Market Trends

🗺️ Japan, 2025: Over 40 million tourists visited, driven by favorable exchange rates and government policies. The JW Marriott Tokyo opened a 200-room hotel in October, featuring a Zen-inspired design and wellness amenities. Park Hyatt Tokyo reopened in December after renovations. The Ryokan Collection, founded in 2004, expanded to 53 properties, emphasizing authentic experiences. IHG expanded its Japan presence with 20 new properties, including luxury and midscale hotels, preparing for the World Expo. Japan's tourism and hospitality sectors are thriving.

🌎 LEBANON, New Hampshire—According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, 65% of travelers prefer hidden gems over iconic attractions, with women (69%) and non-U.S. travelers (68%) slightly more inclined. History appeals to 75% of travelers, with U.S. tourists (78%) leading. One-third of Americans would pay $3,500 for a 3.5-hour supersonic flight to London, with women more hesitant (27%) than men (30%).

💸 Driftwood Capital completed an $11 million renovation of the Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, enhancing the 226-room hotel. Upgrades include refreshed guest rooms, an M Club lounge, a modernized fitness center, and expanded meeting spaces. The renovation also improved building systems, such as switching to VTAC units. Located near key employers and transport links, the hotel is well-positioned for corporate travel and events, reflecting confidence in the Raleigh-Durham hospitality market.

🏨 Hôtel Moderniste showcased a successful shift from corporate-centric clientele to a broader leisure audience through a strategic acquisition and conversion. The result? Enhanced direct performance, a balanced demand mix, and increased independence from online travel agencies (OTAs).

🌍 By 2026, Qatar evolves from a transit hub to a diverse travel destination. Key developments include improved infrastructure, diverse hotel offerings, and advanced travel services. The best time to visit is between November and March due to milder weather, with transportation options like Doha’s metro and rental cars enhancing exploration. Travelers should respect cultural norms, especially in public spaces. Doha features modern and historical attractions, with strategic trip planning recommended for an optimal experience.

🏨 UK hotel investment reached £5 billion in 2025, a 15% year-on-year decline from 2024 but 7.8% above the 10-year average. Q4 2025 investment surpassed £2 billion, up 40% from Q4 2024. Single asset transactions rose 68%, accounting for 85% of total investments, while portfolio transactions dropped to £750 million. London investments hit £3 billion, a 25% increase. David Kellett from Savills expects 2026 to build on late-2025 momentum.

🗺️ More than a third of Britons plan to holiday in the UK in 2026, citing cost and convenience. Travelodge's survey of 2,000 British adults reveals that 35% expect domestic holidays, with 52% combining UK and abroad trips. Coastal destinations top the list at 35%, with August being the favorite month. Social media influences younger travelers, with 42% of 18-24-year-olds using TikTok for ideas. Cost-effectiveness and location are key factors, with most traveling by car to destinations like Cornwall and the Lake District.

🏨 In 2025, the hotel industry learned that chasing 100% occupancy can erode profits. Focusing on high-value niches rather than all guests proved more profitable. Property Management Systems alone are insufficient; a fully integrated tech stack is essential for revenue. Simplifying management processes to four key areas—Attract, Prepare, Deliver, and Adjust—enhanced efficiency. Robots can offer consistent, unbiased hospitality, while guests prefer online travel agencies for superior ease and UX. In 2026, strategic, data-driven decisions will shape the industry.