According to the Future Today Strategy Group 2025 Tech Trends Report,
The transition to Web3 is happening faster than we think, and projections suggest that widespread adoption is just a few years away. While many industries are preparing for change, the hospitality sector is particularly poised for transformation. As Web3 technologies, AI, and decentralization continue to evolve, the way we engage with guests will change forever—creating personalized, sustainable, and transparent experiences that were once unimaginable. However, as we transition, we must also understand what we’re leaving behind—and that’s where things get interesting for marketers.
As the 2025 report indicates, Web3 is not just another buzzword it represents the future of how we interact online. For hospitality marketers, this means embracing new opportunities and technologies, while also acknowledging the loss of tools we’ve relied on in Web2, like cookies. Marketers have become accustomed to using cookies to track user behavior, personalize experiences, and target ads. These small pieces of code follow a user around the internet, helping businesses gather valuable data for targeted marketing. But as we move into a cookieless world, everything changes. The time to adapt and find new solutions is now.
I recently sat down with two students from the University of California, Riverside, Nadila Aierken and Brandon, who are exploring the intersection of technology and hospitality. We discussed the implications of Web3 in the industry, especially as cookies become a thing of the past. The discussion also included real-world insights from my experience at ReTreet Resort, where we’ve been pioneering the use of influencer marketing, and now testing how to leverage Web3 technologies like NFTs, and embracing AI to personalize guest experiences.
At ReTreet, we’ve seen firsthand how a shift toward influencer marketing can create massive results. In fact, we’re driving 92% direct bookings and generating over $1 million in revenue—all on a marketing budget of less than $50K. This success didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of leaning into real, human connections and embracing the power of personalization and authenticity. While algorithms can be helpful, they don’t replace the deep connections we form with our audience.
The future of hospitality will move from a centralized, brand-controlled model to one where guests have more ownership of their experiences. Web3 promises to shift the balance of power in the hospitality industry. In a Web2 world, businesses controlled their customer data, heavily relying on cookies to track behavior and personalize content. As we move to Web3, guests will have more ownership over their experiences. NFTs, for instance, allow guests to own a part of their journey, offering traceable, personalized benefits that extend beyond the stay itself. This decentralized model will change how we think about loyalty and customer engagement, allowing us to build deeper, more meaningful relationships.
As the tech report highlights, “living intelligence”—systems that adapt in real-time based on data—will revolutionize hospitality. Web3-powered platforms like Magnetiq have already begun to help us gain real-time insights into guest preferences, enabling hyper-targeted marketing and customized experiences. AI has the potential to transform hospitality marketing by personalizing marketing efforts, automating guest services, and enabling real-time booking adjustments. These innovations can drastically improve operational efficiency, allowing for smoother, more tailored guest experiences that feel effortless and highly individualized.
Consumers are increasingly seeking brands that align with their values, particularly when it comes to sustainability. Web3 technologies offer businesses the opportunity to provide transparency into their practices, allowing guests to see the direct impact of their choices. By leveraging tools like NFTs, brands can reward guests for engaging in sustainable actions, offering traceable rewards that promote ethical engagement. This not only helps guests make more informed decisions but also fosters a deeper sense of ownership over the choices they make.
AI-powered systems are revolutionizing industries across the board, and hospitality is no exception. Agentic AI—systems that can autonomously make decisions and execute tasks—has the potential to significantly enhance operational efficiency. In hospitality, AI can automate guest services, personalize marketing efforts, and even adjust bookings in real time.
The future of hospitality will focus on creating smarter, more efficient operations, allowing staff to dedicate more time to delivering exceptional guest experiences while technology takes care of the heavy lifting.
The Time for Solutions Is Now
This is the turning point. As we move toward a Web3 future, the question for hospitality marketers is not whether we should adapt, but how quickly can we act? The reality is, Web3 and AI are already shaping the future of hospitality, and those who take action today will be the ones ahead of the curve. It’s time to start experimenting with these technologies, from NFTs to AI-powered personalization, to ensure we’re not left behind in the cookieless future.
In my journey with Market Movers, I’ve been fortunate to experiment with these technologies firsthand, and I’m already building the future of hospitality marketing. The integration of Web3 and AI allows us to offer a more personalized, sustainable, and efficient experience for both guests and businesses. And let’s not forget the power of influencer marketing, a tool that’s rapidly becoming essential in building genuine connections with your audience.
As the hospitality industry braces for this digital revolution, now is the time to embrace these innovations and start experimenting. The cookieless future is coming, and the tools that will replace them are already here. Let’s act now and build a more connected, ethical, and sustainable future for hospitality marketing.
The future of hospitality is already being written—let’s make sure we’re all part of that story.