Search Results forhospitality
Hospitality sector pivots to regenerative travel as sustainability loses its edge
Just last month, we at Travel Daily Media shared our thoughts regarding the challenges facing the regenerative tourism sector; now, we are shifting the focus to the hospitality industry and how it is gaining headway in the matter. Nowadays, hotel management companies are actively implementing measures regarding sustainable operations, but a number are already shifting towards a regenerative operational model as opposed to a merely sustainable one. Indeed, as experts at Hotel Mogel Consulting Ltd put it: “Regenerative tourism goes beyond reducing harm; it’s about actively improving local ecosystems, communities, and cultures. While sustainability often focuses on efficiency and reducing waste, regeneration means leaving a destination better than it was before, creating deeper guest engagement and long-term value for the hotel.” What is regenerative hospitality? Hector de Castro, chair of the REGNERA Hotels Association, defines a regenerative hospitality property as one that seeks to leave a place better than it was found. De Castro’s concept encompasses several key elements; namely: Environmental stewardship Properties that prioritise the restoration and / or rehabilitation of natural habitats in their location. Such hotels or retreats support initiatives ranging from reforestation and wetland restoration to the preservation of native wildlife and local traditions; Community engagement Properties actively work with their host communities to ensure that tourism delivers economic, social, and cultural benefits to residents. This comes in the form of hiring personnel locally, sourcing supplies from neighbouring farms, as well as supporting the livelihood of local artisans; Cultural preservation Rather than superseding local customs with those from elsewhere, particularly commercial campaigns from the west, regenerative properties prefer to celebrate local cultures, showing due respect for their host communities by offering authentic cultural experiences that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the destination; and Holistic wellbeing Hotel management companies recognise the interconnection between environmental health and human well-being. As such, they offer programmes promoting physical, mental, and even spiritual health at their properties, integrating concepts like farm-to-table dining, traditional wellness, and community outreach whenever possible. Who’s blazing the trail for regenerative hospitality? While there are numerous hotel management companies whose properties are already following the regenerative tourism model in their operations, there is one property that practically embodies the concept. Located in Simondium, South Africa, Babylonstoren is hailed as the pinnacle of regenerative hospitality…and for numerous good reasons. The brainchild of Karen Roos and Koos Bekker, this unique take on the agriturismo concept initially opened as a hotel in 2010 and has since expanded its scope into both regenerative and gastronomic tourism. Babylonstoren is practically a self-sustaining property thanks to its vineyard, winery, biodiverse farm and orchard, bakery, and even its own olive grove and frantoio [oil press.] Environmental and community stewardship is what lies in the core of the Babylonstoren ethos: safeguarding the natural environment by following seasonality whilst supporting the lives of the local people. It should be noted that over 90 percent of the Babylonstoren staff are resident in local communities surrounding the property and its management team makes it a point to support local welfare initiatives, including health and early childhood education. As general manager Dalené Claassens puts it: “Babylonstoren not only nurtures the land but also cultivates a future generation of horticulturists, botanists and environmental stewards. Our internship and volunteer programme in the garden and educational workshops help train individuals who may apply their knowledge and skills to destinations and projects around the world, continuing to expand the reach of our sustainable philosophy.” While Babylonstoren is just one property out of hundreds currently in operation, it has certainly changed the game, but it hasn’t been one to rest on its laurels. Indeed, with properties the world over making the shift from simply saving the environment to ensuring that it flourishes along with its people, we may be looking at a greener and healthier hospitality scene in the years to come.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh to boost Saudi hospitality growth
Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector is poised for significant growth, with forecasts predicting an increase from $27 billion (US$27 billion) in 2025 to over $54 billion (US$54 billion). This expansion is largely driven by Vision 2030, premium hotel developments, and rising inbound travel demand. The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh, scheduled for 8–10 September at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre, will bring together global and regional tourism leaders to explore these trends. The event will focus on the Kingdom's hotel sector expansion and the growing influence of Saudi travellers both domestically and internationally. According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia had approximately 167,500 hotel keys as of Q1 2025, with a significant portion in the high-end segment. Plans are underway to add 99,500 more rooms, with 78% targeting the premium market. Vision 2030 aims to deliver 362,000 hotel rooms by the end of the decade, supporting a national goal to attract 150 million visitors annually. Religious tourism remains a key driver, with the government targeting 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030. International brands are also contributing, with 40% of upcoming hotel supply from global operators like Accor and Hilton. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, highlighted the sector's growth, stating: “Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by a long-term national vision, robust investor confidence, and increasing demand from both visitors to the Kingdom and Saudi travellers abroad.” WTM Spotlight Riyadh will feature over 450 exhibitors and attract 6,500 visitors, providing a platform for collaboration and business development in the tourism industry This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Wellness in Hospitality is not a Pillow Menu, a Spa and a Pool.
