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
Red Rock Resorts Inc (RRR) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Red Rock Resorts reported a record $499.5 million Las Vegas net revenue for Q1 2026, up 0.9% YoY, while adjusted EBITDA margin slipped to 46.5%, down 113 basis points. Consolidated net revenue reached $507.3 million, and operating free cash flow generated $107 million, supporting a $170.5 million return to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Ongoing construction at Green Valley Ranch and Durango added $9 million and $2‑3 million in disruption costs, respectively, pressuring margins. Management reaffirmed its growth pipeline, highlighting the Durango North expansion and the North Fork project slated for early Q4 2026.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc (WH) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reported a 4% net room growth in 2025, adding a record 72,000 rooms and expanding its development pipeline to nearly 260,000 rooms. Adjusted EBITDA rose 4% to $718 million and adjusted diluted EPS increased 6% to $4.58,...
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Virgin Atlantic Accelerates Starlink Rollout with Free High-Speed Wi-Fi Across Fleet
Virgin Atlantic is accelerating its rollout of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet, beginning installations on its A350 fleet in May with full A350 coverage expected by early summer. The airline will extend the free, high‑speed Wi‑Fi to its 787 and A330neo...
What Travelers Need to Know About the EU’s New Biometric Border Checks
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (E.E.S.) launched this month, requiring biometric data—fingerprints and facial photos—at all Schengen border points. The rollout across 29 Schengen countries has triggered hours‑long queues at airports such as Milan, Paris and Amsterdam. Officials say the system...
Avelo Airlines Celebrates Its Fifth Birthday
Avelo Airlines marked its fifth anniversary, having flown over 9.3 million passengers on more than 74,000 flights since launching in April 2021. The carrier expanded from an 11‑city West Coast operation to a 34‑destination network spanning 14 states, the Midwest, the East...
Hotel Industry News Today – April 28, 2026 | Hotel News Resource
A new Expedia Group study shows travelers spend roughly $500 on non‑travel purchases each trip, with U.S., French and Australian visitors topping $600. A survey by Ada finds half of U.S. travelers are indifferent to AI versus human customer service...
Costa’s 2028 Voyage Connects Cultures Across Oceans
Costa Cruises has opened bookings for its 2028 World Cruise, a 139‑day, 51‑destination voyage aboard the Costa Deliziosa that departs Savona on Nov. 25, 2027 and returns Apr. 11, 2028. The itinerary spans five continents and three oceans, featuring a...
HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin Week Ending 24 April 2026
The HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin for the week ending 24 April 2026 records a wave of mid‑scale hotel acquisitions across the continent. London‑based M&G Real Estate bought the 250‑room Travelodge Barcelona Poblenou for roughly €50 million (about $54 million). Millemont Capital Partners secured...
What Today's Travelers Expect Before They Check In
Today's travelers demand more than a clean room; they expect seamless internet, pre‑arrival personalization, and AI‑driven digital concierge services. 81% consider connectivity when choosing a hotel, 64% verify speed, and over half book via mobile. Hotels are responding, with 70%...
7,700-Mile Nonstop Flights: Is Alaska Airlines About To Launch Its Longest-Ever Route?
Alaska Airlines hinted at a new nonstop Seattle‑Sydney route in its recent safety video, sparking speculation about a 7,739‑mile service. The flight would become the carrier’s longest nonstop, surpassing the Seattle‑Rome route by roughly 36 percent. Sydney ranks as Seattle’s...
The World’s Greatest Rest Stop Has Partially Burned To The Ground And It’s Hurting My Heart
South of the Border, the iconic I‑95 rest stop in Hamer, South Carolina, suffered a major setback when its on‑site Burrito Loco restaurant was gutted by a two‑stage fire on Sunday night. Firefighters spent six hours battling the blaze, which...
