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
Dublin’s New Music Wall Celebrates Much Loved Irish Artists
Dublin Airport has launched a new music wall in Terminal 1’s arrivals corridor, showcasing images of 11 legendary Irish acts such as U2, Thin Lizzy, The Cranberries, Christy Moore and Sinéad O’Connor. Integrated speakers play iconic tracks while LED lighting adds visual flair, turning the once‑plain space into an immersive cultural showcase. The installation was unveiled by the band The Coronas, who also appear on the wall, and has already sparked a wave of passenger selfies. Airport management says the project is the first of several place‑based art displays planned across the terminals.
Abta LifeLine Welcomes Three New Trustees to Its Board
ABTA LifeLine announced the appointment of three senior travel industry executives—Jody Rolfe of TUI, Lisa McAuley of World Travel Holdings UK, and Zoe Powell of Xeinadin—as trustees effective 26 February 2026. The board expansion follows a rigorous recruitment process and is intended...
New Concessions Area at Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport has expanded Concourse A Marketplace, adding ten custom columns by Móz Designs that visually link six local restaurants. The upgrade is part of a broader plan to introduce 27 new concessions by 2026, enhancing the passenger experience. Five snow‑coloured...
Editor’s Letter: A New Chapter for Sustainability Leaders United
Sustainability Leaders United, a twelve‑year platform that gathered 480 leaders from 79 countries on sustainable tourism and destination governance, has been folded into The Place Brand Observer. The integration moves SLU’s content into TPBO’s broader editorial framework, with the original...
Why Airports Must Befriend Their Neighbours
Airports are being urged to treat neighbouring communities as strategic partners rather than obstacles. The article revisits the 1987 Brundtland Report, reminding readers that sustainability rests on three equal pillars—economic, social, and governance. While environmental measures dominate airport agendas, the...
CRM Driven Personalization: Moving Beyond Automated Messages to Predictive Guest Experiences
Hospitality operators are shifting from generic automated messaging to predictive, intelligence‑driven guest experiences powered by integrated CRM and PMS data. Fragmented guest information has limited personalization, but unified profiles enable real‑time segmentation, tailored offers, and on‑property service alignment. Hotels that...
Freddy's Frozen Custard Launches Senior Meals
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced a new Senior Meals line aimed at diners aged 55 and older. The offering includes four core menu items—cheeseburger, crispy chicken sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, and all‑beef hot dog—each paired with a small side...
GoTo Foods Names CFO, CGO
Atlanta‑based GoTo Foods, the parent of seven restaurant brands including McAlister’s, Cinnabon and Jamba, announced the appointment of Brett Ubl as chief financial officer and Francisco Bram as chief growth officer. Both executives arrive with deep experience in franchise finance and digital...
PTE PREVIEW: Fabrizio Magliocca, Director of Business Transformation, Innovation & Quality, Aeroporti Di Roma
Fabrizio Magliocca, Director of Business Transformation at Aeroporti di Roma, outlined a five‑year plan that moves the airport beyond passenger volume to a predictive, connected, and people‑centric hub. The strategy hinges on AI‑enabled assistants, computer‑vision analytics, digital twins and a...
Don't Bet the House on GLP-1: Why 'Everyday Health' Is the Better Menu Strategy
The piece warns restaurant operators that chasing "GLP‑1 friendly" labels is a short‑term gamble, citing data that more than half of users discontinue the drugs within a year and that up to 40% of weight loss is lean‑muscle loss. It...
Far East’s New Light
Far East Hospitality (FEH) appointed Mark Rohner as managing director in July 2024, succeeding Arthur Kiong. Rohner outlined a multi‑year roadmap that includes automating revenue management, building a proprietary loyalty platform, and accelerating digital transformation across front‑office and housekeeping. He...
REGISTER NOW: GHA Discovery Up To D$825 For Stays December 1 – May 31, 2026 (Register By February 28)
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) celebrated reaching 58 participating brands by launching a Discovery promotion that rewards members up to D$825 for ten qualifying stays between Dec. 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Members must register by Feb. 28, 2026, then book at least two‑night stays through...
