News Briefs

Yanolja, a global travel technology company, announced its participation in Open AI’s global launch of its Operator research preview. This announcement marks another major step forward in Yanolja’s mission to revolutionize the global travel industry with travel-specific generative AI services based on its own proprietary data and infrastructure.

Operator is an AI agent developed by OpenAI that can go to the web to perform tasks such as inputting, clicking, and scrolling, managing travel bookings and online shopping in a web browser. Operator helps users complete travel bookings and shop online within a browser, and is able to click, scroll and type on its own. 

Initially launched in the U.S. in January, Operator’s research preview has now expanded to more global markets. Yanolja plans to support the enhancement of its services with insights gained from travel-related cases collected during the research preview phase.

“Through our extensive data related to travel, our generative AI can deliver hyper-personalized experiences throughout every stage of a user's travel journey, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty," said Jeff Kim, CEO at Yanolja Cloud. “Additionally, our AI technology will streamline customer service and automate operational processes for travel enterprises, leading to increased efficiency and convenience. We’re committed to accelerating the era of fully automated, personal and AI-driven total travel services, and look forward to our collaboration with OpenAI on enhancing the future of travel.”

Yanolja has been rapidly advancing the development of its AI capabilities. From the initial planning stages, it helps users automatically generate travel itineraries tailored to individual preferences and match the real-time inventory data such as room availability or dynamic price. During the trip, its AI services offer conveniences such as auto check-in/check out with cloud-based kiosks, AI concierge services, and local restaurant recommendations, etc.

As one of the fastest-growing global travel technology companies, Yanolja has achieved remarkable growth, reaching total transaction volume of $19.8 billion in 2024 with 186% growth rate, while operating in 206 countries and connecting 1.33 million hotels with over 20,000 travel sales channels like online booking platforms or tour operators. This reflects its expanding global footprint and technological leadership.

Through collaborations with global AI leaders, Yanolja continues to drive digital transformation in travel, shaping the future of automated and intelligent travel experiences ​for both users and travel enterprises worldwide.

SH Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of award-winning brands including 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels, and Treehouse Hotels, is celebrating its 10^th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic global brand created nearly 30 years ago by Barry Sternlicht, one of the most innovative and influential leaders in modern hospitality. Along with this bold change, Starwood Hotels is poised for significant growth in 2025, with more than 40 properties open or in development across its three brands on four continents. The rebranding is an exciting return of a trusted name that redefined the hospitality industry. In Sternlicht’s time as Chairman & CEO leading Starwood Hotels & Resorts, it became the largest hotel company in the world measured by EBITDA and built legendary brands that outperformed globally and still enjoy wide success today. Sternlicht also created W Hotels, grew St. Regis from a single property into a global luxury hotel collection, and transformed the industry by redefining and reviving brands like The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, and Four Points. Additional innovations include the creation of Westin’s Heavenly Bed and Starwood Preferred Guest, one of the most beloved frequent traveler programs of its time. Sternlicht and the company received numerous awards centered on innovation and brand distinction.

“Reintroducing the Starwood Hotels name is personally very exciting for me.  It’s a tribute to a legacy that millions of people know and trust—and it comes at a decisive moment in our company’s history,” says Sternlicht, Founder and Chairman of Starwood Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Capital Group. “Over the past decade, SH Hotels & Resorts has built three extraordinary brands, including the mission-driven 1 Hotels, which demonstrates how guests can live a luxurious, sustainable life without sacrifice. I didn’t want to do another typical hotel brand after W. The world doesn’t need another brand, it needs a better 1. By reviving the Starwood Hotels name, we aim to marry this trusted legacy of youth, innovation, and guest focus with our modern, tech-enabled, personalized approach to hospitality. As we take this next step, we’re doubling down on our mission to inspire, innovate, and make a difference—for our guests, our partners, and the planet.”

As it embarks on this next chapter, Starwood Hotels is celebrating not just where it’s been but where it’s going. This milestone year brings global growth, driven by forward-thinking initiatives, industry-leading sustainability, and a robust development pipeline. This includes the debut of flagship properties in Tokyo, Melbourne, and Copenhagen, as well as further expansion into dynamic new markets such as the Middle East and Southern Europe.

