Sedona’s Lodging Market: Resilience and Pricing Power - By Zabada N. Abouelhana
Sedona’s lodging market has stabilized after the pandemic surge, with occupancy holding in the high‑60 % range and average daily rates remaining above historical levels. Limited new supply due to topography and zoning continues to give hotels pricing power, while visitation to nearby national parks stays robust. Early‑2026 data show RevPAR growth and a gradual return of international leisure travelers. Investors are focusing on renovations and lifestyle branding to capture higher‑rated demand.
Hotel Industry News Today – March 20, 2026 | Hotel News Resource
Hilton announced a partnership with YOTEL, using its loyalty, distribution and technology platforms to scale the tech‑forward brand without acquiring it. The move reflects a broader asset‑light strategy among major operators, while AI‑driven search tools like Lighthouse’s Connect AI aim...
What Is a Hotel Asset-Light Strategy?
The hotel asset‑light strategy shifts growth focus from property ownership to management, franchise and brand‑licensing agreements. Leading chains such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Accor and Hyatt use this model to expand rapidly while keeping capital out of real‑estate. Revenue comes...
Residence Inn Kansas City Airport Listed for Sale as Fee Simple Interest
The 152‑room Residence Inn Kansas City Airport, a Marriott‑branded extended‑stay hotel, is now listed for sale as a fee‑simple interest. Built in 2007 and last renovated in 2015, the property has seen $5.9 million of capital investment, roughly $39,000 per room....
Jet Fuel Disruptions Threaten Long-Haul Travel Flows in 2026
Jet fuel supply disruptions linked to Middle East conflict are threatening long‑haul air travel in 2026. Reuters reports African airlines see fuel accounting for up to 55% of costs, with some nations holding as little as ten days of reserves....
Travel Becomes an Emotional Release Valve in 2026
Travel in 2026 is evolving from pure leisure to an emotional release valve, with consumers booking trips to alleviate stress, reward themselves, and reset mentally. Booking.com’s 2026 research shows 73% of Mexican travelers book without a special occasion, and 24%...
U.S. Hotel Performance Is Improving, but Margins Remain Under Pressure
U.S. hotel performance posted modest gains in early 2026, with occupancy at 52.4%, ADR at $152.09 and RevPAR edging up 0.4% YoY – the first increase since March 2025. Despite the uptick, real rate growth remains well below inflation, and...
HVS Takeaways: Optimism Dominates at Hunter Conference 2026- By Courtney Vris
Optimism dominated the 2026 Hunter Conference as luxury and upper‑upscale hotel segments posted strong RevPAR gains, outpacing economy‑mid‑scale properties. Attendees highlighted the upcoming FIFA World Cup as a potential demand catalyst, while also noting the lingering risks of Middle‑East tensions...
From Dining to Lodging: Restaurant Brands Expand Into Hotels
Restaurant groups such as Nobu, Cipriani, The Wolseley and Soho House are extending their iconic dining brands into the hotel sector, creating integrated lifestyle properties. The shift taps into the rise of experience‑driven travel, where guests seek immersive food, design...
Global Air Passenger Demand Expected to Double by 2050, IATA Projects
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects global air‑passenger demand to more than double by 2050, reaching 20.8 trillion revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) under its mid‑range scenario. Growth is driven by a 3.1% compound annual growth rate, with higher‑growth and lower‑growth...
JLL Lists 249-Room Candlewood Suites Portfolio in Bluffton and Charleston
JLL has placed two Candlewood Suites extended‑stay hotels in South Carolina on the market, comprising 249 rooms across Bluffton‑Hilton Head (124 rooms) and Charleston‑Northwood (125 rooms). The assets can be purchased as a combined portfolio or individually, and are offered...
Research Finds Luxury Travel Demand Growing Among Aspiring Travelers
Arrivia’s new "New Luxury Travel Playbook" surveyed 2,190 U.S. leisure travelers and found a growing appetite for luxury experiences among households with $100,000‑$1 million net worth. Comfort, convenience, privacy and attentive service now outweigh price as primary luxury drivers, with 34%...
