WTTC research shows U.S. tourism GDP grew only 0.9% in 2025 while Asia Pacific led globally at 8.2%, with international visitor spending declining 4.6%.
The Foundation honored Sarai Jacko of Fairmont and Justin Knight of Apple Hospitality REIT at FORWARD/26 for advancing women's careers in hospitality leadership.
Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center proudly announces the completion of its comprehensive $70 million transformation, coinciding with the hotel’s 20-year milestone in the heart of downtown Denver. The renovation introduces a full reimagination of its 1,100 guestrooms and suites alongside new and enhanced gathering spaces, designed to elevate both the guest and local experience. It follows the 2018 and 2019 revitalization of the hotel’s dining venues – including Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps, Peaks 27th Floor Lounge and Assembly Hall Bar + Market – as well as its public spaces, with updated design, flexible seating areas and more than 150 works of art by over 50 Colorado-based creators curated in partnership with Nine Dot Arts.
GTC data shows domestic luxury hotel bookings rose 20% with ADR climbing 40% as affluent Americans pivot from international to high-end U.S. destinations.
Casa Cañita, a new boutique hotel conceived by designer Nicolette Bernstein in collaboration with acclaimed chef Michelle Bernstein and partners Orestes Pajon, Davide Borgia, and David Martinez, is now open on historic Ocean Drive in Miami Beach.
W Scottsdale, located in the heart of the city’s vibrant Entertainment District, is pleased to announce the renovation of its iconic Living Room, marking a major transformation of the space. Designed by MONOGRAM at BBGM, the reimagined Living Room draws inspiration from the natural rhythm of the surrounding Sonoran Desert, introducing a bold yet refined design narrative that transitions seamlessly from daytime productivity and lounge to an elevated nightlife destination. The renovation is expected to be completed in late summer 2026.
The Westin Denver International Airport has completed the first phase of its multi-phase property transformation, unveiling a comprehensive redesign of its 37,000 square feet of meeting and event space, thoughtfully reimagined to support focus, flow, and a more balanced meeting experience. The debut signals a continued investment in the future of meetings and events at Denver International Airport.
The platform supported 1.1M jobs and generated $26B in tax revenue, with hosts earning average $15,600 supplemental income.
AAHOA partnered with Travel Portland to support women's career advancement through networking and mentorship opportunities at a dedicated forum.
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.
First Hospitality will operate the 81-key property in Madison's 111-year-old Churchill Building, marking the company's first Wisconsin capital city location.
CoStar data shows New Orleans occupancy fell from low 70s pre-pandemic to high 50s currently, with $600M Omni convention center hotel planned for 2030.
The June 3, 2026 NYC conference will examine how third spaces like members' clubs and wellness studios are driving hospitality investment strategy.
Newport's hotels won top awards from Hyatt, Choice, and Wyndham, with some properties earning recognition for 8-10 consecutive years.
Survey of 4,500+ Americans shows household travel spending projected at record $5,704 annually, with 50% now using AI tools for trip planning.
U.S. Travel Association calls for three-year TSA officer funding through reconciliation to prevent recurring airport staffing crises and passenger delays.
A bold new chapter in Old Town Scottsdale hospitality is set to unfold this spring as Hotel Solaya has officially opened its doors, joining the JdV by Hyatt brand portfolio. Following an extensive transformation, the newly reimagined property introduces a vibrant desert oasis where modern Mexican influence, playful design, and the energy of Scottsdale come together to create an entirely new lifestyle destination for locals and travelers alike.
Duchamp Healdsburg today announces its official opening in downtown Healdsburg. The 20-suite boutique hotel marks a distinctive addition to California's most celebrated wine region, where residential-style accommodations, thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, and genuine local expertise come together to create stays defined by authenticity and community.
Sleep Inn opens four new-construction hotels featuring its Scenic Dreams prototype, showing RevPAR premiums of +1.71 and improved guest satisfaction scores.
Three Little Bears Retreat in Bryson City, North Carolina – a private, wilderness, expedition retreat with luxury cabins and lodges – is set to debut this summer, introducing the region’s first safari-style, all-inclusive mountain retreat designed for families, groups, and meaningful gatherings. The retreat blends Appalachian heritage with the spirit of exploration, inviting guests to enjoy adventure, wellness, and conservation alongside comfort for a fully immersive Smokies experience.