TOP NEWS

🏨 In 2025, the U.S. hotel pipeline reached a record 6,378 projects and 746,986 rooms, marking a 7% project and 8% room YOY growth. Under construction are 1,149 projects with 142,238 rooms, and 2,259 projects with 259,108 rooms will break ground within 12 months. Early planning stages surged with 2,970 projects and 345,640 rooms, a 15-19% YOY increase. Upper midscale hotels lead with 2,354 projects/227,845 rooms, upscale hotels have 1,471 projects/182,474 rooms, and midscale hotels hit a new record with 957 projects/80,436 rooms. In 2024, 583 hotels with 67,995 rooms were expected, and 2025 projections suggest 730 new hotels with 82,538 rooms, a 1.5% supply increase.

📱 By 2025, AI will deeply integrate into digital marketing, elevating hyper-personalization, predictive analytics, and content creation. Global social media users increase by 5.2% annually, with an average use of 6.8 platforms monthly. Marketing for hotels emphasizes personal stories through short-form content on Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and direct booking links to boost performance metrics.

🏒 Kiva Dunes, a U.S. golf and coastal resort, has implemented 13 Agilysys software solutions to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. The solutions integrate property-wide operations, including membership and residence management, to automate processes, improve staff-guest engagement, and identify revenue and cost efficiencies. The resort previously faced challenges with disparate systems not sharing data effectively, resulting in guest and staff frustrations. The new systems streamline transactions, automate administrative tasks, reserve activities, and manage memberships and rental properties, with an emphasis on a seamless end-to-end guest experience. Kiva Dunes' decision was influenced by peer recommendations and the need for a modern, integrated technology ecosystem.

🏒 Kiva Dunes, a U.S. golf and coastal resort, has implemented 13 Agilysys software solutions to improve operations and guest experience. The Agilysys Hospitality and Leisure Ecosystem was chosen to replace multiple non-integrated systems, simplifying transactions and data sharing. The resort boasts over 3,000 feet of beachfront, award-winning golf, and various accommodations. The technology upgrade addresses past issues of inconsistent data and complex check-outs, enhancing efficiency for the seasonal staff and ensuring seamless guest interactions. Agilysys Membership and Residence Management software are included, offering online self-service for members and efficient rental management for property owners.

📌 OTAs impact hotels differently, with smaller hoteliers facing challenges like high commissions and restrictive contracts as discussed at the ASEAN Tourism Forum on Jan 22, 2025. Key issues include smaller hotels struggling with OTA costs, larger OTAs potentially undercutting competition, and the need for ongoing dialogue for fair practices and sustainable tourism growth.