EasyJet Expands Its Uniform Donation Scheme
easyJet is scaling its crew‑uniform donation programme to provide free, professional attire for job‑seekers across the UK. The airline cites ONS data showing unemployment rising 5.2% while 734,000 vacancies remain, and research indicating that 71% of respondents can’t afford interview‑ready...
Marriott Signs Osaka Conversion to Debut Series by Marriott in Japan
Marriott International has teamed with Blackstone to convert the 14‑storey Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi into a Series by Marriott property, marking the brand’s first entry into Japan. The 256‑room hotel will open in April 2026, positioned just 300 metres from Shinsaibashi Station and close to...
Airalo, Cathay to Offer eSIMs with Asia Miles
Airalo and Cathay Pacific have partnered to sell discounted eSIMs to Cathay travelers, granting 100 Asia Miles for each eSIM purchased. The miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotels, dining and other lifestyle rewards. The collaboration taps into a...
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Unveils New Multi-Day Land Programmes
Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced nearly 50 new multi‑day pre‑ and post‑cruise land programmes, rolling out on six ships beginning in 2026. The itineraries span Africa, Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and North America, offering curated experiences...
Tracy Wilson Takes over as SVP and GM at Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line has appointed Tracy Wilson as senior vice president and general manager of operations, succeeding Sharon Siskie. Wilson brings more than 30 years of Disney experience, most recently serving as senior vice president of finance for Disney Signature...
Stansted Opens a New Lounge on Tuesday Following Escape Closure
London Stansted Airport has launched a new “Essence by Escape” lounge on 3 March, replacing the closed Escape lounge. The facility is located in Satellite 1, meaning Ryanair passengers cannot use it, while airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa and Jet2 have access....
Bits: Etihad Signs McLaren F1 Deal, Get a 100% Bonus Buying IHG Points
Etihad Airways has signed a multi‑year sponsorship with the McLaren Formula 1 and United Autosports WEC teams, securing branding on race cars, helmets and a future Dreamliner livery. The partnership extends Etihad’s long‑standing involvement with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Meanwhile, IHG One...
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Puts American Airlines On Blast For Flight Delay: “I’m Going to Take a New...
White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair used X to publicly berate American Airlines after a 2.5‑hour delay caused by a hydraulic‑fluid issue and a separate flight that allegedly lacked a booked pilot for his wife. His post warned...
Hitting New Heights: Turkish Airlines Aims for 1,000 Aircraft by 2036
Turkish Airlines celebrated its 500th aircraft delivery in late 2025 and unveiled an ambitious plan to double the fleet to 1,000 planes by 2036. The airline’s growth has accelerated from 100 aircraft in 2006 to 400 in 2023, reflecting a...
Video of the Week: Inside the Engine Room - Lessons, Innovation and the Trent 1000 Reset
At the CAPA Airline Leader Summit, Rolls‑Royce senior VP Luke Mallows detailed the Trent 1000 programme reset, highlighting how early durability setbacks prompted a comprehensive redesign. The overhaul emphasized new materials, rigorous testing, and tighter airline‑OEM collaboration to restore reliability. Mallows...
Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc (SHO) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Sunstone Hotel Investors (SHO) reaffirmed its full‑year earnings outlook despite a choppy operating environment and a government shutdown. Third‑quarter RevPAR rose 2% year‑over‑year, led by strong performance in San Francisco and Miami Beach, while adjusted EBITDAre reached $50 million and adjusted...
How To Fly American Airlines’ Best Business (and First) Class Seats Within the U.S.
In March 2026 American Airlines will operate 2,016 domestic flights equipped with lie‑flat seats across its A321T, A321XLR, 777‑300ER, 777‑200, 787‑8, 787‑9 and select Flagship Suite aircraft. The compact A321T carries 30 First‑Class and 20 Business lie‑flat seats on four coast‑to‑coast...
Ontario International Airport Passenger Count 3.7% Higher in January as New Year Begins on a High Note
Ontario International Airport reported a 3.7% rise in January 2026 passenger volume, reaching 492,895 travelers. International traffic surged 64% to a record 66,281, while domestic numbers slipped 1.9% to 426,614. The airport added a new daily nonstop service to Boise...
