Tourism & Hospitality News

Over 53% of travelers now demand permanent contactless services, according to Oracle+Skift research. Contactless technology isn't a temporary pandemic adaptation anymore; it's a permanent guest expectation reshaping hospitality careers fundamentally. Mobile check-in, digital room keys, app-based service requests, and touchless payments define modern luxury hotel operations. Hospitality professionals lacking digital competency face career stagnation while tech-savvy colleagues advance rapidly. The good news? These critical contactless hotel skills are entirely learnable with focused effort. Why Contactless Technology Became Non-Negotiable The pandemic accelerated adoption, but convenience keeps contactless services permanent. Guests appreciate efficiency, control, and friction-free experiences. Younger travelers especially expect seamless digital integration throughout their hotel stays. Properties investing in contactless infrastructure gain competitive advantages, attracting ...

Travelers aren't asking "where should we go?" anymore; they're asking "why are we going?" This fundamental shift, dubbed the "whycation" by Hilton's 2026 Trends Report, is transforming how hotels operate and what skills hospitality professionals need. Purpose-driven travel prioritizes emotional motivations—rest, reconnection, meaningful experiences—over mere destination selection. For hotel workers, understanding whycations isn't optional anymore; it's essential for career survival and advancement in modern hospitality. Understanding the Whycation Movement Traditional vacation planning started with destinations. Travelers chose Paris, Bali, or New York, then figured out activities. Whycations reverse this logic entirely. Modern travelers identify their emotional needs first—seeking solitude, family bonding, personal growth, or cultural immersion, then select destinations supporting those intentions. Research from a Hilton surveying 14,...

 The world's largest hotel chains have to be doing something right for them to expand their companies like that. The industry grows fast taking advantage of the rising demand of travelers worldwide on the one hand. On the other hand, good profitability attracts new investors in the industry allowing fast development ambitions. But with the pandemic still ongoing, the hospitality industry is the first to get affected. With travel being restricted for months and quarantine still in place, hotels don’t have that many customers. Did this affect the current rankings in the world’s largest hotel chain? Let’s take a look at the global rankings for the largest hotel chain in the world: OYO The largest hotel chain in the world right now is OYO, with more than 10,000 hotels across India. The company introduced OYO Home, a short-term rental management service in late 2017. The first international OYO Home hotel opened in Dubai in 2018. Wyndham Worldwide Wyndham Worldwide is the second largest...

Hospitality in 2025 is no longer just about a smile at check-in or a perfectly made bed. Today’s travelers expect every aspect of their stay to feel tailored, sometimes before they even ask. Enter AI-powered personalization: a revolution that’s quietly transforming hotels, resorts, and attractions across Asia and beyond. How AI Is Redefining Guest Experience 1. Anticipating Needs Before They’re Spoken AI-driven systems now analyze guest preferences from booking history, social media, and even real-time feedback. The result? Guests are greeted with room temperatures, amenities, and dining options that match their tastes—sometimes before they mention them. Personalized welcome messages and room settings Custom dining recommendations based on dietary habits Tailored activity suggestions for families, solo travelers, or business guests 2. 24/7 Support—With a Human Touch Chatbots and virtual concierges powered by AI are available around the clock, handling everything from room service order...

 The original star-rating system was started by Forbes Travel Guide in the 1950s. Since then, several different evaluating bodies have assigned stars, so it's important to check who the evaluator is and what its system entails. For instance, in the U.S., Forbes is still one of the leading star-assigning bodies, as is AAA. It's important to also note that even in terms of official star ratings, what's considered five stars in one country might be considered three stars in another. Even though the star-rating system is somewhat diluted, in general, each system uses a set of criteria to evaluate hotels. Let’s look at the criteria many companies and ratings programs worldwide use: One-Star Hotel A one star hotel offers basic rooms that could only have a bed and a side table. Bathrooms are typically shared on your floor with others, and any refreshments are generally found in a vending machine. A one-star hotel will likely have no facilities on-site, and the hotel's receptio...

  In the dynamic and fast-paced world of hospitality, effective leadership is a key ingredient for success. As a leader in the industry, you have the power to inspire, motivate, and guide your team toward achieving exceptional guest experiences and driving organizational growth. So, what does it take to master the art of effective leadership in the hospitality industry? Let's delve into some essential qualities and strategies that can elevate your leadership skills and make a lasting impact on your team. Vision and Purpose:  Great leaders have a clear vision and a sense of purpose. They communicate this vision to their team, inspiring them to work towards a common goal. By setting a clear direction and aligning everyone's efforts, you create a sense of unity and purpose within your team. Effective Communication:  Communication is the backbone of successful leadership. As a leader, you must be able to articulate your expectations, provide constructive feedback, and activel...

 Dubai, a city that dazzles with modernity while preserving its rich cultural heritage, stands as a beacon of opportunity for ambitious professionals seeking an international career. At  Placement International , we invite you to explore the myriad reasons why Dubai could be your next career destination. Let's delve into the top five compelling reasons to work in this thriving metropolis and how  Placement International  can make your dreams a reality. Global Business Hub:  Dubai's strategic location makes it a global business hub, offering unparalleled opportunities in diverse industries. From finance and technology to hospitality and tourism, the city's dynamic economy provides a platform for professionals to thrive. Cultural Fusion:  Experience a unique blend of cultures in Dubai, where tradition meets innovation. Immerse yourself in a cosmopolitan environment that values diversity, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives. Tax-Free Incom...