My past was filled with hotel inspections and resort tryouts. These last few years, however, have seen a more subdued me, focused on the pros and cons of overnight stays in urban and tropical destinations. Yet, the urge to check out a new property persists. My hospitality network is still holding strong and when seeing a new property arise, I can't always stand the temptation of joining a sales friend on their preferred route. I recently entered a Bangkok property that hit my radar. Opulence abounded from the entrance to the exit; I immediately checked out the hotel’s wellness centre. "What kind of wellness offers do you have?" I asked her. Her memorised lines followed. She stated the hotel had a clear strategy for setting the benchmark of what wellness entailed. As expected, the unique selling points were the spa, the fitness centre, the swimming pool, and special menus for clients eager to rejuvenate. The property was also extremely proud of offering a variety of pillows for guests with allergies. "And what else?" I asked. That was it. She was confident this 5-star property ticked all the wellness boxes. All health and safety aspects, intended to prevent guests from catching any lingering strains of stress from home, were signed off and documented. She expressed great pride in this accomplishment. Wait. For groups, the hotel would hire a yoga teacher for a morning Sun Salutation. Mats and towels included. Refreshing drinks come with the complements of the house. Hotel inspections and overnight stays were my standard operating procedure before I even considered selling a property. Knowing the resort is essential before I add it to my preferred list. How can I accurately sell what I do not know? After all, every hotel operator says their property is 'stunning,' 'exceeds expectations,' and 'offers exceptional service standards.' If operators do not truly understand wellness, and sales teams are only briefed on a limited strategy, the term becomes like all the other marketing fluff resorts throw at you. The hospitality industry may have integrated wellness into its daily operations, but does it only know, show, or market the tip of the iceberg? Walking out of the lobby, I felt sympathy for the sales manager. She followed company policy and did her best. The hotel looks great, but it merely skims the surface of wellness.
Shiji signs Okura Nikko Hotels deal, pushing deeper into Japan’s luxury hospitality
Beijing Zhongchang Shiji Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Shiji), announced on January 27, 2026, that its wholly owned subsidiary, Shiji Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Shiji Singapore), has entered into a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd. (Okura Nikko Hotels). Under the agreement, Shiji Singapore will provide Okura Nikko Hotels and its affiliated companies—covering hotels owned, franchised, managed, or operated by the group—with a new generation of cloud-native, enterprise-level hospitality technology solutions delivered in a SaaS model. These include DAYLIGHT PMS, Shiji’s next-generation cloud property management system; INFRASYS CLOUD, its cloud-based food and beverage management system; as well as global payment solutions and related hardware products and services. Shiji is currently undergoing a strategic transformation toward globalization and platformization. A cornerstone of this transformation, DAYLIGHT PMS is designed to fully replace legacy PMS platforms, along with other hotel-level and group-level subsystems. Following deployments across Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Americas, DAYLIGHT PMS has gained recognition from leading international and domestic hotel groups and has already achieved scaled rollouts. Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd. is the hotel operating arm of the Okura Hotel Group. As of June 1, 2025, the company managed 79 operating hotels worldwide with more than 23,000 rooms. With strong brand influence and operational capabilities, Okura Nikko Hotels demonstrates solid contract execution capacity. The MSA with Okura Nikko Hotels marks another endorsement from a well-established international luxury hotel group for Shiji’s next-generation cloud portfolio, including DAYLIGHT PMS, INFRASYS CLOUD, and its global payment solutions. Given Okura Nikko Hotels’ strong brand presence worldwide, particularly in Japan, the successful rollout of this agreement is expected to set a new benchmark for DAYLIGHT PMS in the luxury hotel segment. This is particularly meaningful for Shiji’s continued expansion in Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific market, and is expected to generate long-term financial returns and sustained brand value. Read Chinese version
