Marriott vs. Hilton: The Loyalty War Heats Up—Are You Keeping Up?

📌 Today’s Top Stories:

🔹 Exciting job opportunity at the end of today’s issue
🔹 The Future of Hotel Payments 💳
🔹 Wellness Tourism Hits $1 Trillion 🧘‍♂️
🔹 Loyalty Wars: Hilton vs. Marriott 🏨
🔹 Sustainability Now Shapes Hotel Valuations ♻️

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

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!

Hospitality Technology

Flywire Acquires Sertifi: What It Means for Hotel Payment Workflows

The $330M acquisition of Sertifi by Flywire is more than just another deal—it’s a game-changer for how hotels handle payments. Sertifi specializes in digitizing hotel workflows, particularly around group bookings and events, which means smoother, faster, and more secure transactions. With deep integrations into leading PMS and catering systems like Oracle OPERA and Salesforce, this move allows Flywire to expand its global footprint and bring streamlined payment solutions to major hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.

Why does this matter to you as a hotel manager?
Efficiency and security in payments are critical. With rising fraud risks and guest expectations for seamless transactions, outdated manual processes are no longer an option. This acquisition signals a future where hotels can simplify contracts, collect payments more securely, and reduce friction in the guest experience—all while ensuring compliance.

💡 Insight: If your hotel is still relying on traditional methods for handling group bookings and events, now is the time to explore solutions that integrate digital payments directly into your operations. As payment automation evolves, adopting these technologies can enhance guest trust, reduce chargebacks, and increase operational efficiency.

👉 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! 🌍 💼

Hospitality & Wellness Trends

The Rise of Longevity Tourism: A Shift Hotels Can’t Ignore

Wellness tourism is on track to hit $1 trillion, but this isn’t just about spa treatments anymore. Travelers are actively seeking experiences that support long-term health—think biohacking, IV therapy, and recovery-focused fitness. Hotels that understand and integrate longevity-focused services will gain a competitive edge.

Why does this matter to your hotel?
The wellness economy isn’t just about luxury resorts. With the global aging population and younger travelers embracing wellness-driven lifestyles, hotels must rethink their approach. The challenge? Many still treat wellness as a side amenity rather than a core business unit.

💡 Insight: Wellness integration starts from the ground up. Outdated standards—like the 60-square-meter gym per 100 rooms—are no longer enough. Hotels must move beyond the traditional spa model and create 360-degree wellness experiences, from sleep-friendly rooms to functional nutrition options on children’s menus. The hotels that get this right will attract high-spending wellness travelers and drive revenue beyond room rates.

👉 Takeaway: Don’t just offer wellness—make it a core part of your hotel’s story. From personalized health programs to enhanced sleep environments, the demand is here. The question is: Will your hotel capitalize on it?

👉 More details here: Full Article

Did you know - Hospitality 🤔

Malaysia sure knows how to supersize their hotels!

First World Hotel Malaysia proudly holds the record for being the largest hotel on the planet, boasting a staggering 7,351 rooms! It's like a city within a city, offering travellers a wide range of options from budget-friendly to upscale stays.

Hotel Loyalty Program Investment

Loyalty Wars: Hilton vs. Marriott – What It Means for Your Hotel

Loyalty programs are no longer just a perk—they’re a battleground. Marriott Bonvoy leads the charge with 228 million members, but Hilton Honors is catching up fast, growing 147% in six years to 210 million members. The industry-wide surge—500 million new members since 2018—signals a clear shift: guests crave recognition and rewards, and they’re willing to switch brands for it.

Why does this matter to you? Because guest loyalty isn't just about points—it’s about engagement. If you’re managing a Marriott, Hilton, or IHG property, your ability to leverage these programs directly impacts repeat business, RevPAR, and profitability. More importantly, the traditional ‘biggest is best’ mindset is shifting. Hyatt, for example, has fewer members but boasts 30% more members per hotel than competitors—showing that engagement per property might be a more critical metric than raw numbers.

📌📌 What should you do? Encourage deeper participation from your guests. Train your front desk to enroll new members and highlight loyalty perks. Create memorable experiences beyond just room upgrades—think personalized offers, exclusive local experiences, and seamless rewards redemption. In a market where loyalty competition is fierce, the winners will be those who turn members into true brand advocates.

👉 More details here: Full Article

Hotel Investment

ESG is No Longer Optional—It’s a Business Imperative

The hospitality industry is at a turning point—sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a financial driver. The Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) reports that investors managing $360 billion in hotel assets are embedding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) into their investment strategies. Why? Because energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainable finance are now major factors influencing hotel valuations, transactions, and financing.

Here’s why this matters to you: Banks are tightening loan terms based on ESG performance, corporate clients are prioritizing sustainable hotels, and investors are scrutinizing decarbonization pathways before making deals. If your hotel isn’t actively improving its sustainability credentials, you risk losing out on investment, financing, and corporate business.

So, 📌 what should you do? Start by evaluating your energy efficiency—small operational changes can lead to major savings. If you’re seeking financing, explore sustainability-linked loans and grants. More importantly, don’t wait for mandates—proactive ESG adoption positions your hotel as a leader, making it more attractive to both investors and eco-conscious travelers. The industry is shifting. Are you ahead of the curve or playing catch-up?

👉 More details here: Full Article

Round-Up:

Today’s Round-Up: What Every Hotel Leader Needs to Know

💳 Payments Must Be Fast & Secure
Flywire’s $330M acquisition of Sertifi signals a shift—manual payments are out, automation is in. Hotels that don’t adapt risk fraud, delays, and lost corporate business.

🧘‍♂️ Wellness Is a Revenue Driver, Not an Amenity
Wellness tourism is hitting $1 trillion, but it’s beyond spas—think biohacking, IV therapy, and sleep-focused rooms. Hotels that embed wellness into their core offering will win high-value guests.

🏨 Loyalty = Profit, Not Just Points
Loyalty programs are exploding, but engagement matters more than membership size. Personalization and elite experiences turn casual guests into repeat customers.

♻️ Sustainability Now Impacts Hotel Valuations
ESG is a financial driver—banks, investors, and corporate clients demand greener hotels. Energy efficiency and sustainability-linked financing are no longer optional.

👉 What’s the biggest shift impacting your hotel? thoughts!

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

Job Opportunity

🌟 Hospitality Manager at Wembley Stadium 🌟

Delaware North UK is looking for a Hospitality Manager to lead service teams at Wembley Stadium, one of the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment venues. In this dynamic role, you’ll oversee waitstaff, bartenders, and supervisors, ensuring top-tier guest experiences at high-profile events—from international football matches to sold-out concerts.

This flexible, casual position is perfect for hospitality professionals looking to gain experience at major events while earning extra income. You’ll be responsible for team leadership, maintaining service excellence, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and food regulations.

Why Join?
✔ Work at Wembley Stadium, home to legendary sports and music events.
✔ Flexibility – evening and weekend shifts to fit your schedule.
✔ Be part of Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality with exciting career growth opportunities.

📢 If you have experience leading large hospitality teams and a passion for top-tier service, this is your chance to be at the heart of unforgettable events.

👉 Apply now or share with a talented chef in 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!