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.
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By the numbers: Airbnb leads $58M Series C in WeRoad
COLOMBIA’S TOURISM PARADOX: RECORD VISITOR NUMBERS, BUT HOTELS STRUGGLE
Colombia welcomed nearly 6 million international visitors in 2025, generating about $9.4 billion in tourism revenue—outpacing traditional export earnings. Yet small hotels expanded only 0.5% and their real earnings fell 2.9%, while vacation‑rental units exploded 635% since 2020, now exceeding 76,000 properties. Rising labor costs, a 10.3% wage hike, and heightened security threats have forced the hotel sector to cut roughly 6,000 jobs in early 2026 and see occupancy dip to 50%. The paradox highlights uneven benefits of the tourism boom.
TURKEY’S TOURISM REVENUE SURGES TO NEARLY $10 BILLION IN Q1 2026
Turkey’s tourism sector generated nearly $10 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 4.2% increase over the same period last year. Visitor spending accounted for $9.69 billion of that total, with independent travelers contributing the bulk of revenue. The diaspora...
Delta Mysteriously Canceling Hundreds Of Flights Due To “Crew Restrictions”
Delta Airlines experienced a sharp rise in flight cancellations on May 1‑2, 2026, scrapping 157 flights (4% of its schedule) on Friday and 204 flights (6%) by Saturday afternoon. The airline cited vague "crew restrictions" as the root cause, despite clear...
JetBlue Plans Big Fort Lauderdale Growth, Filling Gap Left By Spirit
JetBlue announced a rapid crew‑base reshuffle aimed at doubling its Fort Lauderdale (FLL) flight‑attendant staff from 682 to roughly 1,300 after Spirit Airlines ceased operations. The airline will cut 30% of its crew at overstaffed locations such as Orlando, Newark,...
The Airports America Desperately Needs But Can't Get Built
The United States faces a looming airport capacity crisis as daily flights exceed 45,000 and demand continues to rise. Existing hubs like Austin‑Bergstrom, Seattle‑Tacoma, and Atlanta are constrained by limited runways, crowded terminals, and surrounding urban development. Federal and state...
Current Point Transfer Bonuses for May 2026
FrequentMiler’s May 2026 update lists active transfer bonuses across major points pools, including a 65% boost from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy (May 1‑15) and a 25% bonus from Citi ThankYou Rewards to Leading Hotels of the World (Apr 19‑May 16). Additional offers...
Oberoi Launches Luxury Summer Safari Itinerary at Panna National Park
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has introduced a wildlife‑led luxury itinerary centered on Panna National Park, positioning the 350‑year‑old Rajgarh Palace as a premium base for summer safaris. The move taps a 15‑20% annual rise in Indian wildlife travel and highlights...
Current Hotel Promotions for May 2026
The article compiles all active hotel loyalty promotions through May 2026, highlighting bonuses such as 2,000‑15,000 extra points, double‑point stays, and gift‑card incentives across major chains like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Wyndham, and IHG. Each offer includes specific registration and stay deadlines,...
Everyone “Had a Blast Making Spirit the Butt of the Joke,” Flight Attendants Blast After Airline’s Sudden Collapse Leaves Them...
Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations on May 2 after a $500 million federal bailout fell through, leaving 5,500 flight attendants and other staff jobless. The collapse was driven by soaring jet‑fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict, which eroded the low‑cost carrier's...
Sonesta International Hotels Sponsors Billboard Women in Music 2026, Offers Exclusive VIP Experience
Sonesta International Hotels became the presenting sponsor of Billboard Women in Music 2026, delivering a branded VIP lounge, exclusive swag and access to its Travel Pass loyalty benefits. The partnership places the hotel chain at the center of a high‑profile...
To Loyal Spirit Airlines Customers, Thank Judge Young
Spirit Airlines announced liquidation after failing to secure a last‑minute bailout, ending the ultra‑low‑cost carrier that had pressured fares nationwide. U.S. District Judge William Young had previously blocked JetBlue’s proposed acquisition of Spirit, citing competition concerns. The shutdown underscores that...
