Latest news with #hoteloperators
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
European hotels to sue Booking.com over unfair practices
A large number of hotels across Europe are preparing to file lawsuits against the online travel agency accusing the platform of unfair and abusive business practices. The move follows growing concerns among hotel operators about restrictive agreements and commission fees imposed by the company. Hotels challenge restrictive agreements and commission fees The planned legal action targets contractual policies, which many hotels claim limit their ability to set prices independently or offer better deals on other platforms. Several hotel owners argue that the company's commission rates, often exceeding 15%, place a significant financial burden on small and medium-sized establishments. This has led to calls for greater transparency and more balanced terms in agreements between online travel agencies and accommodation providers. Impact on the European hospitality sector The dispute highlights wider tensions within the European hospitality sector regarding the influence of dominant online booking platforms. Hotels rely heavily on these sites for customer bookings, but many feel trapped by the strict conditions imposed. Industry analysts suggest that the outcome of this legal challenge could reshape how online travel agencies negotiate contracts and fees with hotels in the future. Regulatory scrutiny and consumer implications Regulators have recently increased their focus on the practices of major booking platforms, investigating whether these companies abuse their market position. The European Commission and national competition authorities have examined issues related to price parity clauses and commission structures. Consumers could be affected if changes lead to different pricing models or reduced availability of hotel deals through popular booking sites. The lawsuits by hotels mark a significant step in ongoing efforts to balance the relationship between online agencies and accommodation providers. "European hotels to sue over unfair practices" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Landingplace Hotels Launches Two New Brands
Landingplace Suites Targeted Toward Long-Term Extended-Stay Guests; Landingplace Select Geared Toward Transient Travelers BLUFFTON, S.C., July 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Officials of Landingplace Hotels, a hotel franchisor built by operators for operators, today announced the launch of two midscale, conversion-focused brands aimed at solving the real challenges hotel owners face, from rising costs and staffing shortages to rigid brand standards and shifting guest expectations. Landingplace Suites bridges the gap between extended-stay hotels and furnished apartments, offering flexible 30+ night stays without leases. Guests enjoy apartment-style suites that combine home-like comfort with hotel convenience. Locally inspired experiences, such as activated outdoor spaces, community rooms, food trucks and live music, create a lifestyle-driven experience for long-term guests. Landingplace Select is a select-service brand designed for short-term, high-traffic stays. With lean operations, pay-per-use housekeeping and an expanded grab-and-go market, it is designed for streamlined operations and efficiencies. Simple, modern design and smart tech deliver a clean, guest-driven experience that's easy to operate and built for flexibility and simplicity. Founded by seasoned hospitality owners and operators, Landingplace Hotels delivers a flexible, operationally efficient model built around the goal of enabling owners to operate more profitably and adapt to rising costs, tighter financing and shifting guest expectations. Landingplace delivers unique value to owners by taking a cutting-edge approach to housekeeping and breakfast, increasing distribution opportunities through long-term stays marketed on platforms like and standing out in the crowded midscale market with locally inspired design and lifestyle programming, such as food trucks, live music and neighborhood partnerships. "As owners and operators ourselves, we've seen firsthand how rigid, outdated hotel systems fall short for today's guests and owners," said Jeremy Bratcher, CEO and co-founder. "We built Landingplace to close that gap — with brands designed for flexibility, simplicity and an owner-first approach, without compromising guest comfort or performance." Unlike legacy brands with blanket mandates, Landingplace offers flexible, cost-efficient PIP standards. "According to Matthews Real Estate Investment Services™, a commercial real estate investment services and technology firm, more than $5.8 billion in U.S. hotel loans will mature in 2025, creating major refinancing pressure," Bratcher added. "At the same time, rising PIP costs, FF&E expenses and interest rates are making it harder for owners to stay compliant or reposition assets profitably. Our model gives owners a smarter path forward engineered for operational simplicity and scalability with cost-efficient PIP standards, lean operations and flexible conversions and new builds that help properties stand out in a crowded midscale market." Helping Owners Capture Untapped Demand Landingplace Hotels equips every property with built-in tools to enhance efficiency, reach untapped demand and simplify operations. Inventory is distributed across platforms like Furnished Finder, Airbnb and Zillow, attracting long-term guests most hotels miss. Each property uses HotelKey for its PMS, FLYR for AI-powered revenue management and Amadeus iHotelier for full-channel distribution. Guest-facing tools like Nonius and Yuvod TV for streaming, The Guestbook rewards program