Consumer Trends

  • Workers smiling
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    Courtesy of Hilton
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    Workers prefer a human-centered approach, still anxious about AI: Hilton

    A new report examines how hospitality-inspired leadership, community, mentorship and purpose drive retention and performance in the workplace.

    By • June 23, 2026
  • The lobby features an orange carpet with a modern design.
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    Courtesy of Marriott International
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    Opinion

    How hoteliers can embrace design to create memorable moments

    Small but carefully considered design details represent a valuable way for owners to differentiate their hotel and drive a tangible return.

    By Paige Harris • June 22, 2026
  • An exterior image of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
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    Courtesy of Gencom
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    Luxury hotels to enter a ‘compelling’ investment cycle: JLL

    Recent data shows that the luxury segment is seeing opportunity due to the convergence of strong operational performance, limited supply growth and improving capital markets.

    By • June 15, 2026
  • Woman sitting at airport on her phone
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    Artlist.io / Rezolve Ai

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    Sponsored by Rezolve Ai

    AI Is becoming the new front door to hospitality discovery

    Travelers are asking ChatGPT and Gemini where to stay. Is your brand part of the conversation?

    June 15, 2026
  • A image of Mews Founder Richard Valtr and CEO Matt Welle
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    Courtesy of Mews
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    Q&A

    Mews founder on how AI can deepen human connection at hotels

    Richard Valtr believes the human aspect of hospitality can be preserved — and even strengthened — through the strategic use and implementation of artificial intelligence.

    By • June 11, 2026
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    Noor Adatia/Hotel Dive
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    Top hotel investment trends from NYU IHIF

    At NYU’s annual International Hospitality Investment Forum, panelists agreed that transaction activity is on track for continued growth, following 2025’s late-year rebound.

    By • June 9, 2026
  • A screenshot of a conversation with Priceline's AI assistant Penny
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    Retrieved from Priceline.
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    Where Priceline wants to take travel booking with agentic AI

    Online travel companies are racing to go agentic. While some brands are focusing on customer support, others are focusing on search discovery. Priceline's agentic assistant Penny works to do both.

    By Kristen Doerer • June 5, 2026
  • IHG Chat GPT app functioning
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    Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts
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    IHG Hotels & Resorts launches ChatGPT app

    The artificial intelligence chatbot aims to make it easier for travelers to find IHG hotels and book their stays.

    By • June 4, 2026
  • A room at an Undergraduate by Hilton hotel.
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    Courtesy of Hilton
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    Hilton CEO shares ambitious outlook for Undergraduate expansion

    Chris Nassetta and other Hilton leaders reveal how the new college town-focused brand was born following the 2024 acquisition of Graduate.

    By • June 3, 2026
  • A group of executives sits on stage at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City.
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    Jenna Graber, Hotel Dive/Hotel Dive
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    Hotel CEOs talk the economy, travel demand and AI at NYU IHIF 2026

    Leaders from Hilton, Hyatt, Accor and more discussed international travel ahead of the FIFA World Cup and how technology could impact hotel operations at NYU’s International Hospitality Investment Forum.

    By • June 3, 2026
  • A group of executives sits on a conference stage.
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    Jenna Graber, Hotel Dive/Hotel Dive
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    CoStar, Tourism Economics upgrade US RevPAR forecast for 2026

    At the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum, the companies announced they now anticipate 2.8% year-over-year growth. However, geopolitical strife could threaten that outlook.

    By • June 2, 2026
  • Soccer fans holding country flags
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    Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    ‘We’re holding our breath’: What hotels are expecting from the FIFA World Cup

    While hotel booking data for the tournament is tracking below initial forecasts, analysts and hotel operators remain optimistic about a boost from the event.

    By • May 28, 2026
  • An exterior view of Magic Moment Resort & Kids Club in Kissimmee, Florida.
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    Courtesy of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
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    Hotel Tech-in: The AI concierge leveling up human-led hospitality

    Magic Moment Resort & Kids Club, a Dazzler Select by Wyndham property, is partnering with Worldie AI to enhance the guest experience and emphasize in-person hospitality. 