ONYX Hospitality to manage Shama Hub Ladprao
ONYX Hospitality Group has signed an agreement to manage Shama Hub Ladprao, marking the second collaboration with owner Somchai Ngamdamrongkiat. The agreement was formalised at a ceremony in Amari Bangkok on 22 January 2026. This new venture follows the success of Shama Yen Akat, reflecting the owner's confidence in ONYX's management capabilities and the Shama brand's appeal. Shama Hub Ladprao is the first of its kind in Thailand and the third in the region, designed to cater to modern urban living with compact, functional residences. Located in a well-connected area, it offers easy access to transport, workplaces, and lifestyle amenities. The property includes shared spaces for work and social interaction, aligning with the Shama Hub concept of flexible living. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, highlighted the brand's alignment with evolving lifestyle preferences, particularly in the long-stay segment. "The continued growth of the Shama brand reflects its strong alignment with evolving travel and residential lifestyle preferences," he stated. The Shama brand offers a range of accommodation options, catering to business travellers and international professionals. Somchai Ngamdamrongkiat emphasised the importance of creating a living environment that addresses modern living needs. "We believe that a residence should be more than just a place to stay; it should be a living environment that addresses every dimension of modern living," he said. The Shama brand, with its three sub-brands—Shama Luxe, Shama, and Shama Hub—operates 23 properties across Thailand, Greater China, and Malaysia, offering hotel-standard services for both short and long-term stays. ```
10 Inherent Qualities That Define Success in Travel and Hospitality
Representative Image Technical skills can be taught, but in the high-stakes world of luxury travel, "character is the true currency of success." Fi Morrison-Arnthal, founder of Ambitions Travel Recruitment, argues that the most successful professionals in 2026 possess a specific set of internal drivers. Whether you are a "radar candidate" looking for your next move or a hiring manager refining your talent search, these are the 10 traits that separate industry leaders from the rest. Representative Image A Genuine Service Mindset Beyond basic politeness, a service mindset is the internal desire to help others. In an industry built on repeat business, this quality is the engine of brand reputation. Resilience Under Pressure Travel is operationally intense and prone to disruption. Success belongs to those who remain "solution-focused" during delays or cancellations, providing a calm anchor for stressed clients. Representative Image Sharp Commercial Awareness Top performers understand the "why" behind the "what." This includes a grasp of margins, conversion rates, and yield management—balancing the guest experience with the company's profitability. Representative Image Intellectual Curiosity With technology and destinations evolving rapidly, the best in the business never stop learning. Curiosity builds credibility, allowing you to offer deep expertise that automated booking systems cannot match. Representative Image Precision in Communication In hospitality, a misunderstanding can be expensive. Professionals must master clear, warm, and accurate communication across all channels—from high-touch verbal service to precise written itineraries. Radical Accountability When things go wrong, high performers don't deflect; they take ownership. Fixing an issue and seeing it through to resolution is often the fastest way to signal leadership potential. Representative Image Relationship-Driven Networking Success in travel hinges on a web of trust between clients, suppliers, and internal teams. The ability to build and sustain rapport is a non-negotiable skill for long-term growth. Coachability The most successful individuals are those who welcome feedback rather than defending their ego. The ability to adapt your approach based on expert coaching is the ultimate career accelerator. Representative Image Obsessive Attention to Detail Travel is a game of inches. Small errors in a booking can lead to significant financial loss. A natural detail orientation protects the business and reinforces professional reliability. Unwavering Ethical Judgment The defining characteristic of a "trusted professional" is doing the right thing when it’s hard. Balancing commercial pressure with ethical treatment of clients and colleagues ensures a sustainable career.