and Cvent Transient leads help properties increase loyalty, stand out and drive more revenue per stay. "Everything we've built, from flexible, realistic PIP strategies and streamlined operations to tools that capture untapped demand, is designed to solve real challenges for owners," said Jacob Amezcua, president and co-founder. "We're hoteliers ourselves, and we know it's possible to run a leaner, more efficient hotel without sacrificing guest experience. In fact, streamlined operations with a focus on guest choice and flexibility often lead to a more personalized and memorable stay." Executive Team Landingplace Hotels was co-founded by Jeremy Bratcher and Jacob Amezcua, who bring over 35 years of combined leadership in hospitality, franchising and real estate. Bratcher has held senior roles with leading hotel groups including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Spinnaker Resorts, MCR Hotels, Island Hospitality GF Hotels, and Starwood Hotels. Amezcua's background includes leadership at 3M and Experian, as well as experience with multifamily value-add and hotel conversion projects. The leadership team includes Stacy Bedsole, EVP of Brand & Marketing; Glenn Miller, EVP of Commercial Strategy; John Kelly, EVP of Franchise Operations; Orlando McRae, Director of Design & Construction; and Gus Stamoutsos, SVP of Franchise Development. Target Locations Development is focused on urban and suburban markets with strong business, medical and university demand, where brand saturation limits new entry and creates a need for flexible, financially viable alternatives. "Landingplace was built to give owners a financially viable way to compete in a shifting market," Amezcua added. "Unlike legacy brands, we focus on operational simplicity, freedom within a framework and industry leading systems— all while delivering a guest experience that's flexible and tailored to meet modern guest needs." About Landingplace Hotels Founded by hospitality and Fortune 500 veterans Jeremy Bratcher and Jacob Amezcua, Landingplace Hotels is a next-generation hotel franchisor built by operators for operators. Headquartered in Bluffton, S.C., Landingplace Hotels' brands provide flexibility and value-driven stay experiences for guests while streamlining operations and providing enhanced distribution opportunities for owners. The company currently provides franchise opportunities for Landingplace Suites, a midscale, ultra-extended stay brand, and Landingplace Select, a midscale, select-service brand more focused on transient guests. For additional information on the company, please visit or send inquiries to franchise@ The name of the franchisor is Landingplace Franchising LLC, and its address is 1050 Fording Island Road, Suite C #1055, Bluffton, SC 29910. This is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can only be made through delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document. Certain states require registration of a franchise before offering or selling in that state. Landingplace franchises will not be offered to residents of those states unless and until the franchise has been registered or exempted as required. Those states include California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Operational outcomes will vary by location and operator. Landingplace Hotels does not make any guarantees regarding income or profitability. See Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document for more information. View source version on Contacts Chris Daly, media(703) 864-5553chris@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Arabian Business
23-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Ras Al Khaimah to add over 7,400 hotel rooms by 2030 with infrastructure investments needed
Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality sector is on track for significant expansion, with 7,427 new hotel rooms set for delivery by 2030, according to the latest edition of the RAK Investment Pulse report by Stirling Hospitality Advisors. Combined with the 8,321 existing rooms, and more than 5,000 keys under discussion, the emirate's hotel capacity is projected to approach 16,000 keys by the end of the decade. The report highlights that while Ras Al Khaimah's tourism outlook remains robust, urgent investment is needed in support infrastructure — including laundry services, food and beverage supply, logistics, staff housing, and vocational training — to ensure operational efficiency keeps pace with guest-facing growth. Ras Al Khaimah tourism report insights 86 per cent of hotels outsource laundry, mostly to neighbouring Emirates Over 60 per cent of casual staff are sourced from outside RAK Demand for staff housing is set to exceed 16,000 units by 2030 More than 85 per cent of hotel operators support a centralised procurement hub to streamline supply chains and reduce emissions Most F&B supplies are still imported, primarily from Dubai, increasing logistical costs Top investment opportunities identified include scalable laundry and cold storage facilities, purpose-built staff accommodation zones, procurement and logistics hubs to localise the supply chain and vocational training centres to build a skilled local workforce. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, said: 'As Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality market enters a new era of growth, it's vital that support infrastructure keeps pace. Operational systems such as laundry, logistics, and staffing are essential to delivering high-quality guest experiences. 'The report is a timely reminder to investors and stakeholders that strengthening these areas is key to long-term competitiveness, and the opportunity to scale with the market growth is abundant.'
