Today's Hotels Pulse
Business Travel to the U.S. Powered by Key International Hubs
A Business Traveller analysis maps the countries and cities that generate the most business travel to the United States, underscoring their impact on hotel demand.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Airbnb leads $58M Series C in WeRoad
![Massive 94% Full: Delta's 10 Busiest Long-Haul Routes Revealed [Full List]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://static0.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/745-delta-air-lines-boeing-767-300-markus-mainka-_-shutterstock.jpg?w=1600&h=900&fit=crop)
Massive 94% Full: Delta's 10 Busiest Long-Haul Routes Revealed [Full List]
Delta Air Lines logged 17 million long‑haul passengers from February 2025 to January 2026, with an average load factor of 84.7%. The New York‑JFK to Prague route topped the list at 94.1% capacity, moving 59,960 travelers. Atlanta’s long‑haul network outperformed other hubs, delivering an 86.4% load factor and contributing the bulk of the top‑five routes, including Lima, Honolulu and Madrid. Connections were crucial, as 79% of passengers linked through Atlanta or Lima, underscoring the airline’s hub‑centric strategy.
Accor Takes Roland-Garros Global
Accor’s ALL Accor platform is partnering with Roland‑Garros to launch a hospitality‑driven campaign that blends hotel stays, live match experiences and loyalty rewards. The centerpiece is Raffles Paris, transformed with clay‑court inspired design and collaborations with Lacoste, pastry chef Yazid...
Thailand Risks Losing Competitive Edge as Airport Charges Rise
Thailand’s airport authority plans a 53% hike in passenger charges, sparking alarm across a tourism sector already strained by higher labor, utility and fuel costs. Airports of Thailand posted roughly $778 million in profit last year, raising questions about the need...
Indy Airport Looks Ahead to Indy 500, Summer Travel Season
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) closed a strong spring‑break period, handling roughly 403,000 passengers and posting a 1.4% year‑over‑year rise in March to 977,536 travelers, the second‑highest monthly volume in its history. The airport is gearing up for the Indianapolis 500,...
Alpine Realty Capital Closes Sale of Michigan Hampton Inn
Alpine Realty Capital has completed the sale of the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Port Huron, Michigan. The transaction was marketed through Hotel Brokers International’s national platform, attracting multiple offers despite 2025 revenue volatility linked to the US‑Canadian border location. Alpine highlighted...
Aviramp Launches Standards Survey to Address Compliance Language Barrier
UK‑based ground‑support equipment maker Aviramp announced a new standards survey at the AAAI conference to quantify how US procurement teams verify compliance with FAA, ARP and IATA specifications. The company highlighted that while US and international standards align, the procurement...
Halifax International Airport Authority Builds on Milestone Year with Continued Growth
Halifax International Airport Authority reported a 4 % rise in passenger traffic to 4.14 million in 2025, driven by a 19.8 % surge in international flights and new routes to Zurich, Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona. Total revenue grew 2 % and net income reached...
Best Booth Awards Announced at HD Expo 2026
HD Expo 2026 opened on May 5 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, drawing more than 300 hospitality exhibitors. A panel of judges selected winners across ten categories, with Williams‑Sonoma Business to Business earning the top “Best in Show” award. Other...
Earn Hotel Elite Status via Blacklane Rides
Earn Top-Tier Hotel Status Without Staying A Single Night — Blacklane Rides Now Count For GHA Discovery - View from the Wing https://t.co/JDMLyfCfry
San José Mineta International Airport Launches “SJC Park Perks” Parking Loyalty Program
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) has launched SJC Park Perks, a free parking loyalty program that rewards travelers with points for every dollar spent on online reservations. The tiered system—Sightseer, Jetsetter, Voyager and World Traveler—offers escalating discounts, early‑access promotions and exclusive gifts once...
Greek Hospitality Industry Performance - 1st Quarter 2026 - Stagflation and the Consequences for the Tourism Sector
Greek hospitality in Q1 2026 faces stagflation as the Iran‑Hormuz conflict pushes Brent crude above $120 per barrel, driving double‑digit energy inflation. Eurozone inflation returned to 3.0% while Greece’s own CPI rose to 4.6%, squeezing hotel operating costs. Tourist arrivals remain...
