Resilience, Realism, and the Rise of Experiential Travel

Hospitality pros are feeling the headwinds — but also something else: cautious optimism. For #NoVacancyNews I spoke with Brittney Jones of Brittain Resorts & Hotels to find out what owners are really thinking. From interest rate shifts to #hotel brand reinventions to economic headwinds, we get into the mindset behind the moves.

We discuss the emotional fatigue that’s driving hope, the surge in independent hotel strategies, and why experiential travel isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the new baseline. If you’re navigating Q4 with grit and strategy, this one’s for you.

💡 Special thanks to my friends at Entegra — if you’re still overpaying, you’re doing it wrong. Visit Entegraps.com and get serious about saving.

🎧 Key takeaways:

• Brittney says owners are cautiously optimistic about Q4 and 2026
• Emotional exhaustion is fueling a desire for momentum
• New brand launches are leaning into memory-making over material perks
• #Independenthotels are gaining traction — and major brands are watching
• Brittney shares how Brittain Hotels is adapting to the shift
• I remind us: if we survived COVID, we can handle anything