The hospitality industry never stands still. Here's where we share deeper insights that help you stay ahead – practical advice, industry trends, and marketing wisdom from more than three decades in hospitality marketing.
Spring and summer can feel like a gift in hospitality. Longer days, lighter moods, fuller diaries. They can also feel like a test. Guests expect fresh ideas, quick replies, inspiring content and “something new” every time they look at your website or social feeds. Meanwhile, you’re juggling rotas, reviews, refurb lists and rising costs.
Spring has a funny way of showing up with a burst of optimism. The sun appears. The nights get lighter. And suddenly you’re looking at that overstuffed cupboard thinking, Right. Today’s the day.
Your guest database is the digital version of that cupboard.
A month into 2026, it's the perfect moment to take stock of the year so far - to see how guests are behaving, understand emerging trends, and plan strategically for the months ahead. Early booking and guest data already reveal useful clues about what’s catching travelers’ attention and how they’re making decisions. By reviewing your own numbers, feedback, and online engagement, you can turn these insights into smart marketing, pricing, and operational strategies that boost occupancy, revenue, and guest satisfaction.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is radically transforming the hospitality industry’s marketing landscape. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses now harness machine learning, predictive analytics, and natural language processing to fine-tune their strategies. With the rise of AI-powered search engines and virtual assistants, the ways guests discover, research, and interact with hospitality brands are undergoing a profound shift.
When guests book a hotel, they’re rarely just booking a bed. They’re booking a feeling. A break from the everyday. Time together. Space to breathe. Something to look forward to. And as we head into 2026, this is exactly where emotional marketing comes into its own.
With so many choices available, and with guests increasingly using AI to narrow those choices for them, hotels that clearly communicate why a stay feels special are the ones that stand out. For independent hotels in particular, emotional marketing isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s your superpower.
The way that guests are discovering, researching and booking stays is changing – quickly. More people are now using AI-powered tools to plan holidays, compare options and make decisions long before they ever land on your website. Instead of scrolling endlessly through search results, they’re asking questions like “Which boutique hotels in the Cotswolds are best for a romantic weekend?” or “Where should I stay near the Lake District with great food?”
For hospitality businesses, this shift matters. AI isn’t just another tech trend; it’s changing how guests find you, how they interact with your brand, and what they expect from your marketing. The good news? You don’t need a big budget or a tech team to adapt. With a thoughtful approach, AI can become a practical, helpful part of your 2026 marketing plan.
It’s more important than ever for wedding venues to understand what couples are looking for, and to pro-actively keep on top of key trends in order to stay competitive and relevant. Download our Wedding Trends 2026-27 report for inspiration and insider insights to give you a competitive edge that will keep you thriving a few steps ahead of the rest.
Stay informed on the year’s most important hospitality dates so you can spark fresh campaign ideas and keep your marketing efforts running smoothly.
In today's rapidly evolving hospitality landscape, simply surviving isn't enough—true success lies in learning how to thrive. Understanding upcoming trends can help your property stay ahead of the competition and meet the changing expectations of modern guests.
Keep up-to-date with the best hospitality social media dates throughout the year. Including National Tea Day, Fairtrade Fortnight, National Relaxation Day and more.