Articles tagged “hospitality”

Marriott’s abrupt termination of its licensing deal with Sonder has sent shockwaves through hospitality and finance circles alike. For Sonder, this collapse now marks the end of its operations entirely, with the company confirming an immediate liquidation. For Marriott, it raises hard questions about risk, diligence, and the future of its extended-stay strategy.

Customer expectations are outpacing traditional loyalty models. What once worked as simple reward programs has evolved into complex systems that often fail to deliver clear, relevant value. The result: declining…

Once synonymous with excess, luxury has now become an expression of intention: the choice to spend time well. Today's affluent travelers value privacy, space, and emotional connection over status and…

Hospitality is moving past the old playbook of fixed brand formats, as travelers mix work, leisure, and longer stays. The Ascott Limited is betting on a more fluid future of lodging with a strategy that stretches its strongest brands across property types to keep guests inside a single ecosystem.

Evermore shifts Orlando beyond theme parks, positioning itself as a destination in its own right. In this talk, Chris Kelsey, president of Dart Interests, highlights group-focused residences, a Conrad hotel, and a focus on “relational wellness” as the next wave of travel demand.

What major trends are shaping the future of global travel? We surveyed travel industry decision-makers during this year’s Skift Global Forum to learn how they view the forces shaping the next decade, their bets on technology, and the opportunities and risks they see ahead.

Chris Nassetta’s longevity as Hilton’s CEO shows that culture is as important as growth. His leadership philosophy — grounded in family, hospitality, and consistency — offers lessons for an industry balancing rapid expansion with the human side of travel.

Industry veterans Neil Jacobs and Alexandra Walterspiel say the sector's next winners will emphasize purpose over popularity. The winners will have brand clarity, intuitive service, and contemporary wellness.

Lofty brand strategies are frequently veering too far away from reality. It's time to rein it in.

This report features conversations with industry leaders on AI, digital transformation, and the innovations shaping hotel operations and guest experience in 2025 and beyond.