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1. Savills names UK's hotel market 'most liquid' in Europe
In a new report, Savills labeled the United Kingdom's hotel investment market the "most liquid" in Europe. The country accounted for 30% of European hotel transaction volume in 2024 and 24% for both 2025 and the first half of 2026.
"In a more selective investment market, liquidity matters," the report reads. "The UK’s depth of capital, diverse buyer pool and proven exit market continue to differentiate it from much of Europe."
2. US inflation held at 3.4% in August
The U.S. Department of Labor reported the annual rate of inflation was 3.4% in August, according to the Wall Street Journal. When excluding volatile food and energy prices, inflation was up 2.4% on an annual basis.
"The August inflation reading has big implications for a Federal Reserve that has been sharply divided over whether it should raise rates at its policy-setting meeting next week," the newspaper reports. "At the Fed’s last meeting, in July, three officials dissented in favor of raising rates, and others have since said they could join them if inflation doesn’t improve. Heading into Friday’s report, interest-rate futures implied there was a two in three chance the central bank would increase its target range on overnight rates by a quarter point."
3. Travelers 'book' a hotel stay
As travelers seek out new experiences during their trips, many book lovers are finding ways to incorporate their favorite hobby as well, reports CoStar News Hotels' Natalie Harms.
Recognizing the trend, Hyatt Hotels Corp. is one of several hotel companies that has embraced this new experience, launching Camp Unwritten in 2024 through a partnership with outdoor lifestyle brand Under Canvas. The program offers guests an upscale tent at participating Under Canvas properties, and guests can join in author-led conversations and other programming form Reese's Book Club.
"The demand has been such that [there are] authors we're now hearing from who really want to be a part of it. So, there's definitely something magical there happening," said Laurie Blair, senior vice president of global marketing and loyalty at Hyatt.
4. Fast food companies refocus on hospitality
Recent strategy changes at several fast food companies indicate that service industries actually do better when they lean into the human side of hospitality, the Wall Street Journal reports. McDonald's, Burger King and Starbucks are among a group of restaurants taking another look at their service models.
“Food is important,” said Tiffanie Boyd, McDonald’s global chief people officer. “Price is important, but experience has also become much more important than it used to be.”
5. JetBlue reduces capacity-growth outlook
JetBlue Airways has reduced its third-quarter capacity-growth outlook, citing bad weather and other disruptions, the Wall Street Journal reports. It expects available seat miles to increase 1.5% to 3.5% during the quarter, down from 3% to 6%.
The airline said it encountered operation disruptions in July and August from bad weather and air traffic control issues. It pointed to cancellations related to the air traffic control issues.
JetBlue also raised its third-quarter expectations for cost per available seat mile growth, excluding fuel, to 6% to 8% from 2.5% to 4.5%.