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
Silversea Launches 38 Antarctic Voyages, Fueling Luxury Polar Travel Surge
Silversea finished its 2025‑26 Antarctic season with 38 voyages across three expedition ships, including 20 Drake Passage crossings and 18 fly‑cruise itineraries. The operator’s record‑setting polar plunge participation and plans for 41 new voyages next season underscore a rapid expansion of luxury adventure tourism in Antarctica.
Red Sea Global Unveils ADRENA Adventure District, a Luxury Outdoor Hub in Saudi Arabia
Red Sea Global has launched ADRENA Adventure District, a purpose‑built luxury adventure tourism zone on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The project aims to blend high‑end hospitality with extreme outdoor activities, positioning the kingdom as a new hotspot for affluent...
Grant Achatz’s The Aviary Opens $175 Las Vegas Strip Residency at Bellagio
Chef Grant Achatz’s avant‑garde cocktail bar, The Aviary, is launching a month‑long residency at The Vault in Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip. The pop‑up runs Wednesdays through Sundays in May 2026, costs $175 per guest, and caps off Achatz’s...
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-tucumcari-new-mexico-ROUTE66TWNS0226-e2f7730520c94a5e9c2410d787aa263e.jpg)
9 Vintage Revival Hotels to Visit for Route 66's 100th Anniversary
The iconic Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, prompting a wave of restorations at historic motels and hotels along the corridor. Properties such as the Campbell Hotel in Tulsa, the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, and the Historic Grand Canyon Hotel...
Sunset World Group Ready to Welcome Members and Guests This Easter Week
Sunset World Group is rolling out a festive Easter‑week itinerary for Club Sunset members at its Cancun and Riviera Maya resorts, featuring themed parties, yoga, mixology classes and an Easter egg hunt. The program also spotlights the near‑completion of a...
Summit Hotel Properties: Undervalued With High Yield Make This A Buy
Summit Hotel Properties (INN) has been reaffirmed as a Buy, driven by a robust balance sheet, a 7.46% dividend yield and a deep valuation discount. The company holds $240 million in liquidity, no debt maturities until 2028, and 77% of its...
Bai Tu Long Bay Named a 2026 Southeast Asian Wonder, Boosting Vietnam's Tourism
A US travel magazine has added Vietnam's Bai Tu Long Bay to its list of seven Southeast Asian wonders for 2026, spotlighting the lesser‑known inlet. The designation is expected to draw new visitors while prompting officials to weigh tourism growth...
Japan’s Hotels Launch Postpartum Care Services, Fill Up in Two Days
Keikyu, a major Japanese railway operator, opened a three‑day postpartum care pilot at a Tokyo business hotel, pricing rooms at 25,000 yen ($170) per night. The program sold out within two days and generated a waiting list, underscoring growing interest...
Six‑Chef Michelin‑Starred Dinner ‘The Dragons’ Ascent’ Debuts at Manila’s Crystal Dragon
Melco Resorts’ Crystal Dragon in Manila will host “The Dragons’ Ascent,” a one‑night, 72‑seat six‑chef Michelin‑starred dinner on April 11. The event brings together chefs from Jade Dragon, Pearl Dragon and Crystal Dragon, offering a six‑course menu at roughly $212...
NerdWallet Study Finds Resort Fees Add $15‑$50 per Night, Sparking Consumer Backlash
A NerdWallet analysis of 160 U.S. hotels revealed that mandatory resort fees range from $15 to $50 per night, averaging $33. The finding has ignited consumer outrage and comes as the FTC tightens rules on price transparency for hotel bookings.
Jinlong Village’s Cherry Blossom Festival Sparks Economic Vitalization and Rural Tourism Surge in Chongqing
Jinlong Village in Chongqing’s Nanchuan district has turned its annual cherry blossom festival into a catalyst for rural tourism, attracting thousands of visitors and spurring economic growth. The festival’s float parade, cultural market, and family activities have helped the village...
Seoul Hotel Demand Hits Record High in 2026: A Complete Travel Guide for Global Tourists Navigating Luxury and Boutique Stays
Seoul’s hotel market hit a record demand surge in 2026 as international tourists extend stays to explore the city’s culture, cuisine, and entertainment. Luxury properties in Gangnam, Myeongdong and Insadong now command premium rates, while mid‑range and boutique hotels also...
Kentucky Joins Wyoming, Louisiana, Montana, Kansas and Alabama as Severe Wildfires Grip US, Tourism Faces Collapse Threat: Here Is a...
Kentucky has joined Wyoming, Louisiana, Montana, Kansas and Alabama as severe wildfires spread across the United States, threatening a tourism collapse. A fire near Hazard reignited from burning debris under dry, windy conditions, scorching more than 60 acres and coming...
Japan Welcomes Over 4 Million Foreign Residents in 2025, Transforming Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto Into Unmissable Multicultural Travel Destinations
Japan recorded more than four million foreign residents by the end of 2025, the highest level in its history. The influx, driven by skilled‑worker visas and long‑term settlement programs, is reshaping major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto into...
Lufthansa to Serve La Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot in First Class
Lufthansa will begin serving Veuve Clicquot’s prestige cuvée La Grande Dame on all long‑haul First Class cabins starting at the end of March 2026. The champagne, a Pinot Noir‑dominant blend, is positioned as a permanent feature of the airline’s newly refreshed “Future Onboard...
The 1 Metric That Determines Airline Profitability
The airline industry uses the RASM‑CASM spread—the difference between revenue per available seat mile and cost per available seat mile—to gauge operating profitability. A typical example is 14 cents of revenue versus 12 cents of cost per ASM, delivering a two‑cent margin....
