Latest from Hospitality Net
Hospitality Net
2 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Travel & Tourism in Egypt Reaches Historic Milestones
London, UK - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed record-breaking data for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector, with 2024 marking the highest-ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass that record once again. According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4TN to Egypt's GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy. Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to set a new all-time high with a forecast annual growth of 4.9% and increase in the sector's share to 8.6% of national GDP. This underlines the central role of Travel & Tourism in Egypt's continued economic development. Visitor Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Records 2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure reached EGP 726.9BN, up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9BN, 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend is set to continue. In 2025, international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2BN, and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6BN, maintaining the country's strong recovery and sustained demand across both international and local travel. Employment Growth Exceeds 2019 Levels In addition to record-breaking economic contribution and visitor spending, in 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. This growth is set to continue, with 2025 employment forecast to rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019. Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country's growth. With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government's focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO A Decade of Growth WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector. By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute EGP 2.1TN to the national economy, accounting for 8.4% of GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5% of total employment, and highlighting the sector's critical role in job creation. Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to EGP 1.1TN, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627BN, reflecting Egypt's potential to become one of the region's most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. Editors Notes All figures given in EGP About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
Hospitality Net
3 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
France Set to Maintain Unmatched 2024 Growth in Travel & Tourism
London, UK - France's Travel & Tourism sector reached new historic heights in 2024 and is on track to exceed this exceptional performance throughout 2025, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics, confirms that in 2024, Travel & Tourism in France surpassed all previous records across economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending, solidifying the country's leadership as the world's most visited destination. The sector contributed €266.2BN to the French economy, 10.1% above 2019 levels and equivalent to 9.1% of the national GDP. Travel & Tourism also supported three million jobs, employing 300,000 more people than in 2019. International visitor spending reached €72.5BN, while domestic visitor spending climbed to €142.1BN, reflecting strong and balanced demand, seeing a hike of 7.1% and 5.7% on peak levels, respectively. 2025: Sustaining Record Momentum According to WTTC projections, 2025 is expected to continue this upward trajectory and improve on the previous year's historic peak across all analysed metrics. The sector is forecast to contribute €274.2BN to the GDP, increasing to 9.3% share of the economy, while employment is expected to reach 3.1 million jobs – nearly 1 in 10 people employed by Travel & Tourism in France. International visitor spending is projected to rise to €75.1BN, with domestic spend reaching €144.2BN. This enduring performance highlights France's strong tourism fundamentals, from world-class cultural and leisure assets to robust transport infrastructure and sustained government support. France continues to set the pace for Travel & Tourism worldwide. After a historic 2024, the sector is expected to maintain its growth into 2025 and beyond. The successful hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased France on the global stage, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination with the capacity to deliver exceptional experiences at scale. France remains a beacon for travellers globally. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO Looking Ahead to 2035: A Decade of Opportunity WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Travel & Tourism in France could contribute €308.4BN to the national economy, equivalent to 9.4% of GDP, and support 3.5 million jobs — representing 11.2% of total employment. The sector is expected to remain a pillar of growth and opportunity, driven by evolving consumer trends, growing global demand, and investments in innovation and sustainability. A Glimpse into the European Union In 2024, the EU Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost €1.8TN to the region's GDP, representing more than 10% of the Bloc's economy, and above 2019 levels by almost 6%. The sector's employment grew by 4.7%, year-on-year, to 24.6 million jobs, accounting for one in nine jobs across the region. By 2025, WTTC forecasts that the EU Travel & Tourism sector will reach almost €1.9TN, representing 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment linked to the sector is estimated to total 25.7 million people, or 12% of the regional total. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
Hospitality Net
4 days ago
- Hospitality Net
Esperanza Lake Resort Joins Design Hotels and Unveils a Refreshed Identity