Vegas Health Improves Significantly Since Last Summer
"Vegas is in a much healthier spot than it was last summer" - Caesars CEO Tom Reeg during today's Q1 earnings call
Cuba Tops 2026 Heritage Travel Rankings, Overtaking Ethiopia, Croatia and Vietnam
Travel and Tour World (TTW) announced that Cuba has been ranked the world’s top heritage travel destination for 2026, surpassing Ethiopia, Croatia and Vietnam. The list, based on editorial analysis and the preferences of more than 23 million readers, underscores the...
GSTC 2027 Heads to The Bahamas in Caribbean First
The Bahamas will host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) 2027 Conference from May 18‑21, becoming the first Caribbean destination to do so. The event will spotlight the nation’s ecosystem restoration, mangrove and coral reef projects, and community‑based tourism initiatives....
Caesars Vegas Stagnates: Revenue and Income Flat YoY
Caesars Las Vegas property numbers Q1 2025 -> Q1 2026 - Net revenue: $1.3 billion -> $1.3 billion - Net income: $177 million -> $176 million - AEBITDA: $433 -> $426 Consistently flat year-over-year performances for one of the Strip's major operators
Tourism Falters as Global Military Spending Surges
Global military expenditure reached a record $2.887 trillion in 2025, a 2.9% real‑term rise, with the United States, China and Russia together accounting for 51% of the total. While the travel sector was still clawing back from Covid‑19, the surge in...
Host Hotels Leverages AI and Climate Data to Build a More Resilient Portfolio
Host Hotels & Resorts is deploying AI‑driven sensors and climate analytics to boost sustainability and resilience across its hotel portfolio. Real‑time monitoring of HVAC, central plants and hot‑water systems has already cut 2,300 metric tons of CO₂ and saved over...
How to Tell If Your Restaurant AI Is Real
The restaurant tech market is plagued by AI‑washing, with vendors branding generic analytics as "AI‑powered" while delivering little value. Real AI should act as a painkiller, stitching together POS, labor, inventory and delivery data to expose hidden cash leaks instantly....
Dispatch 20
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) may need to issue new shares to raise cash for refunds to UK clients after a seven‑month ASX suspension and significant accounting restatements. RBC Capital Markets flagged a sharp increase in CTM's expected revenue reversals and...
![Bride Gets Kicked Out Of Four Seasons Miami While Trying To Tour Wedding Venue — [Roundup]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://viewfromthewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/four-seasons-miami.jpg)
Bride Gets Kicked Out Of Four Seasons Miami While Trying To Tour Wedding Venue — [Roundup]
A bride was escorted out of the Four Seasons Miami after attempting an unscheduled tour of the wedding venue, sparking claims the front desk gave misleading guidance and hinting at a possible lawsuit. The roundup also notes a BBC video...
Mexico's Top Luxury Beachfront Escape Unveiled
In my latest for @coolmaterial I spotlight Mexico's most luxurious getaway and one of the best beach-front properties. https://t.co/yEdOCwn9Rf
30% Off Orbitz Coupons | April 2026 | Condé Nast Traveler
Orbitz is rolling out a spring promotion featuring hotel discounts of up to 60%, plus a 10% coupon for new rewards members. The platform also bundles flights and hotels into packages priced under $499, targeting budget‑conscious travelers. Orbucks cash‑back rewards...
Bahrain Gives Travel a Grace Period on Fees
Bahrain will let hotels, serviced apartments and restaurants defer the 5 % tourism levy and the BHD 3 ($8) per‑night accommodation fee until July 31 2026, easing cash‑flow pressures after the Iran‑Israel war slashed occupancy to 16.9 % in March 2025. The deferral follows similar...
Hilton Says ChatGPT App Is Coming and to Expect More ‘Select’ Deals
Hilton announced it will launch an app inside OpenAI's ChatGPT within weeks, joining rivals Hyatt, Accor and Wyndham. CEO Chris Nassetta said the chain is partnering with OpenAI, Google AI and Anthropic to avoid reliance on a single platform. The...
The Technology Edge: Strategic Insights From a National 3PL Leader
Smart Warehousing argues that food‑brand logistics must be technology‑first, warning that 3PLs chosen solely on price and location will hit a tech ceiling within two to three years. The company’s proprietary platforms—SWIMS (a warehouse‑management system) and Smart Visibility—deliver integrated inventory...
