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
Hospeco Brands Adds Rest Assured Toilet Seat Covers
Hospeco Brands Group has launched its Rest Assured toilet seat covers, a Green Seal‑certified line made from 100% recycled paper with at least 30% post‑consumer content. The covers are fully biodegradable and compatible with standard half‑fold dispensers, while the company also offers variants with 40% recycled content and a touch‑free Evogen dispenser. Pricing spans economical to premium tiers, and a nationwide distribution network promises faster, lower‑cost deliveries. The product line reinforces Hospeco’s position as a sustainability‑focused supplier for the hospitality sector.
HBF Textiles Presents Second Edition of The Designer Edit
HBF Textiles has launched the second edition of The Designer Edit, unveiling six distinct color‑driven palettes for retail, hospitality, workplace, culinary, sustainability‑focused, and outdoor‑inspired interiors. The collections are curated by industrial designer Kickie Chudikova and feature new colorways for the...
United Airlines Flight Attendants Confident They Can Secure Contract Deal Next Month But Still Aren’t Backing Down On Concessions
The Association of Flight Attendants representing over 30,000 United Airlines crew members says a contract could be finalized in March, after years of contentious bargaining. United has proposed a compensation package that would make its cabin crew the highest‑paid in...
UK Trial Shows Potential of Hydrogen Powered Ground Handling Equipment
A successful trial at Exeter Airport demonstrated that hydrogen‑powered ground handling equipment—including a hydrogen internal‑combustion tug, a fuel‑cell baggage tractor and a hybrid hydrogen‑diesel GPU—can be safely integrated into live airport operations. The Zero Carbon Turn project, backed by the...
Park Hyatt Toronto Launches Global Chef Series
Park Hyatt Toronto has launched a Global Chef Series, debuting with Brazilian chef Felipe Schaedler at its Joni Restaurant on March 6‑7. The program pairs visiting culinary stars with executive chef Jonathan Williams to create multi‑course tasting menus that showcase...
Long Serving Edinburgh Airport Boss to Step Down Later This Year
Gordon Dewar will step down as CEO of Edinburgh Airport towards the end of 2026 after a 14‑year tenure. Under his leadership the airport’s passenger traffic surged 85 % from 9 million in 2012 to nearly 17 million in 2025, and it successfully...
Jeff's Bagel Run: From Garage Bagels to 30 and Growing
Jeff Perera, co‑founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run, recounts how a garage‑started bagel shop expanded to nearly 30 locations with new openings each week. The Founderology podcast episode reveals the pivotal choices that moved the brand out of the "stuck zone,"...
Uga Jungle Beach Reveals New Look
Sri Lankan hotel group Uga Resorts has launched the first phase of its Uga Jungle Beach refurbishment, revamping all 49 guest cabins and the 75‑cover restaurant. The redesign fuses clean, modern lines with botanical prints and native flora, creating a...
How Agentic AI Is Driving the Property Operating System in Hotels
Hospitality technology is evolving from a patchwork of point solutions toward a Property Operating System (PropOS), an AI‑driven decision layer that coordinates actions across PMS, RMS, BMS and other platforms. Agentic AI enables these systems to act autonomously within defined...
Herons Lodge Sets Sights on Spring Opening
Herons Lodge, a 35‑key boutique hotel by Common Thread Hotels, will open in Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea in April 2026. The property is the second California venue designed by Nina Freudenberger of Freudenberger Design Studio, following White Water in Cambria. Guests will enjoy...
ARCO Appoints Commercial Aviation Head
ARCO National Construction announced the appointment of Scott Rightnowar as head of its commercial aviation division. Rightnowar will oversee national airport, airline, hangar, and MRO development programs, leveraging more than a decade of executive aviation and industrial real‑estate experience. His...
Champagne Culture - Love on Ice
Hotels across Asia are reimagining Champagne as an experiential luxury, turning the drink into daily rituals, theatrical performances, and wellness amenities. At The St. Regis Bangkok, a 6 p.m. sabrage ceremony anchors the evening transition, while Centara Grand’s sky‑terrace serves chilled...