Design Hotels' newest member in Lithuania, Esperanza Lake Resort, is reopening this month following a three-year renovation and redesign. An expanded 1,000-square-meter wellness center is complemented by a refined private beach, 15 hectares of private forest, two renewed restaurants, and panoramic views of one of the country's most protected and untouched natural sanctuaries: Aukštaitija National Park. Nestled within a dense Lithuanian forest and sitting on the shores of a crystal-clear lake just 40 minutes outside Vilnius, Esperanza Lake Resort—a new member of Design Hotels—is unveiling a refreshed design and expanded footprint this month. First established 12 years ago, the resort has undergone a three-year renovation that places a renewed focus on natural materials, exceptional gastronomy, and guests' wellbeing. The high-end resort now offers a peaceful and secluded hideaway among centuries-old pines and the quiet beaches of Lake Ungurys. For the redesign, the team at Kirson Design—a studio based in Riga—found inspiration in the hotel's original structure, made from preserved cedar logs, as well as the surrounding landscape. The wood's rich texture, natural aging, and sculptural warmth, alongside the area's forest, lake, and shifting light, led to a design language rooted in earthiness and restraint. Outside, the architecture follows the land's natural contours, allowing each of the three buildings to blend into the landscape. Inside, benches, curtains, beds, and other furnishings have been hand-crafted from weathered cedar, natural oak and stone, clay, and linen—materials chosen for their texture, tactility, and ability to age beautifully. Such details and décor also reflect the region's rich cultural tapestry: the resort collaborated with local artisans and producers on everything from custom wooden joinery to bespoke ceramics. Every design decision was made to cultivate a sense of stillness, presence, and quiet luxury—to create a space where guests feel held by nature rather than removed from it. This sense of quietude extends to guestrooms, where panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows open to serene lake and forest views. Throughout the 28 rooms, including 13 suites, preserved cedar log walls, clay-toned plaster, wide-plank oak floors, and soft fabrics instill a feeling of warmth. This is complemented by sculptural furnishings, including wooden armchairs, custom oak beds and wardrobes, woven pendant lights, wool poufs, and GAN rugs by Patricia Urquiola and Sandra Figuerola. Bathrooms feature carved solid oak vanities and stone basins and flooring, alongside toiletries by Le Labo, selected for their natural ingredients and nature-inspired scents. With a defining color palette of soft greys, warm beiges, charcoal, and browns" occasionally punctuated by the deep green of pine or the dark blue of the lake, a sense of calm and cohesion permeates every room. During the renovation, the hotel's two dining spaces were also reconceived, both conceptually and physically. A second-floor restaurant serving classic European fare has been replaced by Olea, one of few restaurants in Lithuania to explore contemporary Greek cuisine. Guests can begin their day here with a Greek-inspired à la carte breakfast menu. Come sunset, an elegant dinner experience offers authentic Greek favorites and Mediterranean classics. Elsewhere, the hotel's Japanese fusion lakeside restaurant, Mizu Beach by Heji, underwent an expansion: Instead of offering summer-only service, guests can now dine alfresco or indoors, indulging in dishes prepared over an open robata grill and delicate cuts of sashimi year-round. In-house executive chef Aleksandras Fedorovicius oversees both restaurants—as well as the property's sister restaurant Heji in Vilnius—and uses only the freshest, most natural ingredients. Unfolding across 15 hectares of private forest and lakeshore, the resort's location and amenities encourage guests of all ages to reconnect with themselves and the land. Direct access to Lake Ungurys, a secluded beach, and a peaceful network of forest trails for jogging, walking, or cycling are complemented by a newly expanded 1,000-square-meter wellness center. Spread across two floors, the wellness area features two saunas, a Pilates studio, and 11 treatment rooms where advanced technology is used to provide next-generation wellness experiences. Highlights include the Cloud-9 sleep therapy system for nervous system reset, Charcot shower hydrotherapy, and Winform CRV Tecar for body sculpting and recovery. Elsewhere on the property, guests will discover a private animal refuge with alpacas and peacocks, three outdoor padel courts, recreational fishing experiences, and stand-up paddle boards. Younger guests can enjoy a natural playground. Across the entire property, public and private spaces feel natural, quiet, and unobtrusive, with soft transitions between indoors and out. Here, nothing is overdesigned; rather, every element is thoughtfully created to invite stillness and connection, to support presence, not performance. LOCATION Esperanza Lake Resort is located in Aukštaitija National Park in Paunguriai, Trakai, Lithuania, just a 40-minute drive from Vilnius. Beyond enjoying the natural landscape and outdoor activities in the region, guests can visit the nearby Trakai Island Castle and experience a wealth of multicultural legacies, from Karaim heritage tours to traditional kibinai baking workshops. For those seeking a deeper connection with the area, curated visits to local farms, artisans' workshops, and spiritual sites provide an authentic glimpse into life in this historic corner of the country. Hotel website
Hospitality Net
4 days ago
- Hospitality Net
Luxury Family Hotels Announces Full Renovation and Phased Reopening of Woolley Grange from October 2025
