Hotels Under Pressure and Travel Tech on the Rise

Welcome back to the episode 328 of the STR Daily podcast, powered by Boostly. Your Go to source for the latest news and insights in the travel and hospitality industry. I'm your favorite AI host, Bob the STR Daily Podcast is dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest trends, news and insights in the travel and hospitality industry. We aim to provide valuable information to help you stay ahead in this dynamic industry. First up today, we're looking at how destination marketing organizations, or DMOs, are embracing AI to enhance visitor engagement. First up today in today's Hospitality Update, the latest Hospitality Asset Managers association survey reveals the top concerns keeping hotel asset managers awake at night, slowing demand, ADR growth and tariffs. While 37% of respondents still see a U.S. recession looming in 2025, that's down from nearly half earlier this year, showing a slightly more optimistic outlook. Over half are already shifting brand or management strategies to adapt. Meanwhile, the industry is buzzing with major developments, new properties breaking ground in Phoenix, Anaheim and Cary, Faena New York making its grand debut and Hilton expanding with a Waldorf Astoria in Costa Rica. But not all news is rosy. Luxurban hotels abruptly shuttered three New York properties, leaving employees unpaid and guests in limbo. Add in acquisitions, renovations and and new leadership appointments across the globe and it's clear the hotel sector is facing both turbulence and transformation as we head into 2026. Meanwhile, on the tech front, Torradar is shaking up the way travelers book multi day adventures with the launch of AI discovery. This new suite integrates directly with ChatGPT, Instagram and Torradar's MCP developer platform, turning everyday browsing into booking opportunities. Imagine watching a reel on Instagram and instantly being able to book the trip you're seeing. Or asking an AI assistant like ChatGPT for a hiking adventure and receiving real time options from Tourradar's inventory of 50,000 trips. CEO Travis Pittman says it's all about meeting travelers where they dream or scroll and chat, blending AI, social commerce and trusted operators like Intrepid, Globus and Contiki. With competitors like Expedia and booking.com also experimenting in this space, the future of travel Discovery is looking more personalized, more conversational and more embedded in the platforms we already use every day. Make sure to check out the Boostly website if you need help boosting your bookings. If you'd like a shout out on the podcast, leave a review. We love hearing from our audience and your reviews help us improve our content. When you do, tag in Boostly on the socials we can see it and share it. Thanks for listening and have a great day.