Hybrid distribution models gain ground

Hilton described a deliberate move away from “global volume models” toward more localized procurement networks in a Procurement Magazine feature published February 24, 2026. (procurementmag.com) Marriott reports it has integrated roughly 1,500 hotels into a coordinated procurement structure and maintains more than 400 international purchasing agreements to standardize buying across regions. (supplychaindigital.com) Accor’s Astore procurement service is offered as an opt‑in platform that the group says has delivered double‑digit savings in audited categories while supporting localized sourcing for member hotels. (group.accor.com) Hilton Supply Management’s HSM unit markets an international distribution network and tailored account teams for property‑level inventory support, while Hilton has also rolled out Coupa for unified procurement visibility and analytics. (hsm.com) DP World signed a memorandum with the Dominican government in May 2025 for roughly US$760–800 million of investment to expand Caucedo terminal capacity toward about 3.1 million TEUs and scale its adjacent free‑trade logistics park. (dr1.com) The Kingston Freeport Terminal’s Westlands Expansion Project is a US$80 million initiative adding about 15 hectares to boost cargo handling and ease congestion as Jamaica positions itself as a higher‑volume Caribbean trans‑shipment node. (jamaicaobserver.com) Trinidad and Tobago is advancing a roughly US$270 million port PPP for Port‑of‑Spain that explicitly scopes container handling, reefer stuffing/cleaning and other cargo services—capabilities needed for cold‑chain cross‑dock operations. (guardian.co.tt) Public and private port projects in the region are adding quay extensions, cranes, pre‑built storage and road networks—investments DP World and VINCI say will support logistics zones and nearshoring models that enable cross‑dock mini‑hubs for rapid hotel replenishment. (freighttrendsglobal.com)