IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, celebrates the signing of six Mexico hotels for the premium voco hotels brand, in partnership with Alliance Hotels. The conversions will expand IHG’s upscale offering in Mexico, providing owners with a stylish, welcoming and distinctive brand that elevates...
Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown Officially Opens Its Doors
Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown officially debuts in the heart of the Smokies, offering a unique blend of elevated Southern hospitality, rustic-chic comfort, and Appalachian charm. Perfectly positioned in downtown Gatlinburg, TN, the dog-friendly, 136-room hotel offers discerning travelers thoughtfully designed accommodations, rooftop dining with panoramic alpine views, 9,300 square feet...
Now Open: 1 Hotel Copenhagen – A Nature-Led Nordic Flagship
1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is proud to announce the official opening of 1 Hotel Copenhagen, a transformative reimagining of the historic Skt. Petri. Copenhagen is one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities and a beacon of sustainability. So it makes...
Forbes Travel Guide Announces The Edge List 2025
Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG"), the global authority on luxury hospitality, today announced The Edge List 2025, honoring 20 hotels, resorts and cruises that redefine the boundaries of travel, providing access to remote, awe-inspiring destinations while delivering uncompromising comfort and elevated experiences.
The Reality Rule: Treat Customers Right Without Expecting the Same In Return
I recently wrote about the Reality Rule in my Forbes column. Apparently, I hit on a topic that resonated with the Forbes readers, which prompted me to write a version for our subscribers to The Shepard Letter.
Navigating the Next Frontier of Social Commerce in Hospitality
The launch of TikTok Go, in partnership with Booking.com, is a moment hoteliers cannot ignore. TikTok users can now book hotels directly within the app, enabling content creators to earn commissions when their followers make reservations. It is not just another marketing channel; it is a blueprint for the future...
A Sanctuary Reimagined: COMO Shambhala Estate Unveils a New Era of Holistic Wellness
etreat for personalised wellness journeys in vitality, growth and transformation — has revealed a fresh new face. The 22-acre natural sanctuary is proud to unveil not only renovated accommodation but the reopening of its therapeutic heart: the Ojas wellness centre. The redesign, masterminded by Atelier Ikebuchi, masterfully blends gleaming white...
Accor Strengthens Partnership with Elanor Through the Rebranding of Four Hotels Across Australia
Accor and Elanor Investors Group (Elanor) today announced the strategic repositioning and rebranding of four properties within the Elanor Hotel Accommodation Fund (Fund). The properties will be managed by long-standing operating partner 1834 Hotels and will officially join Accor’s network in October 2025.
Eha – The New Estonian Retreat Redefining Nordic Wellness
Set to open in summer 2026, Eha is a new wellness retreat on Estonia’s unspoilt Hiiumaa Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, guests embark on a journey of renewal, guided by a philosophy deeply rooted in nature and the rhythm of the seasons. Encircled by the Baltic Sea and steeped...
Decoding AI’s Impact on the Changing Guest Journey
The traditional guest journey, a straightforward path from dreaming and discovery to conversion and experience, is being fundamentally reshaped by AI. Large Language Models (LLMs) are creating a new, non-linear journeys by delivering multimodal, personalized, and conversational experiences right from the discovery phase. This shift is happening quickly, with the...