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Articles by David Lund
Hospitality Financial Leadership - Morning Golf - By David Lund
In Brief: Hotel finance expert David Lund recalls a summer when he and colleagues played nine holes of golf before work. One golfer suddenly arrived with an expensive new set of clubs—an odd purchase given his salary. The explanation emerged weeks later: the employee had been stealing coins while emptying the resort’s video lottery machines. Hospitality Financial Leadership - Morning Golf - Image Credit Unsplash+ In my career, I have worked in some incredible hotels and resorts.
Edinburgh Plans Submitted for 580-Bed Fountainbridge Development
In Brief: The Social Hub has submitted a planning application for a 580-bed development in Edinburgh's Fountainbridge area, signaling a significant addition to the city's accommodation supply and aligning with broader urban regeneration efforts. Image Credit The Social Hub The Social Hub has submitted plans for a £200 million, 580-bed development at the former Fountain Brewery site in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge area.
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Morning Golf
By David Lund In my career, I have worked in some incredible hotels and resorts. One of my resort experiences included a summer where a group of us would gather each morning and play nine holes of golf before work. This story is about a new set of clubs, the video lottery machines, the local bank and the cops. My story starts in late May one year about 25 years ago. A friend at work told me at lunch in the Bean that he just bought a staff membership to the hotel golf course.
Morning Golf
In my career, I have worked in some incredible hotels and resorts. One of my resort experiences included a summer where a group of us would gather each morning and play nine holes of golf before work. This story is about a new set of clubs, the video lottery machines, the local bank and the cops. My story starts in late May one year about 25 years ago. A friend at work told me at lunch in the Bean that he just bought a staff membership to the hotel golf course.
From Fragmentation to Orchestration - The Coming Transformation in Corporate Travel - By Julie Shainock
In Brief: Julie Shainock outlines how the corporate travel sector is moving toward orchestrated, unified platforms that connect booking, expense, and management processes, signaling a significant operational shift for hotels and travel providers aiming to better serve business clients.
Fairmont Empress Names Demian Fuentes Food and Beverage Director
In Brief: Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia, has appointed Demian Fuentes as Food and Beverage Director, tasking him with overseeing all culinary and beverage operations at the historic property. Demian Fuentes - Image Credit Fairmont Hotels Fairmont Empress has appointed Demian Fuentes as director of food and beverage to oversee the property’s food and beverage operations and dining outlets.
Hilton and Scandic Sign Nordic Development Agreement
In Brief: Hilton and Scandic Hotels Group have signed a multi-year agreement to pursue Hilton-branded hotel development in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, beginning with a 284-room hotel planned near Copenhagen Airport. Hilton and Scandic Sign Nordic Development Agreement - Image Credit Hilton Hilton and Scandic Hotels Group have entered a multi-year development agreement covering Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.
Hospitality Financial Leadership: I Never Worked a Day in My Life
By David Lund "I Never Worked a Day in My Life" That’s the calling card for a famous quote by Thomas Edison and a popular song by Tony Bennett not to mention a plethora of other pop culture about doing something with your life and choosing work that is not really work. That is what I found on the Internet when I went looking, however, for me it was a bit different. During my life— working in hotels for more than 30 years—I often told myself the same thing. I really felt like I had it all.
Hospitality Financial Leadership – I Never Worked a Day in My Life
That’s the calling card for a famous quote by Thomas Edison and a popular song by Tony Bennett not to mention a plethora of other pop culture about doing something with your life and choosing work that is not really work. That is what I found on the Internet when I went looking, however, for me it was a bit different. During my life— working in hotels for more than 30 years—I often told myself the same thing. I really felt like I had it all.
I Never Worked a Day in My Life
That’s the calling card for a famous quote by Thomas Edison and a popular song by Tony Bennett, not to mention a plethora of other pop culture about doing something with your life and choosing work that is not really work. That is what I found on the Internet when I went looking, however, for me it was a bit different. During my life— working in hotels for more than 30 years—I often told myself the same thing. I really felt like I had it all.
