ÖHV Congress 2026: Between AI Euphoria and Operational Reality
Austrian hoteliers at the ÖHV Congress revealed a gap between AI promises and operational reality, with bureaucracy and staff shortages hampering digital transformation efforts.
Austrian hoteliers at the ÖHV Congress revealed a gap between AI promises and operational reality, with bureaucracy and staff shortages hampering digital transformation efforts.
Arctic SnowHotel in Rovaniemi operates just 3.5 months annually but maintains year-round profitability through strategic planning and technology that works in sub-zero temperatures.
Byron Fiddler of Luxury Family Hotels shares operational strategies including pre-arrival guest contact, integrated childcare, family-inclusive spa access, and specialized dining arrangements.
A whimsical corridor of mushrooms. A painting of a floppy-eared dog dressed to the nines in military finery. An inclusive spa that favours family time over restrictive hours. A dog bath before you’ve even reached the lobby. I’ve only been exploring New Park Manor for five minutes, and already it’s clear there’s something a little bit different about this hotel.
A whimsical corridor of mushrooms. A painting of a floppy-eared dog dressed to the nines in military finery. An inclusive spa that favours family time over restrictive hours. A dog bath before you’ve even reached the lobby. I’ve only been exploring New Park Manor for five minutes, and already it’s clear there’s something a little bit different about this hotel.
Byron Fiddler of New Park Manor shares strategies for authentic family hospitality, from pre-arrival guest contact to inclusive spa access and child-friendly dining solutions.
Hotels can repurpose unsold rooms for social causes like supporting unpaid carers, creating community value at minimal cost while strengthening ESG credentials.
South Place Hotel's VIP pet strategy increased weekend dog bookings from zero to 3-5 rooms, driving higher guest spending and repeat business.
Syrian-Armenian refugee Armen Melkonian shares how hospitality principles guided his journey from war-torn Syria to hotel industry success in the Netherlands.
Despite 40% of UK hotels having neuroinclusion policies, fewer than 15% of neurodivergent employees find accommodations effective, revealing a gap between corporate commitments and operational reality.
The piece examines how three Monte Carlo hotels - Hôtel de Paris, Hermitage, and Metropole - each embody different narratives of European luxury through their architectural design and guest experiences.
Booking.com responds to Dutch consumer legal action by citing Oxford Economics research showing OTAs saved travelers $69.4 billion in Europe between 2019-2021.
The Belfry's Senior Finance Director discusses how the iconic UK golf resort balances tradition with technology to create meaningful guest connections.
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.