American Airlines Gives New Business Accounts 10,000 Miles — Stacks With 75,000 Mile Card Offer
American Airlines is offering a 10,000‑mile bonus to new AAdvantage Business accounts that enroll by Dec 31 2026, using promo code BNS10K. The bonus stacks with the existing Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard, which grants 75,000 miles after $5,000 spend in the...
Spirit Airlines Ceases Operations, Flights Cancelled
Spirit Airlines announced an immediate wind‑down on May 2, 2026, cancelling all scheduled flights. Passengers who booked directly with the carrier will receive automatic refunds, while those who used third‑party sites must pursue claims with the sellers. Southwest, United and...
Japan Airlines Vs. The World: How Robotics Is Reshaping Aviation and Tourism
Japan Airlines is trialing general‑purpose humanoid robots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to handle baggage and cargo, with the program running through ~2028. The initiative addresses Japan’s acute labor shortage and surging tourism, marking a shift from fixed automation to adaptable, human‑like...
Gulf Airlines Race to Recover as Fragile Stability Returns to Middle East Skies
Gulf carriers are accelerating a fragile rebound after years of airspace closures and geopolitical turbulence. Emirates is flooding key routes with A380s to capture premium demand, while Etihad is taking a measured approach, restoring only selective services and tightening costs....
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Says Feds Are Working With Airlines to Help Stranded Spirit Passengers and Crew
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Department of Transportation has coordinated with U.S. airlines to assist passengers and crew stranded after Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations. American Airlines is repatriating Spirit crew for free and launching a recruitment portal,...
JetBlue Moves Quickly to Fill Spirit's Gap, Adds 11 Routes From Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue announced 11 new routes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, beginning in July, to replace services lost when Spirit Airlines shut down. Six of the destinations—Barranquilla, Baltimore, Cali, Charlotte, Columbus and Indianapolis—are new to JetBlue’s network. The airline will boost...
American Bringing Back Seat Back TVs On Narrow Body Planes? “Stay Tuned”
American Airlines is reportedly weighing a reversal of its seat‑back TV removal, potentially reinstalling screens across its narrow‑body fleet. The move, hinted at by Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden, could be decided within weeks and is part of a broader...
Hyatt Double Points For Stays & Triple For F&B At Gulf Area & Jordan Hotels Between April 20 – August...
Hyatt announced a limited‑time promotion running from April 20 to August 31, 2026, offering World of Hyatt members double loyalty points on eligible stays (capped at 20,000 points) and triple points on food‑and‑beverage purchases. The offer applies to properties in...
Vietnam Shifts to High‑Spending, Longer‑Stay Tourism, Aiming for $42.7B Revenue in 2026
Vietnam's tourism ministry announced a strategic pivot toward premium, longer‑stay travel, setting a 2026 goal of 25 million foreign visitors and $42.7 billion in revenue. The plan hinges on high‑end products, expanded aviation links and airport‑centric retail experiences.
Mai Tai's Launches Flagship Waikiki Bar Inside Aqua Palms Resort
Mai Tai's, the Honolulu‑based bar and grill, opened its flagship Waikiki location inside the Aqua Palms Waikiki resort on April 26. The launch, marked by a traditional Hawaiian blessing, adds a new casual‑dining option for hotel guests and tourists in...
Eye on Travel — Sheraton Downtown Denver — May 2, 2026
In this brief episode, veteran travel journalist Peter Greenberg reports from the newly renovated Sheraton Downtown Denver, highlighting its prime location, heated rooftop pool, and proximity to attractions like Union Station and the Denver Art Museum. He then dives into...
Or For A Five Second Task You Can Watch Our 45-Minute Tutorial
A recent commentary highlights how many hotels overlook basic lighting and signage needs in guest bathrooms. The piece argues that dim, poorly placed fixtures make routine grooming tasks difficult, while generic symbols on fixtures often add confusion rather than clarity....
