Good Morning Hospitality

This week on GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy, Steve Turk, and guest host Alexi Huntley Khajavi dive into the top stories shaping hospitality. They discuss Marriott Hotels’s acquisition of citizenM hotels and the recent wave of hotel layoffs in Las Vegas, highlighting how automation and shifting service models are redefining the workforce. Hyatt’s CEO signals softening booking trends, while in travel, Southwest debuts fare bundles to boost value, and travelers face mounting confusion around the looming Real ID deadline. Tune in for analysis, industry shifts, and what it all means for hospitality’s future. ---- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good Morning Hospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠order here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GoodMorningHospitality.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm

In this special GMH EU x STR mashup, Leo Walton and Wil Slickers team up live from Denver during the STR Hospitality Summit to tackle some of the most pressing cross-Atlantic hospitality topics. From Airbnb’s evolving stance on quality and guest expectations to Expedia Group’s layoffs and the growing impact of AI on operational efficiency, the duo dives into how booking patterns, guest behavior, and short-term rental value are shifting in both Europe and the U.S. They unpack what it means to hold your rate, build meaningful guest experiences, and the opportunity of being the destination—not just the accommodation. Plus, they touch on the recent acquisition of Finca Mallorca by Holidu, the future of distribution beyond OTAs, and why this summer could make or break the M&A scene in STR. Tune in for candid insights, conference energy, and a few good laughs. ---- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good Morning Hospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠order here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GoodMorningHospitality.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm

In this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers, Brandreth Canaley, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane break down Airbnb’s Q1 2025 results, highlighting slowing growth in the U.S. and a surge in international markets. The team covers the shift in nights and experiences booked, record-high ADRs, and what CEO Brian Chesky means when he says Airbnb is nearing the "end of the beginning." We also unpack the key takeaways from Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) and Expedia Group’s Q1 earnings—what their results say about the state of online travel, how each platform is investing in AI, and where they're pulling back. Plus, we explore the macro trends driving travel this summer and why all three OTAs are bracing for softer U.S. demand. This one’s packed with insights for operators, investors, and tech vendors across travel and hospitality. ---- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Good Morning Hospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠ is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠⁠⁠ Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn page⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—⁠⁠⁠⁠order here!⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest ⁠⁠⁠⁠here!⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at ⁠⁠⁠⁠GoodMorningHospitality.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm

In this discussion, Steve Schwab, founder and CEO of Casago, dives into the company's groundbreaking $128 million acquisition of Vacasa. He shares his unique journey from military service to building a successful business focused on owner satisfaction. Steve outlines how transitioning Vacasa to a franchise model will reshape the vacation rental management landscape. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and trust in brand integration and the challenges faced in creating a respected name in a competitive market.

On this episode of Good Morning Outdoors, Matt Whitermore and Alex Burkett are joined by special guest-hosts Tori and Seth Bolt of Bolt Farm Treehouse, who share exciting news about bringing America’s first floating mirror cabin to life. The Bolts give us a behind-the-scenes look at what inspired the concept, what guests can expect, and how it aligns with their mission to create once-in-a-lifetime stays rooted in nature. We also dive into a growing conversation around glamping’s corporate evolution, spurred by a recent Thrillist article exploring how major investment might actually enhance the traveler experience. Outside Magazine reports that outdoor gear prices are climbing due to new tariffs, with 84% of surveyed brands bracing for cost increases. In other news, Outdoorsy launches “Outdoorsy Escapes,” a bundled RV-and-stay vacation offering with destinations across TX, CA, and FL, in partnership with Spot2Nite. Timberline Glamping adds a new Alabama Gulf Coast site, and Open Road Resorts acquires a 125-site RV park in Wyoming. We wrap with RVIA’s latest data showing a 13.9% increase in RV shipments this spring, driven by high-end towables and shifting travel behaviors. It’s a fast-paced week of trends, launches, and economic shifts—only on Good Morning Outdoors! ---- ⁠⁠Good Morning Hospitality⁠⁠ is part of the ⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠ Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our ⁠⁠LinkedIn page⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—⁠⁠order here!⁠⁠ • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest ⁠⁠here!⁠⁠ • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at ⁠⁠GoodMorningHospitality.com⁠⁠ Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm

