April 2025
The Evolving Tourism Landscape
Last month marked our third consecutive year attending the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin – an event that continues to inspire and bring together the brightest minds shaping the future of hospitality. We were proud to have a strong presence at the forum, with our Founder & CEO, Managing Partner, and President all in attendance.
GOCO Hospitality Stand with Josephine Leung, Ingo Schweder and Nicholas Clayton
Reflecting on the forward-thinking dialogues that took place, on emerging trends, innovations, and much more across the global hospitality landscape, our CEO & Founder, Ingo Schweder shares his thoughts and perspective on the evolving tourism landscape:
“Attending this year’s International Hospitality Investment forum was a powerful reminder of how dynamic and fast-moving our industry has become. With over 2,750 delegates in attendance from all over the world, from global giants such as Hilton, Marriott, Accor and IHG to many investors and property owners, who all came together to share, learn and engage in conversations on a segment which is coming to the forefront as a mainstream asset class.
What stood out most was the growing consensus that travel patterns are shifting. While international travel remains significant, we are seeing an unprecedented surge in domestic and regional movement.
During the conference, airlines also warned potential passengers that US inbound travel was falling in light of the recent trade disruptions triggered by policy shifts in the U.S. Whether driven by economic uncertainty or geopolitical tensions, US outbound travel may be in the same uncertain position as inbound.
The changing macro-economic outlook and the uncertainties of the global economies are sure to reshape global alliances and trade relationships. As noted by the head of the German Deloitte office: ‘The most popular narrative is that deglobalisation has taken hold. A second view is that ‘reglobalisation’ should be expected in the future. The third view, of the IMF, that is that we are in an era of fragmentation.’ Regardless of which scenario plays out , we all do not know what these new trade dynamics will bring us in the near future and need to remain agile.
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Left Image: (left to right) Nicholas Clayton, James Chappel, Global Business Director at Horwath HTL, Ingo Schweder, and Zoran Bacic, Country Head, Horwath HTL, Italy. Right Image: (left to right) Andrew Barnard, Josephine Leung, Ingo Schweder
Technology was, unsurprisingly a dominating topic at the conference, both in terms of operations optimisation and service delivery, with the role and application of AI being debated within all hospitality segments as it is across the wider economy. From improving operations efficiency to creating smoother and more profitable development processes, AI is no longer a distant innovation; it is a current necessity. Hospitality has traditionally lagged behind in tech adoption, but the message couldn’t be clearer: those who do not embrace AI will be left behind.
Importantly, the wellness economy is no longer a side conversation, it is now central to tourism development. Indeed, the demand for wellness real estate and large scale wellness communities is evident in the strong interest of many exhibitors and visitors alike. Technology, once again, will be a corner stone in the growth of longevity centric clinics within luxury hotel groups and its general application for the wellness industry at large.
In a world where freedom of movement, cultural diversity, and open trade are under pressure, our industry stands at a critical crossroads. But we left the event inspired, reminded of the resilience, creativity, and passion that define our sector, hospitality. The future is definitely uncertain yet filled with opportunity for those who are ready to lead.”
