Latest news with #hoteliers
Hospitality Net
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
AI Security Isn't Sexy, But It's the Most Important Hotel Conversation You're Not Having (Yet)
Let's get real for a moment. Automation. Guest experience. Direct bookings. Revenue strategies. Everyone's talking about how AI can revolutionize hospitality, and for good reasons. But when does the conversation shift to AI security? Crickets. Eyes glaze. The energy dips. Why? Because AI security isn't sexy. It's not what makes headlines or sparks social shares. But let me tell you something I've learned the hard way, working with some complex security projects. 🚨 If you don't treat AI security like your most urgent priority, your 'innovation' might just be your biggest liability. Hotels are racing to implement AI for marketing, guest service, and personalization, but too many are skipping the critical step of locking down the digital front door. That's like investing in a five-star experience and leaving your guestroom doors wide open. And no, a basic firewall or a once-a-year audit isn't going to cut it anymore. Let's dive into the truth you need to face, and how to flip that truth into your greatest competitive advantage. Why Hotels Aren't Taking AI Security Seriously Enough (Yet) Here's the raw truth: many hoteliers still treat security as an IT (Information Technology) problem, a backend issue delegated to one person or one department. ❌ 'Our PMS (Property Management System) is encrypted, so we're good.' ❌ 'Our vendor handles security.' ❌ 'We're not big enough to be a target.' Let me challenge that thinking: If you have guest data, you're a target. Period. Your hotel runs on trust. And with AI becoming your concierge, your marketing brain, your booking engine, and maybe even your housekeeper, you're plugging into systems that amplify both your capabilities and your vulnerabilities. AI doesn't replace your people, but it does introduce new forms of data flow, storage, prediction, and decision-making. All of this must be managed securely, or it can lead to devastating consequences. The Wake-Up Call: What's Really at Risk? Here's a quick pulse check. If any of this makes you squirm, it's time to act: Do you know where all your guest data lives? (Across your PMS, CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, Wi-Fi logs, and personalization engines?) system, Wi-Fi logs, and personalization engines?) Can you guarantee your AI vendor encrypts data at rest and in transit using AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard - 256-bit) and TLS 1.2+ (Transport Layer Security) ? and ? If a breach happens today, do you have a clear response playbook with roles and timelines? Have your team members ever been trained on AI-specific threats, like prompt injections or AI-generated phishing? If you answered 'no' to any of these... breathe. You're not alone. But now's the time to move. And I'm not talking about fear; I'm talking about future readiness. Why Security Must Be User-Friendly, and Human-Centered Let me share something personal. I've been on the inside of a team that implemented a brand-new hotel computer system and renewed infrastructure from the ground up. Security was front and center. We had good intentions. Strong policies. Expert oversight. But do you know what happened? We overcomplicated it. Made it too rigid. Too technical. Too 'perfect on paper.' And the result? Confusion. Resistance. Workarounds. Missed alerts. Broken processes. That experience taught me something I've carried ever since: 'When security is too hard to use, people stop using it. When it's too strict, people go around it.' Security that alienates your team defeats its purpose. And this is exactly why I'm so passionate about building security allies, not security enemies. You want your front desk team, your housekeepers, your revenue managers, all of them, to become co-owners of your security posture, not passive bystanders. The fastest way to do that? 👉 Involve them early. Empower them often. Train them well. Recognize their concerns. Make it usable. OpenAI's Commitment to AI Safety and Transparency In tandem with internal efforts, it's reassuring to see industry leaders like OpenAI taking significant strides to enhance AI safety and transparency. OpenAI has launched a Safety Evaluations Hub, a platform that publicly shares how its models perform on critical safety evaluations. These evaluations assess models on their ability to resist harmful content generation, susceptibility to jailbreaks (attempts to bypass safety protocols), and the accuracy of their responses to prevent hallucinations (factual inaccuracies). By openly sharing these metrics, OpenAI not only holds itself accountable but also sets a precedent for the industry, promoting a culture of transparency and continuous improvement in AI safety. AI Champions: Your Secret Weapon for Sustainable Security You've heard me say this before: 'AI won't replace hospitality; it will redefine it.' But for that redefinition to