 
			
			In the heart of the holiday season, a striking shift has emerged in consumer behavior, with spending taking a noticeable dip while travel intentions remain surprisingly resilient. According to a comprehensive survey of 4,000 US consumers balanced across generations, regions, and genders, holiday
 
			
			In the ever-evolving hospitality industry, a troubling trend has emerged as guest satisfaction at branded hotels managed by third-party operators takes a noticeable hit, with rising operational expenses putting immense pressure on these management companies tasked with upholding brand standards on
 
			
			Imagine an industry where diversity in leadership is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality, where talent from underrepresented communities shapes the future of global hospitality. At Howard University, the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership (MSCHL) is turning this vision
 
			
			I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, our esteemed hospitality expert, who brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive background in travel, tourism, entertainment, and events. With her keen insights into industry trends and growth strategies, Katarina is the perfect person to dive
 
			
			Imagine a vibrant street like Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, pulsating with music and history, yet failing to sustain a bold new hotel concept despite its prime location. This scenario encapsulates the closure of Hyatt’s first Caption by Hyatt hotel, a 136-room property launched as a flagship
 
			
			What does it take to command a hotel in an era where guest expectations shift as rapidly as travel trends, and every stay could make or break a brand's reputation? In the high-stakes world of hospitality, leadership is the linchpin that can transform a property from just another stopover to a