Global Wellness Summit to Hold 20th Anniversary Event at Angsana Laguna Phuket in 2026
The Global Wellness Summit will celebrate its 20th anniversary at Angsana Laguna Phuket from November 10‑13, 2026. The invite‑only conference is slated to be the largest in the organization’s history, drawing CEOs, physicians, investors, technologists and policymakers. Four co‑chairs—representing finance,...
Tempo by Hilton Tucson Uptown Tops Out, Targets January 2027 Opening
Tempo by Hilton Tucson Uptown has topped out, completing its vertical structure and moving toward a planned opening in January 2027. The five‑story, 144‑room hotel sits at 7400 N. Uptown Dr., within Bourn Companies’ 2 million‑square‑foot redevelopment of the former Foothills Mall site. Operated by...
High Ticket Prices and Geopolitical Uncertainty Weigh on Early World Cup Hotel Bookings
Hotel operators in the United States, Canada and Mexico report slower‑than‑expected early bookings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rising ticket prices and heightened geopolitical uncertainty are cited as key factors dampening international fan travel. Analysts caution that demand typically...
What Is the Global Distribution System (GDS)? A Guide for Hotels and Travel Professionals
The Global Distribution System (GDS) is a technology layer that lets hotels, airlines and car‑rental firms share real‑time inventory with travel agents and corporate booking tools. Major GDS operators—Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport—handle the bulk of worldwide travel reservations, feeding data...
Bleisure Travel Becomes a Growing Force in Corporate Travel Demand
Bleisure travel—mixing business trips with leisure—is gaining traction as flexible work policies let employees extend corporate trips for personal experiences. Research from the Global Business Travel Association and Skift shows a rising share of travelers adding extra nights for sightseeing...
Sofitel Rio De Janeiro Ipanema to Open as Flagship Hotel at the End of 2026
Sofitel will launch its first Brazilian flagship, the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema, slated for completion by the end of 2026. The 172‑room tower will become the tallest structure on Ipanema, offering 360‑degree city and ocean vistas. Architect Patricia Anastassiadis...
Hotel Industry News Today – March 11, 2026 | Hotel News Resource
The hotel sector is contending with a $600 million‑per‑day loss in the Middle East as the Iran conflict disrupts travel demand. Hotels are turning to loyalty programs to capture direct bookings and reduce reliance on online travel agencies. Luxury supply is...
Beckons Hotel Brand Launches With Nine Lodges Across Four Continents
Beckons Hotel Brand has launched with nine luxury lodges spanning Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Canada. The portfolio, averaging 25 suites per property, includes award‑winning sites such as Southern Ocean Lodge and Huka Lodge, many holding Michelin Keys. Beckons has invested...
Top 5 ADA Website Accessibility Issues Triggering Hotel Lawsuits
ADA website accessibility lawsuits surged 37 % in the first half of 2025, with hotels becoming a primary target. The article outlines the five most common violations—missing accessibility information, absent alt text, poor color contrast, keyboard navigation barriers, and form labeling...
ITB India 2026 Rescheduled for 1–3 September at Jio World Convention Centre
ITB India 2026 has been rescheduled to September 1‑3 and will be hosted at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre. The three‑day B2B trade show will feature more than 100 exhibitors, 3,000 participants and 400+ buyers from India and South Asia. Over...
Portugal Hotel & Chains Report 2026
The Horwath HTL Portugal Hotel & Chains Report 2026 shows a maturing hospitality market, with total accommodation revenues near €7 billion and occupancy stabilising around 62‑63%. International operators are expanding rapidly, driving a 21% rise in chain hotels and a 15% increase in...
Wellness Tourism Growth Positions Philippines Among Top Global Destinations
The Philippines’ wellness economy surged to $47.3 billion in 2024, a 31% increase since 2019, now representing 10.2% of national GDP. The country hosted 3.18 million wellness trips last year, up 16.8% from 2023, and ranked 23rd globally for wellness‑economy size. Growth...
