🇵🇹 200+ New Hotels in Portugal—Massive Growth or Market Overload?

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
🔹 📢 Portugal’s Hospitality Boom:
🔹🌏 APAC’s Big Year: AI, Personalization & China’s Travel Surge
🔹🏨 Experiential Hospitality Is the Future

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

Hospitality Expansion

Portugal’s Hospitality Boom: What It Means for Hotel Managers

Lisbon and Porto are on the brink of a massive hospitality transformation. With over 200 new hotel projects underway, these cities are poised to redefine the tourism landscape. Porto is leading the charge with a 64.2% increase in hotel properties, while Lisbon’s expansion will add nearly 8,000 new rooms across the metropolitan area.

So, what does this mean for you? Opportunity—and competition. If you’re already operating in these markets, expect intensified demand for talent, rising operational costs, and shifting guest expectations. New properties bring fresh competition, but they also signal a booming market—which can drive overall visitor traffic.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Talent War Incoming – A surge in hotel openings means staffing challenges will escalate. Investing in retention and employer branding is critical.
✅ Guest Experience Is King – More options mean travelers will be picky. Personalization, digital convenience, and sustainability could be your competitive edge.
✅ Revenue Strategy Shift – With thousands of new rooms flooding the market, a well-planned pricing strategy will be the difference between thriving and just surviving.

This is not just a market shift—it’s a strategic turning point for hotel managers in Portugal. Are you ready?

👉 More on this: [Full Article Here]

Sharing is Caring 💌

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

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! 🌍 💼

Guest Experience

ONYX Hospitality’s Award-Winning Success: What You Can Learn

ONYX Hospitality Group’s 26 award-winning properties at the Traveller Review Awards 2025 highlight a powerful truth: consistently high guest satisfaction is a winning strategy. With an 8.4 chain-wide rating, ONYX stands out in the highly competitive Asian market.

For hoteliers, the takeaway is clear: recognition follows relentless commitment to guest experience. Whether you're running a boutique hotel or a global brand, the details matter—from seamless check-ins to well-trained staff and personalized stays.

What You Should Focus On:
🔹 Reputation = Revenue – High ratings on platforms like Booking.com directly impact bookings. Invest in reputation management.
🔹 Service Over Size – ONYX isn’t the biggest player, but its guest-first approach wins awards. Personalized experiences will always outperform generic stays.
🔹 Brand Consistency Matters – An 8.4+ rating across multiple locations means training, culture, and quality control are working together.

In an industry where guest perception drives profitability, ONYX’s success is proof that customer-centric hospitality isn’t just good practice—it’s good business.

👉 More details here: Full Article

Did you know - Hospitality 🤔

The total number of rooms worldwide is expected to be around 15.5 million as per the Intercontinental Hotel’s group report.

The number has soared as of date. According to STR Global, the number of hotel rooms is over 18.5 million as of date and is expected to breach the 20 million mark soon.

Amazing isn’t it?

Hospitality Technology

The 2025 Hospitality Horizon in APAC: Why Hotel Managers Must Pay Attention

Asia-Pacific is set for a strong year ahead, with GDP growth at 4.4%, rising middle-class travel demand, and relaxed visa regulations fueling a major tourism boom. The 67% occupancy rate in 2024 signals sustained demand, and China’s return as a key travel source market will further drive growth.

But here’s the real shift: technology is taking center stage. Hotels are increasing tech investments by 16% year-over-year, with a focus on Generative AI, digital media, and data-driven personalization. AI-powered chatbots, smarter upselling tools, and targeted guest segmentation are no longer futuristic ideas—they’re happening now.

What this means for you:
🛎️ AI isn’t optional anymore – If you're not leveraging AI for upselling and personalization, you're leaving revenue on the table.
📊 Data-driven decisions win – Knowing where guests are booking and why helps you fine-tune marketing efforts.
🌍 APAC is the growth engine – If your hotel is in APAC, prepare for increasing competition and demand. If not, consider how this surge affects your source markets.

2025 is about staying ahead, not catching up. Are you investing where it counts?