succeed, you need more than systems. You need people. Specifically, you need what I call AI Champions, your internal trailblazers. These are team members who bridge the gap between tech and trust, between code and culture. What Do AI Champions Do? Identify friction between policy and practice before it leads to non-compliance. between policy and practice before it leads to non-compliance. Educate teams on secure AI use across departments. teams on secure AI use across departments. Implement manageable protocols (like MFA ( Multi-factor authentication ), and secure passwords) in everyday workflows. manageable protocols (like ( ), and secure passwords) in everyday workflows. Monitor for risks and report roadblocks honestly, without fear. for risks and report roadblocks honestly, without fear. Inspire cross-departmental ownership of secure systems and habits. Your Champions are not security guards. They are security guides, helping others navigate a fast-changing terrain without getting lost. And if you don't have someone like this yet? 📣 That's where I come in. I help you identify, coach, and elevate your first AI Champions—so they don't just understand AI security, but champion it in your hotel's culture. Security Isn't One-and-Done, It's Ongoing Let's bust another myth: AI security isn't a checklist. It's a living, breathing system that evolves as fast as the tech itself. Think about it like housekeeping: you don't just clean a suite once and call it done for the year, right? You need to: ✅ Audit your data quarterly ✅ Test your breach plan bi-annually ✅ Run phishing drills monthly ✅ Review vendor compliance regularly ✅ Rotate logs and encrypt data consistently This is why in my Free Hotel AI Security Blueprint, I include ready-to-deploy templates for: Data Inventory (what you collect, where, why, and how long) (what you collect, where, why, and how long) Privacy-By-Design Checklist (guest-first, consent-rich systems) (guest-first, consent-rich systems) Vendor Audit Script (ask the tough questions before you sign) (ask the tough questions before you sign) Technical Controls ( MFA ( Multi-factor authentication ), SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) , and Zero-Trust network segmentation) ( ( ), , and network segmentation) Team Training Drills (so staff don't panic, they pivot) (so staff don't panic, they pivot) Breach Response Flow (from alert to action, with clear roles) 📄 Haven't seen the Hotel AI Security Blueprint yet? No worries, send me a DM and I will send it your way. Pain Points I Hear from Hoteliers All the Time Let's tackle some of the most common objections: 1. 'We're not a tech company.' Exactly. That's why you need human-centered systems, built for usability, not complexity. 2. 'Our AI vendor handles that.' Great. But have you reviewed their SOC 2 (Service Organization Control Type 2) reports? Their GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) compliance? They breach the SLA (Service Level Agreement)? Are the AI vendors familiar with the EU (European Union) AI Act? The EU AI Act, the world's first comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence, has a direct impact on hotels operating in or serving guests from the European Union. If not, you're building trust on assumptions. 3. 'This sounds expensive.' What's expensive is downtime, lawsuits, and brand damage. Proactive beats reactive. Always. 4. 'Our team is too small.' That's why you have appointed AI Champions. One well-trained champion beats a dozen overwhelmed staff. Top Tips for AI Security-Ready Hotels Here's what I always recommend to hotels serious about creating a secure, AI-powered culture: 1. Start With a Security-First Mindset Security isn't just about tech, it's about trust. Culture. Mindset. 2. Appoint or become an AI Champion Even one person makes a difference. Start small. Grow deep. 3. Train for Reality, Not Perfection Use phishing drills. Simulate AI attacks. Make training fun and real. 4. Audit Quarterly, Improve Continuously Security isn't a one-time project; it's a way of operating. 5. Build Bridges, Not Walls Make security part of the conversation, not a roadblock. Ready for the Next Step? Whether you're just starting to explore AI or you're rolling out your third AI pilot, I'll help you secure it, without slowing your momentum. Let's have a real conversation. 📍 Schedule your free 60-minute AI Security Consultation with me. We'll uncover your vulnerabilities, tailor your Blueprint, and map out the next steps. Most importantly, we'll find your first AI Champions, together. 👉 Book now at Final Thought: From Fear to Empowerment AI security isn't about fear. It's about freedom. Because when you can trust your tech, your team, and your data, you serve guests not just faster, but better. And better means loyalty. Revenue. Reputation. So let's make AI security not just a department, but a culture. Let's stop treating it like a nuisance and start treating it like your hotel's unseen superpower. Let's INSPIRE a safer, smarter future, together.
