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
Red Cliffs Lodge Moab Announces Property-Wide Renovation
Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab has completed a property‑wide renovation that revamps its lodge, 79 guest rooms, and 31 riverfront cabins, while introducing Ember, a new signature restaurant and cocktail lounge. The redesign emphasizes natural materials, floor‑to‑ceiling river views, and a double‑sided fireplace to create a desert‑inspired experience. Partnerships with local outfitters expand the lodge’s adventure offerings, reinforcing its role in the Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors collection. The upgrades aim to attract higher‑spending travelers seeking immersive outdoor stays.
HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin Week Ending 20 February 2026
The HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin for the week ending 20 February 2026 lists a series of high‑profile hotel deals across the continent. Indian conglomerate SanRaj, via Clearsense Ventures, bought three Accor‑branded hotels in the UK (478 rooms) from Ares and EQ....
OTG Announces Leadership Changes
On The Go (OTG) announced Matt King as its new chief executive officer, replacing Jeff Yablun who moves to a senior‑advisor role. King brings over 30 years of multi‑unit foodservice, hospitality and airport‑concession experience, most recently as president of Elior...
The Life of a Slipper: Spa & Wellness Form and Function - By Peter Anderson
Peter Anderson’s article uses the seemingly trivial choice between disposable and reusable spa slippers to illustrate how micro‑level decisions shape the financial performance, brand identity, and sustainability of resort spas. He argues that spas are no longer ancillary amenities but...
ORF Appoints Humphrey As Senior Manager Of Airside Operations
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) has named Jerald Humphrey senior manager of airside operations. Humphrey brings more than two decades of United States Navy experience, most recently as air operations officer at Naval Air Station Oceana. He highlighted the airport’s growth,...
MIA Extends Hudson, HMSHost Contracts
Miami International Airport has secured 12‑year extensions with concessionaires Hudson and HMSHost, allowing them to continue operating existing venues and launch new concepts across the North, Central and South terminals. The extensions are part of the airport’s $9 billion Modernization in...
Avolta Launches Health-Conscious Concessions Line
Avolta has launched its health‑focused "Eat Well. Travel Further." concession line at Chicago O’Hare, with Los Angeles International and Phoenix Sky Harbor slated for later rollout. The collection offers high‑protein, plant‑based, macro‑balanced items free from artificial flavors, synthetic colors, high‑fructose...
Frontier Passenger Claimed She Was Denied Boarding Because She’s Indian—Used Fake ChatGPT Citations In Her Lawsuit
Frontier Airlines denied boarding to a passenger of Indian descent during a June 13, 2023 overbooked flight, offering vouchers but no seat. The passenger, an attorney representing herself, sued for $15 million alleging racial discrimination and breach of contract. The 10th Circuit dismissed the...
UK Aviation Minister Visits London City Airport and New CEO Andy Cliffe
London City Airport outlined a plan to lift annual traffic to 9 million passengers, following 2024 government approval to increase capacity without adding flight movements. Aviation Minister Keir Mather visited the airport, meeting new CEO Andy Cliffe and frontline staff. The growth...
Choice Hotels Kicks Off 11th Annual Mastery Tech Innovation Summit
Choice Hotels International launched its 11th annual Mastery technology and innovation summit in Scottsdale, gathering more than 800 associates for a week of hands‑on workshops, competitions and knowledge‑sharing sessions. The agenda centers on artificial intelligence, cloud platforms, data analytics, and...
Six Senses The Palm, Dubai Resort to Open September 2026
Six Senses announced that its Palm Jumeirah resort will welcome guests starting September 1, 2026. The property will host 61 luxury suites and 172 privately‑owned branded residences, designed by SAOTA with stone and timber elements. A 60,000‑square‑foot spa will feature...
Green Lodging News Is Media Sponsor for AHLA Responsible Stay, F&B Summits
Green Lodging News announced its role as media sponsor for the AHLA Responsible Stay and Food & Beverage Summits taking place March 3‑4 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, Virginia. The two‑day event will feature high‑profile sustainability leaders and crossover...