St. Regis Chicago Hotel Owners Land $125M Refi: The Chicago Deal Sheet
Gencom and GD Holdings have secured a $125 million refinancing for the 192‑key St. Regis Chicago hotel, replacing the original $76 million acquisition loan from Varde Partners. The new financing, arranged with Banco Inbursa, allows the owners to extract roughly $49 million in equity....
SFO Launches Gate Explorer Program
San Francisco International Airport has introduced the Gate Explorer program, a non‑ticketed access initiative that lets TSA‑vetted visitors clear security without a flight reservation. Travelers can request a pass up to 30 days in advance or on the same day...
SSP Opens Flax Soda at Belfast International Airport with Focus on Local Flavors
SSP Group has launched Flax & Soda, a 280‑seat casual‑dining venue in Belfast International Airport’s newly refurbished Departures Lounge. The restaurant showcases Northern Ireland’s culinary identity with locally sourced meats, dairy, baked goods and regional beers and spirits, and features a partnership...
Virgin Atlantic Appoints Anthony Uphill as Vice President Sales
Virgin Atlantic announced the appointment of Anthony Uphill as Vice President of Sales, effective May 5, 2026. Uphill will lead corporate and agency sales and coordinate with joint‑venture partners Delta, Air France and KLM, as well as broader SkyTeam alliances. He...
The Ultimate Luxury in Hotels: A Room Full of Guests Worth Talking To
Ultra‑luxury hotels have leaned into sky‑high pricing, resulting in a homogenized guest mix that lacks the spontaneous social energy of classic hotel lobbies. Restaurateur Jeremy King demonstrates that more accessible restaurant pricing can re‑energize these spaces, drawing journalists, analysts, artists...
Australia Ranks Sixth in Global Solo‑Travel Destinations for 2026
Australia has been placed sixth among the world’s ten best solo‑travel destinations for 2026, based on 18,100 annual Google searches, according to a report by Explore Worldwide. The ranking underscores the surge in solo‑travel demand and positions Australia as a...
Safety and Food Quality Top Non‑Negotiables for Luxury Hotel Guests, PhocusWire Finds
PhocusWire’s latest consumer study reveals that safety and security (45%) and food‑and‑beverage quality (43%) are the primary non‑negotiables for indulgent travelers. The report also maps generational differences, highlighting how baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z weigh privacy, service and unique...
Spain Urges Tourists to Book Flights Now as Jet Fuel Prices Surge 80% Amid Iran Conflict
Spain's Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu told travelers to lock in tickets as jet fuel prices have risen roughly 80% since the U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran, pushing long‑haul fares up by more than $100. The surge threatens demand for...
(Ends 4/30) Elevated Wyndham Earner & Earner Plus Offers with Wyndham Spend
Frequent Miler reports that the Wyndham Earner and Earner Plus credit cards have boosted welcome bonuses that expire on April 30. The Earner card now offers up to 60,000 Wyndham points with no annual fee, while the Earner Plus provides up to...
Are Airport Baggage Scales Accurate?
An inspection of Newark Liberty International’s baggage‑handling scales found that more than 27 % were inaccurate, prompting the removal of 81 faulty units, including one that was off by as much as 35 lb. Similar deficiencies were reported at Charlotte Douglas International...
Why Domino’s Is Adjusting Its Menu and Marketing Calendar
Domino's reported a modest 0.9% rise in domestic same‑store sales for Q1, missing analyst forecasts, yet CEO Russell Weiner outlined a plan to hit a 3% full‑year growth target. The strategy hinges on capturing market share from competitors closing stores and...
Ryan Lulow Named Mountain Mike’s CFO
Mountain Mike’s appointed Ryan Lulow as its chief financial officer, elevating him from vice president of finance after a decade with the brand. Lulow will steer franchisee profitability, refine promotional and loyalty programs, and hunt for supply‑chain cost savings while...