Hospitality Net
28-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Join the Distribution Revolution: What You Need to Know about Smart Distribution for Hotels
The hospitality industry has become fiercely competitive and more unpredictable than ever. As guest expectations evolve, staffing costs rise and market dynamics shift rapidly, it's getting increasingly challenging for smaller properties to stay profitable. Enter Smart Distribution, a powerful new approach that's transforming the way independent hotels manage their online visibility, availability and rates across different channels. But hold on, what exactly is Smart Distribution for hotels? And how does it benefit your business? Let's break it down. What is smart distribution for hotels? Smart Distribution is an AI-driven approach to managing your hotel's presence and strategy across multiple booking channels – all automated within one centralized platform and backed by the industry's most trusted data. We asked Delphine Elias, Senior Product Manager at Lighthouse, to explain this game-changing innovation in a nutshell. Smart Distribution is the next-gen Channel Manager. It allows independent hoteliers to manage pricing and distribution in one place, and leverage automation to save time while increasing revenue. The result? Always the right price on the right channel, automatically. Delphine Elias, Senior Product Manager at Lighthouse At the heart of Smart Distribution lie advanced AI and machine learning, allowing hoteliers to make decisions faster and with better results. It's smarter than a Channel Manager, offering rate and distribution recommendations in one place. Key components of smart distribution for hotels: Dynamic pricing ensures room prices are optimized and updated instantly on all channels in response to market demand, competitors and your own performance. ensures room prices are optimized and updated instantly on all channels in response to market demand, competitors and your own performance. Availability recommendations determine when to open or close certain channels to maximize revenue and minimize commission costs. determine when to open or close certain channels to maximize revenue and minimize commission costs. Channel optimization indicates which distribution partners to prioritize or deactivate for maximum profitability and will suggest new OTA connections to boost bookings. indicates which distribution partners to prioritize or deactivate for maximum profitability and will suggest new OTA connections to boost bookings. Strategic restrictions adjust your minimum length of stay (LOS) when needed to maximize revenue per available room (RevPAR). adjust your minimum length of stay (LOS) when needed to maximize revenue per available room (RevPAR). The centralized view simplifies effective pricing and channel management by providing an easy-to-interpret, unified interface. simplifies effective pricing and channel management by providing an easy-to-interpret, unified interface. Competitor insights give you an overview of the rates applied by your main competitive set on your booking channels. give you an overview of the rates applied by your main competitive set on your booking channels. AI-driven automation analyzes data and performs rate and availability updates across your entire distribution landscape to capture every opportunity while saving you time. How Smart Distribution changes the game for independent hotels The distribution challenges you know all too well For most independent hoteliers, managing distribution is an overwhelming juggling act. What's more, increased online visibility is often associated with increased workload and high commission. Even with a lot of time, thought and effort, independent hotelier strategies are still leaving money on the table. Most set their strategy once, to then never look at it again, causing them to miss out on important opportunities. Plus, confusion reigns supreme, with hundreds of OTAs to choose from nowadays. The hotel distribution landscape has become quite complex to navigate, with a lot of channels and OTAs. These third-party booking platforms all have their own strategies that you need to be aware of, because they might not benefit your hotel. Delphine Elias, Senior Product Manager at Lighthouse Typical challenges for independent hoteliers around selecting and managing channels include: No time to continuously monitor and adjust their channel mix Suboptimal rates that deter guests during low demand and lead to missed revenue during peak times Not fully leveraging each channel and its nuances Distribution imbalance, leading to high commissions, missed opportunities and reduced profitability Costly errors and mismatched pricing when updating multiple platforms manually Much like dealing with a water leak under the bathroom sink that you want to locate and repair as fast as possible, you want to know where money is leaking in order to adjust your strategy. A flawed distribution strategy isn't just an inconvenience – you're systematically losing revenue and compromising your profitability. From