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Stirling Hospitality Advisors highlights infrastructure investment opportunities as Ras Al Khaimah's hotel room supply set to reach nearly 16,000 by 2030
Fifth edition of RAK Investment Pulse focuses on operational support systems behind hotel growth Ras Al Khaimah's hotel inventory expected to increase from 8,321 to 15,798 keys by 2030, with over 5,000 keys under discussion 86% of RAK hotels outsource laundry services; majority of finished F&B goods sourced externally, mainly from Dubai Over 60% of casual staff sourced from outside the Emirate, demand for 16,000+ staff housing units projected by 2030 Over 85% of hotel operators call for centralised procurement hub to reduce costs, delivery times, and CO2 emissions RAK, UAE – Stirling Hospitality Advisors, a leading boutique advisory firm in the region, has released the fifth edition of its RAK Investment Pulse report, identifying new investment opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality infrastructure. With hotel room supply projected to reach nearly 16,000 keys by 2030, the report highlights key areas for development, including laundry, F&B supply, logistics, procurement, and staff housing, which will be essential for sustaining the Emirate's continued tourism growth. According to the report, 7,427 new hotel rooms are confirmed for delivery by 2030, on top of the 8,321 rooms already in operation, with more than 5,000 keys currently under discussion. This expansion reflects Ras Al Khaimah's strong tourism outlook and underscores investor confidence in its long-term development strategy. It also signals the need for targeted investment in hospitality infrastructure to ensure operational systems scale alongside guest-facing assets. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, commented: 'As Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality market enters a new era of growth, it's vital that support infrastructure keeps pace. Operational systems such as laundry, logistics, and staffing are essential to delivering high-quality guest experiences. The report is a timely reminder to investors and stakeholders that strengthening these areas is key to long-term competitiveness, and the opportunity to scale with the market growth is abundant.' The report finds that many hotels in RAK continue to depend on suppliers located outside the Emirate, not atypical for the overall UAE market. Most finished food and beverage items, including bottled water and frozen bakery items, are sourced externally, primarily from Dubai, which adds to transportation costs and logistical inefficiencies. Additionally, 86% of hotels outsource their laundry operations, with many relying on service providers located in neighbouring Emirates. Workforce infrastructure remains another area to pay attention to. While more than 60% of casual staff are currently sourced externally, the demand for dedicated staff housing is projected to exceed 16,000 units by 2030. Vocational training facilities are an additional potential facilitator of growth. Hotel operators also reported strong interest in a centralised procurement and logistics hub, with over 85% stating it would improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and streamline supply chains. The Emirate's business community has been actively at work to localise the supply chain. To support the next phase of exponential growth, the report outlines several priority investment areas, including scalable laundry facilities, cold storage and procurement hubs, and purpose-built staff housing zones. These developments would reduce operational overheads, enhance service quality, and align with the Emirate's broader tourism and sustainability goals. Commenting on the report, Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding, added: 'RAK Investment Pulse fills a crucial need for reliable information and insights. As RAK is building its history and legacy, this newsletter is a way for the world to stay updated on the remarkable growth and development in this dynamic Emirate.' The findings in this edition of RAK Investment Pulse are based on interviews and structured surveys with general managers of midscale to luxury hotels, as well as input from local authorities, developers, and asset managers. The quarterly publication provides data-led insight to support informed investment decisions across Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality sector. Stirling Hospitality Advisors will host a webinar on June 25th at 10 am to present key findings from the report and explore investment opportunities related to infrastructure, staffing, and operational support systems. About Stirling Hospitality Advisors A subsidiary of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Hospitality Holding, Stirling Hospitality Advisors is one of the leading boutique advisory institutions in the region. Headquartered in RAK, Stirling Hospitality Advisors offers clients a wide range of services, including developing comprehensive tourism destination strategies and activation plans, advisory and asset management. Stirling Hospitality Advisors is responsible for a hotel and resort portfolio valued at over USD 1.25 billion, for clients across various sectors: governments, real estate investment trusts, sovereign wealth funds, banks, family offices and master developers. Holding a unique position in the industry, Stirling Hospitality Advisors shares the perspective of government, investor, owner, operator, asset manager and consultant, offering its' clients the long-term trusted relationships and focused expertise, and accompanying each project throughout its' entire lifecycle. With a proven track record of successful project delivery, it has been instrumental in transforming RAK into a world-renowned touristic destination for active and family tourism. Stirling Hospitality Advisors' team of experts has over 150 years of combined hospitality experience, currently asset managing over 3,500 hotel rooms in three countries and has supported clients in over 120 cases of hotel and destination concepts, feasibility studies, market studies, strategies and highest-best use analyses.
CBC
14-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Thompson says finding hotel rooms for evacuees 'difficult' as Manitoba mulls invoking emergency powers
Social Sharing The City of Thompson says moving wildfire evacuees from its congregate shelter to hotel lodgings should be "a top priority," but that finding accommodations is hard this time of the year. Premier Wab Kinew said Thursday following a visit to the shelter set up for evacuees at the city's regional community centre that hotel operators should step up and voluntarily open rooms for those who fled the fires, dangling the possibility of using emergency powers to get them to do so after seeing some with "parking lots that are empty." On Friday, the premier specifically referenced hotels in Thompson, which is about 650 kilometres north of Winnipeg as the crow flies. "I would invite you or anyone else to go Google Thompson hotel rooms right now. You'll see that you can book some rooms for the next week," he told reporters at an unrelated event Friday. "You got families with young, young kids. You know, I invite any parents out there to think about trying to raise a four-month-old and a four-year-old sleeping on a cot … going into day 18." WATCH | Premier calls on Thompson hotel operators to step up: Kinew wants more Thompson hotel rooms for wildfire evacuees 1 hour ago Duration 2:02 Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says he doesn't like seeing the emergency shelter in Thompson filled with children and elders, while many hotel rooms in the city sit vacant. After visiting the shelter and getting an aerial view of wildfire damage on Thursday, Kinew hinted he could use emergency powers to force hotels to open more space for evacuees. The province said 180 evacuees were still at the Thompson congregate shelter as of Friday, more than two weeks since the province declared a state of emergency. In Winnipeg — which was expecting the largest number of evacuees — fewer than 90 people were staying at the Leila congregate shelter as of then, the government said. The City of Thompson said in an email statement Mayor Colleen Smook spoke with Kinew about the need to move the evacuees out of the congregate shelter quickly during the premier's visit to that city and the wildfire zone around Flin Flon Thursday. "Unfortunately, hotel rooms in Thompson can be difficult to find in the spring and summer due to construction projects employing many out-of-town workers," the statement said. Hotel room availability a complex situation: industry association More than 21,000 people have evacuated their communities because of the fires raging in the province. Manitoba Hotel Association CEO Michael Juce said there's only about 15,000 hotel rooms in Manitoba — some of them in places that are still under evacuation orders. "This is a really big challenge," Juce said. "Everyone travels for a purpose and sometimes those people are staying in a hotel for medical reasons or medical stays.… It's a really complex issue." WATCH | Kinew tours northern wildfire zone: Premier tours northern Manitoba wildfire zone 20 hours ago Duration 1:41 Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew got an aerial view of parts of northwestern Manitoba devastated by wildfires in recent weeks. He also met with those involved in the firefighting effort around Flin Flon and visited a congregate shelter in Thompson. Juce said the industry has been in constant dialogue with the province throughout the crisis. "This is … a massive logistical undertaking," he said. "We're just doing our best to share information as best we can and support our fellow Manitobans." Kinew said a large sector of the hotel industry has been very helpful in dealing with the situation, and he hopes the province doesn't need to resort to invoking emergency powers to free up rooms. "It's not charity we're asking for. You're getting paid for those rooms," he said Friday. "It's not going to be open-ended. We're talking about maybe another week."