“Starwood Hotels once disrupted the industry under Barry’s leadership. On the 10th anniversary of SH Hotels & Resorts, we will build on that legacy and become an even more innovative and forward-thinking company,” says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. “Our cadre of unique brands with distinctive offerings, brought to life by the best team members in the industry, will delight and surprise experience seekers of all ages around the globe.”

1 Hotels & Homes: A Decade of Nature-Inspired Travel

The 1 Hotels brand launched in 2015 with the opening of Miami’s 1 Hotel South Beach and New York City’s 1 Hotel Central Park, setting a new benchmark for biophilic design and sustainable practices in hospitality. Over the past decade, the brand has expanded into major global destinations, including Brooklyn (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, Nashville, San Francisco, Hanalei Bay (on the Hawaiian island of Kauai), and Mayfair (London).

“As we reflect on a decade of 1 Hotels, we’re proud of how far we’ve come in inspiring guests to care for the planet,” says Sternlicht. “With our new openings, we’re bringing our mission to new markets and continuing to raise the bar for sustainable luxury.”

Consistent with the 1 Hotels brand mission to connect guests to nature and do good for people and planet, the company is partnering with Arbor Day Foundation to donate 100,000 trees to nurseries in preparation for reforestation efforts in Los Angeles to help restore vital green spaces. Los Angeles is home to 1 Hotel West Hollywood, which supported first responders with much-needed complimentary rest during the recent wildfires and is providing extended-stay discounts for displaced families.

Furthering its platform for change, the groundbreaking MISSION—1 Hotels’ membership program, which highlights the evolution of loyalty and delivers a hyper-personalized guest experience while providing a platform to give back to the planet—will continue to evolve. By empowering guests to make meaningful contributions to environmental and social causes, MISSION is an opportunity for every stay at 1 Hotels to leave a positive impact.

In 2025, 1 Hotels & Homes will continue its legacy of environmentally conscious hospitality with exciting new properties:

• 1 Hotel Seattle (Spring 2025): Drawing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest’s stunning natural beauty, this 153-room property will feature immersive designs and reclaimed materials that celebrate the region’s unique heritage.

• 1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne (mid-2025): Centered around an iconic structure along the Yarra River, this Australian waterfront sanctuary will have 277 guest rooms, 114 residences, and a wellness center focused on holistic rejuvenation—a true urban retreat.

• 1 Hotel Copenhagen (Summer 2025): Opening in the heart of Denmark’s capital, this 288-key property will align with Copenhagen’s ambitious carbon-neutral goals via cutting-edge energy efficiency and green architecture.

• 1 Hotel Tokyo (Fall 2025): Marking the brand’s highly anticipated debut in Asia, this serene sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo will blend nature-inspired design, environmental innovation, and Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Openings beyond 2025 include Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico).

Baccarat Hotels & Residences: Redefining Glamour

Baccarat Hotels embodies the timeless elegance, craftsmanship, and artistry of the namesake crystal brand. Following the success of its flagship property—Baccarat Hotel New York—the brand will be expanding into some of the world’s most iconic destinations in the coming years, including Rome, Florence, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Dubai, and the Maldives.

Treehouse Hotels: Whimsical Escapes

Treehouse Hotels, the newest of Starwood’s three brands, brings playful design and a nostalgic sense of awe and wonder to the hospitality landscape. “We want guests to escape to the carefree joy of their youth—playful, fun, engaging, and an oasis of entertainment,” says Leal. After the highly acclaimed debut of its flagship property in central London, the brand is expanding its joyful ethos to new destinations:

• Treehouse Manchester (UK) (Spring 2025): This transformed 14-story property will include whimsical communal spaces, imaginative design elements, and locally inspired programming that celebrates Manchester’s diverse culture.

• Treehouse Silicon Valley (Spring 2025): Located in Sunnyvale, CA—the heart of tech innovation—this 254-key property features locally inspired fun amenities, thoughtful programming, several food & beverage offerings, and dynamic spaces for social and business gatherings.

Additional hotels in the pipeline include Adelaide (Australia), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Brickell (Miami).

