Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group make up 68% of the hotels in the global pipeline, continuing their yearlong dominance, Lodging Econometrics reports. The analytics firm projects 202 more openings by the trio this year and 655 in 2021.

Travelers who have Hilton Honors points can now hold on to them until the end of 2021, and Silver, Gold and Diamond loyalty program members who were scheduled for downgrade this year or next will see their status extended until March 31, 2022. Additionally, Hilton Hotels has reduced the status qualification requirements by half for base points, stays and nights throughout 2021.

Gaming and Leisure Properties has agreed to purchase the real property assets for two casinos in Indiana and Delaware from Caesars Entertainment and Twin River Worldwide Holdings, respectively. The combined real estate purchase price is around $484 million.

Office, hotel, residential, retail and parking space is planned for a Dallas tower that is almost 40 stories tall. Developers Hoque Global and Lanoha Real Estate have selected Moss Construction as general contractor for the project, which is part of a smart district.

Commission-based travel and hotel metasearch advertising figures to gain ground against the monthly fee model as pandemic-slowed marketing revs up again, industry sources say. Google, Sojourn and Trivago are leading the move, which is touted for its measurability of return.

A new tourism promotion campaign by Miami Beach showcases the work of local photographers across various platforms. "My Miami Beach, Your Escape" also will feature tributes to the destination by celebrity residents.

Room 311 of the elegant Read Hotel in Chattanooga, Tenn., is attracting guests these days for the very reason it once drove them away: It's believed to be haunted. Hotel historian Tyler Logue cites a raft of stories about the restless spirit of a woman murdered by her husband in 311's bathroom.

A vastly different Cyber HITEC conference from past years -- held virtually, for starters -- has provided an apt setting for expert takes on vast changes influenced by the pandemic. Consultant John Picard extolled the adaptation of technology to a new emphasis on guest wellness and business development.

Trade shows such as Cyber HITEC never have had greater importance than today, when state-of-the-art technology is indispensable to maintaining hotel health and safety, columnist Larry Mogelonsky writes. Hoteliers must survey a wide array of components, with help on hand for navigating it, he notes.