This report discusses the major contemporary issues in the hospitality and tourism industry, including shortage of labor and skills, technology and social media, evolving customer expectations, and global uncertainty about safety and security. It also explores the range of issues at the global level, such as escalating operating costs, increasing energy costs, and the impact of renovation and construction costs. Additionally, it examines the factors that influence future development in the global hospitality and tourism industries, including economic, environmental, transportation, and technology factors. Finally, it highlights the role of branding in the global tourism and hospitality services, including its impact on market share and return on investment.