From Truffle Hunting to Swiss Alpine Adventures: Hotels Redefining Experiential Travel
Hotels across Europe and South America are reshaping experiential travel by embedding hands‑on activities into luxury stays. Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany reopened for 2026 with truffle hunts, private flight tours and a restored 12th‑century villa; Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador...
Hilton Announces Eight New Luxury and Lifestyle Brand Debuts Across Asia Pacific
Hilton announced eight new luxury and lifestyle hotel debuts across Asia‑Pacific for 2026, part of a pipeline of more than 80 upscale openings. The company currently operates over 170 such properties in the region and aims to exceed 250, expanding...
This South Beach Hotel Debuts Custom Experiences
The Ritz‑Carlton, South Beach has unveiled a new portfolio of custom experiences for spring, ranging from on‑site wellness rituals to off‑site cultural tours. Offerings include the Journey of Serenity and Renewal wellness session, Deco Spirits cocktail workshops, a Mini Master...
What Does It Actually Take to Get Your Hotel on ChatGPT? - By Paige Lopez
Hotels are now racing to secure visibility inside AI‑driven travel assistants like ChatGPT, where conversational search can drive bookings. Lighthouse’s Connect AI platform creates an “Anchor” that automatically pulls a property’s rates, photos and descriptions from websites, OTAs and reviews, then...
Americans Are Over-Planning Vacations As Costs and Travel Anxiety Rise, Barclays Finds
Barclays' 2026 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report shows American vacation planners are increasingly cost‑conscious and anxiety‑driven, with 71% citing a great deal as top priority and 55% over‑planning to avoid surprises. Rewards programs have become central, used by 64% of...
Krispy Kreme Outsources Delivery Logistics as Turnaround Gains Speed
Krispy Kreme posted a modest 0.7% rise in system‑wide sales to $485.3 million in Q1, signaling momentum in its multi‑year turnaround. The company is accelerating a refranchising push, aiming to lift franchise‑generated sales from 25% to 50% of total by 2027....
Alaska Railroad Debuts Summer Package for Active Travelers
Alaska Railroad is launching a refreshed 2026 summer program that emphasizes active‑travel experiences, highlighted by a 12‑day Grande Alaska Tour linking Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. The itinerary adds glacier rafting, coastal cruises, flightseeing and a sternwheeler ride on...
CEC Entertainment Adds Texas Roadhouse Vet as CFO
Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company CEC Entertainment has appointed Chris Monroe, former CFO of Texas Roadhouse, as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Monroe, who spent three decades in finance roles at Southwest Airlines before moving to the restaurant...
FlyMyAirport® Expands Actionable Data for Air Service and Marketing
Airport One has added a new data suite to its FlyMyAirport® platform that captures real‑time traveler searches, add‑to‑carts and purchases, revealing demand that airlines traditionally cannot see. The service provides timing intelligence, showing when passengers begin planning and the dates...
Linda Griffin Appointed to Oversee Hilton Hotels in Ontario, Québec, and British Columbia
Linda Griffin has been appointed area general manager for Canada, overseeing Hilton’s full‑service and focused‑service hotels in Ontario, Québec and British Columbia. Based at the Hilton Toronto, she will direct operations for properties such as Hilton Québec, Hilton Toronto, and...
Houston Airports and SSP America Welcome Chili’s to George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston Airports and SSP America announced the opening of Chili’s at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), adding a full‑service, Texas‑born casual‑dining concept to the terminal. The restaurant provides both sit‑down seating and takeaway service, featuring signature dishes like fajitas, Big...
Auberge Collection Adds Nine Safari Properties in Tanzania
Auberge Collection has entered the African market by launching Auberge Safari, a portfolio of nine luxury safari camps and lodges across Tanzania. The properties, operated by Legendary Expeditions and Chem Chem Safari, span the Serengeti, Greater Mwiba Protected Wildlife Area, and...
GHA Discovery Relaunches Limited-Time Status Match Offer to Platinum and Titanium Status
GHA Discovery has relaunched a limited‑time status‑match program that lets eligible travelers upgrade to Platinum or Titanium elite status by paying a $100 or $150 application fee. Successful matches award $50 or $75 in Discovery Dollars, which can be redeemed...