our customers, we see that smaller hotels use 15+ channels on average. In an ideal world, you would have a full-time employee managing all these channels properly. Just being on there is not enough if you want to stay competitive and profitable , Delphine Elias explains. Managing distribution channels strategically involves much more than synchronizing rates and availability. It means: Closing channels with high commission fees on busy days Opening all channels on low-demand days to maximize occupancy Offering the optimal price tailored to each channel Delphine Elias continues: 'Where chains and group hotels have a dedicated Distribution Manager or Digital Manager, independent hoteliers usually don't have the necessary resources for that. It's simply not feasible for them to hire someone full-time or do it all on their own. That's where Smart Distribution comes in. It allows smaller properties to compete with big brands, without needing extra staff or a degree in revenue management.' Key benefits of Smart Distribution for hotels Informed by Lighthouse's industry-leading data, Smart Distribution automates optimal pricing and channel recommendations to achieve maximum profitability and efficiency, killing two birds with one stone – all in one simple view. Key benefits of smart distribution for hotels: Better rates, more revenue: Always charge the right price at the right time on the right channel to avoid losing bookings and maximize revenue per available room (RevPAR). Always charge the right price at the right time on the right channel to avoid losing bookings and maximize revenue per available room (RevPAR). Time gains: Cut down hours of manual work with automated pricing and distribution updates on all your booking channels. Cut down hours of manual work with automated pricing and distribution updates on all your booking channels. Enhanced visibility: Easily manage listings across OTAs, GDSs and metasearch platforms to boost online presence without needing big marketing budgets. Easily manage listings across OTAs, GDSs and metasearch platforms to boost online presence without needing big marketing budgets. Increased bookings: Optimize occupancy levels by ensuring your hotel is always visible and competitively priced on the right channels. Optimize occupancy levels by ensuring your hotel is always visible and competitively priced on the right channels. Less commission: Reduce OTA commission costs by strategically closing expensive channels when healthy occupancy is guaranteed. Reduce OTA commission costs by strategically closing expensive channels when healthy occupancy is guaranteed. Faster connectivity: Easily connect with new partners in a few clicks thanks to intuitive mapping of room types and rate plans. Easily connect with new partners in a few clicks thanks to intuitive mapping of room types and rate plans. Competitive edge: Closely watch your main competitors and stay two steps ahead to capture bookings before they do. Closely watch your main competitors and stay two steps ahead to capture bookings before they do. Data-driven strategy: Base important decisions on industry-leading data insights instead of relying on gut feeling or outdated spreadsheets. Base important decisions on industry-leading data insights instead of relying on gut feeling or outdated spreadsheets. Optimized channel mix: Focus on your best performing channels and adjust the ones that hurt your profitability. Focus on your best performing channels and adjust the ones that hurt your profitability. Unlocking new markets: Smart channel recommendations will allow you to tap into new source markets and guest segments. Smart channel recommendations will allow you to tap into new source markets and guest segments. Transparency and control: See the reasoning behind the algorithm's recommendations and choose whether you want to apply them automatically or not. See the reasoning behind the algorithm's recommendations and choose whether you want to apply them automatically or not. No more double bookings: Avoid disappointing guests and losing revenue by keeping your availability synchronized – always, everywhere. Avoid disappointing guests and losing revenue by keeping your availability synchronized – always, everywhere. Reduced errors: Avoid costly pricing and distribution errors thanks to reliable automation. Built-in checks will confirm if updates are live on the right channels to give you peace of mind. Avoid costly pricing and distribution errors thanks to reliable automation. Built-in checks will confirm if updates are live on the right channels to give you peace of mind. Simplified channel management: Access one view with all your channel pricing and availability to easily review your entire distribution strategy. Maximum revenue thanks to optimized prices and bookings Smart Distribution is your full-time revenue manager, working around the clock to make sure you don't leave any money on the table and competitors don't snag your valuable customers. Smart Distribution delivers: Maximum revenue with optimized prices and bookings: - Strategic pricing based on accurate data – adapted to channels and room types - Booking channel recommendations to attract the best bookings and reduce OTA commissions - Strategic pricing based on accurate data – adapted to channels and room types - Booking channel recommendations to attract the best bookings and reduce OTA commissions Time-saving channel management - Quick responses to market fluctuations through trusted automation - One simple view to check your rates, competitor rates and channels We now realize more than ever that pricing and distribution go hand in hand, and should be managed properly to increase profit. We want to help hoteliers make this process smoother and smarter, so they can maximize revenue while gaining time back to focus on what matters most: their guests! Delphine Elias, Senior Product Manager at Lighthouse Smart Distribution is quickly becoming the new norm. No more manual effort, countless spreadsheets and endless tabs to check competitor prices – just smart room price and channel optimization you can trust. Join the distribution revolution and outsmart your competitors At Lighthouse, we've reimagined distribution for the independent hotelier, combining our industry-leading data with powerful automation to help you stay ahead. Smart Distribution is now available as part of our award-winning AI platform for independents – one smart solution to optimize both pricing and channel distribution in the most efficient way possible. What can you expect? Reach your full revenue potential: Optimize your pricing and distribution with market intelligence trusted by 75,000+ hotels around the world. Optimize your pricing and distribution with market intelligence trusted by 75,000+ hotels around the world. Win back hours of your day: Rely on award-winning automation powering accurate and transparent pricing across your booking channels. Rely on award-winning automation powering accurate and transparent pricing across your booking channels. Enjoy simplicity and hands-on support: Simplify channel management with one consolidated view, smooth onboarding and top-rated support. With Smart Distribution, you will be able to: Automatically pull in and distribute optimal rates Get AI recommendations for LOS, availability and new channel opportunities Manage pricing and distribution from one intelligent, centralized view Gain insight into competitor strategies across booking platforms Verify automation delivery, ensuring updates reach all channels successfully Customize your level of control – choose between suggestions or full autopilot mode The industry is moving forward, with or without you. Will you be at the forefront of the distribution revolution or will you be limping behind? The choice is yours! Request your 14-day free trial of Smart Distribution below. About Lighthouse Lighthouse is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways. Trusted by over 70,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners—their success is our success. For more information about Lighthouse, please visit: View source
Hospitality Net
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
AI Revenue Management for Hotels (Without Losing the Human Touch)
AI and automation are real game changers for hotel revenue management. Today's tools aren't just suggesting prices, they're reading the market in real time, learning from data and adjusting rates automatically. But with all these powerful tools at our disposal, is there room left for the human touch? You can probably already see how AI is helping hoteliers. For example, it can take tedious admin off your shoulders, freeing you up to focus on the bigger picture. That could be making sharp strategic decisions that boost revenue or focusing on creating remarkable guest stays. Think of it like autopilot on a plane. It handles flying, but there's still a pilot in the cockpit. To help you find that balance between the human touch and AI in hotel revenue management, we've broken it down into three steps. 1. Set the strategy (so AI can run with it) Before your revenue management system (RMS) can start optimizing rates with AI, you've got to teach it how to think. Take our plane example. Sure, autopilot can help navigate it to most locations. But first, it needs to know the destination. That's where the human touch comes in. In hotels, that's the revenue, sales, and marketing teams setting the goals and feeding information to the AI to help it do its best work. So, everything from room types to your min/max rates and pricing hierarchy. And the more you share up front, the better the pricing recommendations work for your property, brand and local market. 2. Plan for the predictable Market demand isn't static. Public holidays, local events and even weather can all shift performance. So, it's essential your RMS can adapt quickly when change happens. Luckily, today's revenue solutions are built to keep up. By adjusting rates in real time based on historical data and forward-looking trends, they make sure your prices are always in line with the changing market. Of course, if you want more control then you have that power. All you need to do is feed the system more information. Take your high and low seasons, for example. You can set special rules for main travel times based on your own local knowledge, demand data and event announcements. That way, your system knows when to hold steady and when to surge. 