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Leadership in the Hospitality Space and Importance of a Social Media Community

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   With so much change in the hospitality industry, many stakeholders are seeking new ideas, inspiration, and solving challenges. Hotel owner, operator and…

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Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.

With so much change in the hospitality industry, many stakeholders are seeking new ideas, inspiration, and solving challenges. Hotel owner, operator and investor Rupesh Patel joined Say Yes to Travel host Sarah Dandashy to discuss his career and what he’s doing now as an industry advocate, social media community builder, and host of Hospitality Live with Rupesh.

Patel literally grew up in hotels when his father purchased one in South Florida. He wasn’t always on the hospitality path, studying multi-media design. Eventually, he merged his passions to a successful career. “I like bringing ideas from other industries to new ones and doing things that are unique,” he added.

“I like bringing ideas from other industries to new ones and doing things that are unique.” – Rupesh Patel

Because of Patel’s love for hospitality, he built a strong following on LinkedIn. “I just wanted to share my passion, show value, and bring ideas on operations, marketing, and customer service,” he said.

Once the pandemic hit, Patel pivoted from being a speaker and consultant in-person to putting that into his LinkedIn postings and show. “I wanted to inspire people while they were down. I was seeing my employees and others struggle, so it was about staying positive.”

Patel also recognized the shift in the hotel business that will outlast the pandemic. “The entire guest experience is changing because of technology. I was able to direct message my hotel on my flight here to see if I could check in early, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that a few years ago.”

Additionally, Patel discussed the adoption and acceleration of technology in every facet of hotel operations and the power of data. “We’re collecting data about who is there, what they’re buying, and what they’re doing to improve experiences.”

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US solo travel plans jump to 23.6% in SiteMinder's 2027 guest survey

US solo travel plans jump to 23.6% in SiteMinder's 2027 guest survey

SiteMinder's Changing Traveler Report 2027 finds 23.6% of US travelers plan their next trip solo, up from 14.4%. Solo travelers worldwide lean toward standard rooms, while American guests over-index on Deluxe rooms, hotel brands and loyalty programs. The consequence lands in rate plans and upgrade offers.

  • 01Nearly one in four US travelers (23.6%) plan to take their next trip alone, up from 14.4%, a 9.2-point swing that belongs in 2027 rate-plan and room-mix reviews.
  • 02Solo travelers worldwide choose a standard room 55% of the time, while 25.1% of American guests expect a Deluxe room; which habit US solo guests follow is the open question for single-occupancy pricing.
  • 03Loyalty still sways American chain guests (42.9% cite program benefits) even as that reason fell to 30.8% globally and memorable experiences climbed to 39.7%, so US loyalty playbooks may not travel abroad.

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Accor's booking app outsold Hard Rock's own site at its New York hotel

Accor and Hard Rock International announced a global deal letting Hard Rock hotels opt into ALL Accor once it closes. In a New York test, Accor’s channel outproduced Hard Rock’s own site by July. Owners’ returns hinge on tracking channel and loyalty activity across both systems.

  • 01By July, Accor's channel was producing more room nights for Hard Rock Hotel New York than Hard Rock's own website, and more than 90% of those guests were new to Hard Rock.
  • 02Hard Rock keeps its own booking channels open, so a participating hotel can only judge the Accor channel if the original booking source survives date changes, cancellations and points refunds.
  • 03The points conversion rate and tier map are the next terms to watch. Marriott and MGM settled on a 10-to-8 transfer ratio with a 30,000-point annual cap, which shows how much detail these links can carry.

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Hyatt Leverage shifts SME booking to a Spotnana-powered tool

Hyatt rebuilt Hyatt Leverage, its small and midsize business travel program, on Spotnana's booking platform, offering exclusive rates at more than 1,300 hotels. Eligibility requires 50 actualized room nights a year. The rates aren't available through travel agencies or other booking tools, so the practical decision for small firms is where they book their Hyatt stays.

  • 01Hyatt Leverage requires 50 actualized room nights per year—confirm you meet the minimum before applying.
  • 02Hyatt Leverage is now powered by Spotnana, and Hotel Dive reported that Marriott International also recently expanded its partnership with Spotnana. That suggests the same provider could sit under direct corporate hotel booking at more than one chain.

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