Arik Funds Paid UmzaXpress Insurance, Lagos Court Hears
Nigeria’s EFCC testified that Arik Air funds were used to pay insurance premiums for rival carrier UmzaXpress, indicating improper financial flows. The testimony was delivered during the Lagos Special Offences Court trial of former Arik executives, AMCON officials, Union Bank...
Agentic Hotel Bookings: Three Models, Not One
The hospitality sector is grappling with three distinct "agentic" booking models—AI‑assisted, AI‑mediated, and AI‑executed—each demanding its own technology stack, payment rails, and data architecture. Meanwhile, hotels continue to lose 10‑25% of potential revenue when phone inquiries are not converted into...
Agentic Hotel Bookings: What Are We Actually Talking About Here?
Agentic hotel booking is a buzzword covering three separate models: AI‑assisted booking via consumer AI platforms, AI‑mediated booking within a hotel’s own digital environment, and AI‑executed agent‑to‑agent booking where autonomous agents complete transactions. Each model demands different technical stacks, payment...
World of Hyatt® Expands Tennis Partnership With Jessica Pegula and Taste of Tennis at Indian Wells
World of Hyatt announced that tennis star Jessica Pegula will continue as its brand ambassador and that the chain is the official hospitality partner for the Taste of Tennis event at Indian Wells. The activation will take place at Grand...
STR/Tourism Economics Forecast Shows Uneven 2026 Hotel Growth Across Major Global Markets
The 2026 hotel market forecast from STR and Tourism Economics shows uneven growth across regions. Europe’s RevPAR is projected to rise to 1.1% driven by the Milan‑Cortina Olympics and luxury demand in Paris, while 11 European markets face occupancy pressure...
Hot Off the Press – Exhibitor First Look
TTG Media’s new Black Book luxury travel trade show debuts in London, gathering a curated roster of destination specialists, cruise lines, hotels and tour operators. The event partners with XO Private to link elite experiences with travel designers, offering one‑on‑one...
Stayntouch Launches AI-Powered Guest Messaging
Stayntouch introduced an AI‑powered guest messaging tool embedded within its property management system, debuting at ITB Berlin. The solution consolidates SMS, WhatsApp, Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb chats into a single inbox, adds real‑time language translation, and automates routine requests. It...
Phone Calls Are “The Last Mile” Of Hotel Distribution
The article frames phone calls as the "last mile" of hotel distribution, where a direct inquiry can convert online interest into a profitable reservation. It highlights hidden costs of OTA commissions and booking engine fees that can be avoided when...
Top 6 Booking Priorities for Today’s Leisure Traveler
The 2026 TravelBoom Leisure Travel Study pinpoints the six factors that dominate leisure travelers’ booking decisions: room value and price (76.6%), hotel location (71%), guest reviews (51%), flexible booking options (29.4%), unique experiences or amenities (20%) and sustainability practices (12.4%)....
What Asset Managers Will Expect From Revenue Management
The article argues that by 2026 hotel revenue management will evolve from a tactical, RevPAR‑centric function into a strategic lever for asset performance. Asset managers will demand that pricing decisions be tied directly to NOI, risk mitigation, and long‑term value...
Hotel Arboretum in DC to Rebrand to City Express by Marriott
PM Hotel Group announced that the independent Hotel Arboretum in Northeast Washington, DC will rebrand as City Express by Marriott Washington, DC Northeast, owned by Rocks Hospitality. The transition aligns the property with Marriott’s global distribution network and the Marriott...
Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 Is Ready To Start Operations From April 22, 2026
Frankfurt Airport has completed its new Terminal 3, with airlines beginning a staged move starting April 23 2026. The terminal sits on the former U.S. Rhein‑Main Airbase, a considerable distance from existing Terminals 1 and 2. A new driverless Sky Line people‑mover will link all...
Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport Opens
Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport opened across the airport, owned by AirSan Investments, the Hickman family’s entity. The four‑story property, developed with Newport Hospitality Group and Lamm & Company, targets airport passengers, Boombah Sports Complex teams, and cruise...
Up to Doubled Award Rates: How Aeroplan Award Pricing Has Evolved Since Going Dynamic
Air Canada’s Aeroplan switched from fixed to so‑called dynamic pricing in March 2025, but the change effectively doubled many award costs. United‑partner economy awards that were 10,000 points now cost 15,000 points, and median North American economy awards rose between...
