Know What's Happening in Hotels
Know What's Happening in Hotels
High‑end hotels revamp minibars with local, wellness‑focused offerings
Luxury properties are replacing traditional snack trays with curated selections such as locally sourced foods, handcrafted cocktails, wellness products and even pet‑friendly treats. Examples include Aman New York’s complimentary apothecary‑style cocktails and Equinox Hotels’ superfood bites, while The Largo in Porto adds a sommelier‑noted wine fridge.
Papa Johns announced a strategic partnership with Deliverect to roll out its Smart Dispatch & Delivery Management platform across all U.S. restaurants by the end of 2027. The AI‑driven system unifies first‑party and third‑party delivery channels into a single orchestration hub, providing real‑time visibility into order status, driver assignments, and performance metrics. By consolidating routing, dispatch, and analytics, Papa Johns aims to cut manual handoffs, accelerate delivery times, and deliver a consistent guest experience at scale. The initiative is part of a broader multi‑year effort to modernize the brand’s fulfillment technology stack.
Wetzel’s Pretzels announced plans to double its presence inside convenience stores within the next two years, expanding from the 20 c‑store sites it currently operates. The chain has 10‑15 additional locations in development and is targeting new markets across the...
Hyatt is accelerating its entry into the mid‑scale segment with new brands such as Hyatt Select, Hyatt Studios and Unscripted, aiming to close the gap with Marriott and Hilton in smaller markets. United Airlines and Marriott are turning seat‑back screens...
Nashville International Airport reported 143,440 UK passengers in 2025, an 11% increase from the previous year. European travelers now represent 33% of the airport’s international traffic, with overall European arrivals up 19% year‑on‑year. BNA has risen to the second spot...
Mallorca's Consell de Mallorca has introduced the Law of the Serra de Tramuntana, a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at strengthening protection of the UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. The draft expands the protected zone to include farms, settlements and historically...
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told investors that government travel is down roughly 50%, eroding about 4‑5% of the carrier’s revenue. United is responding by retiring 21 aircraft early, cutting redeye flights and shifting its yield‑management system to fill seats...
Korean Air has retired Airbus A380 service on 11 routes, leaving it with six super‑jumbos – the joint‑second‑smallest A380 fleet worldwide. The carrier previously operated ten A380s, scrapping four, and has already phased out the Boeing 747‑8i. The A380’s last regular European...
The global hotel industry is undergoing a two‑speed recovery. Luxury hotels are seeing about 3% RevPAR growth and record ADRs above $1,200, while economy hotels posted over 4% decline. Midscale and economy segments face slower demand due to cost pressures...
Room00 announced a €330‑€420 million investment plan for 2026 to add 20 properties and more than 1,400 rooms across Spain, Italy, Portugal and the UK. Eighty percent of the capital will fund acquisitions of existing hostels and hotels, with the remaining...
A New York City Uber driver has turned his backseat into a mini café, offering freshly brewed coffee, breakfast tacos and bottled water to riders. The setup, captured in a viral Instagram Reel, showcases a Keurig machine and a portable...
Wyndham Rewards Member Month enters Week 3, offering up to 25% off Wyndham Vacation Club bookings with tiered discounts based on length of stay, bonus dining points worth five points per dollar, and a sweepstakes featuring trips to Antigua, Orlando and...
Celestyal Cruises has cancelled four Greek‑Island sailings for March 2026 after its two ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, became stranded in Dubai and Doha amid the escalating Middle East conflict. Both vessels are operational but cannot reposition to the...
Israel has granted an automatic 30‑day visa extension to foreign nationals whose visas expired or will expire between Feb 28 and Apr 21 2026, and fast‑tracked re‑entry agreements with Denmark and other countries. The measure eases legal status for thousands of expats, tourists,...
Mike Reeber has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing at the Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg, bringing more than a decade of hospitality leadership to the property. His mandate includes revitalizing the hotel's sales pipeline, expanding corporate and leisure client...
On March 18, 2026, the Verdi service workers’ union staged a full‑day strike at Berlin‑Brandenburg Airport, forcing a complete shutdown of Germany’s primary eastern hub. The disruption stranded thousands of travelers from the UK, Switzerland, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Ireland,...
