Widespread distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations around most of the world in 2021 signified the start of a global hotel industry recovery.
Other headlining topics — from the leisure travel boom to the emergence of different COVID-19 variants — heralded a mix of highs and lows for the industry in 2021, and set the stage for what to expect in 2022.
Hotel News Now's Stephanie Ricca takes us through a tour of 2021's headlines and what implications those stories may have in the future.
Stories referenced in the video:
2021: The Year of the Vaccine
- With Vaccinations Rolling Out, UK Government Prepares For Hotel Openings
- Experts Find Bright Spots in North American Hotel Data
- Demand, Vaccine Fuel Optimism For Russia's Hoteliers
Defining Early Recovery
- Hotel Recovery in Asia-Pacific Expected to Pick Up Pace
- US Hotel Industry Recovery Playing Out Unevenly
- Europe's Inconsistent COVID-19 Response Likely To Delay Hotel Recovery
Leisure Boom
- Leisure Demand Lifts US Hotel Industry Closer to 2019 Comparisons
- Tokyo Olympics' Hotel Boost Might Happen Long After Games End
- Playa Hotels & Resorts Expands Options, Partnerships in Mexico, Caribbean
Lingering Operations Challenges
- From Supply Shortages to Employee Burnout, Hotel Operators Cope with Ongoing Challenges
- Hotel Recovery Faces Challenges From Worker Shortage, Rising Labor Costs
- Opt-In Housekeeping Model Offers Staff Flexibility, Guest Choice
What About Business Travel?
- Hotel Executives Expect Business Travel To 'Roar Back' in 2022
- US Tourism Leaders Prioritize Return of Business, International Travel
- STR: Expo Lifts Dubai Hotel Rates to Three-Year High
Borders Reopen
- Phased Border Reopening, End of Lockdowns Buoy Australia's Hoteliers
- US Hoteliers Optimistic As Borders Reopen for Non-Essential Travel
- Hotels in Asia Pacific Region See Signs of Recovery
Omicron And ...
- 5 Things To Know for Nov. 29
- 5 Things To Know for Nov. 30
- 5 Things To Know for Dec. 6
- 5 Things To Know for Dec. 7
For the full commentary on 2021's leading topics, watch the video above.