Papa Johns Launches an AI Assistant to Help with Group Orders
Papa John’s has launched Lou AI, an artificial‑intelligence‑powered pizza assistant built on Google Cloud’s Food Ordering agent. The tool lets users describe a group’s size and preferences, then automatically curates a menu mix that accommodates picky eaters and varying tastes. Lou AI...
Wizz Air Chief Slams Middle East Airlines: They Are Flying “On Political Pressure, Not Based On Safety”
Wizz Air CEO József Váradi publicly accused UAE‑based airlines of flying under political pressure despite a wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Dubai and Kuwait airports. He said carriers such as Emirates, FlyDubai and Etihad ignore safety assessments,...
The Luxury Collection Debuts Amoh Resort in Rhodes
Marriott’s Luxury Collection has launched Amouh, its first resort on the Greek island of Rhodes, offering 197 rooms and suites with sea views and private pools. Designed by London‑based Studio Lost, the property blends contemporary luxury with local stonework and...
HD Expo Set for May 5 to 7 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center
The HD Expo will convene more than 10,000 hospitality design professionals at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from May 5‑7, featuring 550+ exhibitors from 16 countries. The show introduces industry‑curated education, micro‑gatherings, and the fourth HD University, all shaped by...
Royalton Hotels & Resorts Pledges Sustainable Future with Full Program Implementation by 2030
Royalton Hotels & Resorts announced its Royalton Sustainability Standards, a comprehensive program to be fully implemented across its 24 all‑inclusive resorts in seven countries by 2030. The initiative targets energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation and community engagement, leveraging solar,...
Driftwood Hospitality Management Names Gregory Maliassas CEO
Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM) announced Gregory Maliassas as its new chief executive officer, succeeding founder David Buddemeyer who will stay on as a strategic consultant. Maliassas joins from Playa Hotels & Resorts, where he served as EVP/COO overseeing a portfolio...
American CEO Tells Employees His Deal Strategy: United No, Alaska Yes, Spirit Assets Maybe
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom used the quarterly employee meeting to squash merger rumors. He confirmed a United merger is a non‑starter because of antitrust concerns, highlighted a deepening partnership with Alaska Airlines, and said Spirit Airlines is not a...
Alaska Airlines New Seattle to Rome Flights Launch Today
Alaska Airlines inaugurated its first European nonstop route, launching daily Seattle‑Rome flights on May 28 using Boeing 787‑9 aircraft with 34 Business Class and 266 Main Cabin seats. The airline accelerated the schedule to daily service before the inaugural flight due...
Star Alliance Opens New Lounge in China’s Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Star Alliance has opened a new 15,000‑square‑foot lounge in Terminal 3 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The facility can host about 245 guests and includes a rare 7,535‑square‑meter outdoor garden, offering an open‑air retreat for travelers. Open 24 hours, it serves First‑...
Royal Caribbean Opens Royal Beach Club Santorini
Royal Caribbean has launched Royal Beach Club Santorini, its first European beach‑club destination, on a volcanic black‑sand beach overlooking the Aegean Sea. The club is bundled into the Ultimate Santorini Day shore excursion, which also transports guests to the iconic...
Aurrigo International Appoints Aviation Expert as Director of Global Airport Operations
Aurrigo International, a provider of autonomy software and autonomous vehicles for airports, has appointed Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations. The newly created role is designed to transition the firm from proof‑of‑concept trials to scaled commercial deployments. Aurrigo...
United Airlines Newest Europe Routes Take Off This Week for Summer 2026 Expansion
United Airlines launched its Summer 2026 schedule this week, adding several new nonstop routes between Newark and European cities such as Split, Bari, Glasgow, and Santiago de Compostela, plus a daily Washington‑Dulles to Keflavik service. The carrier also reinstated seasonal...
Wizz Air Adds Disruption Rebooking Tool as Travel Sector Embraces Flexibility
Wizz Air has rolled out a paid disruption‑assistance tool that gives passengers real‑time rebooking options when flights are delayed or cancelled, partnering with Hopper Technology Solutions to automate the process. The service sits alongside existing EU compensation rights and reflects...