Hospitality Financial Leadership - The Bridge - By David Lund
In Brief: David Lund's article 'Hospitality Financial Leadership - The Bridge' examines the essential role of financial leadership in connecting hotel operations and financial performance, emphasizing the need for strong financial acumen among hospitality professionals. Hospitality Financial Leadership - The Bridge - Image Credit Unsplash In our lives we are continuously evolving as people. When thought of most of the time, this evolution seems like a continuous stream of challenges to overcome.
Mereshi Safari Camp Serengeti Set for November 2026 in Tanzania, as part of the Autograph Collection
In Brief: Mereshi Safari Camp Serengeti is scheduled to open in November 2026 in Tanzania as part of Marriott International's Autograph Collection, expanding the brand's presence in the African luxury safari segment. Image Credit Delaware Investments Delaware Investments plans to open the 18-suite Mereshi Safari Camp Serengeti, Autograph Collection, near the Fort Ikoma Gate in November 2026. The camp will comprise 18 elevated tented suites across 55 acres of open savannah.
John Adams Appointed Chair of The Sirius Hotel Group
In Brief: The Sirius Hotel Group has appointed John Adams as chair, succeeding Jane Bentall. John Adams - Image Credit The Sirius Hotel Group The Sirius Hotel Group has appointed John Adams as chair, succeeding Jane Bentall. Adams joined The Sirius Hotel Group as a non-executive director in 2016 and brings 45 years of financial leadership experience. At The Sirius Hotel Group, he has worked on corporate governance and financial reporting processes designed to support growth.
The Bridge
In our lives we are continuously evolving as people. When thought of most of the time, this evolution seems like a continuous stream of challenges to overcome. This persistent development is both personal and professional.The bridge is what I refer to when I think of my advancement in the hotel profession from a 20-something leader who knew nothing about the financial goings on in the hotel to a 30-something controller who was on fire.
Agentic Protocols Adapted for Hospitality: Practical Guide By AIHA
Agentic Protocols Adapted for Hospitality: Practical Guide By AIHA Free industry resource from AI Hospitality Alliance that helps hospitality teams connect AI agents to hotel systems with clear controls and implementation guidance The AI Hospitality Alliance (AIHA) today announced the publication of Agentic Protocols Adapted for Hospitality, a free guide connecting protocol choices to more than 100 hospitality AI use cases.
Hospitality Financial Leadership - The First Fifty - By David Lund
In Brief: David Lund reflects on resilience, reinvention and the power of turning experience into something of your own. Inspired by a tax accountant who transformed an unexpected dismissal into a successful book and subscription business, Lund argues that setbacks can reveal new possibilities—if we use our imagination, take the first step and keep moving forward.
The First Fifty
As I write this piece, I am proud to say I am 58 years young. So far, my life has been great. Many challenges to overcome like anyone and many bumps in the road for sure. Someone once said that success is simply going from one disaster to the next and the trick with that is no stopping to lament on the carnage left behind. That might be a little tongue and cheek, but you get the point.
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Serving Lunch
By David Lund Almost 40 years ago now I was a busboy at a large and busy resort in the Canadian Rockies. I had transferred west a few months earlier from another hotel in the same chain where I had worked for two years. This is a story about me starting to find my way through this maze we call the hotel business. This piece was inspired by a reader who sent me a note. In the early eighties, I completed high school and through a bit of a cluster flux I ended up in hotel school at the local college.
Hospitality Financial Leadership - Serving Lunch - By David Lund
In Brief: For his Hospitality Financial Leadership series, David Lund reflects on how an early job as a hotel busboy—and the frustration that came with it—helped shape his career ambitions and his approach to leadership. Hospitality Financial Leadership - Serving Lunch - By David Lund - Image Credit Unsplash+ Almost 40 years ago now I was a busboy at a large and busy resort in the Canadian Rockies.
ABTA and UKinbound Bring Travel Industry Together with Tourism Minister at Labour Party Conference
In Brief: Joint reception highlights the economic contribution of international travel and the role of inbound and outbound sectors in supporting jobs and growth across the UK ABTA and UKinbound Bring Travel Industry Together with Tourism Minister at Labour Party Conference - Image Credit ABTA ABTA and UKinbound brought senior representatives from across the travel industry together with politicians at a joint reception at the Labour Party Conference on Sunday, highlighting the economic and...