May Day Holiday Fuels Niche Tourism Surge in China, From Off‑Road Races to Rural Homestays
Over 320 drivers raced the Hunshandake Sandland off‑road challenge during China’s five‑day May Day holiday, while Meituan reported a 140% rise in travel‑related searches. The surge reflects a broader move toward niche, experience‑focused tourism across rural and urban China.
Sheraton Logo Catches Fire At Amsterdam Airport Hotel — Guests Evacuated To The Hilton
A fire ignited the illuminated Sheraton logo at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport hotel around 3:45 a.m., prompting a medium‑level response that escalated to a coordinated multi‑agency operation by 4:15 a.m. About 380 guests and staff were evacuated to the nearby Hilton Amsterdam Airport...
Pastrovich Studio Launches X-Shinobi Superyacht Line for Luxury Charter
Pastrovich Studio introduced the X‑Shinobi series, a trio of 197‑, 230‑ and 262‑foot superyachts plus a 623‑foot cruise‑ship concept, designed specifically for luxury charter. The designs flip traditional layouts, moving guest cabins to the main deck and emphasizing profitability in...
Farewell Spirit: The Airline Everyone Loved to Hate
I wrote an obituary for the most important airline that everyone loved to hate. Spirit, this one’s for you. https://thepointsguy.com/news/spirit-airlines-shuts-down/
Houston Hotel Bookings Inch up as 2026 World Cup Impact Softens
Xenia Hotels & Resort said Houston occupancy rose to 71.4% in Q1 2026, lifting RevPAR to $205.93. The company cut its World Cup‑related RevPAR boost to 25‑50 basis points, signaling only a modest lift in bookings ahead of the 2026...
U.S. Commercial Flight Returns to Venezuela After Seven‑Year Gap
A U.S. commercial airline landed in Venezuela, ending a seven‑year suspension of direct service. The flight marks the first U.S.–Venezuela connection since 2019 and is being hailed as a sign of improving diplomatic ties and a boost for regional tourism...
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest & United Offer Rescue Fares For Spirit Airlines Passengers
Legacy carriers American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and United have rolled out rescue fares to accommodate stranded Spirit Airlines passengers after Spirit abruptly halted operations. American is covering 67 of Spirit's 72 airports with uncapped fares, while Delta and JetBlue...
Jordanians Struggle as Mideast Wars Scare Tourists Away
Jordan’s tourism season has collapsed as regional wars drive visitors away, leaving the iconic site of Petra nearly empty. Camel owners who once catered to a steady stream of tourists report traffic at just 1% of pre‑conflict levels. Even after...
GHA Discovery D$40 Bonus For Stays At Pan Pacific Singapore To Celebrate 40th Anniversary Until September 15, 2026 (Book May...
Pan Pacific Singapore is marking its 40th anniversary with a GHA DISCOVERY promotion that awards members a D$40 bonus for each stay booked between May 1 and June 30, 2026, provided the stay is completed by September 15, 2026. The bonus stacks on top of...
Stay at Manila Hotel with Direct Runway Views
Ever stayed somewhere where your room view is literally a runway? This is Belmont Hotel Manila and you can watch planes take off and land right from your window. If you’re flying in or out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, this...
Budget Airlines Face Collapse as Fuel Costs Surge
First airline to cease operations as a result of the Middle Eastern crisis is U.S. budget carrier Spirit Airlines. A few airline CEOs I spoke to recently said the situation is tougher for budget carriers given their thin margins. They have...
Spirit Airlines Has Officially Ceased Operations At 2:30 AM ET On May 2, 2026
Spirit Airlines officially entered Chapter 7 liquidation at 2:30 a.m. ET on May 2, 2026, ending 34 years of ultra‑low‑cost operations. The carrier will automatically refund tickets purchased directly with credit or debit cards, while refunds for agency sales must be pursued through the agents....
Spirit Airlines Begins Orderly Wind-Down of Operations
Spirit Aviation Holdings announced an immediate, orderly wind‑down of Spirit Airlines, cancelling all flights. The decision follows a failed restructuring effort with bondholders and a sudden surge in fuel prices that erased the hundreds of millions of dollars needed for...