Luxury Family Hotels is delighted to announce that Woolley Grange, its cherished Jacobean manor house near the picturesque city of Bath, has closed temporarily for a significant full renovation of its rooms, common areas, restaurants and gardens. The hotel will begin a phased reopening from early October 2025, in time for Half Term, marking a bold new era for this much-loved family retreat. Heading up the design is the team at StudioJill who have worked with the collection across Fowey Hall on the Cornish Coast, Moonfleet Manor on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and New Park Manor in the heart of the New Forest. The design concept adheres to a 'new yet nostalgic' approach, ensuring that Woolley Grange, upon reopening, will step into a fresh chapter that celebrates its cherished heritage while unveiling a beautifully reimagined identity. The full-property renovation will encompass all 25 rooms and suites as well as the public areas, including the Restaurant, Drawing Room, Long Room, Afternoon Tea Lounge, Private Dining, The Orangery, the family-friendly Spa, Indoor Swimming Pool and the multitude of children's facilities, such as the Ofsted-registered Woolley Bears Den children's club and the Hen House for tweens and teens. The transformation will introduce a more holistic design thread across the house, uniting its Jacobean roots and later additions in one cohesive, characterful story. Drawing on a palette of earthy tones, rich textures, crewelwork, aged oak, and rustic finishes, the redesign brings a sense of place that is true to Woolley's historic character where cosy corners, worn flagstones, and country eccentricity are celebrated. From reimagined bedrooms and suites to the lounge, restaurants, spa, and children's areas, the transformation will balance modern comfort with timeless charm, layered with playful touches that speak to the building's personality. Throughout the hotel, quirky and tactile details from patterned textiles to the hotel's much-loved curiosities such as the vintage fairground rides and bear are mixed with new and vintage details and artefacts offering the guests a sensory experience that feels distinct of the beloved Luxury Family Hotels portfolio. Above all, Woolley Grange remains where families return, a place full of character, comfort, and memory-making. With every element lovingly considered, this next chapter brings new stories, spaces, and experiences rooted in the warmth and welcome that has defined Woolley Grange for generations. Hotel website
Hospitality Net
5 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Reviewpro Reputation Supercharges Its AI Responses Feature to Boost Hotel Efficiency and Personalization
BARCELONA, Spain – Shiji, the global hospitality technology leader is announcing a significant upgrade to Reviewpro Reputation's AI Responses feature, turning what was once a tedious task into an efficient, consistent experience. With a single click, hoteliers can generate context-aware response drafts aligned with tone preferences, property insights, and guest feedback so they can redirect valuable staff time toward meaningful guest service. The result: faster, more consistent engagement and elevated trust with prospective guests. Just one month into a trial, HM Hotels used AI responses to respond to over 82% of 661 reviews received, with a response time for negative and neutral reviews under 2.7 days, with a 100% response rate on key platforms like Google, and Tripadvisor. Responding to online reviews is a key driver of reputation performance, but operational pressure often leads to delays or inconsistency. Reviewpro Reputation's enhanced AI Responses feature tackles the root challenge: the blank response box. By automatically generating a polished draft, complete with acknowledgment of both praise and critique, hotels maintain a high standard of responsiveness. Clients define their tone (formal, friendly, empathetic, and the new 'Business Casual'), preferred length, and signature template, and the tool seamlessly integrates 'Property Insights' to ensure replies feel aligned with the brand's voice. AI Review Responses is not just about responding fast. It lets hotels to efficiently respond in a brand aligned voice and frees staff to focus on delivering remarkable guest experiences. The new bulk generation option takes efficiency to the next level. It allows teams to generate responses for multiple reviews at once. This helps staff save valuable time and maintain full control over the responses sent. Rafael Patiño, Senior Director of Product Management at Reviewpro Reputation Key upgrades: Tailored Tone & Structure: Users now choose from enhanced tone options—formal, friendly, empathetic, and the versatile 'Business Casual,' which blends professionalism with warmth and ensures proper pronoun use across languages. Users now choose from enhanced tone options—formal, friendly, empathetic, and the versatile 'Business Casual,' which blends professionalism with warmth and ensures proper pronoun use across languages. Workflow Visibility: The new 'AI Response Generated' icon and dedicated filters enable managers to track which reviews are draft‑ready and which are live, eliminating oversight and promoting accountability. The new 'AI Response Generated' icon and dedicated filters enable managers to track which reviews are draft‑ready and which are live, eliminating oversight and promoting accountability. Bulk Replies: One-click bulk response capability enables hoteliers to generate contextual replies for 20+ reviews simultaneously, ideal for busy teams or large properties. One-click bulk response capability enables hoteliers to generate contextual replies for 20+ reviews simultaneously, ideal for busy teams or large properties. Intentional Co‑Pilot Design: Hoteliers retain full editorial control, with every draft reviewable and editable before publishing. These enhancements arrive at a time when guest expectations are higher than ever. As travelers increasingly pay attention to how hotels respond to feedback, consistent and thoughtful replies have become a key differentiator. And since the average response time globally has dropped from 10 days in 2021 to just 3.2 days in 2025, hotels looking to stay competitive need to align with this new standard. To learn more about AI Responses, visit About Shiji Shiji is a global technology company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for the hospitality industry, ensuring seamless operations for hoteliers day and night. Built on the Shiji Platform—the only truly global hotel technology platform—Shiji's cloud -based portfolio includes Property Management System, Point-of-Sale, guest engagement, distribution, payments, and data intelligence solutions for over 91,000 hotels worldwide, including the largest chains. With more than 5,000 employees across the world, Shiji is a trusted partner for the world's leading hoteliers, delivering technology that works as continuously as the industry itself. That's why the best hotels run on Shiji—day and night. While its primary focus is on hospitality, Shiji also serves select customers in food service, retail, and entertainment in certain regions. For more information, visit View source
