Home

Connecting at IBTM World 2025. Photo courtesy of IBTM.

What makes in-person connections so important? IBTM reports

| Show Business | No Comments
Ahead of IBTM World, which takes place next week at Fira de Barcelona, Spain, the IBTM team has asked attendees what makes attending the show and in-person connections so important. Answers to the question range from building a sense of community and…
This image shows members of the Vienna Convention Bureau receiving the 2026 ICCA Best Marketing Award at the 65th ICCA Congress in Panama City, Panama. Photo courtesy of ICCA.

Vienna Convention Bureau wins ICCA Best Marketing Award

| Recognition | No Comments
The Vienna Convention Bureau took home gold at the 65th ICCA Congress, winning the association's Best Marketing Award for its "Waltz into Space" campaign. “The Best Marketing Award is a special moment in the ICCA calendar because it brings our community’s creativity…
This is an image of part of the rooftop pool and lounge at Thompson Seville. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Thompson Seville opens in heart of Andalusia

| Hotels + Resorts | No Comments
Thompson Seville, a 101-room hotel set within the landmark La Gavidia building on Plaza de la Concordia in the heart of Seville's historic center, is now open. It is the brand's first property in Andalusia and its second hotel in Spain, following…
This is a stock image of a groups of young employees holding up cardboard thought bubbles. Photo by Nicola Katie | Canva.

Role of incentives in employee training programs: new IRF study

| Research | No Comments
The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) today released Impact of Incentives on Training, Learning and Certification, a new study that examines the role of incentives in motivating employees to participate in and complete required training, learning, and certification programs. The research addresses which…
John Rees, Senior Vice President of Hotels, Hard Rock International; Phil Zrihen, Deputy CEO of Ennismore and CEO of its Lifestyle Collective; Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming; Sebastian Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor; Jeff Hook, COO of Hard Rock International; and Agnes Roquefort, Chief Development Officer Luxury & Lifestyle of Accor, celebrating the landmark partnership between Hard Rock International and Accor in Ft. Lauderdale on November 2, 2026. Photo courtesy of Accor SA.

Accor and Hard Rock International sign strategic partnership

| Industry News | No Comments
Accor Group and Hard Rock International today signed a global strategic partnership covering loyalty, distribution and international development. Upon successful closing of this transaction, this partnership will enhance the loyalty programs for both ALL Accor and Unity members while broadening Hard Rock's…

EVENTS

This is an image of part of the exterior of Pemako Punakha, Bhutan. Photo courtesy of Leading Hotels of the World.

LHW adds six properties to global portfolio

| Hotels + Resorts | No Comments
The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) has added six new members across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. “Our October new members take LHW travelers from the Dolomites and Dubrovnik to West Palm Beach, Savannah, Bhutan and Nairobi, reflecting the range…
This image is a beach aerial rendering of Elephant Tree Resort and Villas Tobago Tapestry Collection by Hilton, slated to open in 2030. Rendering © 2026 Hilton.

Hilton Caribbean footprint tops 100 open and planned properties

| Development | No Comments
Hilton has surpassed 100 open and planned hotels across the Caribbean, marking a significant milestone in its expansion throughout the region. Contributing to the momentum is this week’s opening of the first Homewood Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton dual-brand property in…
This is an image of a Main Stage presentation at IBTM World 2025. Photo courtesy of IBTM World.

Award-winning documentary filmmaker headlining IBTM World Main Stage

| Education | No Comments
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Deeyah Khan will headline the Main Stage on the final day of IBTM World 2026, which runs November 17th to 19th in Barcelona, Spain. Deeyah Khan Khan will join interviewer Oisin Lunny for The Courage to Connect: How Listening…
This is an image of the exterior of Fort George Belize, Autograph Collection Hotels. Image courtesy of Marriott International.

Fort George Belize joins Marriott’s Autograph Collection

| Hotels + Resorts | No Comments
Fort George Belize, a landmark waterfront retreat in Belize City, is now a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection Hotels. The property also announced it will soon debut a new tower, increasing its room count from 64 to 130. The new Signature Sea…