TOP NEWS

📈 Amber Chastain joined Vision Hospitality Group as a breakfast attendant in November 2021. In less than five years, she became the general manager of Tru by Hilton Chattanooga Hamilton Place. Through Vision’s Gear Up program, Chastain completed a 6-week Level 1 training and a 6-9 month Level 2 training. By July of this year, she was permanently offered the GM position. Vision boasts eight general managers out of 38 who advanced through Gear Up.

🏖️ Wellness hotels showed resilience during January-June 2025, as noted in RLA Global’s report analyzing over 11,000 properties. TRevPOR at Major Wellness properties reached $561, significantly higher than Minor Wellness’s $335. Luxury Major Wellness properties achieved an 84% higher TRevPAR compared to Upper Upscale. The UK led in membership fees, with the Maldives and France excelling in spa revenue. UAE’s market spotlight revealed double-digit growth in RevPAR and GOPPAR for Luxury Major and Minor Wellness hotels.

📈 The announcement of results for the first half of fiscal year 2025-2026 ended on September 30, marking the 14th consecutive quarter of record performance. This period saw further double-digit growth.

🏨 HOSPACE 2025 will occur on Thursday, 13th November 2025, at the Royal Lancaster London, marking its 20th edition. Featuring panels, discussions, and workshops, it will explore finance, technology, and leadership trends in hospitality. Highlights include economist Thomas Pugh’s session, discussions on Martyn’s Law, and workshops on hotel tech by Alkimi, Sona, and Apaleo. Key speakers include Jane Pendlebury, Neil Braude, and Laura Sharpe. The event culminates in the Gala Awards Dinner with Inspirational Leader Awards and features the Premier League trophies.

📅 Hospitality professionals are invited to the HSMAI Directors Roundtable on Nov. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, VA. The event, featuring five industry leaders, begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at noon. Registration is free for HSMAI DC members and $70 for nonmembers. The Hyatt Regency, near Reagan National Airport, provides valet parking and a shuttle service. HSMAI, with over 5,000 members globally, focuses on hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue optimization.

📊 Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation, McLean, VA, has released the 2025 State of Talent Report. It highlights nine talent trends reshaping the hospitality industry, including AI's rise, upskilling, and hybrid work models. The report emphasizes AI's role in redefining job structures, with organizations investing in talent strategy poised for future success. Authored by Dorothy Dowling, it underscores the importance of aligning people and revenue strategies to shape the industry's next chapter.

📊 Nov 7, 2025, Airbnb, U.S. — Airbnb projects Q4 revenue between $2.66 billion and $2.72 billion, surpassing analyst expectations, fueled by the August-launched "reserve now, pay later" feature. In Q3, revenue rose 8.8% to $4.1 billion with adjusted EBITDA at $2.1 billion. North American bookings surged, accounting for 30% of nights booked. Despite AI, lobbying, and market expansion costs impacting net income, the full-year margin target was raised to 35%. CEO Brian Chesky announced new ventures with boutique hotels and experiences.

📱 Contactless hospitality involves technologies like mobile check-in, digital keys, and room service apps to enhance guest experience, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Key benefits include improved safety amid Covid-19, personalization, and operational efficiency. Challenges involve tech integration and cybersecurity. Mews offers solutions like digital check-in kiosks and virtual concierge. To optimize the experience, hotels should blend tech with a personal touch and automate processes for a seamless, efficient stay.