Travel & Data Trends

Investment Trends

In the world of hospitality, everyone talks about data – how much you can collect, how fast you can access it, and how many dashboards you can create. But after two decades of working with the most sophisticated data models, I’ve learned something critical: just having the data isn’t enough.

In a world shaped by unprecedented technological advancement, the hospitality sector finds itself at a fascinating intersection of tradition and transformation. At this crossroads, the food system – a sector shaped by human connection and culture – is undergoing a revolution of its own. As AI, climate change and shifting consumer values redefine the rules of engagement, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the transformation we need will not come from isolated breakthroughs, but from radical collaboration.

What does it mean to be truly guest-centric? For decades or longer, the hospitality industry has talked about guest experience as a top priority. But when you look under the hood of many of the systems and metrics that hoteliers rely on, the focus is on rooms and reservations.

Food has always played a central role in hospitality—but its meaning and impact are rapidly expanding. As outlined in our newly released Food & Wellbeing Trend Report 2025, developed at EHL with a diverse group of global experts, food is no longer just about nourishment or indulgence. It’s about connection, regeneration, and the pursuit of personal and planetary health.

In an era where digital transformation is revolutionizing every industry, the travel sector is at the forefront of an artificial intelligence revolution. No longer are travelers satisfied with generic package deals or standard itineraries. Instead, they seek hyper-personalized experiences customized to their unique preferences, past behaviors, and even subconscious desires. While artificial intelligence promises to make travel more seamless, efficient, and personal, we all should ask - are we trading away spontaneity and human discovery for AI-driven predictions?

Fresh from the Hunter Conference, two themes reign supreme right now. The first is uncertainty. Following last week’s tumultuous stock market sell-off and the ongoing tariff chaos, our outlook on the future remains as uncertain as it was two years ago, if not more so today. The second theme is the beer and wine analogy: while wine appreciates in value with age, no one wants an old beer. Having sold nearly 300 hotels over the past five years, thanks to Mitch Patel from Vision Hospitality Group, I feel more like I’m in the liquor wholesale business than hotel brokerage. With that in mind, my comments will center around our beloved beer and wine theory:

India has received a short break on the tariff front, but the bigger picture remains complex. Earlier this month, the US administration announced a steep 26% tariff on Indian imports, sparking concerns across trade-focused sectors. Fortunately, a 90-day suspension has been granted, offering India, along with several other countries, a temporary pause and a crucial opportunity for trade discussions.Key Indian export sectors like electronics, gems and jewelry, textiles, and auto components are watching the developments closely as these industries have strong export ties with the US. If the tariffs are enforced after the suspension period, many could face higher input costs, lower margins, and reduced global competitiveness.Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there is an underlying opportunity. Trade experts believe this could prompt long-overdue reforms, such as streamlining India’s tariff structures, improving import policies, and increasing investments to strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains. As trade talks progress over the coming weeks, the spotlight will be on how India positions itself, not just in relation to the US, but within the rapidly evolving global trade landscape.The travel and hospitality sector in India, while not directly impacted by the tariffs, could feel the ripple effects over time. With the global economic environment in a state of flux, marked by protectionist trade policies, recessionary signals in some regions, and general uncertainty, travel demand may begin to soften. These factors can influence discretionary spending, which in turn could affect both corporate and leisure travel.

In 2024, waterpark owners and operators continued to face a highly competitive market as new development continues across many regions in the U.S. and Canada. While the growth in total waterpark square footage in 2024 was less than 2023, 2024 saw more new guestrooms developed. Waterparks continue to face increased competition from a wider array of entertainment venues that have thrived in the post-pandemic economy, and some operators we talked to indicated that they had a decline in attendance in 2024 but achieved higher per capita spending.

The hospitality industry is currently facing a confluence of challenges that threaten to curtail travel demand and strain hotel operations. Economic uncertainties, compounded by recent tariff implementations, are reshaping traveler behaviors and demand forecasts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for hoteliers aiming to navigate the impending downturn effectively.