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Automatic

2845 posts

A New Boutique London Hotel: The Shepherd Mayfair To Open In 2026

🏨 The Shepherd Mayfair will open in 2026 in Shepherd Market, London, led by Timothy Shepherd. Spanning 33,600 sq ft and featuring 82 rooms across 6 floors, the hotel includes dining venues Fayre (75 covers), The Lounge (58 covers), and Teddy’s Bar (72 covers). Inspired by Mayfair’s historic mansions, it blends classic and contemporary design. Notable features include bespoke joinery, marble bathrooms, and art by Jack English and George McLeod. Located at 2 Stanhope Row, London, W1J 7BT.
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Apiary Hotel Set to Open in Belleview Station in Early 2026

🏨 Apiary Hotel will open in early 2026 at 4855 S. Quebec Street, Denver, as South Denver's first lifestyle, extended-stay hotel. The Marriott Bonvoy property features 175 suites, a cocktail lounge, and a market & café. Located in the Belleview Station district, 12 miles from downtown, it offers easy access to local attractions. Apiary includes a 900-square-foot event space and residences with up to three bedrooms, including 13 penthouses. A collaborative effort by Marriott, Stonebridge, and Copford Capital Management.
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La Résidence Phou Vao in Laos Reopens After Stunning Transformation

🏨 La Résidence Phou Vao, located atop Phou Vao Hill in Luang Prabang, Laos, has reopened after a comprehensive renovation led by Sanya Souvanna Phouma and HMD Asia. The 37-suite hotel combines Lao heritage and French art with modern comforts, such as expanded private terraces and state-of-the-art facilities. Plans for 2026 include a wellness center and a Presidential Suite. The renovation honors its history while offering panoramic views of UNESCO-listed sites and sacred mountains.
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  • 7 min

What’s Next for Hospitality in 2026?

📈 In 2025, the hospitality industry saw a modest growth in average daily rates, while occupancy weakened. AI adoption increased revenue by 7.2%. 67% of family travel decisions are influenced by children. Luxury hotels' RevPAR grew by 5.3% year-over-year, while the economy segment declined by 1.8%. The Fed lowered interest rates to 3.50%-3.75%, encouraging hotel investments. Loyalty programs influenced 70% of travelers' choices, and 71% planned a road trip, highlighting a trend toward nature-focused stays.
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  • 2 min

PwC Report: AI at the heart of tourism and hospitality – powering personalisation, efficiency and growth

💻 PwC's latest report highlights AI's transformative impact on the Middle East's tourism and hospitality sectors. With 91% of industry leaders piloting AI, only 3% have achieved full deployment due to legacy issues and talent gaps. AI drives efficiency, with 85% seeing cost improvements and 74% establishing AI budgets. Key areas of impact include guest experiences, workforce development, and operations. AI aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and UAE’s digital strategy, enhancing sustainable and personalized travel experiences.
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More Than a Bed: How Hotels are Unlocking Social Impact

🛌 Hotels in the UK face 1 million unsold rooms weekly. By repurposing these for social causes, they enhance ESG profiles and aid communities. Unpaid UK carers, saving £184 billion annually, benefit from 1-2 night hotel breaks, improving mental health. This strategy aligns with ESG and strengthens community ties with minimal cost, as only housekeeping is needed. Hotels gain loyalty, improved brand perception, and fulfill corporate social responsibility goals, creating a win-win for business and society.
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Lack of Feedback Is a Gift

💬 As a 12-year-old, performing at 8-10 magic shows weekly, I learned the importance of feedback, or lack thereof. My father advised me to note which tricks weren't mentioned post-show, suggesting they should be replaced. This taught me to operationalize feedback, enhancing customer experience by focusing on unspoken cues. Silence can provide insights for improvement, making it as valuable as direct feedback. Always look for what customers don’t say to drive your next big change.
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When a Key Card Becomes a Seasonal Story

📰 Since 2011, GCSTIMES has evolved from smart card R&D to sustainable innovation, now serving as a global platform for sustainable solutions. With five operational centers in China, the US, UAE, France, and Australia, and 14 subsidiaries, it serves over 140 countries, supporting 100,000+ hospitality groups in sustainability. GCSTIMES offers sustainable smart cards and cultural gifts through brands like GCS, AUROkeys, Xenyra, and Glint Spot. Their products promote cultural heritage globally.
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Tambourine and Settlers Hospitality Partner to Transform Digital Portfolio with Nine New Websites

🏠 Tambourine, a leader in hotel marketing technology, completed a digital overhaul for Settlers Hospitality in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. The project spanned nine websites, including The Chestnut Inn and Ledges Hotel, enhancing guest interaction and visual storytelling. Settlers Hospitality focuses on historic preservation and community engagement. The partnership showcases Tambourine's integrated solutions, serving hotel brands in 47 countries. Contact Thomas McDermott, Chief Marketing Officer, at +1 954 975 2220 for more information.
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HFTP Announces Availability of HITEC 2026 Registration and Hotel Reservation Site

📰 HITEC 2026, the largest nonprofit hospitality technology event by HFTP, will be held June 15–18 at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas. Expect 370+ exhibitors and 6,000 attendees exploring tech trends. The HITEC Advisory Council, chaired by Lyle Worthington, manages the education program. Entrepreneur 20X pitch competition returns, with a submission deadline of March 31. HFTP, established in 1952, supports hospitality finance and tech sectors worldwide from Austin, Texas.
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