Rediscovering Atlantis Paradise Island
Atlantis Paradise Island has completed a $250 million refresh, modernizing its iconic resort while preserving its mythic brand. The upgrade expands the 141‑acre Aquaventure waterpark, adds new marine‑habitat experiences, and introduces upscale dining concepts such as Paranza and Claudio’s, targeting families,...
Silversea Unveils Interiors of New Antarctica Gateway Hotel in Chile
Silversea has revealed the interiors of The Cormorant at 55 South, a 150‑room hotel slated to open in October in Puerto Williams, Chile. Marketed as the southernmost hotel on Earth, it serves as the land‑based anchor for Silversea’s Antarctica Fly...
Bilt Taps Luxury Hotels to Build Marketplace for Top Spenders
Bilt has launched Bilt Verified, a marketplace that links Forbes‑rated luxury hotels with its high‑spending members. The program offers exclusive perks such as a $100 hotel credit, complimentary breakfast, flexible check‑in/out and room upgrades, while leveraging AI‑driven personalization and deep...
Mistakes Sellers Make
Hotel owners who postpone selling often pay a hidden price as risk, competition, and operating costs climb. The article outlines four common mistakes: waiting for a perfect market, treating PIP and CapEx as background items, fixating on headline price, and...
Inside an Airline HQ: Behind‑the‑Scenes Magic Revealed
Ever wondered what an airline HQ looks like? Well, here’s your chance to see all the magic going on behind the scenes.
Tampa Airport Wants Passengers To Stop Wearing Pajamas—Their Absurd Dress Code Is Almost Certainly Illegal
The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority in Tampa announced a proposed dress‑code banning passengers from wearing pajamas in its terminals. The initiative, tied to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s “Golden Age of Travel Starts with You” campaign, has ignited debate over its...
![Southwest's Massive Expansion: 31 New Routes Launch Next Week [Map]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://static0.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/southwest-boeing-737-700-on-initial-climb.jpg?w=1600&h=900&fit=crop)
Southwest's Massive Expansion: 31 New Routes Launch Next Week [Map]
Southwest Airlines will launch 31 new routes between March 2 and 8, the most weekly additions among its peers. The rollout includes 25 domestic and six international services, five of which are brand‑new markets, marking the carrier’s first international flights from Indianapolis...
Spanish Tapas Concept Vya Opens in Southeast Portland
Vya, a new Spanish tapas and paella restaurant, opened this week in Southeast Portland’s Solterra Building. Chef Connor Gallaher, drawing on experience from Barcelona to Southeast Asia, delivers a menu that fuses traditional Spanish small plates with seasonal Pacific Northwest...
Ruby Slipper Announces New Limited-Time Menu
Ruby Slipper is rolling out a limited‑time spring brunch menu from Feb. 25 through Apr. 21 at all locations. The lineup blends colorful sweets like strawberry‑cheesecake beignets and a Fruity Pebbles‑crusted French toast with savory corned‑beef hash dishes and new cocktail‑style drinks....
Culinary Creative Group Shakes Up Leadership Team
Culinary Creative Group announced a leadership overhaul, naming Richard Flaherty as CEO, Blake Edmunds as culinary director, and Lauren Barash as its first vice president of marketing. Flaherty, former CEO of Punch Bowl Social and Wagamama USA, will steer national...
DGCA Mandates 48-Hour Free Cancellation and Strict Refund Deadlines for Indian Airlines
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new passenger charter rules that require airlines to offer a 48‑hour free‑cancellation window for tickets booked at least seven days before departure. The regulator also mandates refunds be processed within seven...
Travel Disruption Hit Peru as Airports in Callao and Arequipa Face Over a Dozen Flight Cancellations and Several Delays by...
Peruvian travelers faced a wave of flight disruptions today as Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao recorded 13 cancellations and 42 delays, while Rodriguez Ballon International Airport in Arequipa logged 3 cancellations and 6 delays. A total of 48 delays...
