Hotelier Perspectives

Recently, I began noticing through my social and professional connections that the term “sustainability” often triggers unexpected resistance. I observed that when conversations touch on environmental issues, even simple everyday topics like avoiding food waste or using public transportation, some people react unfavorably. What struck me was that the pushback was not necessarily about the actions themselves, which are often practical and beneficial, but rather about the language and framing around sustainability.

Not that long ago, hotel room phones were a reliable source of revenue. Back in the early 2000s, it wasn’t unusual for a hotel to earn several dollars per occupied room per night—thanks largely to high fees for external calls. One 400-room property could bring in half a million dollars a year just from phone use.

Everyone has opinions on Airbnb’s summer release. And I have been asked for mine a few times. So here’s my take, and I’ll stick to the two things that stood out to me. They’re not what you think.

A hotel website has one overriding job: sell the experience. It should feel like an extension of your property – authentic, functional and persuasive.

Mews Unfold 2025 opened with a different tone than previous editions. Instead of product features or welcome applause, Mews founder Richard Valtr and CEO Matt Welle spoke openly about the state of the world. In a time of political uncertainty and unpredictable travel patterns, they challenged the industry to stop asking why and start acting on the how.

As a young adult preparing to enter the evolving world of hospitality, I stand at the edge of a transformative era – one that demands not just operational excellence, but thoughtful action and bold responsibility. As a hospitality student, we’re taught the foundational tools: service, design and operations. But in a world, that’s ever-changing, mastering the known is no longer enough. We must cultivate a mindset that embraces the unknown, acting with agility, curiosity and intention.

In today’s rapidly shifting business landscape, innovation is no longer a solitary pursuit. Complex challenges, from digital transformation to sustainability transitions, require more than internal expertise and traditional R&D processes. They demand a new approach, one that recognizes that valuable ideas can come from anywhere.

Enterprise-wide digitisation has evolved from a competitive advantage to an absolute necessity and yet, amidst its promises and whispers of transformation, digital hasn’t delivered. Of the 89% of companies undertaking digital and AI transformations, only 31% of expected revenue lift has been captured and a mere 25% of anticipated cost savings, according to Harvard Business Review. It is an ongoing disparity between expectation and reality, says Mandla Mbonambi, CEO of Africonology, that should be forcing more in-depth analyses around the true value of digital transformation and how organisations can realistically capture it.

Revenue management is evolving. Once focused solely on manual room pricing, today’s technology enables revenue managers to take a more strategic, data-driven approach to growing hotel revenue.

Held as the grand finale of this year’s Mews Unfold conference, the 2025 Mews Unfold Awards were a fantastic way to wrap up an already energizing day. It was great to be there in person as the Mews team shined a spotlight on some of the most forward-thinking people and brands in hospitality. This was all about sincere recognition for the people and ideas driving hospitality forward.