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.
ZIPAIR Tokyo launched SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet on a Boeing 787, marking Asia’s first commercial passenger flight equipped with the service. Flight ZG045 from Tokyo to Incheon offered free, high‑speed, low‑latency Wi‑Fi to every seat, matching ground‑based broadband performance. Installation began in February, with the entire eight‑aircraft fleet slated for completion by spring 2026. The rollout also powers ZIPAIR’s proprietary inflight service system, enabling real‑time payments and new ancillary revenue streams.
![Ritz-Carlton Guests Robbed Of $425,000 Seconds After Security Guard Vanishes—Was It An Inside Job? [Roundup]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/675a3b9b19d9492a05b94ed3884b5361.webp)
A Michigan couple has sued the Ritz‑Carlton on St. Thomas, alleging they were robbed at gunpoint of more than $425,000 in jewelry and luxury items. The lawsuit claims a security guard left the guests alone to retrieve a replacement key,...
Best Western Rewards has introduced a triple‑point promotion for stays in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Members must register and book between February 26 and March 3, 2026, and any qualified stay completed by May 31 will earn three times the...
The luxury travel sector is capitalising on a booming $0.5 trillion sleep economy by launching specialised sleep retreats that blend clinical diagnostics with high‑tech amenities. Properties such as Murrieta Hot Springs, Lefay Resort, and Carillon Miami embed biometric tracking, AI‑powered beds,...
Ômage Hotel Montréal/Laval opened after a ten‑month transformation of the former Hilton Laval, joining Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio. The boutique property offers 190 guestrooms across ten floors, including 42 extended‑stay suites with full kitchens. Designed around natural elements, the hotel...
The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) has released the finalists for its 2026 Awards of Excellence, covering categories such as Culinary Excellence, Housekeeping, Sustainability Champion, and Hotelier of the Year. The awards ceremony will take place during the BCHA Summit...
Transavia has broadened its global distribution agreement with Amadeus, granting travel sellers access to every fare class, including the Smart Fare and a new Fare Family Upsell feature. The deal covers both Transavia France and the Netherlands, ensuring consistent content...
reclaim, the premium luggage‑management platform, has added on‑demand service for the voco The Darwin Atlanta Midtown hotel, an IHG property. Guests can schedule bag pickup from the hotel lobby up to six hours before departure, with tamper‑evident tags and real‑time...
Chris Noffze, director of direct franchising and operations for Gong cha Americas, will speak at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in San Diego (March 16‑18). In his role, he guides franchisees through onboarding, store openings, and ongoing operations to ensure...
Royal Jordanian’s status‑match program grants a one‑year Gold Sparrow tier for a $149 fee, then automatically downgrades non‑requalifying members to Silver Jay (oneworld Ruby) rather than stripping elite status entirely. The soft‑landing policy ensures members retain basic oneworld benefits for...
American Express has launched a targeted Amex Offers promotion for IHG hotel stays. Cardholders who spend at least $250 on eligible IHG properties between February 25 and May 26, 2026, receive a $50 statement credit, effectively a 20% rebate. The offer applies to...
flydubai posts US$531m profit after tax for FY2025, reinforcing the momentum behind its expanding network strategy. The Dubai-based carrier reported US$591m pre-tax profit on revenues of US$3.7b, up 6% year-on-year. A record 15.7 million passengers flew with the airline, with Business...
Engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald has secured a five‑year appointment on Manchester Airports Group’s Capital Investment Consultancy Services Framework. The firm will deliver advisory, design and fire‑engineering services for major projects at Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports. The partnership aligns...
Deutsche Bahn and Brussels Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement to launch the first direct ICE high‑speed rail link to Brussels Airport, slated to begin on 7 September 2026. The service will run twice daily between Cologne Central Station and the airport, continuing onward...
Singapore’s Changi Airport Group announced a S$3 billion, six‑year investment to upgrade Terminals 1‑4, targeting baggage handling, check‑in, immigration and Skytrain links. The upgrades replace aging systems and are designed to boost capacity ahead of Terminal 5, slated for the mid‑2030s. Changi currently...
Just before ITB Berlin opens in March 2026, IPK International’s World Travel Monitor shows global international trips rose 4% year‑on‑year in 2025, nudging the market back toward pre‑pandemic levels. Europe matched the global average with a 4% increase, while North...
Andy Tan has been appointed general manager of Varel Singapore, a new Tribute Portfolio hotel slated to open in April 2026. Tan brings more than three decades of hospitality and travel experience, most recently serving in a senior leadership role...
Capella Kyoto will open on 22 March 2026, offering 89 rooms that fuse modern luxury with traditional machiya architecture in Kyoto’s historic Miyagawa‑cho district. Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates and Brewin Design Office, the hotel opens during cherry‑blossom season to attract high‑end travelers...
Hidden Heritage, a Singapore‑based tour operator founded by Amanda Cheong and Stanley Cheah, curates guided experiences of the city’s abandoned factories, wartime shelters, and low‑income back‑alleys. Their signature "Industrial Relics & Wartime Secrets" tour began after the founders staged a...
Oceania Cruises has launched the Oceania Club Ambassador Program, a referral initiative that grants a US $200 future cruise credit to both the referring Club member and the newly booked guest. The offer applies only to first‑time, full‑fare bookings and credits...
Minor Hotels is launching its luxury Anantara brand in Australia with the Anantara Perth Hotel, slated to open in 2032 as the centerpiece of the AUD $3.8 billion Burswood Point master‑planned development. The waterfront property will offer 150 rooms, two restaurants, a...
JetEffect celebrates 25 years, having completed more than 900 aircraft transactions. The U.S.-based broker handles turboprop, light, midsize, super‑midsize and long‑range business jets. Over half its workforce has been with the firm for more than two decades, enabling senior‑level advisory...
Shangri‑La Hambantota has earned the Halal Friendly Certification from the Halal Assessment Council Guarantee Limited, confirming its ability to serve verified Halal meals from dedicated kitchen facilities. The luxury resort, opened in 2016 as the brand’s first Sri Lankan property,...
Climate change is driving higher temperatures and erratic rain in Singapore, pressuring outdoor attractions to adapt. Sentosa Development Corporation responded with the "Cooling Sentosa" roadmap, a suite of climate‑responsive technologies and nature‑integrated design solutions. The initiative targets improved visitor comfort,...
Qantas announced its 2026 Frequent Flyer overhaul, adding up to 140 Status Credits from non‑flight activities and allowing members to roll over half of excess credits. The program eliminates lower re‑qualification thresholds, retires Points Club and Green Tier, and introduces...
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has renewed its multi‑year strategic partnership with Ant International, extending the Alipay+ unified wallet gateway across the island. The expanded deal adds joint marketing campaigns for key source markets and introduces new digital tools such...
Klook has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau to combine its digital platform and traveler data with OCTB’s local expertise. The partnership will deliver joint content, online promotions, data sharing and digital tools such...
Fusion Hotel Group has entered a long‑term management deal with Vietnam’s Tropical Corporation to build a beachfront wellness resort on Phu Quoc. The property will feature 51 villas, 158 rooms, a spa‑inclusive Maia Spa, dining venues, meeting spaces and a...
Walk Japan has launched the East Hokkaido Trek, a nine‑day, eight‑night guided hiking tour across eastern Hokkaido’s remote landscapes. The itinerary follows portions of the newly established 410 km Hokkaido East Trail, linking three national parks from Kushiro’s wetlands to the...
Qantas will inaugurate the world’s first non‑stop scheduled service between Sydney and Las Vegas, launching on 29 December 2026 and operating through 12 March 2027. The seasonal route targets peak events such as the Consumer Electronics Show and leverages the...
American Express announced that its Resy reservation platform will merge with Tock this summer, integrating more than 25,000 restaurants, wineries and hospitality venues into the Resy network. The combined offering adds over 1,200 wineries and high‑end dining experiences such as...
Air cargo is set to grow for a second consecutive year in 2026, despite lingering global economic uncertainty. While it moves only 1% of world trade by volume, it represents more than 35% of trade value, underscoring its strategic importance....
Hilton Grand Vacations reported fourth‑quarter 2020 revenue of $233 million, a 5% sequential increase, and adjusted EBITDA of $35 million (excluding a $3 million CARES Act credit). The company posted a net loss of $143 million, driven by a $209 million non‑cash land impairment. Contract...
Braemar Hotels & Resorts reported Q1 2019 results highlighting its luxury‑focused strategy, including the acquisition of the Ritz‑Carlton Lake Tahoe and the launch of a $50 million Enhanced Return Funding Program (ERFP). RevPAR grew 14.3% portfolio‑wide, driven by a 32.8% surge at...