MCO-Hosted FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group Event in Pictures – Inspiration-Filled Sessions, Collaborative Discussions, Valuable Networking, Exclusive Tours, and More
From February 9‑11, 2026 the Future Travel Experience Baggage Innovation Working Group convened at Orlando International Airport for three days of presentations, tours and startup pitches. Highlights included a deep‑dive into MCO’s next‑generation baggage system, a Disney‑hosted off‑airport bag‑drop showcase, and...
Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang to Shine in 2026 as Malaysia Sets Sights on Attracting 2.1 Million Indian Tourists
Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign is targeting 2.1 million Indian visitors, a 34.6% rise from the previous year. Indian arrivals already climbed to 1.56 million in 2025, up 14.6% from 2024, underscoring growing demand. The push is backed by 238 weekly...
Flyadeal’s Latest Fleet Expansion with the Airbus A320neo: More Affordable Flights From Jeddah, Riyadh, and Beyond – Everything You Need...
Flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s fast‑growing low‑cost carrier, received its first Airbus A320neo of 2026, bringing its total fleet to 45 aircraft. The new plane, named Al‑Saqr, features 186 all‑economy seats and lower fuel consumption, enhancing both capacity and sustainability. Flyadeal operates...
Kuwait and Egypt Forge Stronger Tourism Ties: Major Updates on Cultural Collaboration and Destination Growth
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi met Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications Omar Saud Al‑Omar during the 52nd UN Tourism Regional Commission in Kuwait, cementing a bilateral pact to deepen cultural tourism ties. The dialogue highlighted Egypt’s...
Stockholm, Paris, and Venice Airports Suffer Severe Disruptions as Hundreds of Flights Are Canceled and Delayed
European hubs in Stockholm, Paris, and Venice experienced severe operational chaos on January 18, 2026, as airlines cancelled six flights and delayed more than 180 across the continent. Scandinavian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Air France were the primary carriers affected,...
Cambodia Extends Tax Incentives for the Tourism Businesses in Siem Reap, Supporting Sector Recovery, Long-Term Growth and Regional Tourism Development
Cambodia’s government has extended tax incentives for tourism businesses in Siem Reap until the end of 2026, offering income‑tax exemptions and monthly tax relief (excluding VAT and accommodation tax). The measure targets hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and travel agencies, aiming to...
From Cooking Technique to Global Platform: International Sous Vide Day Marks a Turning Point
The episode marks International Sous Vide Day, highlighting how the precision cooking method has evolved from a niche French experiment to a global operational platform across restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, and retail. Guest Miguel Franco, CCO of Cuisine Solutions, explains that sous vide’s...
The Norwegian Group Delivers Record Results for 2025 and Increases Dividend
The Norwegian Group posted a record operating profit of NOK 3.732 billion for 2025, the highest in its history, and a NOK 21 million EBIT in Q4 after a loss the previous year. Passenger traffic rose to 27.3 million for the full year, with Norwegian’s...
Central Holidays Debuts Inspiring New Line of Travel Programs to Morocco
Central Holidays announced a new suite of Morocco travel programs, expanding its portfolio beyond recent Türkiye offerings. The itineraries span comprehensive multi‑city tours, relaxed city stays, and multi‑country adventures, all fully customizable for individuals, groups, or specialty segments. To drive...
The 10-25 Unit Playbook: Scale Without Chaos
SynergySuite released an eBook titled “The 10‑25 Unit Playbook: Scale Without Chaos,” targeting restaurant groups expanding from ten to twenty‑five locations. The guide outlines practical frameworks, real‑world data, and a unified technology stack to eliminate inventory bleed, improve labor forecasting,...
Bits: £100 Amex Hotel Offer, Marriott Executive Apartments Improves, Al Bustan Closure
Lore Group has launched a £100 American Express cashback promotion for stays of £400 across six of its luxury hotels, including Sea Containers London and Pulitzer Amsterdam, with prepaid bookings eligible if made through the official website or Global Hotel...
PNG's Air Niugini Cancels Its B787-8 Order
Air Niugini has cancelled its order for two Boeing 787‑8 jets, leaving a gap as its aging B767‑300ERs are set to leave service in 2026. The 787s were intended to replace those wide‑bodies and support new routes to Asia, Australia...
Chinese and Indian Tourists to Boost Europe’s Travel Market Amid US Slowdown
The European Travel Commission forecasts a 6.2% rise in international arrivals to Europe this year, driven largely by a surge in Chinese and Indian tourists. Chinese visitor numbers are expected to jump 28% and Indian arrivals 9% compared with 2025,...