Marcus & Millichap Announces Sale of Best Western Swiss Clock Inn
Marcus & Millichap announced the sale of the 107‑room Best Western Swiss Clock Inn in Pecos, Texas, to a private investor group. The exclusive listing, managed by senior managing director Allan Miller, represented seller Catering of Central Texas, LLC, and...
Holiday Inn Express Fargo-West Acres Completes Renovation
Holiday Inn Express Fargo‑West Acres announced the completion of a comprehensive renovation. The upgrade refreshed guest rooms and public areas with new décor, beds, fresh‑ground coffee, and expanded plug‑in access. Fargo‑inspired design touches blend brand consistency with local character. Brandt...
‘Nothing Beats a Jet2 Holiday’: Budget Carrier Is the Favorite Short-Haul Airline Among Brits
Jet2 has been crowned Britain’s favourite short‑haul airline in the Which? consumer survey, achieving a 76% customer satisfaction score. The Leeds‑based carrier was praised for reliability, value for money and service, while Ryanair fell to the bottom with a 55%...
Big Dave’s Locks in Supply Chain Partnerships to Supercharge Expansion
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks announced strategic supply‑chain partnerships with Amoroso’s Baking Co. and Philly’s Best Steak Company to support its national franchise rollout. Amoroso’s will supply a custom‑cut baguette, while Philly’s Best becomes the exclusive, Halal‑certified protein provider, standardizing menu quality...
Canada Hotels Posts Record RevPAR in 2025
Canadian hotels closed 2025 with a record RevPAR of $142.89, a 4.1% year‑over‑year increase, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Growth was uneven, as Ontario and Quebec fell short of the national average while domestic leisure travel buoyed other regions. New...
How to Empower Employees Through Autonomy, Ownership
Jim Knight argues that modern leaders must balance employee autonomy with structured support to reshape culture, spark innovation, and lift performance. He outlines five practical strategies—shifting from control to collaboration, building trust, equipping teams, granting ownership, and phasing autonomy—to make...
For-Sight Strengthens Guest Engagement with Launch of New Loyalty Module
For‑Sight has launched a new Loyalty Module in partnership with Inspire Loyalty, embedding loyalty program management directly into its hotel CRM platform. The module automates points accrual, supports tiered and paid memberships, and feeds loyalty activity into guest profiles for...
Afghanistan and Pakistan to Exhibit at ITB Berlin While Engaged in a Deadly War
Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite a deadly war, will still exhibit at ITB Berlin, hoping to promote culture and adventure tourism. Prior to the conflict, both nations were experiencing fragile tourism recoveries, with Pakistan seeing domestic travel growth and Afghanistan grappling...
US–Caribbean Tensions, Cuba Sanctions and the Future of Regional Tourism
At CARICOM’s 50th heads‑of‑government meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Washington’s renewed focus on the Caribbean, tying security, energy and investment to the region’s tourism‑driven economies. He warned that transnational crime and energy instability threaten visitor confidence, while...
Angola Takes Centre Stage at ITB Berlin 2026: Political Gesture or Strategic Tourism Play?
Angola will headline the opening gala of ITB Berlin’s 60th edition on 2 March 2026, using the platform to unveil its new tourism brand “Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life.” The event will host 700‑800 high‑level guests, showcasing Angolan culture,...
![[Extended] Get 300k Lufthansa Miles, 150 GHA Dollars, Lounge Access, and Several Elite Statuses via ASmallWorld](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://awardwallet.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lufthansa-A350-Kyle-Fritz-Unsplash-Featured.jpg)
[Extended] Get 300k Lufthansa Miles, 150 GHA Dollars, Lounge Access, and Several Elite Statuses via ASmallWorld
ASmallWorld is offering its Prestige membership at a roughly 10% discount for €4,950, granting members 300,000 Lufthansa Miles & More, 150 GHA Discovery Dollars, and elite status across several hospitality and car‑rental partners. The promotion runs through March 31 2026, after which all perks...
