel development stagnation stems from financing constraints and regulatory barriers, calling for renewed collaboration between developers, operators, and local governments.
The travel and tourism sector is predicted to grow 5.8% every year until 2032 (World Travel & Tourism Council). This should bode well for hotels.
2024 was a big, unusual year for France’s hotel sector because of the Olympics. How are hotels faring now and what should independents do to stay ahead?
The sample of branded full-service hotels* in Milan recorded a slight increase in profit during the 12 months ending in July 2025, compared to the same period last year. GOP per Available Room (GOP PAR) rose by 0.9%, driven by a 0.2% increase in revenue and supported by a 0.2% decrease in expenses.
The Irish hotel investment market remained strong in the first half of 2025, with transactions totalling around €375 million. Major Dublin deals dominated activity, including the €86 million sale of the Ruby Molly Hotel by ESR Group to German investor Deka Immobilien, leased to Ruby Hotels Group. The Fleet Hotel was also acquired by the Lanthorn Group for TMR Hotel Collection. Beyond the city centre, the Grand Hotel in Malahide, the Marine Hotel in Sutton, and the Radisson Blu at Dublin Airport all changed hands. Activity outside Dublin was limited, with the standout being the €21 million sale of Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford to the Neville Hotel Group.
The sample of branded full-service hotels in Dublin recorded a slight decline in profit during the 12 months ending in August 2025, compared to the same period last year. GOP per Available Room (GOP PAR) decreased by 1.4%, due to a -1.0% drop in revenues while the cost declined by -0.8%.
Santorini possesses one of the most irrefutably incredible landscapes in the world. From its soaring cliffs overlooking the calm azure Aegean Sea to the white, red, and black sand beaches formed by eons of volcanic activity, Thera, the island’s official name in Greek, has become synonymous with the nation’s interpretation of hospitality. It remains a longstanding and foremost destination for luxury romantic escapes and families looking for authentic experiences.
The sample of branded full-service hotels in Manchester recorded a GOP per available room (PAR) of £36.0 in the 12 months ending in August 2025. This represents a 13.4% drop compared to the same period last year, due to a 4.0% decline in revenue, which was only marginally offset by the lower expenses (-0.5%).
The sample of branded full-service hotels in Prague recorded a healthy increase in profit during the 12 months ending in August 2025 compared to the same period last year. The GOP per available room (GOP PAR) rose by 6.0%, driven by a 6.3% increase in revenue, despite a 6.6% increase in expenses.
Once economically reliant on petroleum refining, with additional support from financial services and tourism, Curaçao has seen tourism emerge as the cornerstone of its economy since the refinery’s closure in 2018. This shift has become even more apparent in the post-pandemic era. The island boasts dozens of white-sand beaches, vibrant reefs, and world-class snorkeling, as well as the historic capital of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Dutch Colonial architecture. Willemstad’s growing art, shopping, and dining scene and the island’s natural assets, rising visitation, and sustained investment are positioning the country for continued growth as a premier Caribbean destination.
What does it take to be recognized as the best hotel in the world? With the latest estimates putting it at around 187,000 properties worldwide, winning this distinction is, statistically speaking, more prestigious than the Academy Awards or nearly any other glamorous honor for other industries. While some may think its perfect service and glamorous accommodations, the real answer is soul.
The German hotel investment market showed a remarkable increase in transaction volume in H1 2025 compared to H1 2024, nearly reaching the total annual volume of 2024. However, the market is still considerably behind the pre-COVID levels.
The hotel investment market in Spain showed remarkable momentum and consolidation during the first half of 2025. With a total investment volume of €2.1 billion, the sector not only recovered to pre-pandemic levels but also recorded the third-highest first semester in history. Driven by robust demand and high-performing assets, the leisure sector regained its leadership, boosted by the record-breaking €430 million acquisition of the Mare Nostrum Resort in Tenerife. Domestic investors led the transactions, accounting for 66% of the volume. With a strong pipeline for H2 2025, the sector is on track. to surpass 3 billion mark, reinforcing Spain’s appeal to both domestic and international capital.
The Italian hotel investment market delivered a strong H1 2025, with transactions reaching nearly €1.7 billion, up 102% YoY. Rome and Venice led the activity, generating over €780 million (47% of the national volume), confirming their strategic appeal. Deals were mostly single-asset, focused on the Upper Upscale and Luxury segments. Notable transactions included the €170 million acquisition of the Mandarin Oriental in Rome (Villini Sallustiani). International investors drove 51% of total volume, with capital from Europe and the Americas. Despite cautious optimism, the market remains resilient, with a solid deal pipeline and sustained foreign interest expected to drive continued momentum in H2 2025.
France has a natural tendency towards romanticism, which is often a strength but can sometimes become a weakness. It is the world's leading tourist destination, with a hotel and tourism ecosystem that has never been as structured, inventive or powerful as it is today... and yet. And yet we like to make things more difficult, procedures more complex and decisions more opaque.
When Switzerland welcomed the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, it was more than just another major football tournament; it was a nationwide festival that brought together sport, culture and tourism in a way few countries could replicate. Over 650,000 fans filled stadiums across eight host cities, with an additional 500 million viewers watching on television and online. All but two of the 31 matches were sold out with fans coming from over 100 countries, reflecting the global pull of the women’s game.
The owner’s exit strategy must be considered as soon as the operator is selected, and the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) negotiated. Indeed, a well-structured exit strategy can help avoid a costly dispute and preserve an asset’s value and liquidity. The following key points, illustrated by real-life examples, should be considered.
The UK hotel investment market witnessed a marked decline in transaction volumes during H1 2025, largely attributable to a subdued level of portfolio transactions compared to 2024. Although most UK markets saw a contraction in transaction activity, standouts such as Edinburgh and Glasgow demonstrated resilience, with Edinburgh recording a 136% increase in volume—primarily driven by high-value, single-asset transactions, including the sale of the W Edinburgh to Schroders. London, while representing 64% of the overall transaction volume, experienced a sharper year-on-year decline compared to regional markets. The overall reduction in volumes for H1 may reflect extended deal timelines, with many transactions being deferred to the second half of the year. Looking ahead, transaction activity is expected to recover as pricing expectations between buyers and sellers converge and financing conditions continue to stabilise.