Shiji Japan launches Reviewpro Reputation for hospitality sector
Shiji Japan has officially launched the full-scale rollout of Reviewpro Reputation, a platform designed to transform guest feedback into actionable insights, across the country's hospitality industry. This initiative aims to help hotels and restaurants improve service quality and strengthen brand reputation by managing reviews, conducting sentiment analysis, and benchmarking performance. The platform, now fully localised for Japan, supports over 80 review sites and 45 languages, catering to the specific expectations of Japanese guests. It integrates with Shiji's Daylight Property Management System (PMS) to capture real-time feedback and facilitate continuous improvement throughout the guest journey. According to Shiji's Q3 2025 Global Guest Experience Benchmark, Japan's Global Review Index (GRI) stood at 84.20%, indicating room for improvement compared to the Asia regional average of 89.60%. Kohei Okamoto, Sales Manager at Shiji Japan, stated, “Japanese guests expect precision, consistency, and hospitality excellence. Reviewpro Reputation was engineered to meet exactly those expectations.” The platform's advanced features include the Global Review Index for performance scoring, the Competitive Quality Index for benchmarking, and AI-assisted responses, providing a comprehensive tool for data-driven service enhancement. Globally, Reviewpro Reputation supports over 60,000 hotels, with Shiji technology powering operations for more than 90,000 hotels, 200,000 restaurants, and 600,000 retail outlets. This launch marks a significant step for Japan's hospitality sector, enabling businesses to leverage data to elevate guest satisfaction and remain competitive in the global market. ```
Farnek unveils advanced hospitality academy in UAE
Farnek has announced the launch of the UAE's most advanced hospitality academy, a state-of-the-art, AI-powered centre designed to improve cost-efficient, tech-enabled, and sustainable hotel operations. The academy, purpose-built to handle high volumes, aims to elevate the standards of the hospitality industry by integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. The new facility is set to revolutionise the way hotels operate by providing comprehensive training and resources that leverage artificial intelligence. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in the hospitality sector, aligning with global trends towards more eco-friendly and technologically advanced services. Steven Jones, Managing Director at Shamal Communications, highlighted the academy's potential impact, stating that it is "designed to heighten the level of cost-efficient, tech-enabled, and sustainable hotel operations." This development underscores Farnek's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the hospitality industry. The academy's launch is a strategic move to address the growing demand for skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of modern hotel management. By equipping staff with the latest tools and knowledge, Farnek aims to set a new benchmark for excellence in hospitality services across the region. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Farnek's new academy is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of hotel operations in the UAE. The integration of AI and sustainable practices not only promises to improve efficiency but also aligns with broader environmental goals, making it a significant step forward for the sector. ```
Destination Hospitality Group
Destination Hospitality Group Thailand
Amadeus Hospitality Inc.
Amadeus Hospitality, Inc., New Hampshire Avenue, Portsmouth, NH, USA United States
PCL Hospitality Co., Ltd.
Bangkok, Thailand
SALA Hospitality Group Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Hospitality and Catering Training Centre
Mae Sot, Mae Sot District, Tak, Thailand
5th Hospitality Japan Conference #HJC2026
5th Hospitality Japan Conference 2026 Redefining Hospitality: Strategic Insights Beyond Borders in Japan October 7-8, 2026 • The Capitol
9th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2026
9th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2026 Philippines’s Leading Event for Hospitality and Tourism September 9-10, 2026 | Marriott Manila What Comes
6th Hospitality Malaysia Conference #HMC2026
6th Hospitality Malaysia Conference 2026 Join us in Redefining Hospitality in Malaysia, Going Beyond Traditional Boundaries! June 24, 2026 •
Hospitality South Korea Conference #HSKC2026
The Inaugural Hospitality South Korea Conference Leading Hospitality Forward: Investing in Design, Driving Results. Hospitality Asia sets the pace —
5th Hospitality Thailand Conference #HTC2026
5th Hospitality Thailand Conference #HTC2026 Thailand’s most influential event for hospitality and tourism leaders May 13–14, 2026 | Eastin Grand Hotel
9th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2026
9th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2026 Vietnam’s premier platform spotlighting hotel growth and development trends. March 10-11, 2026 • Holiday Inn &
9th Hospitality Indonesia Conference #HIC2026
9th Hospitality Indonesia Conference #HIC2026 Indonesia’s Leading Event for Hospitality and Tourism February 10-11, 2026 | Le Meridien Jakarta From Vision
MTE Hanoi 2025 – Unlocking Opportunities in Vietnam’s Hospitality & Real Estate
Join MTE Hanoi As Vietnam’s Booming Development Pipeline Opens New Opportunities - Meet The Nation’s Key Developers And Industry Leaders At The Premier Hospitality And Real Estate Conference.
