Good Morning Hospitality

On this episode of Good Morning Outdoors, we kick things off with the collapse of Oculis Lodge, a once-hyped glamping project near Mount Baker that raised $1.2 million through crowdfunding and promised 35 luxury domes—but only ever delivered one. With the property now listed for sale, we unpack the fallout and lessons for the industry. Next, Under Canvas Inc. announces a record $50 million internal investment to elevate the guest experience and expand with new locations in California and the Pacific Northwest. We also cover Modern America Campgrounds’ new loyalty program, “Freedom Points,” and how it’s changing the game for customer engagement across its 31-park portfolio. And finally, February RV shipments are up 6% year-over-year, with towables leading the way. We break down the numbers and what they mean for the year ahead in outdoor travel. All that and more—this week on Good Morning Outdoors with Alex Burkett & Matt Whitermore.

This week on GMH Hotel, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk dive into Marriott Hotels’ continued dominance in the branded residences space, with expansion focused on the Caribbean and Latin America. They also break down hotel leaders' current read on the economy, with steady demand holding strong despite looming recession chatter. In travel, the hosts unpack fee hikes from United Airlines, Southwest Airlines’s controversial decision to drop free checked bags, and The Walt Disney Company’s $30 billion investment in new cruise ships and theme park tech. From loyalty perks to pricing strategies, this episode is packed with insight into where the hospitality and travel industries are headed.

Join us in our latest discussion with Michael Goldin, Wil Slickers , Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane as we unravel how short-term rentals are influencing traditional hotel growth.

Listen to our latest episode with Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane as they explore Vrbo's bold campaigns and Airbnb's expanding influence. Discover which platform is setting itself up as the premium choice for travelers and how each brand is navigating this competitive landscape.

On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers, Brandreth Canaley, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane dig into Vrbo’s bold billboard campaign taking aim at Airbnb—and Airbnb’s sharp response in a recent Skift article. We explore what this marketing feud reveals about platform dynamics and traveler sentiment. Jamie also unpacks the latest hotel and short-term rental data from his presentations at the Hunter Hotel Advisors Conference. From shifting demand toward rural markets and larger STRs to the pause in supply growth, we analyze the signals pointing to where the market is headed. Plus, we break down key insights from Oxford Economics on macroeconomic headwinds, traveler behavior, and hotel performance trends. It’s a data-packed conversation with real implications for anyone in hospitality.

Join Leo Walton and Sarah Nan DuPre as they welcome special guest host Andrew Fenner, CEO of STAA - the Short Term Accommodation Association, in our latest episode where we dive into the truths about Airbnb property ownership in the UK. Discover how tourism is evolving and what it means for industry regulations.

This week on Good Morning Outdoors, Alex Burkett and Matt Whitermore break down the biggest shifts in outdoor hospitality. Glamping is on fire, with projections pushing the market past $1.3 billion—major hotel brands are paying attention, and travelers are demanding more luxury in nature. The Campspot and Dyrt Awards just dropped, revealing what makes a top-tier campground in 2025. Meanwhile, Congaree National Park has banned RVs indefinitely, citing fragile ecosystems and infrastructure concerns. With millions of Americans planning RV trips this spring, is this the start of a bigger trend? Plus, the Yellowstone prequel 1923 unexpectedly taps into the rise of experiential hospitality. From high-end camping to national park policies, we’ve got everything you need to know about the future of outdoor travel!

New episode alert! Join us this week with Leo Walton and Sarah Nan DuPre, along with guest host Andrew Fenner, CEO of STAA - the Short Term Accommodation Association, to delve into strategic solutions for tourism-driven economic development. Discover the untapped potential in places like Blackpool and Margate, and why tourism is not just a job, but a promising career path.

Ever wondered why user experience on Airbnb consistently outshines giants like Google? Tune in to this week's episode featuring Michael Goldin, Wil Slickers, and Brandreth Canaley as they delve into what's setting Airbnb apart and why it's important for the future of online platforms.

In this episode of Good Morning Hospitality Europe, Leo Walton and Sarah Nan DuPre are joined by Andrew Fenner, CEO of the STAA - the Short Term Accommodation Association). They dive into key industry topics, including the upcoming Short Stay Summit in London, the importance of fair regulation in the UK’s short-term rental market, and the need for data-driven policymaking. Andy shares insights on the economic benefits of STRs, how they can revitalize coastal communities, and why tourism legislation needs a broader perspective. The conversation also touches on Airbnb’s renewed push into experiences, with speculation on whether it will succeed this time around. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the evolving landscape of short-term rentals and what it means for operators across Europe.