This article reviews rising tourism and its impact on third and fourth tier cities. While major cities still make up the primary destination travel sector, tourism growth has greatly expanded into third and fourth tier destination experiences. This article examines some of the contributing factors compelling overtourism concerns, local impact and challenges with indicative strategies to balance hospitality, and wellness tourism segments. This article also reviews the importance of managing local resources, leisure appropriations and new infrastructure developments to identify opportunities for growth with well-adjusted outcomes for the future. Read on...

In order to compete for market share in the luxury hotel world, owners and operators need to think beyond design and more about experience. What are some things hoteliers should consider in bringing a unique guest stay to life? David Ashen, president & CEO of interior design and brand consulting firm dash design, explores ways to utilize unusual and bespoke amenities – from VIP backstage experiences to tricked out gear garages -- to differentiate one hotel brand from another and more fully speak the luxury language of today's savvy traveler. Read on...

There is a perception that lodging brand standards conflict with the development of historic buildings into hotels. This is more of a past problem than a current one. Well-located downtown land is becoming scarce, hotel brands are getting experienced in working with historic buildings, and market demands are fostering niche-driven brands that seek local connections. One great example is Baton Rouge's Watermark Hotel under Marriott's Autograph brand. This 1925 one-time bank headquarters 12-story skyscraper was transformed into a modern hotel balancing the unique and local qualities of the building with the need for a upscale hotel experience. Read on...

With strong trading results in 2018 the future looks bright for the majority of hotels across Europe. Increasing visitor numbers to favourite destinations continue to boost performance while investor interest remains healthy for both single and portfolio assets. Hotel values across Europe saw an increase last year, although not at the levels of the previous year, with only six markets seeing hotel values drop. However, some destinations face unprecedented levels of new supply coming on-stream bringing increased competition and pressure on revenue while others face difficult geopolitical situations which is impacting visitor numbers, says Magalí Castells , senior associate, HVS London. Read on...