Today's Hotels Pulse
FAA says Spirit’s LaGuardia slots belong with another low‑cost carrier
The FAA Administrator argues that the coveted take‑off slots Spirit Airlines holds at New York’s LaGuardia should be reallocated to a different low‑cost carrier. Meanwhile, Spirit is preparing to auction off those slots to the highest bidder.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Airbnb leads $58M Series C in WeRoad
Multiple Planes Performed ‘Flights to Nowhere’ After Air Traffic Controllers Stage Shock Walkout
Air traffic controllers in Barbados staged an unsanctioned walkout on March 7, shutting the island’s airspace for roughly 7.5 hours. The strike forced several carriers—including Air Canada, WestJet, United, JetBlue, and Delta—to turn back, divert, or cancel flights destined for the Caribbean. Government officials intervened, holding emergency talks with the Barbados Workers’ Union and the National Union of Public Workers, and pledged a follow‑up meeting on March 11. While controllers returned to work, passengers on multiple flights were stranded and airlines faced operational disruptions.
New Sleeper Train Launching From Rome To The French Riviera
FS Treni Turistici’s Espresso Riviera sleeper service will resume on June 4, 2026, running nightly from Rome to the French Riviera through September. The vintage‑styled train offers sleeping berths, private lounges and a restaurant car, echoing the classic Orient Express aesthetic. Frequency has been increased...
How Adding a ‘Player Two’ Supercharges Your Points and Miles Strategy
The article introduces the “Player Two” model, where a partner or family member joins a points‑and‑miles strategy to amplify earnings and redemption options. By sharing credit‑card applications, referral bonuses, and pooled balances, households can sidestep limits like Chase’s 5/24 rule...
Hyatt Quietly Added a New Vietnam Hotel Brand — Wink Da Nang Gives You a Full 24-Hour Stay
Hyatt’s partnership with Vietnam‑based Wink Hotels has more than doubled its presence in the country, expanding from four to ten properties under the Unscripted by Hyatt soft‑brand. Wink, a midscale lifestyle chain launched in 2021, differentiates itself with a 24‑hour...
Uber Eats Is Raising Delivery Fees for some Restaurants
Uber Eats announced its first delivery‑fee hike in a decade, raising the Lite tier from 15% to 20% and the Plus tier from 20% to 25% while keeping Premium at 30%. Custom contracts will see a 3% increase, capped at...
Zurich Airport to Further Develop Commercial Experience in Expanded Partnership with Avolta
Zurich Airport has renewed its duty‑free and retail concession with Avolta until 2035, covering 17 locations and all food‑and‑beverage, convenience and duty‑free segments. The extension provides long‑term planning certainty and unlocks targeted capital for upgrading commercial spaces. Avolta will expand...
Malaysia Airlines Deploys Additional European Services to Support Travellers Amid Global Disruptions
Malaysia Airlines announced supplemental Kuala Lumpur‑London Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur‑Paris Charles de Gaulle flights from 6‑8 March 2026, adding capacity amid widespread travel disruptions. The airline will operate the extra services with A350‑900 aircraft alongside its daily schedule, using alternative routes that...
The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts Appoints New Chief Marketing Officer Tom Thrussell
The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts announced Tom Thrussell as its new Chief Marketing Officer, starting 1 February 2026 in Bangkok. Thrussell brings 20 years of experience across hospitality, travel, and financial services, previously leading brand strategy at Maybourne, American Express, and Centara. He will...
What’s Your Community Strategy?
Bars are shifting from pure alcohol sales to becoming community hubs, a change driven by younger patrons who value belonging over drinking. The article cites the "third place" concept, urging establishments to act as informal gathering spots beyond home and...
Charcuterie, Reimagined — No Meat Required
Charcuterie boards have surged 84% on U.S. menus, prompting chefs to expand the category beyond cured meats. Chef Jenna McPartland at Joylark Plant Kitchen & Bar showcases how plant‑based boards can deliver the same sensory satisfaction using fermentation, marination, and...
PANAMA’S TOURISM DESTINATIONS WELCOMED OVER 3 M VISITORS IN 2025
Panama welcomed 3,004,266 foreign visitors in 2025, an 8.2% increase over 2024. Tourism earnings climbed to $6.6 billion, up 9.7% year‑over‑year, driven by stronger air connections, expanded cruise ship access, and a surge in business‑related trips. Tocumen International Airport recorded a...
