Insights > Viewpoints

Explore Analysis and Viewpoints

Viewpoint

Sip, savor, explore: the allure of wine tourism

Experience tourism has shifted from being solely about leisure to becoming a deeper, more purposeful journey. What once revolved around sightseeing and ticking off landmarks has evolved into immersive encounters with local culture, authentic activities, and meaningful connections. Today’s travelers aren’t just visiting—they’re seeking to live the destination. This evolution reflects the growing demand for personalized and authentic experiences that stray from mass tourism products. Tourists are looking for interaction with local communities, learning traditional skills, participating in local festivities, and understanding the cultural and historical context of the area.

Diego Rodriguez
Diego Rodriguez
Managing Director, Argentina
Viewpoint
Video

Hotel, finance experts see bright future for extended stay

CORAL GABLES, Florida — Hotel Investment Today gathered leading hotel and finance executives for an exclusive April 30, 2025, roundtable here to discuss the current and future state of the extended-stay sector. Their takeaway: Extended stay has “a lot of expanding upside”. Extended-stay experts say expanding investor interest, evolving growth options at different price points and increasing lender buy-in signal a bright outlook for the industry’s “most lucrative business model.”

Bryan Younge
Bryan Younge
Managing Partner, USA
Viewpoint

From ski chalets to boutique hotels – luxury rental entrepreneurs embrace lifestyle hospitalité

In Aspen, Colorado, a once-private lodge has transformed into an ultra-exclusive hotel experience. The Aspen Street Lodge – the first boutique hotel to open in Aspen in over 25 years – features just nine guest rooms and a penthouse, blending a residential-style design with five-star amenities like a rooftop deck, private chef, and even an in-house adventure concierge. This evolution from luxury vacation rental to boutique hotel is no anomaly. Around the world, entrepreneurs who cut their teeth managing high-end vacation homes are now scaling new heights in hospitality by developing intimate hotels and branded residences. It’s a trend fueled by surging demand for experiential travel and lifestyle-driven stays, especially in elite destinations such as Aspen, Vail, and Park City.

Bryan Younge
Bryan Younge
Managing Partner, USA
Viewpoint

Outdoor hospitality in Europe: the rise of the horizontal hotel

Outdoor hospitality in Europe – once seen as rustic or seasonal – is experiencing a major transformation. Spurred by the pandemic, technological advances, and investor interest, this sector is evolving into one of the most dynamic and resilient parts of the tourism landscape. Travellers are now choosing nature-based experiences, combining comfort with open-air escapes.

Irene Santos
Irene Santos
Consultant, Spain
Viewpoint

A new talent cycle in hospitality

The hospitality industry is entering a new cycle of growth. Despite solid momentum in both investment and demand, it continues to face a persistent structural challenge: the shortage of qualified talent. In this context, the way people are managed has become a critical factor, with direct implications for operational sustainability and the guest experience.

Philip Bacon
Philip Bacon
Senior Director, Spain
Viewpoint

Between brand and individuality: how white-label operators influence the hotel industry

White-label operators are playing an increasingly important role in the hotel industry in Germany. But what exactly is behind this concept, and what opportunities and challenges does it present for the sector? We take a closer look at the key developments and their impact on the market.

Susann Sparwasser
Susann Sparwasser
Consultant, Germany