Explora Journeys launched a global “hotel without an address” campaign, positioning its cruise ships as five‑star floating hotels. Developed by McCann Paris and directed by Jonas Lindstroem, the film showcases on‑board rituals reimagined as hotel experiences. The brand highlights its...
The Delta Air Lines Foundation has pledged $5 million to support the construction of Georgia Tech’s new Aerospace Engineering Building. The state‑of‑the‑art facility will expand research in advanced aircraft design, propulsion, materials, cybersecurity, autonomy, hydrogen and eVTOL technologies. Georgia Tech’s Daniel...
HX Expeditions has announced its 2026 Alaska season, adding two new Inside Passage itineraries aboard the MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid, battery‑powered cruise ship. The 9‑night Fjords of the Great Land sails from Vancouver to Whittier, while the...
Vrbo has teamed with WeatherPromise to sell a weather‑guarantee add‑on that automatically refunds guests when rain exceeds predefined thresholds during their stay. The coverage price varies dynamically between 3 % and 8 % of the total trip cost, reflecting destination, dates and...
Virgin Voyages announced a limited‑time promotion that slashes the price of a second cabin guest by 80%, adds up to $350 in complimentary drinks, and provides up to $300 in onboard credit on select Caribbean sailings. The deal is available...
Spain’s expanding “Koldo case” probe has uncovered WhatsApp messages linking former UNWTO Secretary‑General Zurab Pololikashvili to political adviser Koldo García, businessman Víctor de Aldama, and airline bailout negotiations during COVID‑19. The investigation centers on a €475 million state aid package for...
Delta Air Lines announced a limited‑time SkyMiles flash sale offering 15‑20% off award tickets to select Caribbean and Central American destinations. The promotion runs from February 24‑26, with travel windows in March and early April for flights departing New York City and...
The Brand To Table podcast explains why restaurants must actively respond to Google reviews. Host Henry Kaminski Jr. outlines how thoughtful replies signal care, improve online reputation, and boost local search visibility. He introduces the AAR Method—Appreciate, Address, Redirect—to turn...
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom announced a $1 billion expansion of Concourse D’s Gate D60 at Miami International Airport. The three‑level project will convert the existing area into 17 new contact gates, upgraded boarding lounges, retail,...
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) handled 30.1 million passengers in 2025, marking the first consecutive 30‑million‑plus years since 2018‑19. International traffic rose 7.5% to over 4.1 million passengers, driven by new routes from Aeroméxico, American Airlines and Frontier. Cargo volumes increased 7.4% to...
Delta Air Lines will resume seasonal nonstop service between Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport and Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport, operating Saturdays from May 9 to August 8, 2026. The route, previously discontinued in 2021, will be flown on a 76‑seat CRJ‑900, offering travelers a...
![Hyatt Charging $20 For A Coffee Pod, MGM Wants $180 For Two Drinks—You’re Now A Mark, Not A Guest [Roundup]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/4bb8db4840c1d1e2ef652bfeb6ab60eb.webp)
A recent roundup highlights aggressive ancillary pricing, with Grand Hyatt São Paulo charging $20 for a single Nespresso pod and MGM’s Dolby Theatre in Las Vegas tacking $180 for two cocktails plus an admin fee. The piece also spotlights the Bilt Palladium credit...
Ookla has formed a strategic partnership with Imagine Wireless to help airport leaders steer digital transformation. The alliance merges Ookla’s network measurement suite—including Speedtest Insights, Speedtest Certified and Ekahau—with Imagine Wireless’s advisory services, delivering independent validation for private 5G, Wi‑Fi...
Outrigger Hospitality Group’s president and CEO Jeff Wagoner highlighted the critical role of leadership in navigating today’s volatile hospitality landscape. He emphasized the brand’s commitment to authenticity, arguing that genuine guest experiences drive loyalty and revenue. Wagoner also detailed the company’s...
Pizza Inn is unveiling a fully modernized restaurant in Mesquite, Texas, with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony on March 5. The remodel adds expanded seating, a back‑fed buffet, brighter décor, and energy‑efficient lighting. It retains the brand’s scratch‑style pizza, daily‑made dough and whole‑milk...
P.F. Chang’s has introduced a limited‑time "Flavor In Bloom" campaign, a seasonal dining experience inspired by Japan’s cherry blossom season. The centerpiece is the Cherry Blossom Martini, mixing Hendrick’s Gin, St‑Germain elderflower, strawberry, lychee, pineapple and lemon. The menu pairs...