This week, Sarah Nan DuPre and Leo Walton cover major shifts happening across the short-term rental industry. HomeToGo launches a creative marketing initiative, offering guests the chance to stay pitch-side at FC Union Berlin’s stadium. Meanwhile, Airbnb introduces controversial new policies around off-platform communication, security deposits, and transparency in fees, sparking significant host backlash. Sarah and Leo break down the changes and the potential long-term impact on hosts and property managers. They also dive into how short-term rentals are facing growing scrutiny from travelers and regulators. With younger guests more skeptical and expectations for service rising, they discuss why delivering consistent, high-quality experiences is critical for the future of the industry. ---- ⁠Good Morning Hospitality⁠ is part of the ⁠Hospitality.FM⁠ Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our ⁠LinkedIn page⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠ every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—⁠order here!⁠ • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest ⁠here!⁠ • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at ⁠GoodMorningHospitality.com⁠ Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm

On this episode of Good Morning Outdoors, Matt Whitermore and Alex Burkett are back to cover the latest shifts shaping outdoor hospitality and travel.We kick things off with a look at the current state of the outdoor retail market and what growth or stability could look like in 2025, as reported by the Outdoor Industry Association. From shifting consumer behavior to strategic bets on product and brand alignment, we break down what it all means for operators and guests alike.Then we head into the world of deals and developments: Highway West Vacations expands its footprint with three new property acquisitions, and KCN acquires the Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA for $5.2 million.In innovation news, Pebble begins production of its flagship all-electric travel trailer—the Pebble Flow—and Azure Printed Homes celebrates three years in business with a successful third funding round, pointing to growing momentum in sustainable prefab design.We wrap with a look at Campspot’s biggest booking week of 2025 and what the data reveals about demand, pricing, and traveler behavior heading into peak season.Tune in for insights, headlines, and real talk from the road—this week on Good Morning Outdoors.----Good Morning Hospitality is part of the Hospitality.FM Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM OriginalThe hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content.Make sure to tune in during our live show on our LinkedIn page or YouTube every week and join the conversation live!Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—order here! • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest here! • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at GoodMorningHospitality.comThank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm

This week on GMH Hotel, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk dive into a packed lineup of hospitality headlines. They unpack why luxury hotels often miss top brand rankings despite premium offerings and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American motel — a travel icon getting a fresh look. The team also covers a new The Pan Am Experience-themed hotel coming to L.A., and how U.S. airlines are riding strong passenger momentum into 2025. In family travel news, The Walt Disney Company’s new free dining plan for kids could shift value perceptions. Tune in for trends, nostalgia, and thoughtful industry insights.----Good Morning Hospitality is part of the Hospitality.FM Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM OriginalThe hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content.Make sure to tune in during our live show on our LinkedIn page or YouTube every week and join the conversation live!Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—order here! • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest here! • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at GoodMorningHospitality.comThank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm

This week, Sarah Nan DuPre and Leo Walton dive into what's driving a 24% boost in Easter travel bookings across Europe, with Italy and Greece leading thanks to warm weather and Jubilee-year demand. They discuss new EU regulations forcing cruise ships to pay for carbon emissions and what that means for over-tourism. The episode also covers Sonder Inc.'s financial struggles, its integration with Marriott International, and whether it can live up to guest expectations. Plus, how changing climates may be shifting peak travel seasons across Europe.----Good Morning Hospitality is part of the Hospitality.FM Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM OriginalThe hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content.Make sure to tune in during our live show on our LinkedIn page or YouTube every week and join the conversation live!Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—order here! • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest here! • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at GoodMorningHospitality.comThank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm

On today’s episode of Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, and Brandreth Canaley break down three of the biggest headlines in travel and hospitality this week. Vacasa’s special committee officially rejected Davidson Kempner Capital Management’s improved acquisition bid of $5.75 per share, calling it “not reasonably likely” to result in a superior proposal compared to the current Casago-led offer. With the shareholder vote looming, this move may bring an end to the takeover drama.Expedia Group is also making waves with a renewed focus on its B2B travel tech strategy. In a recent Q&A on Skift, company leadership highlighted their efforts to simplify the messaging around their B2B offerings and strengthen relationships with partners like banks, loyalty programs, and large-scale travel distributors.And over at Airbnb, the platform is doubling down on its policies around off-platform bookings and fee transparency. A new policy update reinforces that all required fees must be disclosed at the time of booking and that moving guests off the platform is a serious violation.From M&A tension to evolving tech strategies and policy updates, this episode dives into the forces shaping the guest and operator experience in 2025.----Good Morning Hospitality is part of the Hospitality.FM Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM OriginalThe hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content.Make sure to tune in during our live show on our LinkedIn page or YouTube every week and join the conversation live!Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—order here! • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest here! • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at GoodMorningHospitality.comThank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm