Browsing: Editor’s Choice

News, features and articles written by the IHS team and our knowledgeable contributors on topics related to the hospitality sector and of particular interest to our Editor.

Boutique Design New York (BDNY) 2025 returned to the Javits Center with record-breaking energy, drawing over 16,000 professionals to explore the future of experiential hospitality. From woodland-inspired immersive stages to carbon-neutral manufacturing breakthroughs from brands like Duravit, this year’s show proved that sustainability and operational efficiency are now inseparable from high-end design. Read our full recap to discover the standout suppliers, including innovators like Simply Tables and Aquafire, and see the trends that will define hotel interiors in 2026.

Hoteliers are unknowingly paying for air in their water lines, inflating water bills by up to 30%. CMP Water’s patented valve technology permanently solves this problem by creating controlled backpressure, ensuring meters measure only water consumed. This article explores how hotels can achieve guaranteed savings, rapid ROI (3-12 months), and the risk-free 90-day trial and how to turn water costs from a fixed expense into a major profit center.

The third annual Hospitality Show 2025 in Denver provided crucial insights into navigating a volatile global market and accelerating operational excellence. Featuring over 350 exhibitors and 100+ speakers, the event emphasized the urgent need for agility. This recap covers the sobering economic assessment from Tanto Capital Partners, the essential alignment among ownership, brand, and operator, and a deep dive into standout suppliers and award-winning tech.

AI

Danger: A new AI duopoly is forming, and hoteliers are about to become permanent renters in the next digital age. As AI assistants and marketplaces rapidly become the core of how travelers search and book, Booking.com and Expedia have seized a commanding first-mover advantage. This groundbreaking analysis by Brad Brewer reveals the catastrophic policy loophole: if the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is not immediately extended to cover standalone AI assistants, hotels face a future where they must pay commissions just to be visible to guests in AI-generated travel plans. Learn why this oversight threatens to lock out independent hotels forever, and the 10 critical steps industry leaders and policymakers must take now to keep distribution competitive.

AI

The Destination AI Hospitality Summit 2025 signaled a major shift: AI is moving from theory to production. Industry leaders at the event, including AWS, Deloitte, and Agilysys, stressed that AI won’t replace people, but it will replace tasks—freeing staff to focus on the human connection that defines hospitality. This deep dive covers the pivotal takeaways, from leveraging AI to reclaim the guest journey from OTAs to maximizing REVPAGuest over simple RevPAR. Learn why now is the time to start your AI transformation.

Inside Hospitality Solutions proudly welcomes GFL Cosmetics, an industry leader in sustainable, Italian-made personal care products for hotels. Founded in 1995, GFL specializes in creating eco-friendly amenities, dispensers, and accessories that reflect the values of quality, innovation, and environmental care. From global hotel brands to boutique properties, GFL offers both signature and custom-designed collections that elevate the guest experience while promoting responsible luxury.

The 2025 Independent Hotel Show Miami experienced a 30% surge in attendance, confirming its status as the premier event for boutique, luxury, and independent hoteliers. Read the recap for highlights on the dynamic seminar program—featuring sessions on AI-powered guest experiences and F&B strategy—and discover the innovative supplier solutions, from water savings technology to linen tracking, that are driving efficiency and profitability across the independent sector.

AI

In the face of relentless Zero-Click Searches and AI Overviews, relying solely on Google search traffic is no longer a viable strategy. This article lays out the urgent pivot required for hospitality businesses and suppliers: shifting from chasing rankings to owning your audience and building brand demand. Discover actionable multi-channel strategies—including creating unique content, prioritizing transactional keywords, and leveraging owned media—to build a resilient marketing ecosystem that guarantees visibility, regardless of Google’s next algorithm update.

AI

In the face of relentless Zero-Click Searches and AI Overviews, relying solely on Google search traffic is no longer a viable strategy. This article lays out the urgent pivot required for hospitality businesses and suppliers: shifting from chasing rankings to owning your audience and building brand demand. Discover actionable multi-channel strategies—including creating unique content, prioritizing transactional keywords, and leveraging owned media—to build a resilient marketing ecosystem that guarantees visibility, regardless of Google’s next algorithm update.

New data from the AHLA confirms that half of all Americans plan overnight leisure travel before the end of the year, with hotels remaining the top lodging choice. Crucially, nearly four in five hotel guests plan to stay at midscale or high-end properties. However, this positive demand is tempered by economic reality, as 45% of respondents cite rising costs as the main reason for scaling back travel plans. This report provides a clear outlook for hospitality professionals and suppliers navigating the final months of 2025.