Consumer Trends


  • A headshot of Leeny Oberg.
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    Courtesy of Marriott International
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    Q&A

    Exit Interview: Marriott CFO Leeny Oberg reflects on decades-long career

    In a one-on-one interview, Oberg shares lessons learned, the impacts of technology on travel and Marriott’s growth prospects as she passes the baton.

    By March 5, 2026
  • Hotel in Las Vegas
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    Courtesy of Circa Resort & Casino
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    Las Vegas hotels launch exchange rate promotion to entice Canadian travelers

    The “At Par” campaign, which aims to boost trips from Canada by providing US$1 for every CA$1 spent, drew more than 15,000 visitors and 2,700 bookings in its first month.

    By March 4, 2026
  • An aerial view of Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort.
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    Retrieved from Outrigger Hospitality Group on March 03, 2026
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    Q&A

    Outrigger exec talks Hawaii hospitality recovery, 2026 growth strategy

    Despite taking a “strong one-two punch” from COVID and the Maui wildfires, Hawaii remains a strategic priority for Outrigger, which is reinvesting millions across the islands, Chief Commercial Officer Sean Dee shares.

    By March 3, 2026
  • Travelers stand in line for a TSA checkpoint at the Miami International Airport on December 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    GBTA urges end to Global Entry pause, warning disruptions to business travel

    “Longer lines, diverted security focus and lost productivity” is the real cost of the Department of Homeland Security’s suspension of the program, per GBTA.

    By Feb. 27, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    US hotels saw slight RevPAR uptick in January: CoStar

    Despite persistent challenges throughout 2025, U.S. hotels notched RevPAR gains in January, the first growth month since last March, per a new report.

    By Feb. 26, 2026
  • Kayak's Momfluencer key visual
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    Courtesy of Kayak
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    Kayak pokes fun at millennial travel anxiety in new brand platform

    The travel search engine is shifting the focus from the destination to the anxiety of planning a trip.

    By Sara Karlovitch • Feb. 26, 2026
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    Hotel CEOs tout 2026 growth despite persistent challenges in Q4

    Hospitality companies posted widespread U.S. RevPAR declines again in the fourth quarter, but a new year spells new hope, particularly on the development and technology fronts.

    By Feb. 24, 2026
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    Courtesy of FIFA Media Hub
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    World Cup to bring ‘modest’ RevPAR growth to US: report

    While the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring notable RevPAR gains to U.S. host cities, the overall domestic impact will be "negligible," per CoStar and Tourism Economics.

    By Feb. 23, 2026
  • Choice Hotels International headquarters at the Pike & Rose development in North Bethesda, Maryland.
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    Courtesy of Choice Hotels International
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    Global markets ‘key’ to Choice Hotels’ growth as US RevPAR down in Q4

    Dampened domestic travel demand could get a boost from anticipated tax relief for middle-income families as well as major events in 2026, per CEO Pacious.

    By Feb. 19, 2026
  • A woman looks out of a hotel room window.
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    Getty Images
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    Global hotel investment volumes to see ‘robust increase’ in 2026: JLL

    Investment dynamics are improving largely due to strengthening debt markets, continued conviction in luxury assets and more private equity mobilization, per a new report. 

    By Feb. 18, 2026
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    Ethan Miller via Getty Images
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    Wynn Resorts posts Q4 Vegas declines, points to brighter 2026

    Casino volumes and RevPAR are holding up well to start the year, and a solid group and convention calendar is promising, CEO Craig Billings said during an earnings call.

    By Feb. 13, 2026
  • The Venetian Resort will undergo a $1.5 billion renovation.
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    Courtesy of The Venetian Resort
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    Opinion

    How to build hotel F&B strategies that maximize traffic and profitability

    Bringing a sense of character, careful layouts and smart staffing to food and beverage operations can help drive hotel profitability, writes the founder of a hospitality architecture and design firm.

    By Alexis Readinger • Feb. 12, 2026
  • Travelers check into a hotel.
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    Getty Images
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    Travelers financially ‘cautious’ as economic concerns persist: report

    Although consumers are prioritizing travel, patterns are shifting as affluent travelers pull back spend and younger demographics embrace AI, per Deloitte.

    By Lara Ewen • Feb. 10, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    US hotel investment climbed to $24B in 2025: JLL

    Transaction volume rose 17.5% year over year, driven in part by strong private equity activity and improving debt markets, according to a new report. 

    By Feb. 3, 2026
  • Guests check in with the front desk in a hotel lobby
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    Getty Images
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    Hotel industry forecast 2026: Technology, development, labor and more

    Hospitality experts share the top trends that will impact hotels this year, including a growing wealth bifurcation, AI advancements and brand proliferation. 

    By Jan. 30, 2026
  • Travelers stand at an airport kiosk with an American flag overhanging.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    US hotel RevPAR, ADR set for growth in 2026: report

    Despite dampened hotel performance in 2025, more stable travel fundamentals could bring a boost for the industry this year and beyond, per CoStar and Tourism Economics.

    By Jan. 28, 2026
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    Key full-year US hotel metrics fall for first time since 2020

    In 2025, occupancy and RevPAR both saw declines, while ADR rose, according to data from CoStar. Las Vegas saw the steepest year-over-year RevPAR declines among the top 25 markets. 

    By Lara Ewen • Jan. 22, 2026
  • A image of Choice Hotels' new marketing campaign materials.
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    Courtesy of Choice Hotels International
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    Choice Hotels hones in on value in latest global marketing campaign

    Featuring entertainer Keegan-Michael Key, the ad spots highlight how Choice offers guests unique experiences and more value across its brand portfolio.

    By Jan. 21, 2026
  • The interior of an apartment-style hotel room.
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    Courtesy of Hilton
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    Hilton debuts Apartment Collection, expanding in residential hospitality

    The brand will launch through a partnership with apartment-style accommodations provider Placemakr, adding as many as 3,000 units to Hilton’s system.

    By Jan. 15, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    Hospitality technology solutions to watch in 2026

    Hotels are incorporating innovations, like robot massages and recycled water, to enhance operational efficiency and deliver tailored guest experiences.

    By Jan. 12, 2026
  • A sign notes that the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is closed due to the government shutdown, with the capitol building in the background.
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    Al Drago via Getty Images
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    Government shutdown caused $6.1B loss in travel, related sectors

    The U.S. saw an average of about 88,000 fewer trips per day and direct trip-related losses of $2.7 billion, according to research from U.S. Travel and Tourism Economics.

    By Lara Ewen • Jan. 9, 2026
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    US lodging industry to see slow, stable growth in 2026: report

    Supply is projected to outpace demand, while a slight recovery in RevPAR points to a steadier path ahead, according to a PwC forecast.

    By Lara Ewen • Jan. 9, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Top 5 hospitality industry trends to watch in 2026

    Luxury travelers and major eventgoers are slated to drive hotel demand this year, while rising labor costs and advancements in artificial intelligence could shift hospitality operations.

    By Jenna Graber, Lara Ewen and Jen A. Miller • Jan. 7, 2026
  • Guests check in with the front desk in a hotel lobby
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    Getty Images
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    Opinion

    How humanoid, AI-powered agents are reshaping hotel operations

    The technology can be a strategic way for hoteliers to enhance guest satisfaction and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape, writes the founder of a robotics company. 

    By Filip Linek • Jan. 6, 2026
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    US hotel occupancy fell for 9th consecutive month in November: CoStar

    The metric stood at 57.9%, down 2.8% year over year. Hotel RevPAR also declined during the month, continuing a tumultuous year for hotel performance.

    By Dec. 23, 2025