Regulatory and Legal Affairs

🏨 OTH Hotels Resorts will manage Courtyard by Marriott Manassas Battlefield Park starting January 2026. Located in Manassas, near Washington, D.C., the hotel features 149 rooms, 1,248 sq ft of meeting space, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and The Bistro restaurant. This marks OTH's fifth East Coast management contract in 2025, showcasing their regional growth. The focus includes optimizing revenue, maintaining brand integrity, and enhancing guest experiences.

🗺️ New York's Local Law 18, effective from September 2023, restricts short-term rentals to under 30 days with an in-residence host. In 2025, average occupancy slightly increased to 25.34% from 2024's 24.98%. Prices peaked at $696.40 in December 2024 but dropped 24.89% by 2025, averaging $442.87. In Amsterdam, regulations reduced annual whole-home rentals to 30 nights, with occupancy peaking at 60.33% in 2023, then declining.

📈 In 2026, hotel revenue management systems like Duetto are essential for dynamic pricing. Gone are manual spreadsheets; automation is key. ????

🌎 On December 31, 2025, in Washington, D.C., the Trump Administration announced the release of 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas. Rosanna Maietta of the American Hotel & Lodging Association praised the move, which assists small business hoteliers facing staffing shortages. The H-2B visa program, capped at 66,000 visas annually, is essential for filling seasonal roles in remote vacation spots. AHLA urged for a more need-based visa system instead of current arbitrary limits.

💸 During the holidays, a Reddit post alleging unethical practices by an unnamed delivery app went viral on Twitter and Substack. Tony Xu and other DoorDash co-founders publicly denied the accusations. The controversy is linked to dynamic pricing issues, reminiscent of past criticisms involving Wendy's and Instacart. In 2025, AI was widely adopted in hospitality, but consumers haven't seen significant improvements. As AI tools become more accessible, the balance of information and pricing power is shifting, impacting industries like hotels.

💸 Greece, 2026: Offers a stable investment framework for residency in Europe. Greek Golden Visa allows non-EU investors to invest in real estate starting at €250,000, or €800,000 in high-demand areas. Residency permits issued within 3-6 months, with legal residence valid for five years, renewable indefinitely. Investors access Schengen countries visa-free and can apply for EU citizenship after seven years. Additional costs: property transfer tax (3.09%), notary/registry fees (~2.1%), and government fees (€2,000 main applicant, €150 per additional adult).

💸 President Trump delayed 2026 tariff hikes on furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities until January 1, 2027. The existing 25% tariff stays. AAHOA supports the pause, as these items are 15-20% of hotel renovation costs. Chairman Kamalesh Patel and CEO Laura Lee Blake commend Trump for aiding small businesses reinvesting in properties and supporting local economies. The decision allows time for planning amid ongoing trade negotiations.

🏠 Heading into 2026, hoteliers must synchronize Property Improvement Plan (PIP) timing with lenders to avoid transaction roadblocks. Lenders view PIPs as essential, non-optional obligations. Near-term PIPs (within 24 months) require more equity and reserves, while PIPs in the 24–36 month range face stricter cash flow and liquidity requirements. For refinances with PIPs beyond loan maturity, lenders adjust their exit strategies. Owners should integrate PIPs into their business plans for better financing outcomes and leverage.

📁 MI5 warns of increased cyber threats to travel data, especially from China, highlighting risks of data stored there. Minister Dan Jarvis emphasizes proactive cybersecurity measures. The EU fined TikTok €530 million for data transfers to China, emphasizing GDPR importance. TMCs must ensure data transparency and governance, storing within UK/EU to enhance compliance. Rigorous due diligence, robust security controls, and transparency are crucial for protecting sensitive travel information and maintaining trust.

📈 2025 saw a shift in the hospitality industry, focusing on AI integration and guest experience. Accenture found 36% of active AI users view it as a "good friend." TikTok's hotel booking feature with Booking.com in August showed the merging of discovery and booking processes. Direct bookings are 10x more valuable for data generation. Hilton reported 452,000 volunteer hours under its sustainability initiative. F&B's prominence grew, and 90% of luxury travelers demand wellness beyond spa services.