Pods & Vids

The overarching theme for 2026 is execution. Efficiency and process optimisation will separate resilient hotels from those that struggle

The next phase of competitive advantage for hotels will be defined by profitability, channel intelligence, and a guided approach to direct bookings

Silos in Hotel will be broken by technology. The question is does this happen in a strategic way or in an uncontrolled manner that fuels conflict

Hotels that invest early in AI adoption, proactively monitor demand drivers, and rethink labour strategies will be best positioned

For hotels, the real issue is not who builds the smartest model. It is who controls demand at the moment of booking

Hotels that can connect directly into this agentic ecosystem will gain a critical advantage and reduce reliance on OTAs or static booking engines

Hotels that succeed in 2026 will be those that embrace AI as a productivity tool, refocus revenue management on profit and redesign roles and career paths

For hotels, the issue is strategic uncertainty. In Google’s world you broadly know the rules. In the AI world, organic visibility is still opaque

The common thread across these predictions is structural change. Technology, economics, and distribution power are reshaping the industry

Hotels that thrive in 2026 will be those that operate leanly without eroding their value proposition. This does not mean cutting headcount indiscriminately