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
In a Rapidly Changing Market, Innovation Is the Strategy that Drives Profit
The restaurant sector is rapidly shifting as diners favor delivery platforms and demand fresh, exciting menu options. Operators that position innovation at the core of their strategy saw a 7.5% sales lift in 2024, while 80% of independent restaurants plan menu changes for 2025. Data shows that frequent menu and digital experience updates raise customer lifetime value by 24% and boost loyalty program effectiveness. Successful innovations are those that fit existing kitchen workflows and enhance both dine‑in and off‑premise channels.
Summer Travel Gets Dearer on Conflict, Weak
Indian outbound travel for the summer is being squeezed by a West Asia conflict and a weakening rupee, which together have lifted overseas package prices by roughly 20‑25%. The government’s cut to the Tax Collected at Source on travel packages...
How to Book the World’s Best Premium Airline Seats Using Points
Travel experts highlight how premium cabin seats can be secured with airline miles, focusing on Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites, Etihad’s First Class Apartment, and ANA’s The Room Business Class. Singapore’s KrisFlyer Advantage awards require up to 259,500 miles, while Etihad’s Apartment...
Malaysia Extends Visit Malaysia Campaign to 2027 Amid Global Uncertainty
Malaysia’s government has pushed the Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism drive out to 2027, keeping its ambition to attract 47 million international visitors and generate roughly RM329 billion (about US$70 billion) in revenue. The extension responds to lingering geopolitical turbulence, notably the Middle East...
Brand USA Brings Travel Advisor Ambassador Scheme to South-East Asia
Brand USA is extending its Global Ambassador Program to Southeast Asia, launching cohorts in Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. The initiative aims to appoint 250 travel‑trade ambassadors worldwide by July 4 2026, aligning with the United States’ 250th anniversary. Advisors in...
Langham Signs Dual-Brand Hotel Project in Xiong’an New Area
Langham Hospitality Group has signed a management agreement with China Xiong’an Group to develop two hotels—Cordis and Ying’nFlo—in the state‑level Xiong’an New Area. The integrated 23,700 m² complex will feature 180 Cordis rooms and 120 Ying’nFlo rooms, slated to open in...
"Must Be Visible": American Airlines Joins Southwest In Crackdown On Power Banks
American Airlines will enforce a new policy on May 1 that limits passengers to two power banks under 100 Wh, requires them to remain in plain sight, and bans in‑flight charging. The rules mirror a recent Southwest Airlines mandate that restricts travelers...
Lynn Dauwe and Evelyne Bardyn on Flanders, Heritage and Impact-Driven Conferences
VISITFLANDERS officials Lynn Dauwe and Evelyne Bardyn outlined how Flanders is reshaping its place brand around the "Travel to Tomorrow" strategy, emphasizing inclusive, sustainable tourism and heritage‑driven experiences. The Flanders Convention Bureau is positioning conferences as catalysts that connect international...
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech Strengthens Its Commitment to Responsible Hospitality
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech has received the Green Key certification, an internationally recognized eco‑label for sustainable hospitality. The award acknowledges the resort’s comprehensive initiatives, including water‑saving irrigation, elimination of single‑use plastics, and a farm‑to‑table culinary program that sources herbs and...
InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach Unveils a New Chapter
InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach has completed a multi‑million‑dollar renovation, unveiling an ocean‑facing infinity pool, a Club InterContinental lounge with private terrace, and two pickleball courts. The 198‑room property, redesigned by Woods Bagot, now offers sun‑lit suites, a heated year‑round pool deck,...
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort Unveils Pelican’s Nest Sky Deck
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is launching the Pelican’s Nest Sky Deck, a 59,000‑square‑foot rooftop venue slated to open on June 1 2026. The open‑air deck will host mini‑golf, rock climbing, a kids’ play zone, multi‑sport simulators, a running track...
Cunard Reveals Historic Four Queens Celebration in Liverpool
Cunard announced that on May 16, 2028 all four of its ocean‑liners—Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne—will converge on Liverpool’s River Mersey, marking the first full‑fleet gathering in the brand’s history. The event coincides with Liverpool’s 20th anniversary as a European Capital of...