GOL Appoints Anuvu to Redefine IFE Experience
Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas has selected Anuvu as its new inflight entertainment (IFE) partner, with the collaboration kicking off in January 2026. The deal brings Anuvu’s extensive content library—including HBO Max and Formula 1—into GOL’s cabins, promising higher‑quality streams and a broader...
259 Brands. 9 Lodging Companies. Interactive List. February 2026.
An interactive list released in February 2026 shows that nine multinational lodging companies now operate 259 distinct hotel and resort brands, up from 213 in 2023. The list details each brand’s loyalty program affiliation and a brief description, highlighting the rapid...
Singapore Airshow: Part One – Aircraft Manufacturers Look to Leverage Asia Pacific Demand
CAPA’s premium analysis report highlights its extensive aviation intelligence services, offering members a 1,033‑word deep‑dive analysis alongside more than 1,000 weekly news briefs. Membership provides full access to a suite of tools, including a mobile app with customizable alerts and...
Host Hotels & Resorts Inc (HST) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Host Hotels & Resorts reported FY 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $1.757 billion, a 4.6% increase, and adjusted FFO of $2.07 per share, both surpassing guidance. Comparable hotel RevPAR rose 4.2% for the year and 5.4% in Q4, outpacing the upper‑tier industry...
Travel + Leisure Co (TNL) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Travel + Leisure Co (TNL) posted Q4 2025 revenue of $1.03 billion, a 4% year‑over‑year increase, and adjusted EBITDA of $272 million, up 8% with expanding margins. Full‑year EPS rose 10% to $6.34 and free cash flow grew 16% to $516 million, supporting...
Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Booking Holdings reported a 9% year‑over‑year increase in room nights to 285 million in Q4 2025, pushing gross bookings and revenue up 16% (11% on a constant‑currency basis). Adjusted EBITDA rose 19% to $2.2 billion and adjusted EPS grew 17% to $48.8,...
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc (WH) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reported 4% net room growth in 2025, adding a record 72,000 rooms and expanding its development pipeline to nearly 260,000 rooms across 2,200 hotels. Adjusted EBITDA rose 4% to $718 million and adjusted diluted EPS increased 6%...
Fine Hotels + Resorts® vs The Edit by Chase Travel℠ | Coffee Break Ep93 | 2-17-26
The Coffee Break episode compares American Express’s Fine Hotels + Resorts® with Chase Travel’s The Edit, using Greg’s back‑to‑back stays at Pendry Chicago as a case study. While both programs promise similar luxury perks, the host highlights nuanced differences in...
Reimagining Tourism Futures: Six Priorities Shaping the Sector’s Transition - By Dr Carlos Martin-Rios
EHL Hospitality Business School convened a two‑day workshop in November 2025, bringing together researchers and industry leaders to chart tourism’s decade‑ahead transition. Participants identified six interconnected priority areas—climate & mobility, food & circularity, social & work, governance & policy, measurement &...
Cluster-Based Insights to Improve Hotel Direct Bookings - By Dr. Cindy Heo and Dr. Luciano Viverit
The article argues that hotel direct‑booking conversion is a critical yet misunderstood performance lever, and that a single conversion rate masks underlying demand dynamics. By applying machine‑learning clustering to segment stay dates, researchers identified distinct demand contexts where different factors...
American Airlines' Longest Nonstop Routes With The Boeing 777 In 2026
American Airlines will operate 67 Boeing 777s in 2026, making it the fourth‑largest global operator and the second‑largest holder of the older 777‑200ER variant. The carrier’s longest nonstop 777 flights include LAX‑Sydney (6,507 nm) and DFW‑Seoul (5,945 nm), while seasonal and summer...
Luxury Hotels Embrace Discreet Service and Local Experiences
Luxury hospitality is pivoting from overt extravagance to "quiet luxury," emphasizing discreet locations, understated design, and authentic local experiences. Research by EHL students shows affluent travelers now prefer secluded settings, private entrances, and personalized service over traditional opulent displays. Brands...
