The Hospitality Industry Is Changing Fast—Here’s What You Need to Know

Hi there! 👋

I hope you're doing well! Let’s dive into the most important hospitality news from around the world today. This update will help you stay informed about industry trends, improve your daily work, and, if you're in a leadership role, enhance your strategy.

We kindly ask you to share this newsletter with your colleagues so they can also benefit from this deep analysis.

Let’s dive in!

📌 Today’s Top Stories:

🔹 Exciting job opportunity at the end of today’s issue
📢 Bookboost Raises €3.6M to Revolutionize Guest Engagement – AI-driven CRM is changing the game. Are you in?
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Boom: The Race to Build a Future-Ready Workforce – 1M+ jobs, 320K new rooms—how will your hotel keep up?
🏛 Florence’s New Luxury Benchmark: Collegio alla Querce by Auberge Resorts – Where history, exclusivity, and experience-driven hospitality redefine luxury.

Enjoy the read, and stay ahead in the hospitality world! 🚀

Hospitality Technology

Bookboost Secures €3.6M to Elevate Guest Engagement – Why It Matters to You

Hotels that don’t own their guest relationships are falling behind. Bookboost, a hospitality CRM platform, just secured €3.6M to change that. This isn’t just another tech investment—it’s a shift in how hotels interact with guests.

What’s in it for you? With AI-driven automation, multi-channel messaging (Email, SMS, WhatsApp, OTAs), and a 360-degree guest view, Bookboost is making guest communication personal, scalable, and more profitable. Their Customer Data Platform (CDP) is the game-changer—helping you own your guest data, cut reliance on third-party platforms, and increase direct revenue.

With this funding, Bookboost will double down on AI-driven automation and personalization, enabling hotels to create seamless, data-driven guest experiences. This is your opportunity to shift from reactive to proactive engagement, turning every touchpoint into an opportunity for loyalty and revenue growth.

Takeaway: If you’re still relying on fragmented guest data and one-size-fits-all communication, it’s time to rethink. The future of hospitality is about owning the guest relationship—and platforms like Bookboost are leading the way.

👉 More on this: [Full Article Here]

Sharing is Caring 💌

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Please forward it to your colleagues and help everyone stay up to date on the latest in hospitality! Let’s spread the knowledge and get smarter together! 🌍 💼

Industry Growth

Marriott & Dubai College of Tourism Bet Big on Emirati Hospitality Talent

The hospitality industry is only as strong as its workforce. In a bold move, Marriott International and the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) are launching a two-year hospitality apprenticeship tailored for Emirati talent.

Why does this matter? Dubai’s ambitious D33 Economic Agenda is positioning the city among the world’s top destinations, and that means local talent must take center stage. This initiative offers hands-on experience at Marriott hotels, classroom learning, and a clear career path for Emirati nationals, ensuring future leadership in hospitality.

For hotel managers, this isn’t just a recruitment program—it’s a talent pipeline. The structured learning model (40% classroom, 60% real-world training) builds expertise in front office, F&B, housekeeping, and revenue management. Graduates walk away with not just a diploma but an in-depth understanding of the industry, making them ready to step into full-time roles at Marriott.

Takeaway: Talent shortages are real. Investing in local, skilled professionals is key to staying competitive. If you operate in the region, this is your chance to align with Dubai’s economic vision and build a future-proof workforce.

👉 More details here: Full Article

Did you know - Hospitality 🤔

Ice hotels, like the one in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, are rebuilt every winter.

Hospitality Investment

FHS Saudi Arabia 2025: Shaping the Future of Hospitality Talent

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry is booming, and with Vision 2030 driving growth, the sector needs more than just new hotels—it needs skilled professionals to run them. That’s where the NextGen Investment Forum, debuting at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia 2025, comes in.

This event isn’t just another conference. It’s a strategic move to address talent shortages, bridge the gap between academia and industry, and invest in the future workforce. With 320,000 new hotel rooms coming, Saudi needs trained talent, not just warm bodies.

Key topics include:
✅ Aligning hospitality education with real-world needs
✅ Developing career pathways for Saudi nationals
✅ Encouraging women’s participation (currently only 8% of the workforce)
✅ Investing in AI, remote training, and student housing

For hotel managers, this is a wake-up call: Investing in your team is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Whether through training partnerships, AI-driven learning, or upskilling Saudi talent, those who prepare now will lead the industry tomorrow.

Takeaway: The hospitality sector is evolving fast. If you’re managing a property in Saudi Arabia, this is your chance to get ahead by engaging with the industry’s next generation of talent.