FROM NFTS TO REAL TRIPS: HOW DIGITAL PROOF IS TRANSFORMING TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
In early 2026 travel brands began replacing traditional key cards with non‑fungible tokens that act as smart access passes, linking a guest’s digital wallet directly to physical entry points. The NFT‑backed system automates room entry, VIP lounge access, and on‑site...
FRENCH SKI RESORTS DEMONSTRATE A SOLID PERFORMANCE
French ski resorts maintained strong performance through February‑March 2026, averaging 80% occupancy despite a 4.5% dip caused by misaligned school holidays. The core two‑week period (Feb 14‑28) saw occupancy surge above 90%, outpacing the previous winter. International overnight stays rose 3.7%,...
15% Off Award Redemptions for IHG Cardholders (Targeted?)
IHG One Rewards is giving Chase IHG credit‑card members a 15% discount on award nights booked by March 9 for stays between March 7 and April 20, 2026. The reduction applies only to the points portion of a Points + Cash purchase and cannot be...
American Airlines Unveils Four New A321XLR Europe Winter Routes—Here's Where They'll Fly
American Airlines will launch four new winter transatlantic routes to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Edinburgh and Lisbon using its Airbus A321XLR. The narrow‑body jet, capable of carrying 155 passengers, will operate from Philadelphia between late January and late March, filling seasonal demand that...
Why The Original Boeing 737-700 Concept Still Influences Fleet Strategy
The Boeing 737‑700 remains a linchpin of low‑cost carrier strategy in 2026, offering a rare blend of range, speed, and operational simplicity. Its high‑performance wing, CFM56‑7B engines, and 41,000‑ft service ceiling deliver fuel‑efficient, high‑altitude cruising that outperforms many newer narrowbodies....
Qatar Airways Launches Limited Feeder Flights to Doha
From 8 March Qatar Airways will operate limited flights to London Heathrow, Paris CDG, Madrid, Rome, Frankfurt and Bangkok. These flights are ONLY for passengers whose final destination is Doha, the airline said in a statement.
Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel Gears Up for 2026 Launch with Hospitality Experts at the Helm
Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel is slated to open in July 2026, repurposing the historic 1913 Gwynne Building in the Fountain District. The project marks the brand’s second U.S. property after Cleveland, aiming to blend modern luxury with the building’s heritage. Leadership...
Marriott’s Worst Resort May Finally Close — A $50 Million Subsidized Redevelopment in the U.S. Virgin Islands Is Taking Shape
Marriott’s Carambola Beach Resort on St. Croix, long branded as a failing un‑branded property, is slated to close this summer for a $50 million government‑subsidized redevelopment. The resort’s troubles began when a U.S. Virgin Islands pension fund injected $15 million during the Great...
Vail Resorts Introduces Game-Changing Epic Pass Discounts for Gen Z Skiers and Snowboarders in North America: Everything You Need to...
Vail Resorts unveiled a steep price cut for its 2026/27 Epic Pass, targeting Gen Z skiers and snowboarders in North America. The standard Epic Pass now costs $869, a $220 reduction, while the Epic Local Pass is $649, reflecting a...
Las Vegas Joins Los Angeles, Kansas City, Philadelphia and More US Cities as World Cup 2026 Set to Rejuvenate Tourism...
The United States is banking on the 2026 FIFA World Cup to revive a hospitality sector that suffered a steep decline in foreign tourism, with Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Philadelphia among the cities preparing for a surge in visitors. In...
Angola: The New Giant Emerging in African Tourism
At the 60th ITB Berlin, Angola unveiled its new tourism brand “Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life,” positioning the nation as a serious contender in global travel. Minister Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel called tourism the country’s “green oil,”...
Odd: Uganda Airlines Grounds A330neo Fleet For “Unscheduled Maintenance”
Uganda Airlines has grounded both of its Airbus A330‑800neo aircraft after unscheduled maintenance, leaving its long‑haul fleet idle since mid‑January 2026. The airline announced a suspension of all long‑haul services on February 20, affecting routes to Dubai, London Gatwick and...
