Spain’s Hotel Investment Surge, AI Hospitality Innovation, and Malaysia’s E-Invoicing Shift

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:

🔹 A deep dive into the biggest Hospitality trends 
🔹 What a day for Spain! Spain Becomes Europe's Top Hotel Investment Hub
🔹 E-Invoicing for Malaysian Hotels

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

Hospitality Trends

2024’s Biggest Hospitality Shifts & What’s Next for 2025

Some trends are fading, others are taking over. Sustainability? No longer a selling point—it’s just expected. Employee empowerment? Losing steam as companies focus on efficiency. But with interest rates dropping, new hotel investments could be back on the rise.

AI & Tech Take the Lead
VR tours flopped, but AI-driven personalization is booming. Hotels using data to predict guest needs are winning big, and AI-powered pricing strategies are maximizing revenue like never before.

Experiences Matter More Than Ever
Social media still drives bookings, but user-generated content beats traditional marketing. Travelers crave hyper-local dining, immersive bars, and experiences that feel personal.

What’s Next: Regenerative Hospitality & Automation
Sustainability isn’t enough—guests want businesses that give back. Meanwhile, automation is making operations smoother, from AI-powered check-ins to robotic housekeeping.

📌 Why You Should Care
The future belongs to those who embrace AI, create unforgettable experiences, and keep the human touch alive. Is your business ready?

👉 More on this: [Full Article Here]

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Industry Technology

HotelRunner Showcases Innovation at ITB Berlin 2025

HotelRunner, a leader in hospitality technology, is set to make a splash at ITB Berlin 2025 from March 4-6 at Hall 9, Stand 217a. The company will showcase its cutting-edge end-to-end platform, designed to help hotels and travel agencies boost profitability through AI, automation, and real-time distribution.

A key highlight will be HotelRunner Connect, a tool that simplifies direct connections between properties and travel agencies, optimizing inventory and pricing for better market positioning. As the industry shifts toward data-driven decision-making and seamless digital connectivity, HotelRunner continues to provide solutions that help businesses stay ahead.

📌 Why You Should Care?

With the hospitality landscape evolving rapidly, technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you run a hotel or a travel business, tools like HotelRunner Connect can streamline operations, increase direct bookings, and improve revenue management. ITB Berlin is a prime opportunity to explore new tech trends, network with industry leaders, and stay competitive. If you’re attending, this is one booth you don’t want to miss!

👉 More details here: Full Article

Did you know - Hospitality 🤔

Did you know that Inns have long been places of rest for travellers and were prominent in Ancient Persia and across the Roman Empire. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, established in 793AD, is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest pub in the UK. And there are hundreds of inns across the country whose records go back to the 1600s.

Hotel Investment

Spain Leads Europe in Hotel Investments with €3.3 Billion in 2024

In 2024, Spain became Europe's top hotel investment destination, attracting €3.3 billion across its urban and holiday destinations. Madrid and Barcelona led the pack, securing €589 million and €572 million in investments, respectively. However, there was a notable shift towards secondary cities and island destinations, with over €200 million flowing into cities beyond the major hubs. The Balearic Islands received the largest share, with €679 million, reflecting the ongoing appeal of premium tourism in Spain.

📌 Why You Should Care?
This trend signals a growing opportunity in secondary cities and island locations, which are becoming hotspots for repositioning projects with high returns. For hotel operators and investors, focusing on these areas could mean tapping into a less saturated market with considerable growth potential. The preference for premium assets, including four- and five-star hotels, highlights the sector's post-pandemic evolution.

If you’re in the investment or hotel operations space, this shift suggests that focusing on high-quality, unique accommodations will be key to staying competitive. Spain's strong foreign investor interest further reinforces its stability and continued attraction, making it a market to watch in 2025 and beyond.

👉 More details here: Full Article

Technology & Compliance

Hotelogix Implements E-Invoicing for Malaysian Hotels

Hotelogix, a leading cloud-based hospitality technology provider, has rolled out e-invoicing for hotels in Malaysia, helping them comply with the country’s new tax regulations. Starting August 2024, all businesses, including hotels, must adopt mandatory e-invoicing as part of efforts to streamline tax administration and reduce evasion. Through Hotelogix’s Property Management System (PMS), hotels can now generate e-invoices directly, which are then verified by the Malaysian tax authority.

📌 Why You Should Care?
This new e-invoicing regulation marks a significant shift for hotels in Malaysia, requiring them to adopt digital invoicing systems to comply with government standards.

For hotel operators, this means an automated and seamless process for managing tax compliance, reducing the risk of fines or penalties. Additionally, this move towards digitization not only simplifies compliance but also helps hotels modernize their operations.

As the Malaysian hospitality industry continues to grow, with projections to reach $1.484 billion by 2029, adopting such technology will be key to staying competitive and efficient in a rapidly evolving market.

👉 More details here: Full Article

Round-Up>

Here is our take away from today’s news

The hospitality landscape is shifting in exciting ways. HotelRunner is gearing up for a big presence at ITB Berlin 2025, showcasing its cutting-edge technology that empowers hotels and travel agencies to optimize profitability through AI, automation, and real-time distribution. As technology becomes indispensable, staying ahead of these innovations is key for any hospitality business. 🤖💡

On the investment front, Spain is leading Europe with €3.3 billion in hotel investments in 2024. While major cities like Madrid and Barcelona continue to attract attention, secondary cities and island destinations are gaining momentum, offering a great opportunity for repositioning projects with high returns. 🌍💰

Meanwhile, Hotelogix is helping Malaysian hotels stay ahead of the curve by rolling out e-invoicing to ensure compliance with the country’s new tax regulations. This move simplifies tax management, boosts efficiency, and supports Malaysia’s growing hospitality sector. 📊📑

What about you? 🤔

How do you see these trends impacting your business? What tech innovations or investment shifts do you think will shape the next wave of growth in the industry?

Feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts! 📧🤔 WE READ ALL YOUR ANSWERS!

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!