U.S. Hotels Face Profitability Pressures as GetYourGuide Expands AI-Powered Partner Tools

STR Daily Podcast

We explore the U.S. hotel industry’s post-pandemic rebound, highlighting rising costs, pressure on profitability, and strategic management insights. Meanwhile, GetYourGuide’s AI-powered Fall 2025 updates empower experience providers with smarter tools, enhanced discovery, and streamlined operations.

We dive into the current state of the U.S. hotel industry and explore how technology is reshaping the experiences market.

U.S. Hotel Industry Post-Pandemic Recovery
The U.S. hotel industry in 2025 has successfully recovered revenue levels, surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks. Luxury and ultra-luxury properties continue to outperform, attracting high-spending travelers and maintaining strong demand. However, profitability is under pressure. Rising labor costs, inflation, and evolving guest expectations are squeezing margins, making operational efficiency just as important as revenue generation.

Investor caution is evident. Major brands, including Marriott, report declining incentive management fees, signaling the need for disciplined cost management and strategic decision-making. For property managers and investors, the challenge is clear: delivering exceptional guest experiences while balancing operational costs to maintain profitability. Insights from the current market emphasize the importance of smart staffing, dynamic pricing strategies, and optimized resource allocation as critical tools for sustained success.

GetYourGuide’s AI-Powered Fall 2025 Product Release
Meanwhile, Berlin-based GetYourGuide is pushing the boundaries of experiences technology with its “Unlocked Fall 2025 Product Release.” The platform has introduced AI-driven tools designed to empower experience providers and enhance traveler engagement. Key updates include:

  • Intelligent Review Management: Automated insights help partners identify actionable trends, improve service quality, and respond proactively to customer feedback.

  • Simplified Partner Listing Workflows: Streamlined processes reduce onboarding time and administrative burden for providers.

  • Expanded Categories: Multi-day tours, theme parks, and niche experiences are now easier to showcase and discover.

  • Enhanced Traveler Discovery: New filters, improved activity cards, and smarter recommendations make booking more seamless for travelers.

With 60% of partners already leveraging AI tools, these enhancements position GetYourGuide as a market leader, helping providers optimize visibility, boost bookings, and streamline operations across their ecosystem. The release underscores how technology adoption is not just a competitive advantage—it’s becoming a necessity for scaling experiences in today’s travel landscape.

Final Thoughts
The hospitality and travel sectors continue to evolve rapidly. While U.S. hotels face profitability challenges, strategic management and operational efficiency remain key to sustaining growth. At the same time, tech-forward platforms like GetYourGuide demonstrate how AI can transform the experiences market, offering smarter insights, better customer engagement, and more efficient operations.

For property managers, investors, and experience providers, the message is clear: success requires balancing operational discipline with innovation, leveraging technology to deliver exceptional guest experiences, and staying ahead in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

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