Spirit Airlines Marks 20 Years in Atlanta with Anniversary Discount
Spirit Airlines is marking two decades of service at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport with a 20% discount on base fares for flights departing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Travelers must use promo code “20PCT” and book by February 18 to travel between...
Hospitality Leaders Highlight Investment Opportunities Despite Economic Headwinds
Hospitality executives at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit argued that current economic headwinds are cyclical, not structural, and that demand for hotel assets remains robust over the past decade. They highlighted attractive yields and a functioning capital market, urging investors...
HSMAI Announces 2026 Recipients of the Robert A. Gilbert Award for Career Achievement in Commercial Strategy
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) announced the 2026 recipients of the Robert A. Gilbert Award for Career Achievement in Commercial Strategy. The honorees—Mary Casey, Jeff Doane, and André Fournier—are recognized for shaping sales, marketing, distribution and revenue optimization across...
Guam’s Tourism Momentum Signals a New Chapter for America’s Pacific Gateway
Guam’s tourism sector is experiencing a robust rebound in 2026, posting double‑digit year‑over‑year growth and record arrivals in December 2025. The surge is driven by expanded airlift, targeted marketing to Asian‑Pacific source markets, and a shift toward high‑value segments such...
BeOnd and the Kingdom of Bahrain to Establish Premium Airline
beOnd has signed a Letter of Intent with Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs to explore a Bahrain‑based Air Operator Certificate, aiming to launch a premium airline. The carrier plans to base up to ten premium‑configured aircraft in the kingdom by 2030,...
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Introduce Refreshed Spring Menus
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have rolled out spring‑time inflight menus that showcase regional flavors and chef‑driven concepts. Alaska highlights Seattle‑sourced Beecher’s Mac & Cheese in Main Cabin and adds a plant‑forward Mediterranean bowl, while its First Class offers banana...
RMT Spotlights Collapsible ATLAS Drawer
RMT Global Partners unveiled the Collapsible ATLAS Drawer, a lightweight galley drawer that folds flat when not in use. The snap‑open, quick‑collapse mechanism lets caterers expand the drawer instantly for loading and collapse it to reduce storage footprint across kitchens,...
SH Airport Lounge Evolves Into Scalable Hospitality Brand in Vietnam
SH Airport Lounge, operated by Noi Bai Aviation Services, has rebranded from its Sông Hồng origins into a scalable hospitality brand across Vietnam’s airports. The network now runs more than 26 locations, offering two concepts: a high‑volume Premium lounge and...
White Castle Deploys AI-Powered Perimeter Security Technology to Reduce Crime and Improve Safety
White Castle piloted Interface Systems' AI‑powered Virtual Perimeter Guard at a high‑risk St. Louis restaurant, cutting loitering, late‑night incidents, and escalation calls. Within 30 days, 91% of perimeter events were resolved automatically through AI detection and live voice deterrence, eliminating...
Vibey Steak and Seafood Restaurant, The Guest House, Is Now Open in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The Guest House opened its third location in Scottsdale, Arizona, taking over the former Etta space in the Scottsdale Quarter. The 8,500‑square‑foot venue showcases New American steak and seafood, highlighted by a 36‑ounce tomahawk, dry‑aged rib eye, and tableside theatrical...
Passengers On Flight From Tokyo to Frankfurt Face One Of The Longest Ever ‘Flights to Nowhere’ in 14-Hour Endurance Marathon
ANA’s Flight NH-223 from Tokyo to Frankfurt was forced to turn back after six hours when a Boeing 787-9 reported low oil pressure in one engine while cruising over the Arctic. The aircraft returned to Tokyo, resulting in a 14-hour...
Shadows Behind Paradise: Inside Bali’s Crackdown on Crime Targeting Tourists
Bali’s police have stepped up night patrols across Kuta, Benoa and Nusa Dua as tourist‑targeted thefts rise, especially motorcycle snatch‑and‑run incidents. Official data shows thousands of crimes involving foreign visitors in the first half of 2025, prompting checkpoints, hotel‑security coordination...
Las Palapas Taps Paytronix for Digital Overhaul, Adds Mobile App
Las Palapas, the San Antonio Tex‑Mex chain celebrating its 45th year, has partnered with Paytronix to replace its legacy systems with a unified digital platform. The rollout introduces the LP Club mobile app, migrating over 100,000 loyalty members and adding...