Serving Lunch
Almost 40 years ago now I was a busboy at a large and busy resort in the Canadian Rockies. I had transferred west a few months earlier from another hotel in the same chain where I had worked for two years. This is a story about me starting to find my way through this maze we call the hotel business. This piece was inspired by a reader who sent me a note. In the early eighties, I completed high school and through a bit of a cluster flux I ended up in hotel school at the local college.
Aleph Hospitality Announces South Africa Office
In Brief: Africa’s largest independent hotel management company has announced the opening of a regional office in Cape Town to support the group’s growing portfolio across the continent.
No Townies - By David Lund
In Brief: David Lund reflects on growing up in a small Canadian town where an exclusive summer hotel felt like a world apart. A teenage romance gave him his first glimpse behind the scenes—and inspired a four-decade career in hospitality. The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection - Image Credit Marriott International I like writing stories about hotels and my experiences in the hospitality business. It is no wonder, I guess, in part because I grew up in a unique place.
No Townies
I like writing stories about hotels and my experiences in the hospitality business. It is no wonder, I guess, in part because I grew up in a unique place. Guess what it had and still has? A great hotel. A small town in eastern Canada that boasts a lovely summer resort. As a kid in the 1970s and early ‘80s, it is no surprise that this town and the hotel formed a major backdrop for my life.
Hospitality Financial Leadership: Me and Stephen King
By David Lund I read his book, “The Shining,” while working that first winter in the bar at the Algonquin Hotel, in St. Andrews N.B., Canada which is my hometown. The book captivated my imagination about all things supernatural and the hotel. I can say that I had more than one conversation with my Lloyd on some of those lonely nights tending the bar in a hotel that was closed. The bar was the only thing open in the hotel – with me in charge Thursday to Saturday nights that winter.
Expo 2030 Riyadh and Mohammed Al Habib Real Estate Company Sign a 3.2 Billion SAR Joint Venture Agreement to Develop and Deliver Expo Village
In Brief: Expo 2030 Riyadh and Mohammed Al Habib Real Estate Company have entered a 3.2 billion SAR joint venture agreement to develop and deliver the Expo Village, signaling significant hospitality and real estate investment tied to the upcoming international exposition.
Me and Stephen King - By David Lund
In Brief: Inspired by Stephen King’s On Writing, David Lund reflects on how writing transformed his hotel coaching career. What began as a reluctant assignment to create a guidebook became a daily practice that helped him find his voice, share his financial leadership expertise and ultimately write his first book. His message: anyone can become a writer through commitment, resilience and the courage to begin.
Me and Stephen King
I read his book, “The Shining,” while working that first winter in the bar at the Algonquin Hotel, in St. Andrews N.B., Canada which is my hometown. The book captivated my imagination about all things supernatural and the hotel. I can say that I had more than one conversation with my Lloyd on some of those lonely nights tending the bar in a hotel that was closed. The bar was the only thing open in the hotel – with me in charge Thursday to Saturday nights that winter.
Manhattan Hotels Deliver Strong Performance - Manhattan Lodging Index: First Half 2026
Manhattan Hotels Deliver Strong Performance - Manhattan Lodging Index: First Half 2025 Effective rate management helps Manhattan hotels deliver strong performance and boost investor confidence. Key takeaways: Manhattan hotels delivered a solid performance, with RevPAR rising 4.5% YoY in H1 2026 despite softer occupancy. Growth was driven by strong rate gains—ADR rose 6.3%—even as demand remained uneven.
InterContinental Residences Planned for the Vietnam's InterContinental Sapa Resort
In Brief: IHG Hotels & Resorts and Alphanam Group have announced The Residences at InterContinental Sapa Resort, a 79-villa development in Muong Hoa Valley in Sapa, Lao Cai Province. Rendering of The Residences at InterContinental Sapa Resort - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and Alphanam Group have announced their collaboration on The Residences at InterContinental Sapa Resort, marking the debut of InterContinental branded residences in Northwest Vietnam.