Branded Residences

As part of the growth strategy of 1 Hotels & Homes and Baccarat Hotels & Residences, several new branded residences are in development. Existing properties include 1 Homes South Beach and Baccarat Residences New York. Upcoming Baccarat Residences will complement hotel openings in Dubai, the Maldives, and Riyadh, while new 1 Homes locations are launching alongside hotels in Melbourne (debuting this year), Crete, and San Miguel de Allende. Baccarat Brickell is planned as a standalone development.

Elevating the Guest Experience Through Culinary Journeys and Holistic Wellness

Dining and wellness will continue to be at the heart of Starwood Hotels’ approach to hospitality and remain core elements of the guest experience. With a dedicated focus on creating memorable moments, the company collaborates with some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and wellness pioneers to deliver original experiences.

In London, 1 Hotel Mayfair’s signature restaurant, Dovetale—helmed by two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers—has reimagined modern European cuisine. Across the Atlantic, 1 Hotel Central Park features Jams by Jonathan Waxman, a pioneer in farm-to-table dining. The highly anticipated Treehouse Silicon Valley is debuting Valley Goat, where James Beard Award-winning chef Stephanie Izard will showcase the seasonal bounty of Northern California. And at 1 Hotel South Beach, James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov is about to introduce AVIV, celebrating the rich flavors of Israel and the broader region, paired with locally sourced ingredients.

Wellness is a natural extension of Starwood Hotels’ mission to live in harmony with nature. Designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit, the properties feature experiential programming that connects guests to nature while promoting holistic well-being. Nearly every 1 Hotels property features the Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living. Bamford Wellness Spas offer treatments inspired by traditional therapies and local influences.

On the island of Kauai, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay elevates wellness to new heights with a revolutionary approach to well-being that includes regenerative medicine, precision therapies, an 18,000 square-foot Bamford Wellness Spa, and Anatomy, a cutting-edge fitness center. With a foundation in sports science and strength conditioning, Anatomy’s programs offer a performance-focused edge to personal fitness.

“Through thoughtful culinary and wellness experiences, we strive to recharge the soul, nurture the body, and inspire a deeper connection to the world around us,” says Leal. “It’s not just about offering amenities—it’s about creating transformative moments that stay with our guests long after they leave.”

Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Future

Sustainability has and will continue to be a cornerstone of Starwood Hotels’ growth strategy. Every aspect of the company reflects a profound commitment to the planet and its people, integrating eco-conscious design, operations, and guest experiences that harmonize with the natural world.

This commitment is evident through measurable accomplishments. All properties work to achieve LEED, BREEAM or similar certification, demonstrating a dedication to sustainable design, construction, and operations. To date, SH Hotels & Resorts has offset 46,612 tons of CO2, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Expanded zero-waste programs have resulted in a 75% diversion rate, with 3.4 million pounds of materials recycled annually. Certified Sustainable Gatherings have achieved a 99.6% diversion rate, setting a new standard for eco-conscious events. In addition, 417,265 pounds of materials have been reused and donated in 2024 alone, including more than 52,681 pounds of food donated to over 35 charity partners.

Properties like the new 1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne showcase thoughtful preservation and eco-sensitive change: The centerpiece of the hotel is the iconic Goods Shed No. 5, an example of adaptive reuse that preserves the city’s cultural heritage while incorporating circular economy principles and innovative sustainability practices. At the new 1 Hotel Seattle, reclaimed timber, biophilic design elements, and moss-inspired art seamlessly merge the built environment with the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.

Across the portfolio, plant-forward menus and partnerships with local farms highlight a dedication to rethinking culinary practices while minimizing environmental impact. Guests encounter sustainable details at every turn, from organic bath products and upcycled amenities to refillable water stations that reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

The focus on sustainability extends beyond physical spaces to the people who bring this mission to life. To deliver these transformative experiences, the team will grow from 3,900 to more than 5,000 members in 2025. Community engagement programs like the 1 Less Thing initiative—which encourages mindful disposal—and partnerships with local organizations further amplify this impact, providing meaningful contributions to the communities surrounding each property.

“Our journey has just begun,” says Sternlicht. “As we embrace bold ideas, expand into new markets, and continue to reinvent the hospitality landscape, we hope to build a legacy that will inspire future generations. The best is yet to come.”

