A survey of 2,000 U.S. travelers reveals that while loyalty program enrollment remains strong, consumers are increasingly willing to switch programs based on value delivery. The research identifies the 'Strategic Traveler' segment that treats rewards programs as financial optimization tools, with 40% comparing benefits across brands. However, 73% of travelers report difficulty obtaining real value, and 73% encounter obstacles when redeeming rewards, indicating a significant gap between program promises and actual delivery.

The 48th NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum drew over 2,500 attendees including 700+ equity investors managing $723B in hotel assets. Industry leaders from major hospitality companies discussed market trends and strategies. Key announcements included Hilton's new Undergraduate brand, upgraded RevPAR projections for 2026, and MGM Resorts' acquisition proposal.

Hotel Management, a division of Questex, has announced its ninth annual 'Influential Women in Hospitality' list, honoring 25 leading women in the hotel industry. The honorees were selected for their strong leadership and dedication to excellence, representing major hospitality companies including Marriott International, Hilton, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Hyatt.

Questex's Vibe Conference, dedicated to the on-premise beverage industry, achieved record attendance and sponsor engagement at its 17-year-old event held in San Diego. The conference brought together major hospitality and beverage companies to discuss AI, customer loyalty, and beverage programming strategies, with 30% of attendees experiencing the event for the first time.

CarMax appointed Keith Barr, former head of InterContinental Hotels Group, as its new CEO to lead a turnaround after three years of declining sales. The stock plummeted 11.86% on the announcement, with investors viewing the hiring of a hotel industry executive rather than an automotive veteran as a vote of no confidence. Despite a low P/E ratio of 13, analysts expect only 7% growth over the next five years.

InterContinental Hotels Group has rebounded strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic and is pursuing aggressive expansion strategies, particularly in China and through its Holiday Inn brand. The company is also investing in AI capabilities and upgrading its luxury portfolio in the Americas to compete more effectively with rivals Marriott and Hilton. Despite strong recovery, IHG still lags behind competitors in stock performance, presenting potential upside for investors.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has successfully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic's devastating impact on the hotel industry. The company achieved record revenues of $4.92 billion in 2024 with $628 million in profits, and H1 2025 showed even stronger results with $469 million in earnings. IHG has expanded through strategic acquisitions, including the Ruby hotel brand purchase in February 2025, positioning itself for continued growth.

The global boutique hotels market expanded from $71.56 billion in 2025 to $76.30 billion in 2026, with projected growth to $114.86 billion by 2032 at a 6.99% CAGR. Market growth is driven by guest personalization, digital innovation, sustainability initiatives, and adaptive design models. Key trends include investment in frictionless booking, hyper-personalization, local storytelling, and operational automation to address labor constraints.

The 47th annual NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum brought together top industry executives to discuss the latest trends, economic influences, and projections in the global hospitality industry. The event featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, highlighting the industry's focus on engagement, innovation, and value creation.

The China hotel market is expected to reach $170.4 billion by 2033, driven by rising domestic tourism, improved infrastructure, and the expansion of global hotel brands. However, the market faces challenges such as intense competition and overcapacity.

The NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum (NYU IHIF) announced that Barry Sternlicht, Chairman & CEO of Starwood Capital Group, will receive the Jonathan Tisch Active Citizenship Award on June 3. The award celebrates the positive impact and achievements of a leader in the hospitality industry.

The 27th edition of the International Hospitality Investment Forum EMEA (IHIF EMEA) concluded successfully, with a record-breaking 700+ investors managing over $581 billion in assets in attendance. The event featured keynotes, networking, and announcements from leading hospitality brands and operators.