A WalletHub 2026 survey finds over 80% of Americans think tipping has spiraled out of control, with more than 40% favoring a ban. Respondents cite social pressure, perceived wage substitution, and aggressive digital prompts as key frustrations. While 57% believe...
Ziggi’s Coffee co‑founder Brandon Knudsen recounts how he grew the brand from a single shop to over 100 locations across 22 states. After a failed licensing experiment, he stress‑tested the franchise model himself before selling it, proving that solid systems...
Airport Authority Hong Kong has signed a contract with specialist art‑storage firm Eythos to operate a new 53,000‑sq‑ft Art & Valuables Storage Facility within the SKYTOPIA development at Hong Kong International Airport. The stand‑alone facility, located in a non‑restricted area,...
NoMad Hotels has elevated Kristen Millar to Chief Brand Officer as the brand gears up for its next wave of international expansion. The luxury chain will debut its first Asian property, NoMad Hilton Singapore, later this year and unveil a...
STORY Hospitality announced STORY Budva Riviera, a premium branded‑residence project in Montenegro’s Milocer Garden overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The development will feature 200 luxury apartments—from studios to three‑bedroom units and penthouses—supported by 24/7 concierge service and a suite of wellness‑focused amenities such...
John McLean has resigned as managing director of The Stafford Collection after a 20‑month tenure, having been promoted from general manager in January 2025. During his brief leadership, the flagship Stafford London completed a high‑profile repositioning with chef Michael Caines,...
American Airlines has rolled out a major update to its mobile app that provides real‑time flight‑delay transparency. The new interface pulls data from multiple sources, including the airline’s own operations center and third‑party flight‑tracking services, to display expected departure and...
Air Astana is boosting its international schedule from Almaty for the Nauryz holiday. The carrier adds nine extra Almaty‑Phuket flights and upgrades Almaty‑Phu Quoc to Boeing 767s, raising capacity by 35 %. Additional frequencies include 13 more Almaty‑Delhi services and increased flights...
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, in partnership with Planteray Rum, completed the world’s first certified underwater ageing of rum. Over twelve months, bottles were sealed in glass and placed ten metres below the sea in custom metal cages, where hydrostatic...
The Michelin Guide has awarded two stars to Hakuba, the Japanese restaurant launched by Cheval Blanc Paris in March 2024. The accolade recognizes the collaborative kaiseki‑sushi concept created by chefs Arnaud Donckele, Takuya Watanabe and Maxime Frédéric. Hakuba’s "Yume" tasting...
Arival has released the full speaker lineup and expanded program for its Arival 360 Valencia conference, scheduled for April 27‑29, 2026. The event, themed “The Tomorrow Operator: Europe & the Future of Tours & Experiences,” will feature more than 60 speakers from operators,...
NH Collection Hotels & Resorts has opened NH Collection Palacio de Córdoba, a five‑star hotel housed in a fully restored 18th‑century palace in Córdoba’s UNESCO‑listed Jewish Quarter. The property blends historic architecture with a contemporary aesthetic, offering 89 rooms, including...
Airlines worldwide are scaling back Middle East services as the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict intensifies. Cathay Pacific announced cancellations of Dubai and Riyadh flights through April 30, while Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines and the Lufthansa Group have extended suspensions across key hubs...
Private jet arrivals in the Maldives surged 166% year‑over‑year, with 128 jets landing between Feb 18 and Mar 14, while overall tourist arrivals fell due to Middle East conflict disrupting key transit hubs. The high‑end segment now represents less than 1% of...
Amadeus’s Outpayce unit partnered with UnionPay International to embed UnionPay cards directly into airline payment systems via the Xchange Payments Platform. Native acceptance across direct and indirect booking channels is slated for the first half of 2026, with a global...
Danfé Airlines secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal's civil aviation authority, clearing a key regulatory hurdle toward launch. The carrier plans to operate ATR turboprop aircraft on domestic routes, building on an AOC application filed in May 2025....
Scenic Group announced a three‑ship river cruise expansion slated for 2027‑2028, adding vessels on Portugal’s Douro River and Vietnam‑Cambodia’s Mekong River. The new ships—Emerald Nova, Scenic Aria and Scenic Spirit II—join an existing fleet that already includes Emerald Astra, Emerald Lumi...