A Federal Court Limits the NLRB’s Power to Force Union Bargaining: What Hospitality Employers Should Know
On March 6, 2026 the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a National Labor Relations Board bargaining order in Brown‑Forman Corp. v. NLRB, limiting the Board’s ability to compel employers to recognize a union without a secret‑ballot election. The court held that...
Regent Phu Quoc Unveils Island Programme for April to June Stays
Regent Phu Quoc has unveiled a three‑month seasonal programme running from April through June, bundling upscale accommodation, curated dining, wellness services, and island‑based activities. The resort offers suites and private‑pool villas with beach or elevated views, alongside bed‑and‑breakfast and club‑level...
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Strengthens Board with Two Appointments
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels announced the appointment of David Michels and Howard Panter as non‑executive directors. Michels, former chief executive of Stakis Hotels and senior executive at Hilton, brings deep hotel‑industry experience. Panter, co‑founder of Ambassador Theatre Group, adds a...
Exclusive: One of China’s Top Hotels to Turn Half Its Menu Plant-Based by 2029
eLong Hotel Technology, one of China’s top ten hotel groups, announced it will make half of its menu plant‑based by 2029, up from roughly 40% today. The company runs over 3,000 properties in more than 300 cities and serves 35 million...
![InKind Updates Terms – No More Stacking Offers & inKind Cash [Support Offering Grace Period]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://www.doctorofcredit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/InKind.png)
InKind Updates Terms – No More Stacking Offers & inKind Cash [Support Offering Grace Period]
InKind announced revised terms effective March 16, 2026, eliminating the ability to combine offers with its cash or cashback balances. The update streamlines checkout to a single choice—InKind Cash, Cash Back, or an offer—while tightening rules against platform abuse. A new dispute‑resolution...
Stop Apologizing for Leaky Sauce: Why Red Gold® PC Cups Are Smarter
Off‑premises sales now account for roughly 75% of restaurant traffic, making packaging a critical touchpoint. Traditional plastic ramekins and single‑serve packets cause labor waste, leaks, and inconsistent portions, especially as catering orders grow. Red Gold’s 1‑oz and larger dunk cups...
US Budget Airlines Demand $2.5 Billion In Government Assistance To Stay Afloat
U.S. budget carriers, including Frontier and Avelo, met with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford to request roughly $2.5 billion in federal aid. The funding would offset an estimated $2.5 billion increase in jet‑fuel costs this year, assuming prices...
Bits: Bonus Buying Marriott Points, Lufthansa Cuts Free Cabin Bags, Aerotel T3 Hotel Sale
Marriott Bonvoy has increased its annual points‑purchase cap to 150,000 and is offering a 30% discount or up to a 40% bonus, effectively pricing points at about $0.66 each. Lufthansa introduced an Economy Basic fare that excludes a free cabin...
How to Earn Miles with 37 Different Airlines with the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card lets UK cardholders convert points into 37 airline frequent‑flyer programs, with 23 of those partners available only through this card. A limited‑time offer triples the sign‑up bonus to 60,000 points—worth roughly £300 (about $384)...
Spanish Investors Target Hotels for 36% of 2026 Real Estate Capital
A CBRE survey of leading Spanish investors reveals that 36% plan to allocate capital to hotels in 2026, second only to residential assets. The finding underscores the sector’s resilience, rising tourism demand and the growing appeal of value‑add and ESG‑focused...
TIA Wellness Resort Expands Da Nang Boutique by 25% and Launches Signature Tea Line
TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam, has expanded its on‑site boutique by 25%, introducing a broader range of wellness‑themed merchandise and a new Signature Tea Collection. The move reflects a growing trend among luxury resorts to blend hospitality with...
Boyd Gaming Posts Near $1B Q1 Revenue, Highlights Midwest Growth and Las Vegas Challenges
Boyd Gaming announced first‑quarter 2026 revenue of almost $1 billion and EBITDA of $317 million, driven by a 4% revenue rise in its Midwest & South segment. The company also flagged ongoing disruption at its Suncoast casino and softer destination demand in...
Gulf Crisis Puts Downward Pressure on Asia Pacific Capacity and Earnings
Asia Pacific airlines are scrambling to offset volatile fuel prices caused by the Gulf crisis, employing short‑term tactics such as flight cuts, capacity redeployment, and higher ticket surcharges. Despite these measures, rising fuel costs and supply constraints are eroding earnings,...
