Press Releases

President and CEO of HSMAI, Bob Gilbert Announces Retirement

Following 30 years of executive leadership for the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation and HSMAI Global, the organization is announcing the retirement of President and CEO, Bob Gilbert. A cherished and admired leader in the global hospitality industry, Gilbert has accelerated his retirement plan as a result of a serious health issue.

Upward climb with uphill struggles: 2024 Deloitte corporate travel study

While leisure travelers returned in a big way to airports, hotels, and vacation rentals beginning in the summer of 2021, corporate travel has been slower to return post–COVID-19 pandemic. Caution—initially about health, and then about financial costs and environmental impact—led most companies toward gradual returns to the road.2 New structural realities of working life have also curtailed the need to travel, with more home-centered days and virtual meetings, and fewer clients in office day to day to take sales meetings or collaborate on projects.

Overtourism: How to avoid it for better travel experiences

As the summer travel season kicks into high gear, the specter of overtourism looms large over many of the world’s most beloved destinations. In an interview with two EHL researchers and experts on the topic, we explored the multifaceted issue of overtourism and how savvy travelers can avoid the pitfalls of overcrowded hotspots by traveling during shoulder-seasons, staying overnight and discovering destination dupes.

Luxury Group Flies onto the Scene with Blade Collaboration, Elevating and Redefining Summer Travel in New York City

Luxury Group by Marriott International, the unrivaled portfolio of eight hotel brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels, today announces a curated slate of exclusive experiences in collaboration with urban air mobility platform Blade Urban Air Mobility, Inc. (“Blade”). Through this immersive collaboration, the Luxury Group will engage guests with the opportunity to fly directly to and from the airport to their hotel destinations using Blade’s helicopter service, elevating their summer travel plans with unparalleled ease and convenience.

New Report Reveals Changing Face Of Luxury Travel In Asia Pacific

As the Asia Pacific region continues to be the growth engine for luxury travel, a new comprehensive report from the Luxury Group by Marriott International has identified new expectations and travel preferences among high-net-worth (HNW) travelers in Asia Pacific. Across the region, 68% are planning to spend more on travel over the next 12 months – 89% among Indians - with 74% planning to travel within Asia Pacific and 88% prioritizing gastronomy as the reason to travel. One in four of all holidays planned (25%) are celebrations. Three distinct new groups of luxury traveler have emerged – the 'Venture Travelist' who seeks business opportunities when traveling, 'Experience Connoisseur' Millennials who are traveling for enrichment and 'Timeless Adventurer', over 65s who are building their own itineraries and exploring places before they become popular.

Newport Hospitality Group Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Best Western Williamsburg Historic District

Newport Hospitality Group, Inc. (NHG), headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, proudly announces the addition of the Best Western Williamsburg Historic District to its portfolio of managed hotels. With 34 years of establishment in Williamsburg, Newport Hospitality Group brings extensive experience and expertise to its latest acquisition, marking a strategic move in its commitment to growth and excellence in the local market.