For more information, visit starwoodhotels.com

Ahead of new industry regulations announced in the budget coming into force in April 2025, Vita Mojo, the tech partner of choice for ambitious hospitality operators, has launched a white paper, Navigating Rising Costs: How Tech Can Make Your Hospitality Brand More Resilient. This timely report provides essential insights into how hospitality businesses can harness technology to combat rising operational costs, improve efficiency, and future-proof their operations.

With the hospitality sector facing significant financial pressures—including rising labor costs driven by minimum wage increases, National Insurance Contributions (NICs), and business rate changes—traditional cost-cutting methods are no longer sustainable. 

The white paper highlights why the most successful operators are taking a strategic, tech-led approach to efficiency and growth rather than simply reducing staff or raising prices.

Key takeaways from the report include:

• QSR brands remain the most resilient to rising labor costs and a reduction in discretionary spending. However, consumer sensitivity to price increases means that all brands must consider sustainable mitigation strategies

• Leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. Solutions like self-ordering kiosks, pay-at-table functionality, and automated inventory management enable operators to reduce costs, increase throughput, and enhance customer experience

• Give your customers the choice about how they interact with your brand. For example, self-ordering kiosks versus ordering with a cashier, will positively impact customer sentiment and profit

• Focus on sustainable, scalable growth. Rather than rapid expansion, forward-thinking brands invest in technology supporting long-term resilience, revenue diversification, and data-driven decision-making.

• Choose the right tech partner. Operators must prioritize partnerships with technology providers that align with their long-term vision and offer scalable, integrated solutions that evolve alongside their business. Operators should focus on tech partners, not tech providers 

“The hospitality industry is at a turning point. With labor costs increasing and consumer spending tightening, businesses that embrace technology to improve efficiency while driving revenue will be best positioned to thrive,” said Danna Gurbaxani, Chief Revenue Officer at Vita Mojo. “This white paper provides a clear roadmap for operators looking to navigate these challenges with confidence.”

Vita Mojo’s research highlights how quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are outperforming other hospitality sectors due to their tech-driven approach, while casual dining brands are at greater risk if they fail to adapt. The report also presents real-world examples of businesses successfully integrating technology to manage costs and drive growth. Vita Mojo’s technology has been used by more than 150 operators globally to date, including LEON, GAIL's and Honest Burgers. 

For more insights and actionable strategies, download the full white paper here.

Peregrine Hospitality (“Peregrine”), a full-service hospitality company that manages a portfolio that includes high profile leisure and resort destinations, has broadened its platform with the addition of 26 select-service properties to its management portfolio.

"When we created Peregrine Hospitality last year, our goal was to expand our business beyond resorts and create a broader hospitality platform that includes select-service hotels as an asset class,” said Pete Sams, Chief Operating Officer, Peregrine Hospitality Group. “Our team’s deep expertise in managing top-tier resorts and boutique hotels builds on our unique owner/operator approach and philosophy that allows us to bring the same level of operational excellence to these properties and enhance guest experiences while maximizing performance."

Over the past year, Peregrine has taken on the management of the majority of Mission Hill’s portfolio of premium select-service and extended-stay hotels, with five transferred assets in February:

• Hilton Garden Inn, a 133-key hotel in Temple, Texas.

• Residence Inn, Waltham and Fairfield Inn & Suites Waltham, a 192-key, single-building, dual-branded hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts.

• Inn of Naples, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a recently renovated 100-key property in Naples, Florida.

• SpringHill Suites Truckee, a 114-key Marriott Bonvoy property with a mix of king and queen suites near Lake Tahoe in California.

“There continues to be high investor and consumer demand for well-located select-service hotels,” said Brandon Frederick, Senior Vice President, Operations, Select Service for Peregrine Hospitality Group. “We’re delighted for the opportunity to extend our management capabilities and expand the portfolio. Peregrine has built an outstanding and experienced team to continue to elevate the brand and capitalize on our strengths, resources, relationships, talent, expertise and knowledge of hospitality management.”

Peregrine’s portfolio of high-quality select-service hotels are located across 17 states, particularly in markets driven by year-round education, medical, corporate and leisure demand. The diverse locations demonstrate Peregrine’s ability to work across mixed-demand markets and deliver consistent and exceptional service.

