Finance, Op Planning & Forecasting

The hospitality industry has been inundated with technology solutions promising to free hotel brands from the constraints of legacy systems and elevate the guest experience. For years, the message has remained the same: “Invest in cutting-edge technology and automation, and you’ll empower your staff to focus on what truly matters—the guest.” After all, technology should be an enabler rather than a barrier to real-world connections.

Every hotel can benefit from automated revenue management. Boutique or hostel, independent or chain, there are huge potential revenue uplifts that can’t be ignored.

The hotel business is perhaps the second oldest business in the world. I read that somewhere long ago, and it stuck. The kind of live-in arrangements described in this article are not about that but, rather, what our industry provided in the past to its senior leaders and managers. Some of what you’re about to read I experienced first hand and some of it was passed on down to me through stories and folklore. After all we only have our yarns and parables to share and once they’re gone, they’re no longer part of our culture. Here is my shot at preserving some of that. I also want to mention that I am in no way complaining or pointing out supposed abuse of power or privilege, it’s just the opposite – I’m celebrating our past.

Hotel owners face a critical decision when selecting a property management structure: should the property be brand-managed or be managed by an independent, third-party operator?

Hotel Property Management Groups (PMGs) have been a pillar of the hospitality business for decades. They bring expertise, operational efficiencies, and the greatest gift of all — taking on the day-to-day operational challenges of running a hotel.

With all the dynamics facing the hospitality industry, like shifting room prices, labour shortages, changing travel habits, and the push for sustainability, procurement plays a key role in handling these issues. It acts as a strategy to cut costs and create value.

With an estimated 1 in 3 adults experiencing sleep disorders and the sleep technology market projected to add over $400 billion by 2028, the hospitality industry stands at the cusp of a revolution in guest experience. Leading luxury hotel brands are already racing to claim their stake in this lucrative frontier of wellness. Equinox Hotels has established dedicated sleep labs with elite sleep experts, while the Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown partners with sleep specialist Dr. Whitney Roban to tackle the notorious ’First Night Effect’ that plagues travelers. Sofitel is collaborating with researchers to conquer jet lag and travel-related sleep disruption. This surge of innovation signals a fundamental shift: perfect sleep has become the ultimate amenity.

The hospitality industry is expected to reach new heights by 2027. Experts predict that the industry will reach $5 billion, especially backed by groundbreaking advancements in technology. The following top 10 financial strategies to enhance automation may help garner the best results for 2025:

From personalized pricing to emerging booking channels, AI is set to reshape revenue management, guest experience, and overall business strategy. Here are my five cents for navigating these changes and positioning your hotel, resort, or casino, for success in an AI-driven world.