Palma De Mallorca Takes Centre Stage in Mallorca’s New Way of St James
Palma de Mallorca has become the focal point of a newly formalized 67‑kilometre Way of St James route, dubbed El Camino de Lana, that starts at the Lluc Sanctuary and ends at the 13th‑century Church of Sant Jaume in the city centre....
US's Spirit Airlines Suspends Operations
Spirit Airlines announced an immediate, orderly wind‑down of operations on May 2, 2026, cancelling all flights after failing to secure additional liquidity. The carrier, under Chapter 11 protection, had hoped a $500 million U.S. aid package and a recent bondholder restructuring would...
LAST CALL: ALL Accor Double & Triple Points For Stays In Asia, Middle East & Africa April 20 – August...
Accor’s ALL loyalty program is offering a limited‑time bonus that lets members earn double points on stays of one to two nights and triple points on stays of three nights or more across a wide range of Asia‑Pacific, Middle East...
Best Western Rewards 1,000 Bonus Points Per Night May 11 – September 7, 2026
Best Western has launched a Summer 2026 promotion that awards 1,000 bonus points for every qualified night stayed between May 11 and September 7, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Members must register for the offer before...
Bits: India Avios Blackout Update, Melia and Jumeirah Launch Amex Cashback Deals
British Airways has partially lifted its Avios blackout for India: outbound seats are back in Delhi and all cabins are available in Mumbai, while Bangalore still shows only a handful of Premium Economy seats within 45 days. Meanwhile, American Express...
Four Seasons Launches First Luxury Yacht, Expanding Ultra‑High‑Net‑Worth Travel
Four Seasons has entered the ultra‑luxury yacht market with the launch of its first vessels, the Four Seasons I and II, each 207 m long and offering just 95 suites. CEO Ben Trodd says the brand’s focus on choice, space and...
Whitbread to Cut up to 3,800 Jobs and Sell £1.5bn of Assets in New Five‑year Plan
Whitbread announced a sweeping restructuring that includes up to 3,800 job cuts, the closure of its remaining 197 branded restaurants, and a £1.5 billion (£2 billion) property sale. The changes are part of a five‑year plan to boost free‑cash flow, pause share...
Emirates Showcases Retrofit Programme in Playful New Campaign
Emirates has unveiled a new video campaign to promote its US$5 billion aircraft retrofit programme, which will refurbish 219 wide‑body jets. The ad, styled as a DIY home‑renovation gameshow, follows a captain’s family as they “renovate” a 777, then shifts to...
Against Airline Bailouts, yet Concerned for Workers
I don’t believe in using taxpayer money to save badly run airlines. At the same time, I hate that thousands of industry colleagues will lose their jobs.
Leaders Gain Edge by Listening to Frontline Staff
A shuttle service driver in Hawaii told me the General Manager of the property where I stayed went to have coffee with the drivers once a month and took a box of donuts. They told him everything they heard about...
How to Earn Virgin Points at Best Western Hotels – and Get a Status Match
Best Western Rewards lets members earn 500 Virgin Points per stay and offers a generous status‑match, including matching Virgin Flying Club Silver to Best Western Platinum and Gold to Diamond. The free‑to‑join program awards 10 points per US$1 spent on...
Sheraton Logo Ignites, Guests Evacuated to Hilton
Sheraton Logo Catches Fire At Amsterdam Airport Hotel — Guests Evacuated To The Hilton - View from the Wing https://t.co/dfFWgq2dY3
EgyptAir Opens Sensory Support Room at Cairo International Airport
EgyptAir has opened a dedicated sensory support room in Cairo International Airport’s Terminal 3, aimed at travelers with invisible disabilities such as autism and learning difficulties. The low‑stimulation space, positioned near Gate 4, offers a calm environment and a specialized support team...
American Airlines Unveils New Main Cabin Dining Options With Expanded Snacks and Meals
American Airlines is revamping its Main Cabin dining menu with a new Inflight Bites snack box, premium regional snacks from Chicago’s NUTS ON CLARK, and an upgraded fruit‑and‑cheese tray. Starting May 1, the Bites box sells for $10 or 1,000 AAdvantage...