Garuda Indonesia Adds Damp Leased Widebodies for Hajj Ops
Garuda Indonesia has launched its 2026 Hajj charter program using a blend of eight in‑house wide‑body jets and seven damp‑leased aircraft from Thai AirAsia X, World2Fly (Portugal and Spain) and Lion Air. The airline will move 102,502 pilgrims from ten Indonesian cities, deploying...
Venetian Uber Pickups Are Chaotic and Time‑wasting
Also for anyone trying to leave the Venetian this week, the pick up for Ubers is a mess. You have to go to their garage, second floor, and get stuck trying to get out for 10 minutes 0/10 do not recommend....
Report: America’s Highest‑Paid Hotel CEOs in 2025.
Hotel CEOs are now earning Wall Street‑level packages, with Hilton’s Chris Nassetta topping the 2025 list at $27.7 million. Hyatt’s Mark Hoplamazian saw his compensation rise sharply to $27.0 million, while Marriott’s Anthony Capuano earned $23.0 million. Equity‑heavy awards dominate the pay mix, pushing...
Tbilisi’s UNESCO‑Listed Ensemble Draws Travelers with Eastern Architectural Fusion
Georgia’s UNESCO‑listed architectural ensemble in Tbilisi’s Old Town continues to attract global travelers, showcasing a centuries‑old blend of Byzantine, Persian and European influences. The site, protected since 1976, fuels local hospitality and retail sectors, underscoring heritage tourism’s economic role.
Mirazur Marks 20 Years with a Joint Menu by Mauro Colagreco and Ferran Adrià
Chef Mauro Colagreco teamed with Ferran Adrià to launch a commemorative menu for Mirazur's 20th anniversary, blending Mediterranean terroir with avant‑garde techniques. The event also unveiled plans for guest rooms and a reimagined dining journey, underscoring the restaurant's shift toward...
Ascott Deploys AI Across Global Portfolio to Revamp Hotel Booking
Ascott announced the deployment of a new AI infrastructure across its worldwide hotel portfolio, aiming to streamline reservations, personalize guest recommendations and boost operational efficiency. The rollout expands the Cubby AI concierge, which has already handled over 900,000 guest inquiries,...
How To Fly American Airlines’ Best Business (and First) Class Seats Within the U.S.
American Airlines will operate 1,465 domestic flights with lie‑flat business or first‑class seats in May 2026, using internationally configured Boeing 777, 787 and Airbus A321T/XLR aircraft. The A321T features 30 Flagship First‑Class and 20 Flagship Business‑Class lie‑flat seats across 12...
BUSINESS TRAVEL CONFIDENCE HAS DECLINED SIGNIFICANTLY
A recent GBTA survey of over 500 travel buyers and suppliers shows business‑travel confidence plummeting after the Iran‑Iraq flare‑up in late February. European optimism dropped from 58% to 21% by April, while global positivity fell from 59% to 39%. Geopolitical...
CHINA’S DOMESTIC TOURISM EXPECTS A FRUITFUL LABOR DAY HOLIDAY SEASON
China’s May 1‑5 Labor Day holiday saw a robust rebound in domestic travel despite rising fuel costs. Airline bookings rose about 8% year‑over‑year and package‑tour sales jumped roughly 10%, while self‑driven road trips surged over 50%. Travelers favored lower‑cost countryside getaways,...
EUROPE’S TOURISM SECTOR FACES UNCERTAINTY WITH CONFIDENCE
Europe’s tourism sector is expected to grow about 6% in 2026, a downgrade from earlier 8% forecasts, as global economic headwinds persist. The market’s resilience stems from a heavy reliance on domestic and regional trips, which now account for roughly...
MASS TOURISM AND THE TRAVELER DILEMMA: EXPLORING THE WORLD WITHOUT HARM
Mass tourism is straining iconic cities as visitor numbers outpace resident capacity. Venice welcomes over 30 million guests annually while only 55 k people live there, prompting resident departures and shop closures. Barcelona combats soaring rents by capping short‑term rentals and limiting...
THAILAND’S TOURISM SECTOR FACES EARLY SLOWDOWN
Thailand’s tourism sector recorded an early-season slump in April 2026, with foreign arrivals falling 25% week‑on‑week to 464,720 and 16% below the same period last year. Visitor numbers this year total 10.8 million, 3.3% shy of 2025, while key source markets...