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has launched a Stay & Explore package aimed at travelers seeking a city‑centric stay with added convenience. The offering requires a minimum three‑night booking and bundles complimentary round‑trip airport transfers, two Discover tickets for either the Hop‑on Hop‑off...
JUST IN: Cathay Pacific cancels passenger and cargo flights to Dubai and Riyadh until April 30, 2026 due to the volatile situation in the Middle East. Initially, the suspension of operations to these two destination was until March 30, 2026....
There are several ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy free night awards. How can they be redeemed, and what are the best uses? Here's a rundown... https://t.co/jD84eCM8CX
easyJet is offering British Airways Club Bronze, Silver and Gold members a 50% discount on its easyJet Plus subscription, reducing the annual fee from £249 to £124. The promotion, valid for applications emailed by 31 March and usable until 30 April, grants...
Emirates announced that new plant‑based dishes will debut onboard in 2027, expanding its vegan menu across all cabins. The carrier now rotates 488 vegan recipes on 140 routes, a 60% increase since 2024, and serves roughly half a million vegan...
Creative Nature has launched its Lightly Salted, Light & Crunchy Thins on Austrian Airlines’ long‑haul flights, offering a snack that is free from the top 14 allergens and vegan‑friendly. The exclusive partnership was initiated at the World Travel Catering &...
Snackbox To Go will unveil its newest sandwich and snack portfolio at WTCE 2026, featuring pizza bagels and other items designed for sustainability and halal compliance. The company will also debut a Sustainability Monitor, a data‑driven platform that measures the environmental...
Foodcase has unveiled a refreshed brand identity that positions it as a full‑service food and beverage partner for the global travel industry. The new messaging emphasizes end‑to‑end capabilities, from concept design through onboard execution, across airlines and other travel operators....
Procurall Solutions will exhibit its luxury inflight serviceware at the World Travel Catering Expo (WTCE) 2026, occupying booth 4D50. The showcase features a designer collaboration with Michael Graves, delivering plates, cutlery, and glassware that blend timeless aesthetics with sustainability. Additionally,...
Airline supply chain firm Linstor has become a member of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability platform. The membership obligates Linstor to adhere to the UNGC’s Ten Principles covering human rights, labor, environment and anti‑corruption, and...
On Tuesday, the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) approved Scannapieco Development Corp.’s proposal to convert roughly half of the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel’s 502 rooms into 130 senior‑housing units, leaving 252 rooms for hotel use. The...
Hilton announced on March 18, 2026 that it has signed a development agreement for Conrad Ulaanbaatar, its first hotel in Mongolia. The 227‑room luxury property will sit in the Eco Tower mixed‑use complex in Ulaanbaatar’s central business district and is...
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today that it will develop more than 30 new select‑service properties—including Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, Hyatt Place, and Hyatt House—in the Southeast United States, targeting roughly 4,000 rooms across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi....
Marriott International announced on March 18, 2026 that it will manage and rebrand The Resort at Kapalua Bay in Maui, Hawai‘i as a St. Regis Hotels & Resorts property by 2027. The 25‑acre oceanfront resort, owned by Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners...
New Orleans officials and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center announced on March 11, 2026 that the city will seek demolition of the Sugar Mill venue to build the $500 million, 1,000‑room Omni Headquarters Hotel. The project, pending New Orleans City...
The International Airport Review’s 2026 eReport compiles strategic insights from the International Airport Summit, roundtables, and its Advisory Board. It offers airport executives a framework to decouple growth from capital intensity, adopt AI‑driven operational intelligence, and build digital foundations that...
Diskomat and Wexiödisk are re‑introducing the ACS400HC Automatic Cutlery Sorter at WTCE after a strong debut last year. The machine can sort up to 5,000 pieces per hour and be programmed for as many as 30 airline or cabin configurations....
Business travel in 2026 is rebounding, with corporate buyers expecting spending to stay flat or grow, and global budgets projected to rise about 5 %. The recovery is occurring in a tighter environment marked by cost constraints, geopolitical volatility, and heightened...