    By • May 27, 2026
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    Oli Scarff via Getty Images
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    Nearly all hoteliers use AI, but some experiences should be human-led: Mews

    As more hoteliers embrace artificial intelligence, revenue is emerging as their next priority, ahead of efficiency or cost reduction, per a new survey.

    By • May 21, 2026
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    Summer 2026 travel preview: Cost concerns meet intentional trip planning

    Despite rising costs, U.S. consumers remain eager to take experiential trips this season, which presents tailwinds for hotels. Vacations may look different, though, as travelers adjust their budgets.

    By • May 20, 2026
  • A photograph of a hand holding up a cheeseburger above a white plate. The plate is on a wooden table and there is a blue card on the left that says Wyndham Rewards. On the right there is a paper bag that says Applebee's To-Go.
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    Courtesy of Applebee's
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    Applebee’s offers free delivery to Wyndham Rewards members

    The partnership could expand Applebee’s off-premise channel, which grew by 3.5% to make up nearly 24% of sales during the first quarter.

    By Julie Littman • May 19, 2026
  • Living area in a hotel room
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    Courtesy of Travel + Leisure Co.
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    Travel + Leisure Co. bets on outdoor hospitality with Eddie Bauer Adventure Club

    The inaugural Utah resort comes as Travel + Leisure plots further expansion in the experiential hospitality space, per CEO Michael Brown.

    By • May 15, 2026
  • Orlando, Florida skyline with water in foreground
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    Getty Images
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    Luxury trades drove US hotel transaction uptick in Q1: JLL

    Total transaction volume rose 14.4% in the first quarter, driven in part by private equity and a “favorable financial environment,” per a new report.

    By • May 14, 2026
  • Travel booking apps on an Apple iPhone - Booking.com, Expedia, and Trip.com.
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    Getty Images
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    Expedia taps AI to enhance customer support, acquire new customers

    AI is handling a rising number of customer service inquiries, and the technology is enabling faster resolution when customers need to speak with human agents.

    By Kristen Doerer • May 12, 2026
  • Business travelers walk through hotel lobby carrying luggage.
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    Getty Images
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    US travel spending to see ‘low but positive’ growth in 2026

    Travel spending is expected to increase 1% this year to $1.37 trillion, per the U.S. Travel Association, and hotels could benefit from improving fundamentals.

    By • May 11, 2026
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    Hotels post brighter performance in Q1 as travel demand improves

    In the first quarter of the year, hotel companies saw widespread U.S. RevPAR growth, hit development milestones and leveraged AI in new ways.

    By • May 11, 2026
  • An IHG Hotels and Resorts-branded robe
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    Jesse Grant via Getty Images
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    IHG posts Q1 US RevPAR growth, citing ‘robust’ demand fundamentals

    CEO Elie Maalouf said he feels “confident” about full-year performance, particularly with momentum observed in the company’s signings and openings. 

    By • May 7, 2026
  • A travelers uses Wyndham's new native ChatGPT app to search for hotel recommendations.
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    Courtesy of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
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    Wyndham, Choice Hotels debut new AI-powered tools

    Wyndham launched a native ChatGPT app to assist travelers in hotel search and booking, while Choice rolled out a slate of solutions to improve operational efficiency for owners.

    By • May 7, 2026
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Uber expands into hotel reservations to build engagement, loyalty

    These “innovations are designed to deepen the everyday utility of our services,” CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said.

    By Kristen Doerer • May 6, 2026
  • The logo of a Marriott hotel
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    Brandon Bell/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Marriott posts solid Q1 RevPAR growth, raises 2026 guidance

    The first-quarter gains were buoyed by resilient travel demand, CEO Anthony Capuano shared. Marriott also made strides on the development and technology fronts.

    By • May 6, 2026