Finance, Op Planning & Forecasting

Most technology is designed to captivate and keep our attention. The prime example is social media, whose addictive platforms and algorithms keep its users scrolling endlessly. But what if the goal of technology wasn’t engagement at all?

Hospitality is an industry that thrives on human connection, but it has often been held back by outdated technology. In a recent interview on Hotel Tech Insider, Matt Welle, CEO of Mews, shared his journey from being a hotelier to leading a revolutionary property management system (PMS) company. His insights provide a roadmap for how technology can empower hoteliers to deliver better guest experiences and drive operational efficiency.

As you’re reading through the onslaught of 2025 hotel industry predictions and trends pieces, you’re likely noticing “Automation” near the top or at the top of every list. So much so that "Automation” might become a buzzword that you start to skip over.

Why would a hotel owner need an asset manager? The unique skills and knowledge an asset manager brings are invaluable. While a strong general manager may report directly to ownership, an asset manager or consultant can provide expertise in areas such as digital marketing, revenue management, engineering, housekeeping, front office operations, food and beverage, sales, and most importantly, budgeting and financial management. Their safety and security knowledge is often beyond that of many GMs. They also have the contacts to hire everyone needed and understand the human resources and legal requirements of operating in your state.

Warning – this blog post talks about cruelty to cats. I in no way support this practice and I am not promoting the activity in any way. The purpose of this article is to tell a story around the financial controls for hotel paid outs. Even with the disclaimer I am pretty sure I’ll get some flack, but the story is worth it!

According to descriptions across the internet landscape, innovation is typically defined as the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services, or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value; challenging the status quo, thinking outside the box.

The Global Finance Committee (GFC), a committee of diverse industry professionals sponsored by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals and the American Hotel and Lodging Association is responsible for the production of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI). The revised 12th edition USALI is scheduled to be effective in 2026. USALI is the global standard for financial reporting in the lodging industry and will feature important changes to financial reporting practices.

How many articles that you’ve read recently begin with something like: hospitality is changing faster than ever. It’s a common intro because it’s a recurring theme (and because it’s one of ChatGPT’s favorite phrases) – but that doesn’t make it any less true.

As we turn the calendar to 2025, hotel owners and operators are finalizing their annual budgets and ensuring they align with the latest market conditions. With STR forecasting modest growth for 2025, it’s critical for hoteliers to move beyond static budgets, take dynamic market conditions into account, and put operational strategies in place to meet and exceed budget. Here’s how to navigate the year ahead with a combination of operational adjustments and dynamic forecasting.

Remember when Alexa and Siri were the epitome of innovation? And, even though I’m currently enamored with them, I suspect my new Meta Smart Glasses (a recent holiday gift) will be outdated before long. Looking back at this past year, it’s clear that AI’s evolution has been nothing short of revolutionary.