Consumer Trends


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    Column

    Lodging Lowdown: Ritz-Carlton introduces luxury residences in Brooklyn, 1 Hotel Austin opens in Texas

    Plus, IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with EasyJet to offer travel benefits to small- and medium-sized businesses.

    By Sept. 18, 2026
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    Courtesy of Loews Hotels & Co.
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    Column

    Lodging Lowdown: Aimbridge brings 3 historic hotels under management, PM Hotel Group names development SVP

    Plus, Loews Hotels has launched new fitness experiences across its portfolio that embrace the “unique character” of each destination.

    By Sept. 11, 2026
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    Courtesy of Tennessee Tourism
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    Dolly Parton’s Nashville SongTeller Hotel to open later this month

    The SongTeller Hotel, dedicated to the life and legacy of the late country music star, is slated to open Sept. 29, featuring a 20,000-square-foot immersive museum.

    By Sept. 10, 2026
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    What hoteliers should have on their radar this fall

    Hotel Dive rounds up top trends in investment, development, guest satisfaction and more that hotel pros should watch through 2026.

    By Sept. 8, 2026
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    Guest satisfaction is up at branded hotels: report

    JD Power found that while guest rooms are largely driving an improved guest experience at hotels managed by third parties, lobbies and other common areas remain an opportunity.

    By Sept. 8, 2026
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    Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Travel CEOs meet with Trump to encourage international travel after World Cup

    Hotel and travel executives urged the president to build on this summer’s momentum with a goal of attracting 100 million visitors per year by 2030.

    By Sept. 4, 2026
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    Courtesy of Diamond PR
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    Downtown Savannah hotel reopens as Hotel Orielle

    The 75-room Autograph Collection hotel in Georgia will pay homage to the city's past and remain a Marriott-branded property under the company's luxury lifestyle banner.

    By Sept. 2, 2026
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    Courtesy of Marriott International
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    Marriott, NFL partner on curated travel guides

    The City Guides program features local recommendations from NFL players as Marriott Bonvoy turns to brand partnerships to offer rewards that speak to guests’ passions.

    By Sept. 1, 2026
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    Courtesy of Google
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    Google introduces AI Mode hotel booking

    The conversational search tool allows guests to book stays with partners including Choice Hotels and Hilton as travelers turn toward artificial intelligence for trip planning.

    By Sept. 1, 2026
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    Drew Angerer/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Fred Dixon returns as NYC Tourism CEO to drive visitation, economic growth

    The Brand USA leader will leave his post to again head New York City Tourism + Conventions, with the goal of bolstering the city’s embattled tourism industry.

    By Aug. 28, 2026
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    Courtesy of Hoefer Welker
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    UMusic Hotels expands to downtown Kansas City

    Developers will convert a historic downtown building into a music-focused 169-room hotel, inspired by the Missouri city’s rich jazz history.

    By Aug. 27, 2026
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    Spencer Platt/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    NYC hotels urge resolution in US-Canada trade war

    The Hotel Association of New York City claims the escalating conflict threatens tourism to the city, which could heighten the economic challenges hotels are already facing.

    By Aug. 26, 2026
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    Hilton launches fitness and recovery concept Signia Restore

    Set to debut at Signia Hilton Indianapolis in 2027, Restore combines advanced fitness and restorative technologies as travelers increasingly prioritize wellness.

    By Aug. 26, 2026
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    Hotel rates climb this Labor Day weekend: AAA

    Americans will pay more for hotels in both domestic and international markets over the 2026 holiday weekend as they prioritize outdoor destinations, per a new report.

    By Aug. 25, 2026
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    Opinion

    How hotels can adjust to the evolving AI search landscape

    As travelers increasingly use artificial intelligence for trip planning, hotels must consider the impacts on visibility and distribution, per Operto CEO Tim Major.

    By Tim Major • Aug. 24, 2026
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    4 AI-powered hotel search tools that have launched so far in 2026

    Marriott, IHG and Wyndham have debuted conversational search tools as travelers increasingly use artificial intelligence for trip planning.

    By Aug. 21, 2026
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    Noor Adatia/Hotel Dive

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    How hotels can leverage experiences and unique partnerships to drive loyalty

    Marriott International’s Lucy Werner shares how strategic partnerships can enhance the guest experience and tap into guests’ passions and interests.

    By Aug. 19, 2026
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    Courtesy of Marriott International
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    Marriott’s Luxury Collection debuts expedition series focused on cultural immersion

    The brand launched a set of 10 travel itineraries and experiences that enable guests to engage more deeply with destinations across its portfolio.

    By Aug. 19, 2026
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    Q&A

    Alum CEO on why he’s betting on luxury hospitality in college towns

    David Vialli says Alum is filling a gap in the competitive college town lodging market by introducing an exclusive, members-based concept catered toward donors and alumni.

    By Aug. 17, 2026
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    IHG posts H1 RevPAR gains due to ‘favorable macro backdrop’

    The hotel giant also touted record levels of development activity, opening nearly 200 hotels in the first half of 2026.

    By Aug. 11, 2026
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    Adam Gray via Getty Images
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    CoStar, Tourism Economics ‘significantly’ boost US hotel outlook

    After hotels outperformed expectations in H1, due in part to the World Cup, the pair now projects higher RevPAR growth for full-year 2026 as well as 2027.

    By Aug. 7, 2026
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    Sean Gallup via Getty Images
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    Booking Holdings’ connected trip strategy boosts loyalty

    The parent company of Booking.com, Agoda and Priceline wants travelers to book multiple travel verticals with the company for the same trip.

    By Kristen Doerer • Aug. 5, 2026
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    Q&A

    Why an AI travel company thought the Sonder name was worth reviving

    TravelAI CEO John Lyotier said Sonder’s new website is designed to help travelers find a stay that feels familiar to the urban concept, which still holds “residual brand value” following Sonder’s bankruptcy.

    By Aug. 4, 2026
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    Hotel Tech-in: The boutique hotel in Maine operating without a front desk

    The hotel’s “remote concierge” concept helps eliminate overhead costs for smaller properties and provides 24/7 guest support remotely thanks to technology.

    By July 29, 2026
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    Hilton reported Q2 RevPAR gains, raises full-year forecast

    During an earnings call, CEO Chris Nassetta touted strengthening demand trends and highlighted a record number of signings that expanded Hilton’s development pipeline.

    By July 28, 2026