Manchester City Residences Yas Island to Launch Sales 1st March
Manchester City and Ohana Development have announced a joint‑venture to build Manchester City‑branded residences on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, with sales slated to begin on 1 March 2026. The waterfront project covers 1.67 million sq m and will offer studios through five‑bedroom villas priced between...
At This Southern California Car Dealership, You Can Get a Patty Melt with Your Porsche
Galpin Motors, one of Southern California’s largest auto groups, has turned its dealerships into culinary destinations by operating full‑service restaurants such as the Horseless Carriage diner and the Porsche‑themed Boxenstopp. The Horseless Carriage alone pulls in about $3.2 million in annual...
Fat Brands Says that Bond Investors Knew What They Were Getting Into
Fat Brands, the parent of Fazoli's and 15 other restaurant chains, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2024. Lenders have pushed for a court‑appointed trustee, alleging CEO Andy Wiederhorn misused company funds for personal loans, bonuses, and an unauthorized stock...
The Beverage Boom Is Transforming the Soda Fountain
Restaurants are responding to a surge in specialty beverage demand by partnering with equipment manufacturers to replace legacy soda fountains with advanced, high‑tech drink dispensers. The new machines integrate IoT connectivity, real‑time analytics, and modular ingredient cartridges, allowing on‑the‑fly customization....
James Beard Foundation Honors 6 Longtime Restaurants with 2026 America's Classics Award
Six long‑standing, family‑owned restaurants across the United States have been named the 2026 James Beard America’s Classics. The honorees include The Serving Spoon in California, Oyster House in Philadelphia, Johnny’s Café in Omaha, Eng’s in Kingston, Figaretti’s Italian Restaurant in...
How the Restaurant Industry Fared in the State of the Union Address
President Trump’s State of the Union offered little concrete relief for restaurants, focusing instead on broader political themes. Washington state introduced the “Golden Oldie” proposal, a per‑employee head tax aimed at funding health initiatives. Minneapolis reported calmer streets and a...
Want More Sales? Just Add Cheese
Applebee’s reported a notable sales boost after launching a cheese‑laden burger, highlighted on the Restaurant Business podcast. The episode also examined Burger King’s Whopper enhancements and its rollout of AI tools to streamline operations. Meanwhile, major pizza chains continue to...
Burger King's Store-Level Profitability Runs Into a Beef Cost Wall
Burger King has been steadily boosting store‑level profitability, posting double‑digit earnings growth across its U.S. locations. However, a sharp rise in beef prices—up roughly 35% since early 2025—has begun to erode those gains. The chain responded with modest menu price...
A New Chapter at FRAPORT: Terminal 3 and Condor’s Homecoming
Frankfurt Airport’s privately financed Terminal 3 is set to open in summer 2027, offering state‑of‑the‑art technology, streamlined passenger flows and high sustainability standards. The new hub will become home to Condor, Germany’s second‑largest airline, which is moving its operations from existing terminals...
McKinney National Airport Set to Launch Commercial Flights, Becoming Dallas Region’s Third Airport
McKinney National Airport in Collin County is set to begin commercial passenger service as early as November 2026, becoming the Dallas region’s third commercial airport. A $72 million upgrade adds a 45,000‑square‑foot terminal, four gates and 1,500 parking spaces, with a...
20 Takeaways: How AI Is Redefining the Future of Travel Planning
A recent Recommend webinar gathered travel experts to discuss AI’s growing role in itinerary creation, client communication, and market analysis. Nearly half of attendees already use AI tools both personally and professionally, citing rapid itinerary generation and significant time savings....
Hotel Review: The Beaumont Mayfair, London
The Beaumont Mayfair has completed a multi‑million‑pound renovation that transforms its Grade II listed building into a 1920s‑inspired boutique hotel. The overhaul added 29 new rooms, bringing the total to 101, and introduced a fresh art‑filled lobby, a new Rosi brasserie...
McLaren Racing Announces Etihad Airways as an Official Partner
McLaren Racing announced Etihad Airways as an Official Partner for its Formula 1 and United Autosports WEC Hypercar programmes starting in the 2026 season. The deal links the UAE’s national carrier with McLaren’s high‑performance racing platforms, emphasizing shared values of innovation...