Proven Brands for Exceptional Guest Experiences
Conair Hospitality is marketing its suite of household‑name brands to hotels, positioning them as essential tools for creating a familiar, home‑away‑from‑home guest experience. The portfolio spans personal‑care items, garment‑care appliances, steamers, and kitchen equipment, all backed by a fast, nationwide...
Burger King, Popeyes, BJ’s
Burger King’s president launched a listening tour that generated 64,000 customer calls and texts, contributing to a 5.8% same‑store sales rise in Q1. In contrast, Popeyes recorded a -6.5% same‑store sales decline, its worst quarter in two decades, prompting a...
At the Cannes Film Festival, This Hotel Celebrates With a Drink
The Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, the unofficial hub of the Cannes Film Festival, unveiled its 2026 signature cocktail, the Red Stairs, to celebrate the event’s iconic red carpet and stairway. Crafted by bar manager Guillermo Pittaluga, the drink blends tequila, homegrown immortelle flower, strawberries,...
US’s Frontier to Expand on Ex-Spirit Markets, Look at Assets
Frontier Airlines announced plans to enter markets vacated by Spirit Airlines, targeting routes where Spirit has reduced service or exited entirely. The ULCC is also evaluating asset acquisitions, including potential aircraft leases or purchases, to support the expansion. Management cited...
Delta Air Lines Addresses Rumors Amid Reports Of Broader Corporate Cuts
Delta Air Lines pushed back against online claims that it was cutting 8% of its corporate workforce, saying the rumors vastly overstated the scale. The airline confirmed modest attrition tied to an ongoing organizational restructuring, especially within its IT and...
Restaurant Industry Insiders Suggest a Focus on Problem-Solving Tech
Restaurant leaders at the 2026 Food on Demand Conference stressed that technology must solve real operational problems, not just showcase novelty. DoorDash Labs highlighted its Smart Scale, which cut missing items by more than 30% after scaling to 10,000 stores....
Philippines Touts 7,641 Islands as Asia’s Next Dream Destination for Weddings and Honeymoons
The Philippines’ Department of Tourism announced on May 6, 2026 that the archipelago is being positioned as Asia’s next dream destination for weddings, honeymoons and romance travel. Leveraging its 7,641 islands, diverse venues and English‑speaking hospitality, the DOT aims to...
IHG Reports Strong U.S. Demand, a Middle East Hit, and a Bet on AI Content Over Scale
IHG Hotels & Resorts announced a natural‑language search tool for its website and app, covering more than 7,000 properties. The initiative is backed by partnerships with Google, OpenAI and Anthropic, and includes a data‑overhaul to make hotel content AI‑ready. While...
Duetto Elevates Michael Schäffner to Chief Sales Officer to Drive Global Profit‑Focused Growth
Duetto announced Michael Schäffner as its new Chief Sales Officer, tasking him with scaling the company’s Revenue and Profit Operating System across hotel brands, groups and casino resorts. The promotion underscores Duetto’s push to link commercial strategy directly to profitability...
Marriott Sees U.S. Hotel Demand Lift Beyond Luxury, Select‑service RevPAR up 3.5% in Q1
Marriott International said U.S. hotel demand is widening beyond the luxury segment, with luxury and resort RevPAR climbing nearly 7% and select‑service RevPAR jumping 3.5% in the first quarter. The rebound reflects a shift toward drive‑to destinations as fuel prices...
American Airlines Elevates Premium Experience With New California Wine Selections
American Airlines is rolling out a new selection of California wines in its Flagship® First and Flagship® Business cabins, beginning May 13. The lineup features Truchard Vineyards Chardonnay and Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon on international routes, and Migration Chardonnay and Justin...
Frontier Airlines Rolls Out New Deals and Miles Boost for Travelers After Spirit Shutdown
Frontier Airlines unveiled a suite of promotions to capture budget travelers, especially those displaced by Spirit Airlines' shutdown. The "Fly One, Get One" deal grants up to 20,000 bonus miles for members who book up to four round‑trip flights by...
