Keith Butler of Radisson Hotel Group will chair the new board alongside two other industry professionals to strengthen UK hospitality networking and professional development.
The Hard Rock Hotel New York is clearly adapting to Gen Z’s modern view of luxury, shifting away from traditional extravagance and toward immersive experiences, personalization, creativity, and visually compelling spaces. The hotel delivers this through music‑infused amenities, rooftop social environments, bold design, and cultural programming that make the stay feel expressive and memorable.
I think we mustn't confuse luxury with lifestyle. Gen Z's are currently in the 14-29 yr old range and there will be an extremely small percentage of them with the financial clout to enter into the luxury segment. Either way, hotels need to be tech-savvy, from their marketing approach to their services & facilities on offer.
Gen Z is reframing luxury. True luxury evolves to intention, cultural relevance, and emotional resonance, not by traditional symbols of status. They look for brands that know who they are, operate with purpose, and deliver experiences that feel crafted rather than standardized.The hotels that connect with this generation are those capable of offering high‑touch personalization with seamless, low‑friction operations, while staying authentic to their heritage.
Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, announces its first Colbert Collection property in the UK: The WestDill Mayfair Hotel London, Colbert Collection will open in London in Q4 this year. This announcement represents a key strategic step for Minor Hotels to launch a hotel at the heart of this global gateway city. Colbert Collection, the group’s new premium soft brand, will encompass a global collection of independent hotels designed for those fuelled by a passion for culinary excellence and genuine social connection.
Thompson Madrid today announces a significant expansion with the completion of the surrounding plaza and the opening of three new restaurants. Since its debut, Thompson Madrid has set a standard for design-forward hospitality in the capital. Now, following a transformative evolution of both its city surroundings and its culinary program, the property is reintroducing itself as a destination for travelers who appreciate classics delivered with refined sensibility, distinctive style, and a deep connection to the culture of the city.
On May 1, 2026, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane will unveil 14 newly renovated suites, marking a refined new chapter for this iconic Mayfair address. Blending timeless sophistication with the energy of modern London, the reimagined collection features bespoke detailing, rich textures, and subtle Art Deco influences, honouring the hotel’s heritage while embracing a contemporary sense of style and place. The collection includes Deluxe Suites, Park Suites, and Grand Suites, alongside a Royal Terrace Suite, Presidential Suite, and Garden Suite.
Partnership provides Leonardo Hotels staff with discounted access to 70+ degree programs and 180+ certificates from SRH Fernhochschule.
Guest preferences for automation vary significantly by region. Business heavy markets in Europe and North America lean toward automation, while the Gulf and Far East tend to favor human interaction, partly driven by lower trust in technology.Regardless of hotel tier, certain roles will always remain in human hands, e.g., chefs, spa therapists, maintenance engineers, duty managers, and any function centred on safety, emotional intelligence, or complex judgment.
Replace - very junior level "support" roles who mainly answer "how do I do this" type of questions. AI agents will be trained on SOPs and do this. Help desk staff can be reduced or upskilled for more complex work.Reshape - Contact Center Agents: As above, simple questions can be answered by AI Agents, and an AI powered PBX will answer the phone for high volume restaurants and make the bookings on a phone call via integration to table booking system, and send confirmation by SMS or WhatsApp.
AI won’t replace hospitality, but it will reduce the number of people needed to run it.In the next 3 years, we’ll see 30–60% productivity gains across call centers, guest messaging, revenue management, distribution, loyalty, back office, and even parts of development.This is not just automation, it’s a redefinition of roles.
CoStar data shows Milan hotels achieved record March performance with EUR202.42 ADR, driven by Fashion Week, MCE tradshow, and Winter Paralympics.
CoStar data shows Fashion Week and concerts drove record March performance, with ADR reaching €438 and occupancy hitting 88%.
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), in partnership with S Hotels & Resorts PCL, a Thailand-listed company and subsidiary of Singha Estate PCL, is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of lyf Piccadilly Manchester, marking the arrival of its experience-led social living brand in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. Located on Portland Street overlooking Piccadilly Gardens, the property is currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation and is planned to officially launch by Autumn 2026.
The 2026 Leadership Exchange at ITB Berlin explored how AI will redistribute power in travel by 2046, with trust becoming fragmented and some destinations restricting access.
WorldHotels adds 25 Norwegian heritage properties through partnership with De Historiske, expanding its Scandinavian portfolio to 37 hotels.
The Zleep Hotel Hamburg Volkspark has opened its doors. Featuring Danish design and an attractive value-for-money concept, the hotel brings a fresh touch to Hamburg’s hospitality scene. The hotel is ideally located near the Volksparkstadion and Barclays Arena: both venues are within easy walking distance.
The hospitality brand will open properties across Italy and Sweden by 2027, including agricultural estate La Capitana in Tuscany and historic Hasselbacken in Stockholm.
Hotel Byblos, part of family-owned Floirat Signatures, will reopen for the season on April 22, 2026. In keeping with the hotel's unique design in the heart of Saint-Tropez, it has appointed acclaimed architect Laura Gonzalez and designer Wanda Jelmini to renovate eight suites and four rooms respectively. The hotel will also introduce a new fitness centre, fitted with state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym, two new treatments at Byblos Spa by Sisley; as well as a new exclusive collection of curated items on Hotel Byblos' e-boutique, and a new on-site boutique located in the heart of the hotel.
The comprehensive annual performance analysis shows strong profit growth driven by room revenue gains, despite rising labor costs and new hotel supply additions.
The Monteleone, a new boutique hotel located on the border of rural Umbria and Tuscany has officially opened its doors. Set among the rolling hills of Monteleone d’Orvieto, one of Italy’s most evocative hilltop villages, framed by medieval walls, olive groves and verdant countryside, the 17-room retreat promises intentional slow living, offering a timeless sanctuary rooted in its surroundings, where guests are invited to pause and rediscover the beauty of simplicity.
GBTA hosted EU policymakers to discuss how the €400bn business travel sector can support Europe's sustainable tourism strategy and rail ticketing reforms.
The Leonardo Köln is welcoming guests again with immediate effect after three months of renovation works. Extensively remodelled rooms and bathrooms, revamped public areas and upgraded conference rooms will all ensure that both business travellers and city break visitors feel equally at ease.
Dunton proudly announces the opening of Kilchoan Estate June 2026, the brand’s first European property and a landmark addition to its portfolio of intimate retreats. Set across 13,000 acres of private wilderness between Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn, Kilchoan Estate by Dunton offers rare year-round access to one of the most remote and unspoiled corners of the Scottish Highlands, reachable only by boat or on foot.