Amazing Thailand Travel and Hospitality Golf Classic Phuket 28-29 September 2024
Come and join the Amazing Thailand Travel and Hospitality Golf classic in Phuket on 28th-29th September, inclusions round of golf at Red Mountain and Laguna Golf Phuket, 2 nights stay at Laguna Phuket, dinner and lunch, shirt, all transfers, live scoring, amazing prizes and free flow drinks.
Amazing Thailand Travel and Hospitality Golf Classic Bangkok 11th September 2024
Come and join the Amazing Thailand Travel and Hospitality Golf classic in Bangkok on 11th September, inclusions Green fee, Cart fee, Caddy fee, Buffet dinner, Shirt, Live scoring, Amazing prizes and free flow beverages
3rd Hospitality Japan Conference #HJC2024
3rd Hospitality Japan Conference #HJC2024 is scheduled for October 8-9 at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, stands as a pivotal part of Hospitality Asia Media's expansive Hospitality Asia Event Series, spanning across the Asia Pacific region. This comprehensive conference encompasses three pivotal summits: Hotel Investment Summit Japan #HISJ, Hotel Design Summit Japan #HDSJ, and Hotel Revenue Summit Japan #HRSJ, each tailored to address key facets of the hospitality industry in Japan.
7th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2024
The 7th Hospitality Philippines Conference 2024 stands as a pivotal gathering for over 400 delegates and 80 esteemed speakers from across the Philippine hospitality and tourism industry. This year, we're bringing together a diverse array of professionals – from hotel chains to government entities, and from real estate firms to eco-tourism advocates. Our attendees include academic institutions, branding agencies, consultants, lawyers, technology providers, and many more, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.
4th Hospitality Malaysia Conference #HMC2024
Dive into the heart of Malaysia's vibrant hospitality scene at the 4th Hospitality Malaysia Conference (#HMC2024), a cornerstone event in the renowned Hospitality Asia Event Series managed by Hospitality Asia Media Pte. Ltd. Scheduled to unfold in the dynamic landscape of Malaysia, this event is set to convene a diverse array of professionals, from interior designers to fintech experts, and from property developers to spa consultants, mirroring the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the hospitality industry.
3rd Hospitality Thailand Conference #HTC2024
#HTC2024 is a pivotal event in Thailand's hospitality industry, is scheduled for May 15-16 at the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn in Bangkok.
7th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2024 April 3-5, 2024 Caravelle Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
The conference promises a vast array of knowledge dispersed across three uniquely curated summits: Hotel Investment Summit Vietnam (#HISV), Hotel Design Summit Vietnam (#HDSV), and Hotel Revenue Summit Vietnam (#HRSV).
4th Hospitality Asia Forum – Park Royal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore
Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia.
2nd Hospitality Japan Conference – ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia.
2nd Hospitality Thailand Conference – Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok
Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia. Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia. Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia.
6th Hospitality Philippines Conference – Marriott Manila
Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia.
3rd Hospitality Malaysia Conference – Sheraton Kuala Lumpur
With the rosy prospects, there are a good number of challenges faced with hotel operations and revenue generation including slow return of foreign tourists, manpower shortage, high wages, high operating cost, overheads, supply chain issues. The Hotel Revenue Summit will address the key issues and practical plans to tackle these obstacles in order for hotel operators to capture a revenue rebound for 2023 and onwards.