Shake Shack Appoints Former Portillo’s CFO as It Finance Chief
Shake Shack announced the appointment of Michelle Hook as chief financial officer, effective May 11, 2026. Hook comes from a two‑year stint as CFO of Portillo’s, where she helped steer the 2021 IPO, and brings over two decades of finance...
How to Create Luxury that Drives ROI, Not Losses
Kate Mooney argues that luxury hotels remain financially viable when value engineering is applied early and collaboratively, not as a late‑stage cost‑cutting exercise. She warns that traditional, siloed approaches dilute brand distinctiveness, increase maintenance costs, and erode long‑term ROI. By...
Virgin Atlantic Suspends Dubai and Seattle Routes in Winter Schedule Shake-Up
Virgin Atlantic announced it will suspend service to Dubai and Seattle for the upcoming winter schedule. The airline said the cuts are part of a broader network optimisation aimed at improving load factors and profitability. The two long‑haul routes have...
Travel Cost Fears Prompt Mighty Hoopla Malta Cancellation
The Mighty Hoopla festival in Malta has been cancelled for September 2024 as organizers cite soaring travel costs driven by higher jet fuel prices and airline disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. The event, which had secured acts such...
Cautious Consumers and Rivals' Promotions Hit Papa Johns' Sales
Papa John’s reported a 6.4% decline in North American same‑store sales for Q1 2026, while international locations posted a 3.6% increase, leaving total system sales down 4% and net income at $7 million. CEO Todd Penegor said the results match expectations amid a...
The Real Problem with the Pizza Industry
The pizza segment has slipped to the sixth‑most‑popular restaurant category as inflation and third‑party delivery platforms compress margins and erode customer data. Operators are seeing smaller orders, higher ingredient costs, and rising labor expenses, while only 4.9% have adopted AI...
Why This Hallmark Town Is Surging Before New Airport Opens In 2026
McKinney, Texas, a 200,000‑resident town, posted roughly $325 million in revenue for 2025, signaling a rapid economic upswing. The city is preparing its McKinney National Airport for commercial flights by late 2026, with Avelo Airlines poised as the anchor carrier. Parallel...
Brand Leaders Embracing Change, but Still Put Food First
Bonchon CEO Suzie Tsai admitted the brand’s tech stack is weak and is opting for a measured, value‑driven rollout, such as installing self‑serve kiosks in roughly a third of its 400 global locations. The Korean fried‑chicken chain now generates 55%...
Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes Is Starting A New Airline
Tony Fernandes, co‑founder of AirAsia, announced plans to launch another low‑cost carrier within the next two months. The new airline will draw on AirAsia’s recent 150‑aircraft A220 order, targeting nimble, short‑haul routes across Southeast Asia. To fund the expansion, AirAsia...
Jet2 to Expand Summer 2027 Jersey Programme with Two New Routes
Jet2 announced that its summer 2027 Jersey programme will grow with two new routes from Birmingham and Bristol, adding three and two weekly flights respectively. The airline also boosted capacity from Manchester and extended the season to the end of...
Alaska Airlines Expands Its Network With New Routes From Santa Rosa and Long Beach
Alaska Airlines is expanding its California footprint by launching three new seasonal nonstop routes from Santa Rosa to Boise, Phoenix and Salt Lake City, and by restoring twice‑daily service between Long Beach and Seattle beginning September 8. The Santa Rosa...
Red Roof to Open First Hotel in Canada
Red Roof announced its first Canadian property, the Red Roof PLUS+ Vancouver Airport, slated to open in July 2026. The 160‑room hotel is a conversion of the former Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham, featuring an indoor pool, fitness center, and 24‑hour...
Dream Vs. Reality: Restaurant Marketers Still Working Toward Personalization
Restaurant loyalty programs have shifted from being a differentiator to a baseline expectation, prompting marketers to focus on program effectiveness and retention. Executives at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Cheba Hut highlighted the difficulty of translating personalization ambitions into...
Spirit Offered Taxpayers 80% Of The Airline — Trump Demanded 90% And The Bailout Died
President Trump’s insistence on a 90% government equity share derailed a proposed $500 million bailout of Spirit Airlines. The airline had offered the Treasury an 80% stake in exchange for the funds, but the higher demand left creditors unwilling to proceed,...