On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline takes listeners inside the 2026 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum (NYU IHIF), one of the most influential gatherings in global hospitality, travel, and hotel real estate.
Featuring exclusive conversations with Alexi Khajavi, Group President of Hospitality and Operational Real Estate at Questex; Robert O'Leary, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism; and Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles & Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, this special roundup episode explores the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of hospitality.
From investor sentiment and artificial intelligence to luxury travel, mega-events, and the enduring power of human connection, Katie uncovers why industry leaders remain optimistic about the future despite economic uncertainty and global volatility.
You'll hear why travel demand continues to defy expectations, what hospitality investors representing more than $700 billion in assets are focused on, how the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games are expected to influence tourism for years to come, and why the next era of luxury hospitality will be defined by personalization, flexibility, and meaningful human connection.
Whether you're a hotel owner, investor, operator, developer, or simply passionate about the future of travel, this episode offers a front-row seat to the conversations shaping hospitality's next chapter.
This episode is brought to you by Lodgify & Bilt
00:00 Welcome to Suite Success
00:34 NYU IHIF 2026 Overview
03:22 Meet The Guests
04:17 What is NYU IHIF
08:02 Big Themes
15:53 Alexi Khajavi on Underdiscussed Labor Politics
19:57 Why Midscale Hotel Returns Are Defying Expectations - Alexi Khajavi
22:50 Robert O'Leary on What's Driving Global Travel Demand
24:05 Travel Tailwinds, Mega Events, and Tourism Growth - Robert O'Leary
29:21 How Destinations Are Preparing for the World Cup - Robert O'Leary
33:51 Robert O'Leary on Building a National Travel Strategy
39:55 Omer Acar on the Strength of Luxury Travel Demand
43:40 The Future of Luxury Experiences According to Omer Acar
45:02 Conference Takeaways
Connect with the guests:
Alexi Khajavi's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexihuntleykhajavi
National Travel and Tourism Office: https://www.trade.gov/national-travel-and-tourism-office
Omer Acar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-acar-a9685810/
NYU IHIF's Website: https://www.ihifamericas.com/
Links:
Apple Podcasts - Link
Spotify - Link
Suite Success Website - Link
Connect with Katie