Hilton’s SLH Partnership: Where It Shines — and Where It Falls Short
Hilton Honors partnered with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, adding over 500 boutique properties to its redemption portfolio by December 2025. Members can now earn and redeem points at these independent hotels, with elite tiers receiving bonus points and...
Michelin Guide Expands to Six Midwestern Cities, Leaves Cincinnati Out
Michelin announced its American Great Lakes edition, covering six Midwestern cities and Pittsburgh, with Minneapolis paying $250,000 a year and Cleveland $150,000. Cincinnati was left off the list after a missed email, spurring a campaign by Visit Cincy to secure...
Hilton Launches Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Now Bookable with Honors Points
Hilton has opened Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, the brand's first downtown urban resort in the region, and made it available for booking with Hilton Honors points. The 203‑room property, formerly Embassy Suites, debuted after a full‑scale renovation that adds...
India’s Luxury Hotels Deploy PFOA‑Free Nanotech Coatings to Boost Durability and Sustainability
Zyax Chem’s Vetro Power arm is installing PFOA‑free nanocoatings at marquee hotels such as Taj Lands End, St. Regis and Four Seasons, marking the largest commercial rollout of eco‑friendly surface protection in India’s hospitality sector. The ultra‑thin, breathable layers cut...
Designing the Kitchen Around Cold Storage: Understanding The Strategic Role of Walk-Ins & Blast Chilling
Restaurant operators are re‑evaluating walk‑in coolers and freezers as strategic assets rather than after‑thought utilities. Modern kitchen design now integrates cold storage early, linking it to receiving flow, prep zones, and batch‑cooking workflows, often alongside blast chillers. American Panel highlights...
Korean Air Considers Easing Iron Grip On Uniform and Grooming Standards By Letting Flight Attendants Wear Sneakers
Korean Air, long known for its stringent uniform and grooming rules, is consulting on a policy that would allow flight attendants to wear sneakers while on the tarmac. The move mirrors recent changes at Japan Airlines, which introduced plain black...
VidantaWorld’s New Yacht, Elegant, Has A Pricing Problem
VidantaWorld has launched Elegant, a 216‑guest adults‑only luxury mega‑yacht sailing the Mediterranean. The ship boasts a high crew‑to‑guest ratio and boutique itineraries, but its base fare only covers buffet meals and basic Wi‑Fi, leaving dinner, alcohol, premium Wi‑Fi and many...
Bonus Nights Awarded From Marriott’s First 2026 Promo Mysteriously Disappear
Marriott Bonvoy launched its first global system‑wide promotion for 2026 on February 25, offering 2,500 bonus points per stay and an Elite Night Credit for each distinct Marriott brand visited through May 10. Members who stayed at nine different brands should have...
World Cup Hotel Prices May Finally Drop
The other issue is hotels during World Cup but now I’m starting to wonder if maybe those prices come down too
Why The Government (Morally) Has To Save Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines' $3.8 billion JetBlue merger was blocked by the DOJ in early 2024, pushing the carrier into bankruptcy and a second restructuring. The Trump administration is now weighing up to $500 million in financing that could grant the Treasury as much...
Which Hotel Group CEO Was Highest Paid In 2025? ($27.7 Million)
In 2025 Hilton’s chief executive Chris Nassetta earned $27.7 million, making him the highest‑paid hotel CEO, followed by Hyatt’s Mark Hoplamazian at $27 million and Marriott’s Anthony Capuano at $23 million. The compensation packages combine modest base salaries with sizable stock awards, option grants...
How to Avoid Excise Tax Offset Fees on Points Transfers From American Express
American Express adds an excise‑tax offset fee of $0.0006 per point (capped at $99) when Membership Rewards points are transferred to U.S. airline programs, specifically Delta SkyMiles and JetBlue TrueBlue. The fee can erode redemption value, as covering a $30...
Tourism Impact Story Mislabels Consultants as Academic Studies
This is a great example of unintentionally bad reporting on economic impact. It interviews multiple tourism officials and presents commissioned consultant reports as "studies," while offering one comment from an academic who expresses skepticism. https://t.co/cpq47V33Qf