3. Teach it to adapt Sure, you can feed your RMS as much info as you like, but not everything is predictable. A major concert could be announced at the last minute. Or a big group could cancel with no warning. When those surprises hit, AI can react in seconds and adjust your pricing automatically. That way you're not stuck with underpriced rooms when demand surges unexpectedly. But here's where you and your team come in. You're the ones setting the rules. You decide how aggressive (or conservative) the response should be. And when needed, you step in with overrides to protect your brand, your positioning or your bottom line. The sweet spot between AI and human strategy So no, AI isn't here to take your job. Even smart tools need a smart operator, and no-one knows your brand better than you do. Not even an algorithm. In fact, AI is here to help hoteliers and revenue managers. Help them to stop repeatedly updating spreadsheets. Help them to stop wasting time on tedious manual processes. Help them to stop second guessing themselves. And when you leave AI to handle the 'how', you get to focus on the 'why'. Things like smarter pricing strategies, campaigns or simply speaking with your guests. Ready to rethink your revenue management? Find the sweet spot between AI and human strategy with Atomize, a Mews company. Book a demo here. About Mews Mews is the leading platform for the new era of hospitality. Powering over 12,500 customers across more than 85 countries, Mews Hospitality Cloud is designed to streamline operations for modern hoteliers, transform the guest experience and create more profitable businesses. Customers include BWH Hotels, Strawberry, The Social Hub and Airelles Collection. Mews was named Best PMS (2024, 2025) and listed among the Best Places to Work in Hotel Tech (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) by Hotel Tech Report. Mews has raised $410 million from investors including Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Kinnevik and Tiger Global to transform hospitality. View source
Hospitality Net
26-05-2025
- Hospitality Net
Travel in Great Britain and Ireland: What Hoteliers Should Know
From the Highlands of Scotland to the coastal towns of Ireland, this region offers visitors a unique blend of rustic charm, historic cities, and iconic landscapes. It's also home to a wide variety of hotels – from centuries-old inns to contemporary urban properties – serving a steady flow of both domestic and international guests. It's a region with much to offer the traveler. English is widely spoken, demand patterns are shaped by seasonal and cultural events, and travel ties to markets like the U.S., Canada, and mainland Europe remain strong. For hoteliers, whether you're managing a countryside inn or an urban boutique hotel, the opportunities – and challenges – of this region are closely intertwined. So what does the travel landscape in Great Britain and Ireland look like today? And what do hoteliers need to know to succeed? Let's take a closer look. Travel demand: 2025 outlook for the Britain and Ireland We'd expect travel demand across Britain and Ireland to remain strong in 2025, buoyed by a mix of international tourism, domestic getaways and a growing appetite for regional travel experiences. The peak travel season typically runs from late spring through to early autumn. July and August are the busiest months due to school holidays and milder weather, though travel volume remains significant throughout the year. Among the most popular destinations are London, which continues to attract global visitors, as well as Edinburgh, Dublin and historic cities like Oxford. Also drawing crowds are the Lake District, and parts of the Irish and Scottish countryside, all of them known for their natural beauty. Coastal areas in Wales and Cornwall are gaining traction, especially among domestic travelers. The region sees significant inbound tourism from the US, mainland Europe (especially Germany and France), and, increasingly, long-haul markets like China and the Middle East. However, domestic travel remains a crucial demand driver, particularly in areas where larger populations and major cities boost weekend and short-stay travel. Each country in the region (the UK comprises four constituent parts, with the Republic of Ireland being a separate fifth) presents a slightly different demand profile: England leads in volume, Scotland and Ireland offer strong seasonal appeal, while Wales and Northern Ireland attract a mix of leisure and niche tourism. Understanding these differences will help you tailor your offerings to shifting travel patterns. Local travel trends to know Like last year, travel trends in Britain and Ireland for 2025 reflect evolving traveler preferences and