Between getting things wrapped up, December can be a chaotic mess. Not only is it the holiday season but I get to celebrate my daughter coming into this world. As the world slows down, December is also a time I get a chance to reflect on the year and gear up for the year ahead.
My Biggest Lessons of 2025
While I won’t tell you my Spotify song of 2025, I will share some authentic insights. Personally, 2025 was a year of rest and renewal. That meant getting more sleep and above all, doing less. (Thank you Oura ring for helping me track my sleep). I was also focused on getting grounded on what truly matters, and focusing on my inner peace and overall health. Despite all the background noise and plethora of distractions, I saw progress when I tried to keep things simple and let things go.
AJC Design had a lot going on too. A big milestone was getting our website redesigned, which was a year in the making. We put up our “Creativity is Everything” sign and our office finally feels settled. In particular, I’m proud of projects like the model room at Royal Sonesta Cambridge, celebrating the ribbon cutting for the renovation at Hilton College Station, and starting a new partnership with Related Companies. For early 2026, we are gearing up for another model room for The Thayer Hotel. Furthermore, the renovation for the NYU Lillian Vernon Creative Writer’s House is soon to be completed.
My Top 4 Hospitality Trends for 2026
With the start of the new year, everyone and their mother wants to predict the biggest trends of 2026. I got a kick out of reading through predictions from Travel & Leisure, the BBC, as well as the Points Guy. Of course, I couldn’t help but add my own predictions for 2026:
Water🌊 and Mountain🏔️ Getaways – The buzz around the country is that there are a plethora of new construction projects in Miami, FL, and Deer Valley, Utah. Developers are building luxury, wellness and adventure-focused experience centers, not just another hotel. An example of this is the Aman Hotel in Miami. Let’s face it, watching the waves from a secluded place sounds deeply relaxing. We all need time to disconnect from all this is going on in our world and in our lives.
Route 66 Here We Come🚙 – Despite the Pantone color of the year being Cloud Dancer, I predict the airline industry is going to need a way to make up for lost revenue from the government shutdown debacle by increasing rates for airfare. And with the current general cost of living, taking a road trip sounds like a really good idea. Shorter and more frequent trips are the way to go. People will be pretty intentional about how they spend these short trips, prioritizing experiences and connection.
AI is Changing the Travel Industry✈️– You can’t go on a hotel website or travel website without an AI chat bot talking to you. Or maybe you decided to ask ChatGPT to plan a 7-day vacation to a place you’re heading to. There’s a lot to love about getting great ideas in seconds. It has definitely taken the stress out of having to plan trips before I depart somewhere. And, if the platform can continue to find me the best rate on a flight or hotel, what’s not to love! Of course, AI is not just changing the hospitality industry. It’s literally changing the world. AI data centers are being built just as rapidly as new hotel development. This includes AI schools for kids.
Back to Human Travel Agents🧍– AI is not going away. However, good human travel agents will still be in demand and valued. Why? An AI chat bot is only as good as the information it’s trained on. Yes, it can provide a great starting point for what to do, but since everyone is using ChatGPT, they’re also going to get the same recommendations for restaurants or places to visit. Result? Overcrowded places. That’s why I love a travel agent like Kristen Avini of boutique agency, Ciao Bambino where you’re able to get some more customized recommendations from a real pro. Guests are seeking both human connection and high customization. That’s why I see this sector growing, especially when it comes to more complex destinations.
As 2025 comes to a close, all of us at AJC Design want to thank you for taking the time to read our newsletters, emails, and blogs, and for enriching our hospitality community with your insights and support.