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🏨 HOTELS Magazine released its January/February 2025 issue, exploring hotel industry forecasts with experts' insights. Highlights include BWH Hotels' national conference in Charlotte, N.C., with President & CEO Larry Cuculic; a focus on the growing trend of all-inclusive hotels; a profile on Virginia's luxury hotel Keswick Hall, led by local Molly Hardie; and an analysis predicting China’s hotel performance rebound. The issue is now available digitally.

```html 🗣 ``` Sean, at 17, worked at Jamba Juice and set his sights on the Ritz-Carlton, inspired by his father's tenure since 1984. A week after turning 18, he was hired as a pool or beach attendant, quickly advancing through nine roles over eight years. Passionate about the Ritz-Carlton's culture and trust, Sean found growth through respect and guest focus. He was approached by a hotel owner in Mexico, leading to a career pivot. As Director of Operations in Mexico, Sean was tasked with achieving a Forbes five-star rating, which he accomplished by fostering a strong team culture and focusing on Average Daily Rate (ADR) to fund guest experiences. Under his leadership, EBITDA increased by 6% between 2021 and 2022. After three years, Sean sought balance between personal life and career, returning to the U.S. as Director of Rooms at a new Auberge in Santa Barbara, refining foundational skills.

🏩 Lou Zameryka, founder of Alively and partner at Ventures Hospitality, discussed integrating wellness into hospitality on Jan. 12, 2025. The aim is to enhance guest loyalty and drive revenue. ????

🔍 To save time and money, travelers are using metasearch platforms like Google Hotel Ads, Tripadvisor, and Trivago. Metasearch marketing is essential for hotels to reach more travelers, compete with OTAs, and increase direct bookings. Google phased out commission-based bidding on Google Hotel Ads as of April 2024, but will support existing strategies until February 2025. Popular metasearch engines include Google Hotel Ads, Tripadvisor, KAYAK, and Hopper. Metasearch marketing offers visibility, revenue growth, and the potential for direct bookings. Properties can optimize their reach, manage rates, and diversify offerings for effective metasearch strategies.

📍 Certified sustainability in hotels enhances marketability, reduces risk, and can increase revenue. Stefan Mühle of Noble House Hotels & Resorts stresses the benefits of external validation over internal programs. Marianne Balfe of Highgate reports positive reputation and booking rate impacts from certification. Bruce Becker's Hotel Marcel in Connecticut, a LEED Platinum-certified, 100% electric hotel, highlights certification's marketing benefits and alignment with corporate sustainability goals. Crescent Hotels & Resorts chose Green Key Global for international recognition and comprehensive sustainability focus. Noble House is committed to Green Key Global's Eco-Rating Program, also embarking on Green Seal certification. Certified properties often see operational improvements, such as Hotel Marcel's 75% energy bill reduction, saving over $300,000 annually. Third-party consultants are crucial for navigating complex certification processes. Certification ROI can surpass internal programs in reputation and business development. ????

🔥 Over 180,000 people evacuated due to Los Angeles wildfires, with the hospitality industry offering assistance. Hotels in Los Angeles provide discounted rates, essentials, and pet accommodation. The American Hotel & Lodging Association and President Biden support relief efforts; Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration. Some luxury hotels are fully booked. Local hotels like Hotel Figueroa, Hotel Per La, and others offer special rates and services for evacuees and first responders. Airbnb.org provides free temporary housing for those impacted.

🏨 Ben's company operates 50 hotels, focusing on guest-focused technologies and ensuring their value through beta testing. Their dedicated strategy department of three, led by a former investment banker, evaluates new opportunities. They prioritize integration with existing systems and view hospitality intelligence—the interconnectivity of services—as crucial. Ben emphasizes the importance of implementing technology that enhances customer experience, aiming to predict and fulfill guest preferences. Behind-the-scenes technology is also a key area, aimed at improving efficiency and job satisfaction for staff. Ben suggests future-proofing through adaptable technology frameworks and personalized guest interactions.

🏨 In the hotel industry, continuous improvement resembles a race with a moving finish line, demanding speed, anticipation of guest needs, and delivery consistency despite labor market challenges. Change unfolds in three phases: compliance within the first two quarters, understanding by the third quarter, and ownership by the fourth quarter, as outlined by Ryan Zarb, VP of Carpedia International. Sustaining gains requires addressing "broken windows"—minor lapses in accountability that can erode progress—and building a high-performance culture ensures long-term benefits and continuous improvement. Leadership and vigilance are essential to maintain and build upon improvement initiatives.

💰 The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, aimed at projects such as hotel construction, offers low-cost capital by attracting foreign investors seeking U.S. residency. It provides flexible financing options for development, debt refinancing, and expansion, attracting investors from China, India, Vietnam, and Brazil. The program mandates the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs per investor, aligning with large-scale projects and catalyzing growth in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) with lower investment thresholds. EB-5 also fosters a global network and mitigates market risks by offering stable investment alternatives.

🏨 In 2025, the hospitality industry leverages AI for personalized guest interaction, with tools like KITT handling bookings and upselling. Personalization is key, with AI predicting preferences for tailored experiences. AR and AI itinerary generators enhance stays and drive loyalty. Hotel staff roles evolve, requiring investment in AI literacy to manage strategic responsibilities and adapt to changes. Hotels embracing these trends stay competitive and offer a blend of technology and human connection.