Scandic Freiburg Hotel Expected to Open Autumn 2027 in Germany
In Brief: Scandic Hotels has announced plans to open the Scandic Freiburg Hotel in Germany in autumn 2027, signaling the brand’s ongoing growth strategy within the German hospitality sector and expanding its presence in a competitive European market. Scandic Freiburg Hotel Expected to Open Autumn 2027 in Germany - Image Credit Scandic Scandic has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 219-room hotel in Freiburg after IREMIS acquired the property from its current owner.
HVS Market Report - Development Drives St. Louis Hotel Outlook Original
In Brief: The St. Louis lodging market struggled to find its footing after the COVID-19 pandemic but appeared to turn a corner in 2025 and continued to strengthen this year. Numerous recent and ongoing developments and initiatives support a positive outlook for market hotels. HVS Market Report - Development Drives St. Louis Hotel Outlook - Image Credit Unsplash After the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. Louis market entered a period of strong recovery in 2021 and 2022.
PATA and Content With Purpose Launch New Digital Series Championing Tourism with Purpose Across Pacific Asia
In Brief: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Content With Purpose have introduced a new digital series highlighting sustainable tourism efforts, aiming to showcase and encourage responsible travel practices across the Pacific Asia hospitality sector.
Dusit’s Third Branded Hotel in Malaysia To Open in Ipoh
In Brief: Dusit Hotels and Resorts will open Dusit Princess Ipoh, a 268-room hotel in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Oct. 1, 2026. Dusit Princess Ipoh Hotel - Image Credit Dusit International Dusit Princess Ipoh will be Dusit’s third branded property in Malaysia. Owned by Plenitude Berhad, the property sits beside the Perak Turf Club and is less than five minutes by car from Ipoh city center. Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is approximately 10 minutes from the hotel and has direct flights from Singapore.
Gregory Viaud Appointed General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
In Brief: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has named Gregory Viaud as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, tasking him with overseeing operations and guest experience at the luxury Indian Ocean property. Gregory Viaud - Image Credit Four Seasons Hotels Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita has appointed Gregory Viaud as general manager following a seven-month transformation of the property.
IPA Capital Markets Arranges $75.1 Million Monroe Hotel Recapitalization
In Brief: IPA Capital Markets arranged a $75.1 million mid-construction recapitalization for The Monroe Hotel, an 89-key hotel redevelopment at 3010 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach’s Faena District. IPA Capital Markets arranged a $75.1 million mid-construction recapitalization for The Monroe Hotel, an 89-key hotel redevelopment at 3010 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach’s Faena District.
ABTA Plans Attendance at Six UK Party Conferences Original
In Brief: ABTA has announced plans to attend six major UK political party conferences in 2024, aiming to represent the travel industry's interests and advocate for policies impacting travel agents, tour operators, and related hospitality businesses. ABTA Plans Attendance at Six UK Party Conferences ABTA will attend the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Reform, Plaid Cymru and SNP party conferences over the coming weeks.
Catch Me If You Can - By David Lund
In Brief: In “Catch Me If You Can,” David Lund uses his memorable encounter with former impostor Frank Abagnale to explore impostor syndrome in financial leadership. Lund argues that business meetings—particularly budget reviews—are often confidence games in which even experienced leaders feel uncertain and play a role. Catch Me If You Can - Image Credit Hotel Financial Coach Frank Abagnale is arguably the world’s most famous modern-day impostor.
Catch Me If You Can
Frank Abagnale is arguably the world’s most famous modern-day impostor. Leonardo DiCaprio played his character in the 2002 movie directed by none other than Steven Spielberg, with the same title as this piece. The movie was based on the 1980 book that Frank wrote. I am writing about Frank Abagnale because I had the pleasure of meeting him personally, and experiencing his trickery, just a little.
Boeing: Africa’s Airplane Fleet Will More Than Double By 2045 to Meet Rising Air Travel Demand
Boeing: Africa’s Airplane Fleet Will More Than Double By 2045 to Meet Rising Air Travel Demand African airlines will need nearly 1,200 new airplanes; 75% will be single-aisle jets Aviation services demand will fuel the need for 75,000 new aviation professionals Intra‑Africa and Africa–Middle East traffic will lead regional fleet growth and network expansion Africa’s young, increasingly urban population, growing middle class and improving infrastructure will drive passenger traffic to grow...
