TOP NEWS

💰 The U.S. gift card market is expected to generate $324.5 billion in 2024 and grow at an annual rate of 17.7%. Emphasizing convenience in gift card operations is crucial for hoteliers, especially with the rise of alternative payment popularity among consumers. Hotels need technology that supports flexible payment processing to avoid operational silos that can lead to inefficiencies and security issues. Gift cards can enhance guest experiences and employee tip distribution, with tech support being essential for handling cards effectively. Three-quarters of Gen Z and Millennials prefer receiving experiences over traditional gifts.

🛏 The Deer Path Inn, a 57-key, four-star property in Lake Forest, Illinois, introduced a sleep program as part of a hospitality trend prioritizing sleep amenities. Completed a property improvement plan in 2015 and approaching its centennial in 2029, the hotel combines heritage with modern demands. The program, 'A Good Book & A Spot of Tea,' offers bedtime tea service, a curated playlist, a book from Lake Forest Book Store, specially crafted cocktails, and branded PJs. Revenue comprises nearly 50% from food & beverage, with a guest mix of 60% leisure, 25% corporate, and 15% group. The hotel has been integrating the sleep program since early planning in 2015 and is part of a broader strategy leading up to its centennial celebrations.

🏨 Palladium Hotel Group announced in April 2024 the evolution of Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel into The Unexpected Hotels brand. The renovation includes The Ushuaïa Tower, to be renamed The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel with 181 rooms and suites, alongside the existing hotel offering 234 rooms and suites. In May, the expansion into the UAE was announced with The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences, attracting over $100 million investment for 422 rooms and units in Ras Al Khaimah. The brand will debut in Ibiza in 2025 and in the UAE by 2026.

🏦 In an episode dated Jan. 21, 2025, Michael Levie, co-founder of citizenM, shared the innovative strategies and operating approach that led to the company's success in the hospitality industry. The discussion is featured on the Hospitality Daily Podcast and highlights citizenM's differentiated position in the market.

📈 Hotels miss revenue opportunities due to fragmented systems and underused analytics. Data integration and organization require breaking down silos between departments and systems. Essential KPIs like NetRevPAR, Flow Through, and Guest Satisfaction guide strategic decisions. Predictive analytics aid in forecasting demand to align pricing and staffing. Personalization through segmentation increases guest spend and loyalty. Effective implementation involves cross-functional collaboration, staff training, and leadership buy-in. These steps transform raw data into actionable intelligence, optimizing hotel performance and profitability.

🌎 Benidorm named European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism and Turin awarded European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2025 by the European Commission. Benidorm became the first Certified Smart Tourism Destination in 2015 under UN Standard 178501, achieved a Seasonality Balance Index of 84.6, a Tourist Product Balance Index of 64.7, a 59% increase in active tourism demand, and extended average stays to 6.2 days. The city's Climate Change Strategic Plan (PACC), launched in 2021, is 40% implemented, with a positive Climate Perception Index of 90.2 (+7% over five years). Turin's transformation into a cultural destination is underscored by a Sentiment Score of 89/100, with flagship events in 2024 generating over €32 million. Its Destination Sustainability Index (DSI) score is 70/100, and an Overtourism Pillar score of 81/100 indicates effective visitor management.

💳 January is the busiest month for travel businesses with high online holiday search and booking numbers. The UK travel and tourism industry, highly competitive, necessitates distinct experiences and streamlined payment processes. Payment Service Providers (PSPs) facilitate diverse payment options, such as Buy Now, Pay Later, Open Banking, and tokenization, enhancing transaction efficiency and security. Pay by link with 3D Secure 2 protocols is gaining popularity for its convenience and added security. UK Finance reported over £551 million in losses to payment fraud in 2023, with spikes during peak periods. Improved payment security and transparency build customer trust. Efficient payment systems boost operational efficiency, allowing travel businesses to handle more bookings and maintain service quality during high demand. Missed payment system enhancements can lead to lost revenue opportunities. Partnerships with PSPs can provide strategic advice and tailored services, crucial for managing fraud risks and high-volume transactions.

📰 Google introduced a non-linear guest journey model in 2015, highlighting the "messy middle" where decisions are made across various digital touchpoints. Hotels risk losing to OTAs without adapting to modern strategies, including AI. OTAs may increase hotels' CPCs and dilute ROI. Effective digital marketing requires investing 2-4% of booked revenue, with an emphasis on brand awareness and conversion activities. First-party data is essential, as third-party cookies phase out. Outdated booking engines lead to lost opportunities, while a modern engine offers dynamic pricing and AI-driven personalization. Hotels that don't maintain rate parity with OTAs spend an additional €3,000 per 10,000 clicks. Post-booking engagement can reduce cancellations and upsell services. The right tech stack, including CRM and AI tools, underpins successful strategies. Video content on social media platforms can enhance brand awareness. Emerging trends include voice search optimization, sustainable travel marketing, and enhanced personalization.