broader societal shifts. London will enjoy plenty of business travelers, of course, but, as with previous years, leisure remains the primary motivation for visits, with cultural exploration, nature immersion and wellness experiences topping the list. Iconic attractions such as the British Museum, Edinburgh Castle and Stonehenge continue to draw significant crowds. Increasingly, travelers are also seeking out less crowded destinations such as Scotland's Isle of Mull, drawn to their peaceful scenery and authentic local experiences. Sustainable tourism is gaining momentum too. Initiatives like Heathrow Airport's nature reserve tours and the Welsh government's 'weather-proofing' fund for attractions demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility, something which resonates with many tourists, particularly younger travelers. Wellness and nature-based travel are also on the rise. Visitors seek activities like wild swimming and forest retreats. These align with trends identified by VisitScotland but they apply to rural areas across the whole region. However, affordability remains a concern. In Scotland, rising accommodation costs have led to a decline in domestic travel, highlighting the need for balanced pricing strategies. Overall, the 2025 travel landscape in the UK and Ireland is characterized by a blend of traditional tourism and emerging trends focused on sustainability, wellness and authentic experiences. The most common types of hotels in Britain and Ireland The hospitality landscape across the UK and Ireland is rich and diverse, reflecting a long-standing tradition of tourism and a wide range of traveler preferences. From charming countryside inns to sleek city chains, the region offers accommodation for every style and budget. Independent hotels and bed and breakfasts remain a staple, especially in rural and coastal areas, whereas international chains dominate the urban centers. However, market saturation is high in many locations, particularly in popular destinations like London, Edinburgh and Dublin. In this section, we explore the most common hotel types, their role in the market and what makes them attractive to guests. Independent hotels Independents continue to play a significant role in the British and Irish hotel sector, particularly in rural and coastal areas. While exact market share figures vary, independent properties remain prevalent, especially in regions where unique, local experiences are sought by travelers. However, the landscape is shifting; many independent hotels face challenges such as rising operational costs and competition from larger chains. Notably, some independent establishments have closed or been repurposed, indicating a trend towards consolidation in the industry. Despite these challenges, certain segments of the independent hotel market are thriving. The luxury independent and boutique hotel, in particular, has seen increased demand, driven by travelers seeking personalized and unique accommodation. These properties often command a higher average daily rate (ADR) compared to their mid-market counterparts, reflecting their premium offerings. For instance, luxury hotels in the UK achieved ADRs of £400.18 in July 2023, disproportionately higher than mid-market and budget hotels. In terms of performance metrics, independent hotels have shown resilience, at least in recent years: from January to April 2023, for example, independent hotels in the UK recorded a 23% increase in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) compared to the same period in 2022, averaging £53, with growth driven by both increased occupancy and higher ADR, indicating a robust recovery in the sector. Overall, while independent hotels face a competitive and evolving market, those that offer unique experiences and maintain high service standards continue to attract guests and perform well financially. Bed and breakfasts Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) are a beloved and widespread part of the hospitality landscape in the UK and Ireland, particularly in rural areas, coastal towns and heritage destinations. Unlike independent hotels, B&Bs are typically smaller, owner-operated properties offering a limited number of rooms, a freshly prepared breakfast often included and a more intimate, home-like experience – after all, the owners usually live there too. There are thousands of B&Bs across the UK and Ireland, from charming countryside cottages to elegant Georgian townhouses. Notable examples include Easby Hall in North Yorkshire, known for its historic character, and Number 31 in Dublin, a chic, design-led B&B once home to a famed Irish architect. These properties attract travelers seeking warmth, local insight and authenticity, qualities that continue to give B&Bs a loyal and steady following. Chain hotels Chain hotels dominate the region's hospitality sector, particularly in urban centers and near transport hubs. While exact market share figures vary, major chains like Premier Inn and Travelodge have a significant presence, with Premier Inn alone operating over 800 hotels and 