👉 More details here: Full Article

Hospitality Investment

Ryman Hospitality: What Hotel Owners Should Take Away

Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP) just updated its investor presentation ahead of two major financial conferences. Why should you care? Because institutional investors shape the future of hospitality real estate, and their focus on upscale convention resorts and experiential travel signals where the industry is heading.

Ryman’s portfolio—five of the seven largest non-gaming convention center hotels in the U.S.—highlights a key trend: large-scale, experience-driven properties continue to attract major investment. The blend of lodging, entertainment, and unique experiences (like the Grand Ole Opry) shows that guests expect more than just a stay—they want an immersive experience.

What this means for you:
🏨 Upscale group travel is thriving – If your hotel serves corporate groups or conventions, demand is strong. Optimize your event spaces.
🎤 Entertainment & hospitality are merging – Properties offering unique experiences stand out. Consider partnerships with entertainment brands or curated guest experiences.
📈 Investors are bullish on hospitality real estate – If major players are expanding, that’s a sign of confidence in the industry’s future.

The message is clear: hospitality isn’t just about rooms—it’s about creating destinations. Are you positioning your hotel for this shift?

👉 More details here: Full Article

Round-Up:

Today’s Round-Up: Key Trends You Can’t Ignore

🚀 Portugal’s Hospitality Boom: Growth or Overcrowding?
Lisbon and Porto are adding over 200 new hotels—great for tourism, but it means fierce competition for talent, pricing, and guest experience. If you’re in these markets, ask yourself: Are you ready for an influx of competition? Now is the time to refine your retention strategies, perfect your revenue management, and ensure your guest experience is truly differentiated.

🌏 APAC’s Big Year: AI, Data, and a Travel Surge
Asia-Pacific is on fire. With China’s travel rebound, a rising middle class, and a 16% increase in tech investment, hotels here are doubling down on AI-driven personalization and digital media. The industry is moving fast—if you’re not leveraging AI for guest engagement and upselling, you’re already behind. Are you investing in the right technologies to elevate your guest experience?

🏨 Ryman Hospitality’s Playbook: Experiences Over Stays
Major investors are betting big on experiential hospitality—convention centers, entertainment hubs, and destination-driven stays. The message? A hotel is no longer just a place to sleep. Whether you own a boutique hotel or a large-scale property, the future is about curating memorable, immersive experiences that guests can’t find elsewhere.

The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly—tech, competition, and guest expectations are shifting at full speed. So, here’s the big question:

👉 What’s the one investment you’re making this year that will have the biggest impact on your hotel’s success? Reply and let’s discuss. 📧🤔 WE READ ALL YOUR ANSWERS!

Job Opportunity

🌟 Exciting Hospitality Leadership Opportunity in Crete! 🌊 🌟

GREEN Properties is looking for dynamic Hotel Managers to lead two prestigious Hilton properties in Crete! If you have a passion for excellence and leadership in the hospitality industry, this is your chance to step into a key management role at:

🏨 Hilton Garden Inn – Chania
🏨 Tapestry Collection by Hilton – Heraklion

Why This Role?

As a Hotel Manager, you will:
✅ Oversee daily hotel operations and drive guest satisfaction.
✅ Lead and inspire department heads and teams.
✅ Ensure top-tier service that reflects Hilton’s renowned standards.
✅ Implement operational improvements and maintain regulatory compliance.
✅ Foster a positive, high-performing work culture.

What You Bring:

🔹 2+ years of experience as a Hotel Manager.
🔹 A hospitality degree or related field experience.
🔹 Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
🔹 Experience in international hotel chains is highly valued.
🔹 Fluent in Greek & English (additional languages are a plus!).

What’s in It for You?

💼 Competitive compensation & benefits.
📈 Career growth opportunities in a world-class hospitality brand.
🎓 Training programs to elevate your leadership skills.
🌟 A supportive, high-energy work environment in a dream location!

Ready to make your mark in Crete’s thriving hospitality scene? Apply now or share with your network! 🚀

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!