The portfolio includes 21 additional select-service properties managed by Peregrine: Element Atlanta Buckhead; SpringHill Suites Atlanta Downtown; Tru by Hilton Atlanta Galleria Ballpark; Home2 Suites by Hilton Blacksburg; Residence Inn Breckenridge; Homewood Suites by Hilton Cathedral City; AC Hotel Clearwater Beach; Courtyard Clearwater Beach; AC Hotel Durham; Courtyard Edison Woodbridge; Home2Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Airport; Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach/Oceanfront; SpringHill Suites Navarre Beach; Hyatt House Portland Beaverton; Home2 Suites by Hilton Savannah Airport; Aloft Savannah Downtown Historic District; Fairfield Inn & Suites Savannah Downtown Historic District; Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs; La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Steamboat Springs; The Oread Lawrence, Tapestry Collection by Hilton; Residence Inn Tuscaloosa.

Sojern, a marketing platform built for hospitality, is excited to announce the addition of a fully managed email marketing service as part of its multichannel Commission offering. This industry-first solution streamlines marketing, making it easier to drive direct bookings, build guest loyalty, and reduce online travel agency (OTA) dependence—all within Sojern’s transparent pay-for-performance commission model. Now available in the US and Canada, with additional countries coming soon. 

Email campaigns are a powerful tool for hoteliers to engage travelers and build loyalty at every stage—from awareness to post-stay. With email marketing revenue expected to hit $17.9 billion by 2027, the channel continues to grow. However, time, expertise, and budget constraints often limit hoteliers’ ability to run effective email campaigns. 

Now, hoteliers can partner with Sojern to effortlessly execute high-performing email campaigns without the need for in-house resources. Powered by Sojern’s AI-driven marketing platform, this new fully managed service combines Sojern’s Guest Marketing Suite with the expertise of email designers and copywriters to ensure seamless campaign creation, deployment, performance and measurement. Sojern’s email solution seamlessly connects with the hotel’s property management system (PMS) to unlock powerful guest insights, enabling targeted email campaigns that drive engagement and direct bookings. Automated reconciliation further streamlines operations, allowing hoteliers to focus on the guest experience rather than manual tasks.

“Today’s travelers increasingly seek personalized experiences, from their destination choices to their on-property stays,” said Noreen Henry, Chief Revenue Officer at Sojern. “In fact, 90% of consumers expect brands to understand and anticipate their needs. As guests invest more in memorable and tailored experiences, they expect the same level of personalization from hotels before they’ve even arrived. With Sojern’s fully-managed email solution, hotel marketers can deliver timely, branded content that drives engagement, direct bookings, and loyalty—overcoming traditional bandwidth and budget hurdles without additional work.”

Cultivate Guest Relationships to Drive Direct Bookings

While many hotels still rely on bookings from OTAs, and will continue to in some capacity, the industry is shifting. Skift projects that by 2030, direct digital channels are expected to surpass OTAs as the dominant distribution channel for hoteliers, with an estimated $409 billion in direct bookings compared to $333 billion from OTAs. Sojern’s fully managed email service helps hoteliers capitalize on this shift by delivering brand-aligned email campaigns that engage past guests, encourage repeat stays, reduce OTA dependence, and recapture abandoned bookings. And since repeat customers spend 67% more than new guests, investing in customized branded email campaigns isn’t just smart—it's a revenue-driving necessity. 

Early adopter Nicole Willams, Principal/VP Sales & Marketing, Daryon Hotels International said, “Working with Sojern has been a fantastic experience. Their email marketing campaigns have been a game-changer, helping us reach the right audience and drive more bookings. The process is seamless, the reporting is clear, and the results speak for themselves.” 

Pay Only for Results

Budget constraints often limit hotel marketers’ abilities to get their brand in front of potential travelers. Rather than frontloading costs, Sojern’s pay-for-performance pricing model is tied directly to revenue, allowing hoteliers to participate in managed email campaigns by only paying for performance. 

Beyond reducing upfront costs, Sojern’s multichannel approach allows hoteliers to ensure every touchpoint works together seamlessly to maximize conversions. With sophisticated attribution, hoteliers are able to engage travelers across channels, optimizing marketing spend and effectiveness to maximize ROI.

To learn more about Sojern’s fully-managed email offering as part of its Commission solution, hoteliers can join the waitlist here.