Elite Core, Clustered Periphery: A Strategic Blueprint for Kenya's Tourism–Infrastructure Dual Engine - By Dr. Tong Yin
JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp Tourism was never the end goal. It is the strategic lever for highways, power grids, telecommunications, and mass employment.
Oppjusterte vekstutsikter for byggemarkedet i 2026
Etter en forsiktig oppgang i 2025 venter Prognosesenteret sterkere vekst i byggemarkedet i 2026. Oppjusteringen siden mai skyldes i hovedsak høyere aktivitet innen nye yrkesbygg. Samtidig vil høye renter og sterk byggekostnadsvekst begrense opphentingen, og markedet ventes fortsatt å ligge klart under toppnivået fra 2022 ved utgangen av prognoseperioden.
The Chapter 8 — The Payroll the GM Never Read
There is a moment in this business that I have seen play out at a hundred properties.
Minor Hotels to Launch Australia’s Largest Integrated Resort Wellness Precinct at Avani Cypress Lakes
In Brief: Minor Hotels has announced plans to develop Australia's largest integrated resort wellness precinct at Avani Cypress Lakes in the Hunter Valley, signaling increased investment in comprehensive wellness facilities to attract leisure and business travelers.
The Payroll the GM Never Read - By David Lund
In Brief: David Lund highlights the consequences of a hotel general manager neglecting to review payroll reports, emphasizing the operational and financial risks associated with inadequate payroll management oversight in hospitality organizations. The Payroll the GM Never Read - By David Lund - Image Credit Hotel Financial Coach There is a moment in this business that I have seen play out at a hundred properties.
According to STR and Tourism Economics, Hotel Forecast Sees Rate Growth Replacing Occupancy As Main RevPAR Driver
According to STR and Tourism Economics, Hotel Forecast Sees Rate Growth Replacing Occupancy As Main RevPAR Driver STR and Tourism Economics currently produce forecasts for 59 markets across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific region. The analysis below summarizes the latest forecast revisions. Europe short-term outlook: Short-term RevPAR projections for STR’s 31 European forecast markets remain largely unchanged from the prior forecast.
Sportcation Trend Drives Double-Digit Growth in Travel Booking GMV (Gross Merchandise Value)
Sportcation Trend Drives Double-Digit Growth in Travel Booking GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) Trip.com Group has observed a notable increase in active travel, also referred to as "sportcations," with a 40% rise in booking GMV over the past year. This trend encompasses activities such as cycling, diving, wellness retreats, and other sports-related experiences. The company’s data indicates that searches for active sports experiences have grown by over 30% year on year globally.
Huff, Niehaus Announces Sale of Quality Inn in Clarksville, Tennessee
In Brief: Huff, Niehaus has announced the sale of the Quality Inn in Clarksville, Tennessee, signaling continued transactional activity and asset turnover in regional hotel markets. Quality Inn in Clarksville, Tennessee - Image Credit Hotel Brokers International Huff, Niehaus & Associates, Inc., a member of Hotel Brokers International, is pleased to announce the successful sale of the Quality Inn Exit 4, located at 3095 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard in Clarksville, Tennessee, to In-N-Out Burger.
Tripadvisor Data Shows Rising Demand for Local Culture, Nature and Smaller Destinations Original
In Brief: Tripadvisor booking data for the first half of 2026 indicates that travelers are increasingly choosing participatory cultural activities, outdoor recreation and destinations outside major tourism hubs rather than traditional sightseeing-focused trips. Cultural Activities Record Strong Booking Growth Tripadvisor’s 2026 Mid-Year Experiences Trends Report found that craft classes were the fastest-growing experience category during the first six months of the year.
Brighton City Centre Premier Inn Scheduled to Open in Early 2028
In Brief: Whitbread has completed the structural frame for a 187-room Premier Inn hotel on West Street in Brighton, which is scheduled to open in early 2028. Brighton City Centre Premier Inn Scheduled to Open in Early 2028 - Image Credit Whitbread Whitbread marked the topping-out milestone for the new Premier Inn Brighton City Centre (Seafront) hotel after completing the building’s structural frame. The development will be Brighton’s second Premier Inn and is located on West Street.
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