Hospitality Trends for 2026: Experience as the Operating System
The article argues that 2026 success requires integrating experience design into operations from the ground up, rather than treating it as an overlay.
Visioning 2026
Welcome to our annual visioning section, where we look ahead to what the next year will bring for hospitality. Here we bring together market expectations, evolving traveller behaviour, technology shifts, sustainability priorities, and fresh ideas from across the industry. The goal is simple: to help hoteliers and partners spot the signals early, understand what is changing, and turn insight into practical action for the year ahead.
My Top CX Predictions for 2026 and How to Make Them Come True
The author outlines 10 CX trends for 2026, emphasizing proactive service, AI integration, and treating employees like customers.
By Shep Hyken, Customer Service and Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Author, Shepard Presentations, LLC.
AI Will Not Save Your Hotel, But It Will Decide What Hospitality Means Next
The piece argues digital transformation optimized old hotel processes without reimagining hospitality, while AI forces a philosophical shift toward anticipatory service.
By Are Morch, Digital Transformation Coach for Hotels, Are Morch, Digital Transformation Coach
2025: The Year Hospitality Embraced Its Hybrid Future
Industry analysis shows 2025 marked hospitality's shift from AI hype to practical implementation, with 36% of users now viewing technology as a "good friend."
Where Is the Hospitality Industry Headed in 2026?
Industry executive argues that while Agentic AI will dominate 2026 hospitality trends, success depends on using technology to enhance rather than replace human service.
By Alan Young, VP, Strategy | Hospitality, Infor
HVS Global Perspectives – Year-End 2025
HVS regional leaders forecast improved hotel transaction activity and cap rate compression in 2026, with U.S. occupancy expected to rise 0.5% and ADR up 2.0%.
Labor and Employment Roundup: What to Expect in 2026
JMBM law firm outlines 15+ new California employment laws taking effect in 2026, including expanded paid family leave, AI regulations, and strengthened whistleblower protections.
First Hospitality’s Outlook: What’s Next for Hotel Stays in 2026
First Hospitality outperformed industry benchmarks in 2025 with +3% occupancy growth and plans AI-driven search optimization tools for 2026.
2026 Travel & Hospitality Trend Forecast
Florida hotel executives share insights on seven key trends for 2026, including wellness-focused journeys, community-centered hospitality, and proactive planning ahead of global events.
Skift Global Forum East 2025: 9 Takeaways for the Future of Travel
Skift partnered with Abu Dhabi's tourism authority to analyze key industry shifts, from the Middle East's growing influence to AI's impact on travel planning.
The 11 travel and hospitality trends that will shape 2026
The report identifies key challenges including geopolitical instability, rising tourist taxes, and seasonal demand shifts, while outlining tech-driven strategies for hoteliers to navigate 2026.
By Jonathan Gough, Content Team Lead, Lighthouse
Ten Predictions for the Hospitality Industry in 2026 and Beyond: Insights from Cayuga Hospitality Consultants’ Annual Conference 2025
Cayuga consultants predict AI integration, refinancing pressures, and labor shortages will reshape hospitality by 2026, with conversions outpacing new builds.
The latest hospitality trends for 2026: Five themes reshaping the guest experience
Revinate's CMO explores how hotels must shift from passive data collection to real-time activation for competitive advantage in 2026.
Karen Stephens, Chief Marketing Officer, Revinate, Inc.
The Trends Reshaping How We Eat and Drink in 2026
CEO of Concrete Hospitality Group predicts 2026 F&B trends will emphasize bar culture revival, smaller curated menus, Southeast Asian flavors, and theatrical desserts.
The key tech trends expected to refine the guest journey in 2026
Industry analysis predicts 2026 will shift focus from acquiring tech tools to integrating them seamlessly, with AI-driven personalization and unified data systems becoming essential.
By Gemma Hynes, Client Services Director, Net Affinity
Wimberly Interiors 2026 Hospitality Design Trends: Authenticity, Resonance, and Resilience
Wimberly Interiors forecasts 2026 hospitality design will prioritize emotional connection through multisensory experiences, hyper-local materials, and integrated wellness over visual spectacle.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Reveals Its New Independent Hotel Openings for 2026
Eight luxury independent properties will join Preferred's portfolio across Europe, North America, Morocco and Mexico, including restored historic buildings and new builds.
Amadeus Travel Trends 2026: Transformative travel for the coming year
Amadeus forecasts six major travel trends for 2026, from pet-friendly innovations and AI-powered trip planning to personalized hotel rooms and new long-haul aircraft routes.
How Hospitality Leaders Are Navigating Talent, Tech, and Capital Shifts
AETHOS consulting identifies five critical competencies hotel executives need for 2026, as tightened capital, labor shortages, and tech demands reshape leadership requirements.
By Andrew Hazelton, Managing Director, AETHOS Consulting Group
Welcome to the Era of High Life Worth: An Evolving Global Luxury Landscape Shapes Marriott International's Luxury Group Strategy for 2026 and Beyond
Marriott's Luxury Group announces strategy pivot toward "High Life Worth" focusing on wellbeing, connection and cultural experiences, with 35 new luxury openings planned for 2026.