Geneva, Switzerland: IATA Opens Nominations for 2026 Diversity & Inclusion Awards to Celebrate Equity and Leadership in Global Aviation
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Diversity & Inclusion Awards, which will honor individuals and airlines advancing equity in aviation. The program features three categories – Inspirational Role Model for senior female leaders, High Flyer...
Hilton 20% Off App Flash Sale For Stays Between March 3 – May 30/October 31/December 4, 2026 (Book By March...
Hilton announced a limited‑time flash sale offering up to 20% off its Best Available Rate when bookings are made through the Hilton Honors mobile app by March 3, 2026. The discount applies to stays in the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions,...
Amex Membership Rewards Pauses Points Transfers to ANA Mileage Club — What to Know
American Express has temporarily halted Membership Rewards point transfers to All Nippon Airways’ Mileage Club from 1 PM MST on Feb 25 until 7 PM MST on Mar 2, citing planned system maintenance. The pause affects the popular 1:1 transfer ratio that many travelers use for...
Apex Order Pickup Solutions Expands Into Casino Market
Apex Order Pickup Solutions announced its entry into the casino sector by installing smart food‑order lockers at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in Highland, California. The rollout includes two 23‑compartment locker systems at The Grove Express and the new bEATS venue,...
Mews Named Official PMS of AAHOA
AAHOA has appointed Mews as its official property management system, granting members exclusive pricing, rapid onboarding, and access to Mews’ revenue‑management tools. The partnership aims to help economy and mid‑scale hotel owners cut costs and boost profitability amid rising expenses....
Travel Tech Marks 30 Years of Section 230 As Online Reviews Continue to Drive Booking Decisions
Travel Tech commemorated the 30th anniversary of Section 230, the legal shield that enables travel sites to host user‑generated reviews without liability. The association highlighted how online reviews now drive booking decisions, with Expedia’s 2025 Traveler Value Index showing roughly 75%...
Giant, Stop&Shop, Martin’s: Get 4x Points On Select Third-Party Giftcards (2/27-3/12)
Giant, Stop & Shop, and Martin’s are running a limited‑time promotion that awards four times the usual fuel points on purchases of selected third‑party gift cards between Feb 27 and Mar 12. Eligible cards include Airbnb, Delta, Disney, DoorDash, Southwest, Hotels.com, Lyft,...
Maru San Is Washington, D.C.’s First Nikkei-Style Handroll Concept
Maru San, opened Feb. 20 in Washington, D.C.’s Eastern Market, is the city’s first Nikkei‑style handroll concept. Chef Carlos Delgado, known for his work at Causa/Amazonia and under José Andrés, leads the 25‑seat counter‑service spot offering traditional and premium handrolls plus a...
Applebee’s Strategy: Fewer Promotions, More Manager Visibility
Applebee’s parent Dine Brands trimmed its promotional calendar to four or five events a year, shifting focus to the core menu and the 2 for $25 value platform. The change helped reverse a slump, delivering positive same‑store sales in Q2 2025 and attracting...
Papa Johns Announces 300 Store Closures and 7% Corporate Layoffs
Papa John’s announced a sweeping cost‑savings program that includes closing 300 under‑performing restaurants—200 of them this year—and laying off 7% of its corporate workforce. The plan aims to generate at least $25 million in savings through 2027, with $13 million expected in...
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport Adds Striker® 6×6 ARFF Vehicle to Support Emergency Readiness
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico has added an Oshkosh Striker® 6×6 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle to its all‑Oshkosh fleet. The 6×6 model brings a 3,000‑gallon water tank, 420‑gallon foam capacity, and advanced TAK‑4 independent...
Expanding Access Through ASTA’s Latest VTA Course
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has launched a new elective in its Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification focused on accessible tourism, developed with Accessible Travel Solutions. Announced on Feb. 26, 2026, the course equips advisors with practical methods to assess...
MKE Airport Celebrates 100 Years of Flight in 2026
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) will mark its 100th anniversary on October 5, 2026, launching a year‑long centennial campaign that includes community events and a dedicated website. The airport, which has handled more than 300 million passengers since 1926, highlights a...