Trends Episodes

Hotel earnings calls reveal how major brands and ownership groups view the business right now. In this solo episode, Josiah Mackenzie reviews recent calls from companies such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, and more to surface the signals hospitality leaders shared with investors. The discussion covers the financial performance behind asset-light brand models, how AI already drives sales productivity and direct bookings, and why ancillary revenue like food and beverage, spa, and experiences...

Sloan Dean , host of the Not Done podcast , reflects on what he has changed his mind about after interviewing some of the most influential leaders across hospitality and technology. In this episode, he shares why he believes traditional loyalty programs are losing strength, reframing points as a form of currency that many brands have steadily devalued. He also explains how AI and data are accelerating a power shift in travel, with technology platforms and distribution channels capturing more val...

Josiah Mackenzie shares what he's looking for at the ALIS conference this week -- a quick solo episode from the road! A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you wa...

In this episode, Hospitality Daily host Josiah Mackenzie joins a roundtable of the top podcasters in hospitality for an unfiltered look at the stories that defined 2025 and what leaders can anticipate for the year ahead. Moderated by Katie Cline , host of Suite Success , the discussion brings together Zach Busekrus ( Behind the Stays ), David Millili and Steve Carran ( The Modern Hotelier ), and Glenn Haussman ( No Vacancy ) to unpack the realities behind luxury’s continued rise, loyalty’s ident...

In this episode, Chris Green , President of Humanitarian Hotels , shares how his organization gives away 100% of its profits to charity -- while operating with world-class excellence. He explains how hospitality can become an engine for generosity, where every associate, guest, and community benefits -- and challenges us to rethink what it means to pursue what's good. Links to learn more: Humanitarian Hotels Founder's Story Business as a Force for Good: The Humanitarian Hotels Story (video with ...

In this episode, host Josiah Mackenzie speaks with Jan Freitag (CoStar) and Jamie Lane (AirDNA): two of the most respected analysts in hospitality today. Together, they explore the state of the industry, from the convergence of hotels and short-term rentals to the forces shaping demand, supply, and traveler behavior. Hospitality leaders will gain insight into demand bifurcation, supply shortages -- as well as opportunities in loyalty, multi-generational travel, and differentiated assets. 🔗 Resou...

Episode Overview In this episode, recorded August 7, 2025, STR President Amanda Hite shares the latest U.S. hotel performance forecast based on fresh market data. Speaking at the Hotel Data Conference, Hite explains why RevPAR growth in 2025 is projected to remain flat at –0.1%, with slightly negative demand growth and slowing ADR, particularly in upscale, upper midscale, and mid-tier select service hotels. Luxury remains a bright spot, but most chain scales face a turbulent six months ahead. Gu...

In this episode, Sarah McCay Tams , Head of Editorial at Actabl , joins Josiah Mackenzie to discuss the launch of HotelData.com and insights from their new 2025-2026 budgeting guide. The conversation explores how hotels are managing a gap between budgeted and actual RevPAR performance, while maintaining ADR discipline and successfully hitting gross operating profit targets through strategic cost management. Sarah also shares her journey from radio journalism to hospitality media and explains how...

In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviews Jan Garde , founder and chairman of THE EMBASSIES . The discussion centers on how hospitality principles can be applied to senior living, creating a community that fosters dignity, quality of life, and intergenerational connections. Key themes include the importance of community, the innovative approach to senior living, and the role of mentorship and lifelong learning. Guest Name: Jan Garde Title / Affiliation: Founder and Chairman, THE EMBASS...

In this episode, Zach Demuth , the Global Head of Hotels Research at JLL, shares what he sees happening in the hotel and hospitality ecosystem, including tariffs, travel trends, and San Francisco's comeback. See insights and research from JLL here See coverage of JLL's San Francisco research on Hotel Management and Hotel Investment Today . Check out our other conversations: Why The Hotel Industry is at a Pivotal Moment (December 2024) Research: Top Hospitality Trends to Watch (February 2024) Lux...

In this episode, host Josiah Mackenzie welcomes Jamie Lane , Chief Economist at AirDNA , and a seasoned hospitality data expert with prior experience at CBRE and PKF. Jamie shares his extensive experience in analyzing hospitality data, discussing its evolution from historical reporting to predictive, detailed segmentation. The conversation delves into current demand trends, the critical interplay between internal and external market data (especially short-term rental data from AirDNA), and how t...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie , founder of Hospitality Daily and Head of Marketing at Actabl , shares more takeaways from the recent Hunter Hotel Investment Conference , highlighting the opportunity in hotel operations today. Also check out: Control What You Can: How Top Hoteliers Are Navigating Chaos in 2025 (Hunter Hotel Investment Conference Insights) A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest su...