Marriott Bonvoy Introduces Sports-Themed Campaign and Podcast Series During March Madness
Marriott Bonvoy rolled out the "Where Gameday Checks In" campaign to ride the March Madness wave, debuting a limited‑run podcast series called "Live From the Bracket" hosted by NBA player Sophie Cunningham and journalist West Wilson. The initiative also includes...
Final Phase of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Transformation Completed
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal has completed the final phase of its multi‑year renovation, refreshing all 112 guest rooms, suites, casitas and villas with a lighter palette and custom sea‑turtle metal accents. Public areas such as the Beach Club Restaurant, adult pool and...
Agentic Hospitality’s Brad Brewer to Speak at First-Ever ‘Destination AI Virtual Conference’ on the AI Distribution Shift
Brad Brewer, Co‑Founder and Chief AI Officer of Agentic Hospitality, will speak at the inaugural Destination AI Virtual Conference on March 13, 2026. The session, "How AI Channels Will Drive Hotel Revenue in the Next 3 to 5 Years," warns...
Gen Z Travelers in 2026 Prioritize Experiences, Direct Bookings, and Digital Tools
A Cafeteria study of 900 Gen Z travelers shows that by 2026 the cohort will prioritize unique experiences, direct bookings, and digital tools over traditional luxury travel. They are willing to sacrifice higher‑priced flights and hotels to spend on local food,...
Roommaster Appoints Mark Bloomquist As Chief Revenue Officer
Roommaster has named Mark Bloomquist as its new Chief Revenue Officer as it pushes global expansion and platform modernization. Bloomquist brings over 20 years of sales leadership, including 15 years in hospitality technology, and will oversee revenue strategy, sales, product...
How Personalized Hotel Websites Turn Interest Into Bookings
Personalized hotel websites are becoming essential as 71% of travelers expect tailored interactions and 68% favor personalization over loyalty programs. By delivering real‑time, intent‑based content, hotels can convert more visitors, with direct‑booking conversion rates rising about 25% and repeat bookings...
Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Airport Listed for Sale as Columbus Market Expands
CBRE Hotels has listed the 150‑room Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Airport for sale. The three‑story hotel, built in 1997 and fully renovated within the past four years, sits just one mile from John Glenn International Airport and near key attractions such...
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown Listed for Sale After $3.2 Million Renovation
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown, a 172‑room upscale extended‑stay hotel, is now listed for sale following a $3.2 million renovation that cost roughly $19,000 per key. The fee‑simple, debt‑free asset is operated by Hotel Equities and sits in South Lake Union, a tech‑dense...
AHLA Brings Industry Leaders Together to Accelerate Responsible Growth
The American Hotel & Lodging Association hosted its fourth Responsible Stay Summit, uniting its Sustainability and Food & Beverage committees for the first time. Attendees exchanged best practices on responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and water conservation, while the event honored...
Marriott International Achieves Record Growth in Caribbean and Latin America in 2025
Marriott International reported a record‑breaking 2025 in its Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region, signing 94 deals that added 10,461 rooms. The portfolio grew to 555 open properties and more than 95,000 rooms across 37 countries, a 40% jump in...
Cost and Safety Concerns Reshape U.S. Meetings Industry, MMGY Study Finds
A new MMGY Travel Intelligence study of 300 planners and 1,000 attendees shows cost and safety dominate U.S. meetings decisions. Sixty‑three percent of planners flag travel expenses, while 72 % weigh crime levels when selecting cities. Despite these pressures, 90 % still...
Motel One Innovates Operations Using Oracle Cloud
European upscale hotel chain Motel One completed a full migration of its 101 properties in 13 countries to Oracle’s OPERA Cloud PMS within a four‑month window. The cloud platform delivers a unified data foundation, built‑in analytics, and access to over...
$185 Million Monarch San Antonio, TX Hotel Debuts With 200 Rooms Downtown
Hotel News Resource reports that the $185 million Monarch San Antonio, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, opened in the Hemisfair District with 200 rooms, including 28 suites. The 17‑story property offers upscale amenities such as a full‑service spa, a 550‑sq‑ft fitness...
Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo to Reopen After Full Renovation
Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo will reopen on February 1, 2026 after a comprehensive renovation that updates guest rooms, public spaces, and adds new dining venues. The redesign draws on Hokkaido’s natural landscape, using locally sourced thinned wood and traditional Yukara‑ori...
Hampton Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando-Apopka Sold
HVS Brokerage & Advisory closed the sale of two midscale hotels in Apopka, Florida: the 81‑key Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and the 77‑key Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Each property was sold separately to private regional investors, with the Holiday Inn purchased by a Connecticut 1031‑exchange...
Hotel Executives Highlight Benefits of Asset-Heavy Ownership at Industry Event
Hotel executives at a recent industry forum championed asset‑heavy ownership, citing control over development, favorable debt terms, and stronger ESG execution. Whitbread, Fattal and Essendi disclosed that a majority of their portfolios are owned outright, enabling rapid market entry and...
HVS Las Vegas Casino & Hotel Market Outlook 2026 - By Shannon S. Okada
Las Vegas’ casino and hotel market showed modest declines in 2025 visitation compared with 2024, yet resilience persisted thanks to a robust calendar of major events and sports‑driven traffic. Per‑visitor spending rose, shifting performance drivers from sheer volume to premium...
HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin Week Ending 20 February 2026
The HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin for the week ending 20 February 2026 lists a series of high‑profile hotel deals across the continent. Indian conglomerate SanRaj, via Clearsense Ventures, bought three Accor‑branded hotels in the UK (478 rooms) from Ares and EQ....
The Life of a Slipper: Spa & Wellness Form and Function - By Peter Anderson
Peter Anderson’s article uses the seemingly trivial choice between disposable and reusable spa slippers to illustrate how micro‑level decisions shape the financial performance, brand identity, and sustainability of resort spas. He argues that spas are no longer ancillary amenities but...
Six Senses The Palm, Dubai Resort to Open September 2026
Six Senses announced that its Palm Jumeirah resort will welcome guests starting September 1, 2026. The property will host 61 luxury suites and 172 privately‑owned branded residences, designed by SAOTA with stone and timber elements. A 60,000‑square‑foot spa will feature...
STR/Tourism Economics Forecast Shows Uneven 2026 Hotel Growth Across Major Global Markets
The 2026 hotel market forecast from STR and Tourism Economics shows uneven growth across regions. Europe’s RevPAR is projected to rise to 1.1% driven by the Milan‑Cortina Olympics and luxury demand in Paris, while 11 European markets face occupancy pressure...
Travel Tech Marks 30 Years of Section 230 As Online Reviews Continue to Drive Booking Decisions
Travel Tech commemorated the 30th anniversary of Section 230, the legal shield that enables travel sites to host user‑generated reviews without liability. The association highlighted how online reviews now drive booking decisions, with Expedia’s 2025 Traveler Value Index showing roughly 75%...
EOS Hospitality Appoints Abe Liao As Vice President of Operations
EOS Hospitality announced the appointment of Abe Liao as Vice President of Operations, where he will oversee a select group of assets including Kingston Resorts, Brittain Resorts & Hotels, the Hamilton Hotel and Embassy Suites Georgetown. Liao brings more than...
Meyer Jabara Hotels to Address Agentic Hotel Distribution at Annual Executive Conference in March
At its March executive conference in Providence, Meyer Jabara Hotels will host Brad Brewer, Co‑Founder and Chief AI Officer of Agentic Hospitality, to discuss “Agentic Hotel Distribution.” Brewer will explain how AI‑powered agents are reshaping the way travelers discover and...
Regent Spa & Wellness to Launch at Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, and Kyoto Locations
IHG has unveiled Regent Spa & Wellness, a new global spa concept debuting at Regent Bali Canggu. The brand will roll out locations in Jeddah later this year, Kuala Lumpur in 2027, and Kyoto in 2028, each interpreting the concept...
UK Hotel Market Stabilizes with Short-Stay Demand and Diverse Booking Channels
SiteMinder’s 2026 Hotel Booking Trends report shows the UK hotel market has settled into a new normal defined by strong short‑stay demand and a largely domestic guest base. Short stays account for 80.5% of nights, while domestic travelers represent roughly...