👉 More details here: Full Article

Hospitality Trends

Florence Welcomes a New Luxury Icon: Collegio alla Querce by Auberge Resorts

Florence just got a new luxury destination—and it’s not just another five-star hotel. Collegio alla Querce, by Auberge Resorts, transforms a historic 16th-century estate into a timeless retreat, blending Renaissance charm with modern indulgence.

Why should hoteliers take notice? This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a case study in experiential luxury. Auberge has crafted immersive guest experiences, from private opera performances to chef-led culinary adventures, elevating hospitality beyond just a stay.

Key takeaways for luxury hoteliers:
🌟 Experience-driven hospitality is the new standard—guests expect curated, exclusive activities.
🍷 Culinary storytelling matters—from interactive cooking classes to cocktail-infused Tuscan history, F&B must be more than just a menu.
🏛 Heritage sells—the property seamlessly integrates Florence’s history with a modern luxury experience, proving that authenticity is key.

For luxury hoteliers, this is a blueprint for creating high-value, immersive guest experiences. In an era where travelers crave uniqueness, Collegio alla Querce sets a new benchmark for boutique luxury.

Takeaway: Luxury is no longer about opulence alone—it’s about storytelling, personalization, and deep cultural immersion. Is your property delivering on these trends?

👉 More details here: Full Article

Round-Up:

Today’s Round-Up: The Future is in Your Hands

Hospitality is evolving fast, and the key to staying ahead isn’t just keeping up—it’s leading the change. This week’s insights highlight three game-changing trends that hotel professionals can’t afford to ignore.

🚀 Guest Engagement is Everything – Bookboost’s €3.6M investment signals a shift: Hotels that own their guest relationships will win. AI-driven communication, guest data platforms, and multi-channel engagement are now must-haves. Are you still relying on OTAs and outdated CRM systems, or are you building direct guest loyalty?

👥 Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Boom Needs Talent – With 1M+ new jobs coming, the Future Hospitality Summit’s NextGen Investment Forum is tackling the workforce challenge head-on. The industry needs to invest in training, education, and talent retention—especially in markets experiencing rapid growth. If you’re expanding, ask yourself: Is your workforce strategy future-proof?

🏛 Luxury is More Than a Room—It’s an Experience – Florence’s new Collegio alla Querce by Auberge Resorts proves that luxury isn’t about opulence, it’s about crafting unique, immersive guest experiences. From private opera sound baths to chef-led culinary storytelling, the trend is clear: Guests don’t just want to stay, they want to feel something unforgettable.

What’s Your Next Move?

The industry is shifting, and the best hotel leaders aren’t waiting for change—they’re driving it. So here’s the question:

💡 What’s the biggest challenge in your hotel right now—guest engagement, workforce development, or experience creation? Reply and let’s discuss. 📧🤔 WE READ ALL YOUR ANSWERS!

Job Opportunity

🌟 Hotel General Manager at Oborishte 63 Boutique Hotel, Sofia 🌊 🌟

Are you a hospitality leader ready to take on a prestigious boutique hotel in the heart of Sofia? Oborishte 63 Boutique Hotel, managed by Everty, is looking for a Hotel General Manager to drive strategy, guest experience, and operational excellence.

Why This Role?

As General Manager, you’ll oversee every aspect of hotel operations—from finance and strategic planning to staffing, guest experience, and sales. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll shape the hotel’s reputation, drive profitability, and create unforgettable guest experiences. Reporting to Everty’s European Head of Hospitality, you’ll be part of a global real estate leader managing high-end properties worldwide.

What You’ll Do:

✅ Lead all hotel operations: reception, reservations, housekeeping, HR, sales & marketing, and finance
✅ Develop strategic positioning and sales strategies to stay ahead of the competition
✅ Oversee staff training and recruitment, ensuring a top-tier team
✅ Maintain high guest satisfaction, resolving conflicts and enhancing experiences
✅ Manage financial planning, budgeting, and cost control
✅ Ensure the hotel’s facilities and maintenance meet the highest standards

Who You Are:

🔹 10+ years in hospitality (5+ in management)
🔹 Strong financial & strategic mindset
🔹 Expert in hotel management, sales, and budget control
🔹 Fluent English (C1/C2), tech-savvy with hotel systems and OTAs
🔹 A dynamic leader, problem-solver, and innovator

This is your chance to lead a luxury boutique hotel with a globally respected company. Ready to elevate your career? Apply now or share with someone who fits the bill! 🚀

Sharing is Caring 💌

If you found today’s newsletter helpful, why not share the knowledge?

📲 Forward this to your colleagues and team members to keep them in the loop on the latest hospitality industry trends.

The more we share, the smarter we all become. Let’s spread the word and make sure everyone is up to date on the changes shaping the future of our industry! 🌍💼

Together, we can stay ahead of the curve!