72,000 rooms across the UK . This dominance has been bolstered by strategic expansions and conversions of underperforming properties into hotel rooms. In 2024, the UK hotel industry showed strong performance, with ADR rising to £155.22 in December, up from £151.37 the year before, according to RSM UK. Occupancy also increased slightly year-on-year, while rising costs kept operating profits flat. London hotels saw particularly high demand, with ADR averaging £228. Alongside the likes of Hilton, Marriott and Accor, which are popular the world over, top hotel chains in the UK and Ireland include: Premier Inn : The UK's largest hotel brand, known for its extensive network and consistent service. : The UK's largest hotel brand, known for its extensive network and consistent service. Travelodge : A budget-friendly chain with over 600 properties across the UK and Ireland, as well as Spain. : A budget-friendly chain with over 600 properties across the UK and Ireland, as well as Spain. IHG Hotels & Resorts : Operates brands like Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, with a strong presence in the UK market. : Operates brands like Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, with a strong presence in the UK market. Village Hotel Club : Mid-market to upscale hotels, primarily located on the outskirts of major towns and cities. : Mid-market to upscale hotels, primarily located on the outskirts of major towns and cities. Britannia Hotels: A budget hotel group with 64 hotels across Great Britain. These chains continue to shape the hospitality landscape, offering a range of options to cater to diverse traveler needs. Understanding travel trends and demand empowers hospitality professionals For anyone working in or around the hospitality industry, understanding travel trends and demand is absolutely essential. Independent hoteliers, in particular, benefit from insights into where travelers are coming from, why they're visiting and their preferred types of accommodations. This helps to shape everything from pricing to promotions to property investments, regardless of where those bookings come from, whether it's direct or via online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia and Knowing, for instance, that domestic travel is driving high occupancy in coastal towns or that sustainability is becoming a key factor in guest decision-making will give your property an edge when it comes to attracting and converting guests. But it's not just hotels that benefit. Travel agents, airlines, tour operators, cruise lines and even local councils need a clear picture of shifting demand patterns to forecast more accurately and serve their customers better. If long weekend breaks are becoming more popular in Ireland, say, or if city stays are seeing a resurgence, everyone from regional airports to experience providers can adapt their offerings to match. The hospitality industry is dynamic by nature. Trends – like remote work fueling midweek travel – can rise quickly and fall just as fast. Demand can be impacted by everything from visa policy changes to global events. So relying on outdated or infrequent reports just isn't enough. To remain competitive, hospitality professionals require access to real-time, granular data. This allows you to respond to changing conditions with agility, whether that's adjusting rates, launching campaigns or repositioning offerings based on the very latest insights. In today's travel landscape, data is the backbone of smart decision-making. Empower decision making with competitive data insights Hoteliers across Britain and Ireland face a complex mix of shifting demand, growing guest expectations, and rising costs. Responding to that landscape requires a clear view of what's happening in the market right now. Lighthouse gives you that clarity. It shows you how demand is trending in your area, how other hotels are pricing their rooms, and where you might be leaving revenue on the table. Whether you're adjusting rates ahead of a busy weekend or tracking how a nearby event is driving bookings, Lighthouse helps you act sooner and more strategically. With access to live market data and forward-looking insights, you can make informed decisions that protect your margins and keep your hotel in the running, no matter the season. Stay ahead of demand. Visit to see how Lighthouse helps hotels across Britain and Ireland stay competitive, react faster, and convert more demand into bookings. About Lighthouse Lighthouse is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways. Trusted by over 70,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners—their success is our success. For more information about Lighthouse, please visit: View source
CNN
24-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
‘We will rebuild,' Gaza hoteliers tell CNN
When Donald Trump announced his plans to turn war-torn Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East," many Palestinians were angered. CNN spoke to two hoteliers, who explained what life was like before the war and their hopes for the future.