In this episode, Sara Masterson , President of Olympia Hospitality , shares what we can all learn about campus hospitality with our host, Nancy Mendelson . More with Sara: Learning, Leading, and Letting Go: Sara Masterson’s Approach to Hospitality Leadership Why Staying in One Company Can Actually Accelerate Your Hospitality Career Mastering Hotel Onboarding: Olympia’s People-First Strategy for Seamless Transitions A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can se...

In this episode, Colin Nagy , a global strategy executive and travel writer, shares why and how he travels, what's catching his attention, and the opportunities he sees in hospitality today. (00:00) Introduction (02:13) Colin's early travel experiences (05:16) Why Colin travels thoughtfully (07:29) Fascination with the Middle East and Japan (10:40) Why Colin writes about travel (12:18) Objectivity in travel writing (15:00) Building a network of primary sources (17:48) Role of hotels in community...

In this episode, Leigh Silkunas , Founder and CEO of 1AX Consulting , breaks down what it means for hotels to be culturally relevant—and why it’s easier (and more powerful) than you think. From tapping into real-time trends to leveraging cultural moments like Taylor Swift’s record-breaking tour or the rise of ‘set jetting,’ Leigh shares how hotels can stay top-of-mind by aligning with what’s happening in the world. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can se...

In this episode, Rachel Roginski , Principal at Pinnacle Advisory Group , shares her take on our State of the Hotel Industry research . You may also enjoy: The State of the Hotel Industry: 5 Things To Know for 2025 - Josiah Mackenzie Beyond Efficiency: How AI Can Help Hospitality Thrive in 2025 - Lou Zameryka Send Josiah a text Take the Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey now to understand how others use AI and the opportunities for you and your hospitality business. A few more resourc...

In this episode, Martin Soler , a former hotel general manager turned marketing strategist, shares insights on how AI is reshaping hotel operations and how it can be used to streamline work, improve communication, and stay competitive in 2025 and beyond. (01:33) The two "camps" of AI adoption (02:36) The importance of experimenting with AI (03:14) Specificity in AI applications (03:34) Josiah's experience with ChatGPT (04:08) Martin's use of AI in daily work (05:12) Benefits of dictating to AI (...

In this episode, Zach Demuth , the Global Head of Hotels Research at JLL, shares why the hospitality industry is at a pivotal juncture and what it means for you. See insights and research from JLL here Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If y...

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech , Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his insights into the evolution of luxury hospitality and the importance of emotional connections, sustainability, and innovation. Listen to our other episode: What I've Learned Building a Career in Luxury Hotel Leadership Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in ho...

In this episode, Rob Blood , founder of Lark Hotels and now chairman of the combined company with Life House, shares insights into their recent joint venture and the future of independent hospitality. Read the announcement Listen to previous episodes with Rob: How We Created An Award-Winning Boutique Hotel Management and Development Company - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels Intro to Lifestyle Hotel Development and Management - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels Road Trips & Revelations: F...

In this episode, Danica Smith , Founder of MorningStar GX , shares her insights on the evolving role of technology in enhancing guest experiences in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about: The future of online hotel guest reviews and their relevance in a highly personalized booking journey. The impact of influencers on online reputation and guest feedback. The concept of "micro feedback" and its importance in guest interactions. The balance between guest intelligence gathering and g...

In this episode, Eric Jafari , founder of AENDRE Group , shares insights into the evolution of hospitality innovation and how it can shape the future of the industry. You'll learn about: The origins of the lifestyle hotel movement in the 1980s. How Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager transformed the Executive Hotel in New York. The role of status and self-worth in the success of lifestyle hotels. The shift in priorities from status to self-actualization among Gen Z and millennials. The importance of w...

In this episode, Ken Barber , founder of Wildhaven , shares his journey of building a thriving nature-based hospitality brand that helps guests slow down, reconnect, and escape the chaos of daily life. Listen now to learn: How Wildhaven has evolved from its early days to a thriving hospitality brand with locations in Sonoma and Yosemite. The importance of blending comfort with the beauty of the outdoors. Insights into product development and creating amenities that cater to guests' needs. The si...

In this episode, Ryan Mann , a partner at McKinsey, shares insights on the growing trend of Travel Tuesday and its implications for the travel and hospitality industry. Listen now to learn: What Travel Tuesday is and how it compares to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The types of travel deals available during Travel Tuesday and how consumers can take advantage of them. The benefits for the hospitality industry in participating in Travel Tuesday, especially during off-season and shoulder season. T...