State Of Emergency & Curfews In Effect For This Popular South American Destination
Ecuador has declared an internal armed conflict and imposed a State of Emergency across multiple provinces to combat a surge in gang violence and drug trafficking. U.S. Southern Command joined Ecuadorian forces in joint operations beginning March 3, 2026, increasing military presence...
Eye on Travel — Monaco — March 7, 2026
In this episode of Eye on Travel, Peter Greenberg reports from the Forbes Travel Guide Global Summit in Monaco, covering the fallout from the Middle‑East airspace closures after the U.S.–Israel strike on Iran and the resulting evacuation challenges, as well...
American Airlines Expands Digital Wallet Integration for Seamless Traveller Experience
American Airlines has become the first U.S. carrier to integrate boarding passes with Samsung Wallet, allowing passengers to add passes directly from the airline app. The integration pushes real‑time flight details—gate changes, boarding times, seat assignments—into the digital wallet, keeping...
Hawaiian Airlines Elevates First Class Dining Experience with New Executive Chef and Enhanced Hospitality
Hawaiian Airlines has appointed Hawaii‑born chef Dell Valdez as its new executive chef, tasked with revamping the First Class inflight dining program. Valdez will introduce a modern, ingredient‑driven take on Hawaiian cuisine across premium routes, especially between Honolulu, Japan and...
Brussels Airlines Invests in Improved Onboard Product for Passengers in All Booking Classes
Brussels Airlines is rolling out a comprehensive upgrade of its inflight product across all cabins, with the most significant investment in Premium Economy on long‑haul routes. The refresh includes premium tableware, three hot‑meal choices, enhanced entertainment accessories, and a new...
Tampa International Airport Launches Enhanced Passenger Processing in Partnership with U.S. CBP
Tampa International Airport has launched Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, using touchless facial‑comparison technology for U.S. passport holders. The system verifies identity in six to eight seconds, allowing travelers to bypass traditional document...
AMAL Resumes Jeddah, Madinah Flights March
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said AMAL by Malaysia Airlines will resume flights to Jeddah and Madinah from Kuala Lumpur starting 8 March 2026 following a brief period of limited flights due to the closure of Middle East airspace. Flights to...
ASTA Advises Travel Advisors Amid Middle East Disruptions
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has released new guidance for travel advisors as the Middle East conflict disrupts air travel, cruises, and tours. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” alert for Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan...
Delta Air Faces Multi-Million-Dollar Fine After Hundreds of Passengers Were Left Trapped On Planes at Atlanta Hartsfield On Friday
Delta Air Lines faced a severe hailstorm at Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport that forced the control tower to evacuate and prompted the FAA to issue a full ground stop. Delta chose to keep the stop in place, leaving hundreds of passengers...
Singapore Airlines Suspends Singapore‑Dubai Flights Until 2026
Singapore Airlines has cancelled all flights to and from Singapore-Dubai until 15 March 2026 due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
Hyatt New Hotels 500 Bonus Points Per Night Through June 30, 2026
Hyatt has extended its 500‑bonus‑points‑per‑night promotion for stays at select new hotels through June 30, 2026. The offer now covers 44 properties across the Americas, Asia‑Pacific, and Europe‑Middle East‑Africa, including upcoming openings such as Miraval The Red Sea and Andaz...
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marks International Women’s Day
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) marked International Women’s Day with its “Give To Gain” campaign, highlighting the pivotal role of women in the region’s tourism sector. CHTA called on members to shift from mere recognition to concrete actions...
Wedding Destinations: Anantara Curates Europe’s Most Romantic Wedding Destinations for 2026
Anantara has unveiled a curated list of Europe’s most romantic wedding destinations for 2026, spotlighting five flagship properties in Rome, Amalfi, Marbella, Vienna and Budapest. Each venue blends historic architecture, local culture and luxury amenities, from rooftop terraces overlooking the...
A Kaleidoscope of Color, Texture, and Pattern, Africa's First "Designer Suite" Just Called It: Minimalism Is Dead — Long Live...
South African designer Thebe Magugu has unveiled the Thebe Magugu Suite and Magugu House at Cape Town’s Mount Nelson, marking his debut in luxury hospitality design. The two‑story suite blends Afro‑modernist colour, texture and pattern with handcrafted South African art, furniture and bespoke amenities. Adjacent...
