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Automatic

2871 posts

Accor’s new white paper on spa and wellness design

🛀 Accor's white paper, "Making Waves," predicts spa and wellness trends in hospitality, based on a survey of 7,500 consumers from six countries. Published on Feb 19, 2025, it finds 79% of travelers prioritize wellness, echoing Skift's 2023 survey with 80%. The report suggests a shift towards local membership wellness clubs and social thermal experiences, like the future BASIN Glacial Waters at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and advocates redefined hotel spas with specialized services and adult-only areas.
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Accenture: The time to embrace Gen AI is now

🌍 On February 19, 2025, a $28 billion opportunity was identified for travel companies utilizing generative AI to enhance personalized experiences. Gen AI helps tailor itineraries and suggest accommodations based on individual preferences. Tools like KAYAK's AI refine searches using real-time data, while Saudia Airlines' AI assistant simplifies booking. Over half of travelers face filtering issues, but Gen AI offers smarter filters to ease decision-making. Furthermore, Gen AI can automate tasks, elevating productivity and customer support. A notable 97% of travelers are interested in an all-in-one travel superapp, which Gen AI could feasibly power.
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The future of travel is coming sooner than you think

🏖 By 2025, AI and digital identity will transform the travel industry, with AI agents handling customer service, sales, and operations. AI-powered guides, translation, and smart glasses will enhance experiences, while AI booking agents could shift the online travel agency-supplier dynamic. Google's AI Overviews and generative AI may disrupt SEO and digital advertising. Digital wallets will enable personalized, efficient booking. Source: "Travel Innovation and Technology Trends 2025" by Phocuswright.
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Airbnb gains market share against hotels

📌 Airbnb, in 2024, outperformed hotels and Vrbo, especially in non-urban areas. By Feb 19, 2025, the company saw a net income of $461 million for Q4, up 12% to $2.5 billion in revenue. CEO Brian Chesky plans to reintroduce Experiences in May and integrate third-party services. Following the earnings report, Airbnb's stock rose nearly 16%.
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Cvent group sourcing volume sets new records

📊 In 2024, the Cvent Supplier Network (CSN) sourced a record $16.5 billion in group business volume, a 16% increase in room nights from 2019. By Feb 19, 2025, trends indicate a need for AI in managing rising RFP volumes. Nearly 90% of planners forecast more in-person meetings, with 70% expecting larger budgets in 2025. Special event venue sourcing jumped to 49% from 17% in 2023 and 80% of planners demand RFP responses within four days. Additionally, 70% manage both group and transient hotel programs.
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Sonder on Marriott deal, financial uncertainty

💸 On Feb 18, 2025, Sonder Holdings filed a third-quarter earnings report, detailing a 1% revenue increase to $162.1 million and a net loss spike to $179.4 million. The company reduced its portfolio by 70 buildings, leaving 10,100 live units, and struck a $15 million licensing deal with Marriott. Concerns about Sonder's viability persist, with a 22% RevPAR increase but nearly 10% fewer occupied nights. The company must pay royalties to Marriott and faces a March 31, 2025 deadline for the remaining $7.5 million from Marriott.
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How travelers embrace AI

📈 A Phocuswright report on Feb 18, 2025, shows a jump in GenAI adoption among U.S. travelers from 22% in 2023 to 39% in 2024, overtaking VR and AR. In 2024, 46% of GenAI users employed the technology for travel planning, with 18% of U.S. travelers using it for leisure travel. Top GenAI uses include travel inspiration (74%), flight research (65%), and destination selection (63%). Travel is expected to become GenAI's leading use case soon, with potential shifts in travel bookings towards AI-powered platforms.
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U.S. hotel profits under pressure from rising labor costs

🏨 On Feb 18, 2025, hotel profits faced margin pressures due to rising labor costs, causing GOPPAR growth to fall behind inflation. Despite strong demand fueling total revenue, increased group bookings and F&B sales couldn't fully counterbalance the labor cost increases. Miami saw a GOPPAR increase of $12 and TRevPAR rise by $27, while Oahu experienced declines, possibly as a result of labor strikes.
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Hyatt reports business travel surge, eyes growth in 2025

💰 Hyatt's Q4 business travel revenue grew by 10% year-over-year, with full-year growth at 12%. On Feb 18, 2025, CEO Mark Hoplamazian noted demand increases across IT, banking, consulting, and pharma industries. Corporate group demand outpaced association groups. Q4 saw a RevPAR of $140.87 (+5%), ADR of $204.40 (+1.8%), and occupancy of 68.9% (+2.1pp). For the full year, RevPAR was $142.48 (+4.6%). Hyatt projects a 2%-4% RevPAR increase for 2025 and announced a $2.6 billion Playa Hotels & Resorts acquisition.
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Travel buyers cite ’24 growth, optimism for ‘25

📊 In a GBTA survey from January, 408 travel managers and 368 suppliers indicated a strong recovery of business travel in 2024 with 70% reporting increased travel; 2025 projections show 48% expect more trips and 57% foresee higher spending. North America, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific led growth, while European buyers remain cautious for 2025. Sales trips are key growth drivers (21% for internal meetings, 14% for external conferences). Rising costs concern 81% of buyers; 47% consider changing TMCs, and Asia-Pacific leads in sustainability efforts for 2025.
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