Designs for Queen Elizabeth II’s memorial are unveiled, hotels are stepping up their game for sports tourism, and HD Expo + Conference wraps another edition in Las Vegas. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Hotels are catering to sports tourists
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles; photo by Jeff Lewis
Sports tourism is quickly gaining ground, with its impact extending far beyond marquee events like the Super Bowl and Formula 1, reports Hotel Dive. According to UN Tourism, sports-related travel now accounts for 10 percent of global tourism spending, with projections showing a 17.5 percent growth from 2023 to 2030. Notably, the boom is benefiting more than just major metro areas—regional markets and smaller cities are seeing a steady rise in bookings driven by youth tournaments and family travel, with younger age groups on the move. To meet shifting expectations, brands like My Place Hotels are prioritizing practical amenities like laundry facilities, kitchenettes, and pet-friendly policies. In destination cities and college towns, hotels are leaning into the sports experience with gameday-ready perks—from themed décor and watch parties to stadium totes and exclusive post-game offers.
Architects Ma Yansong and Annabelle Selldorf make TIME100 list
Selldorf Architects designed an addition to the side of the Frick Collection mansion; photo of the Fragonard Room at the Frick Collection by Joseph Coscia Jr.
Architects Ma Yansong and Annabelle Selldorf have been named to TIME magazine’s 2025 TIME100 list, reports Dezeen. Yansong, founder of MAD Architects, is recognized for pushing architectural boundaries—from the sinuous Harbin Opera House and innovative Jiaxing train station in China to the canyon-inspired One River North in Denver and the soon-to-open Fenix Museum in Rotterdam. His mentor, George Lucas, praises Yansong’s ability to create work that “never cease(s) to amaze and inspire,” drawing comparisons to Zaha Hadid’s legacy of architectural transformation. Selldorf, founder of Selldorf Architects, is renowned for her sensitive approach to public spaces, as exemplified by her porcelain-clad Brooklyn skyscrapers and the thoughtful revamp of the Frick gallery in New York. Photographer Annie Leibovitz commended Selldorf’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, crafting environments where “art and life are not separate.”
Queen Elizabeth II Memorial design proposals unveiled
A series of overlapping bridges for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial proposed by WilkinsonEyre; rendering courtesy of WilkinsonEyre and Malcolm Reading Consultants
Five proposals for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial near Buckingham Palace have been revealed, offering a glimpse into how design teams envision a lasting tribute to the monarch’s seven-decade reign. Among the shortlist, as reported in Archinect, is Heatherwick Studio’s Bridge of Togetherness, a sculptural walkway adorned with a statue of the Queen beneath eight stylized lilies. Foster + Partners, drawing from John Nash’s historic park plan, presents the Unity Bridge, integrating gardens and art sculptures to foster reflection on the Queen’s role in a diverse United Kingdom. WilkinsonEyre proposes a pair of overlapping bridges, conceived as threads gently woven through St James’s Park, while Tom Stuart-Smith’s design centers on a cast of an oak from Windsor Great Park, symbolizing strength and endurance. Rounding out the selections, J&L Gibbons’ scheme consists of a stone bridge and pathway that honors the Queen as the nation’s bedrock.
How marketing teams are harnessing AI
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
Travel researchers and planners are turning to large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Llama for personalized travel itinerary suggestions, reports CoStar. These AI tools allow travelers to input specific preferences, resulting in faster and more tailored recommendations. Experts highlight the importance of optimized digital content to engage LLMs effectively. David Solomito of Sage Hospitality emphasizes the need for detailed, high-quality web copy such as FAQs, which often align with travelers’ searches. “Just a simple tweak like that can be the difference of being one of the recommended hotels or places to stop on an itinerary versus not,” he said in the interview. Additionally, leveraging platforms like Expedia or TripAdvisor with LLM partnerships can ensure a stronger presence in AI-generated search results.
That’s a wrap on HD Expo + Conference 2025!
Hosted Buyers walk the show floor at HD Expo + Conference; photo courtesy of PWP Studio
What an incredible three days of product innovation, thought-provoking conversations, and dynamic networking at this year’s HD Expo + Conference. Among the standout moments: the unveiling of the 2025 HD Awards project and product winners—selected from more than 1,300 entries—during a special ceremony at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino on May 6th. Additional honors included the Best Booth Award, chosen by a panel of judges who walked the show floor of 600-plus exhibitors for the most eye-catching and creative displays, as well as the IIDA/HD Product Design Award winners. Attendees also gathered at HD Park on the conference floor to hear candid insights from this year’s keynote speakers, who brought fresh perspectives to the future of hospitality design. See more scenes from Las Vegas on Hospitality Design’s Instagram page.