Innisfree Hotels Announces Opening of The Landing, Pensacola Beach’s Newest Waterfront Event Venue
Innisfree Hotels is launching The Landing, a new waterfront event venue on Pensacola Beach, featuring panoramic ocean views and a private stretch of sand. The grand opening includes a vendor expo on March 6 and a ticketed low‑country shrimp boil on...
The Dyrt Publishes Seven Road Trip Guides That Span America
The Dyrt has launched a collection of seven road‑trip guides that map iconic U.S. routes—from the Atlantic Coast Highway to Route 66—each paired with ten top‑rated campgrounds. The guides blend brief route histories, recommended travel durations, optimal seasons, and practical details...
Have We Underestimated the Benefits of Mastercard Priceless?
Mastercard’s Priceless program provides cardholders with exclusive discounts, elite status upgrades, and hard‑to‑get tickets to events across the UK and globally. Recent experiences show access to sold‑out theatre shows, backstage ballet rehearsals, and charity‑linked UEFA Champions League tickets. Many offers,...
Boeing 777X Promises Wider Cabin, Larger Windows for Comfort
The Boeing 777X will be Boeing’s next-generation flagship widebody. Its cabin introduces larger windows, a wider interior and redesigned overhead bins designed to improve passenger comfort on long-haul flights. Would you choose the 777X for your next long-haul journey?
SAS Airlines Brings BBC Nordic Onboard
SAS Airlines has become the first carrier to launch a dedicated BBC Nordic on‑demand channel, thanks to a partnership brokered by Touch Inflight Solutions. The new offering provides passengers with a curated selection of British titles, ranging from murder mysteries...
SEKISUI KYDEX Unveils Latest Eco-Conscious Product Development
SEKISUI KYDEX introduced KYDEX® ECO™ 6565HI, a new aviation‑interior material built on renewable raw materials and verified life‑cycle assessment data. The thermoplastic sheet delivers an 8% cut in global warming potential and a 195% reduction in acidification potential while remaining...
Airport Worker Hospitalized After United Airlines 737 Collies With Deicing Truck at Denver International Airport
On March 6, a United Airlines Boeing 737 collided with a deicing truck at Denver International Airport during a cold‑weather departure. The impact knocked the truck onto its side, injuring the contractor driver who was hospitalized. The flight, UA‑605 to...
Gen Z Travelers in 2026 Prioritize Experiences, Direct Bookings, and Digital Tools
A Cafeteria study of 900 Gen Z travelers shows that by 2026 the cohort will prioritize unique experiences, direct bookings, and digital tools over traditional luxury travel. They are willing to sacrifice higher‑priced flights and hotels to spend on local food,...
Tools We Use to Win the Points & Miles Game | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep348 | 3-6-26
Frequent Miler’s latest podcast episode walks listeners through the digital toolbox that powers points‑and‑miles success. Host Bill shares specific platforms for tracking balances, scouting award flights, booking hotels, renting cars and even reserving trains. Each segment includes practical tips on...
GOL Launches First Long-Haul Route With Nonstop Flights From Rio De Janeiro to New York
GOL Linhas Aéreas announced its inaugural long‑haul route, a nonstop service between Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão Airport and New York’s JFK, launching on July 8. The airline will operate the route three times weekly using its new Airbus A330‑900 aircraft. The...
Video Shows Sheraton Manager Deny a Room Over a Service Dog — Police Have to Explain “No Pets” Doesn’t Apply
A Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter North manager refused a guest’s reservation because she arrived with a service dog, citing the hotel’s "no pets" policy. Police intervened, pointing out that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public accommodations to accept legitimate...
Block House Opening as Gastown’s only Hotel
Kalido House Hotels is launching Block House, a 19‑suite boutique property that becomes Gastown’s only dedicated hotel. The opening on March 21 marks the debut of Kalido’s unified brand after its Smithe House and Keefer House concepts. Block House blends mid‑century design, heritage architecture and...
Avianca Award Sale: Flights to Central and South America Starting at ~3,500 Miles One-Way
Avianca LifeMiles launched an award sale offering economy seats from the United States to Central and South America for as little as ~3,500 miles one‑way and business class from ~13,000 miles. The promotion also includes European routes, with Washington‑Madrid economy...