Market Trends

🏢 Anthony Torres, a top hospitality food and beverage leader, led the Grand Wailea to a $30M revenue growth over two years. Details were shared in a Hospitality Daily Podcast episode on Jan. 16, 2025. The episode was supported by Shiji Group, a global hospitality technology company. Music was produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound. More resources and episodes featuring Anthony Torres are mentioned.

📌 In 2024, an election year with economic challenges, the Travel Prediction 2025 report surveyed travelers from 33 countries, revealing wellness and comfort as top travel priorities. Singapore Changi Airport was highlighted for its appealing facilities. Over one-third (34%) of travelers look for airports with enticing amenities, while 60% seek improved pre-departure facilities. Wellness trends such as body vibration therapy (56%) and red light therapy (52%) are in demand, with 67% planning to continue treatments post-vacation. Nearly half of neurodivergent travelers (49%) have had negative experiences due to a lack of accommodation for their needs, and 68% would appreciate more sensory rooms, while 74% desire noise-blocking options. The industry sees these evolving preferences as an opportunity for transformative travel experiences by 2025.

🏨 San Diego-based Cloudbeds' research highlights PMS impact on hotel staff retention, revealing 38% of employees left due to PMS experience. Over half of managers (52.2%) believe at least four months are needed for staff to confidently use PMS. Moreover, 73% of staff receive manual PMS training, suggesting a need for more intuitive systems. The study surveyed 500 hotel staff across the US, UK, Canada, Mexico, and Spain, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly hotel technology for employee satisfaction and efficiency.

🏌️ The Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort ranked 6th in Golf World’s Top 100 Parkland courses in Great Britain and Ireland. Adare Manor, which will host the 2027 Ryder Cup, was ahead at 2nd. The course features 11 water holes and nearly 50 sand traps. Barry McCauley, Golf Operations Manager, expressed pride in the achievement. In July, the course hosted the 'Champion of Champions' World Championship with 250 junior golfers from over 40 countries.

🏖️ Four Seasons will manage the renovated Park Gstaad Hotel in Switzerland, a historical property opened in 1910. Owned by Dona Bertarelli, the hotel's refurbishment is led by Squircle Capital and designer Joseph Dirand, aiming to maintain its classic alpine style. It will feature 75 rooms and suites, plus Penthouse Residences for purchase, alongside amenities like a spa, fitness center, dining options, an ice rink, tennis court, and a kids' program. The expansion strengthens Four Seasons' alpine presence, complementing their luxury hospitality market in Europe.

🏠 NH Collection is set to open its first 5-star hotel in Ibiza in April 2025 near the old town and marina. The Hotel Sir Joan, opened in 2017, will be renovated, rebranded, and modernized for the luxury market with 38 rooms and suites. AX Partners bought the hotel for €28 million and plans further Mediterranean investments, including another hotel on the Costa Brava. This expansion will bolster NH Collection's presence and cater to Ibiza's increasing luxury tourism demand.