Exclusive Bonus for Ponant Smithsonian Voyages
Ponant Explorations has extended its exclusive partnership with Smithsonian Journeys through May 31 2026, adding a $1,000 shipboard credit and a $500 booking gift card to all 2026 sailings. The collaboration pairs Ponant’s small‑ship expertise with Smithsonian’s research and cultural authority, featuring...
Texas' Newest One-Of-A-Kind Resort For Children And Kids-At-Heart Is Opening In 2026
Universal Destinations & Experiences is set to launch Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, slated for 2026. The family‑focused theme park will feature seven immersive lands, including Jurassic World Adventure Camp and SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom, alongside a 300‑room on‑site hotel....
San Antonio International Airport Celebrates Opening of Terminal A Ground Expansion
San Antonio International Airport opened the Terminal A ground‑load expansion, adding new gates, passenger areas and a federal inspection station. The ground‑load facility lets passengers board aircraft at curbside level, boosting operational capacity and reducing reliance on jet bridges. The...
![Southwest Airlines Adds 42 New Nonstop Routes This Spring [Map]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://static0.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/southwest-airlines-boeing-737-max-8.jpg?w=1600&h=900&fit=crop)
Southwest Airlines Adds 42 New Nonstop Routes This Spring [Map]
Southwest Airlines filed 42 new nonstop routes for the March‑May 2026 spring season, expanding its network to 929 city pairs and averaging 4,016 daily flights. The additions include four new cities—Anchorage, Knoxville, St. Maarten and Santa Rosa—bringing the carrier into Alaska for...
U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect Offer Increased to $750 Back
U.S. Bank has raised the Business Altitude Connect card’s welcome bonus to 75,000 points, redeemable for a $750 deposit after $6,000 of spend within 180 days. The card carries a $0 introductory annual fee, rising to $95 after the first...
Marriott Denies Black Guest Stay, Calls Police
Lawsuit: Marriott Hotel Told Black Guest ‘You People’ Can’t Stay Here — Then Called Police - View from the Wing https://t.co/06ClGlQvZ2
Thailand Pushes Wellness Luxury with Phulay Bay Resort and Indian Travel Campaign
Thailand's Tourism Authority has rolled out the "Healing Journey Thailand" campaign, positioning the country as a premier wellness‑focused luxury destination. The effort highlights the Phulay Bay Ritz‑Carlton Reserve in Krabi and a new marketing push aimed at Indian travelers seeking...
Chicago City Council Lifts Hotel Tax to 19%, Highest in the U.S.
The Chicago City Council voted to increase the hotel occupancy tax to 19%, creating the highest hotel tax rate in the United States. The hike, driven by budget pressures and a push for greater tourism funding, will add roughly six...
New Transcend Ships Strengthen River Cruise Expansion
Transcend Cruises has inked a new‑build agreement with Den Breejen Shipyard for two additional river vessels, expanding its fleet to four ships by 2028. The company’s inaugural ship, Connect, is slated for a July 2026 launch as the first river...
3 Reasons Every Foodservice Operator Needs to Know How to Read a P&L
Restaurant operators who can read their profit and loss (P&L) statements gain a real‑time scorecard rather than a tax‑only report. Monthly close cycles let owners compare actual results against budgets and spot variances instantly. This visibility uncovers hidden cost leaks...
Rental Escapes REwards Turns Bookings Into Villa Stays
Rental Escapes’ REwards program, launched in 2023, lets travel advisors earn points for every villa booking and redeem them for complimentary stays worldwide. Over three years the initiative has amassed more than 80 million points and facilitated over 90 free villa...
Ontario International Airport Reports Better than 6% Passenger Gain in February
Ontario International Airport reported a 6.3% year‑over‑year increase in February passenger traffic, handling 478,625 travelers, with domestic traffic modestly up 2.1% and international traffic jumping 55.1% to 55,531 passengers. Year‑to‑date figures show a 5% rise to over 971,000 passengers, driven...
CLT Taps Perry As COO
The City of Charlotte has appointed Jeffrey Perry as chief operating officer of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Perry previously served as COO of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority and held several senior roles, including airport operations director for Charlotte....
Jack in the Box Introduces Sliders
Jack in the Box is rolling out Smashed Jack Sliders on April 6 to mark its 75th anniversary, offering a 3‑piece slider for $9.49, a Munchie Meal for $14, and a Party Pack for $24. The Munchie Meal includes a surprise...
MIA Passengers Get Miami Music Week Experience with DJ Amal Nemer
Miami International Airport turned its terminals into a Miami Music Week venue on March 26, featuring a three‑hour live set by rising DJ Amal Nemer. The event entertained hundreds of travelers while showcasing the airport’s $12 billion capital improvement program. Nemer,...
Unlocking Agility in Hospitality Finance with Driver-Based Budgeting
Hospitality operators are shifting from static, incremental budgets to driver‑based budgeting, a method that links financial plans directly to operational metrics such as occupancy, ADR and labor hours. The new approach turns the budget into a dynamic model that updates...
Avoid Overpricing or Underpricing Your Independent Hotel: Are Your Rates in Line With the Market? - By Femke Nollet
Independent hotels often swing between underpricing to fill rooms and overpricing that scares guests away, both eroding RevPAR. Misaligned rates can deepen OTA dependence, dilute brand value, and leave revenue on the table even when occupancy looks healthy. Simple market...
HVS U.S. Market Pulse: March 2026 - By Rod Clough
HVS’s March 2026 Market Pulse shows U.S. hotel RevPAR up 3.9% year‑over‑year, with occupancy rising across luxury, midscale and economy segments despite inflation, the Middle‑Eastern conflict, and longer airport security lines. Luxury properties lead the RevPAR gains, while economy and midscale...
Explorer X Launches 2026 Hero Travel Fund for Everyday Changemakers
Explorer X unveiled the 2026 Hero Travel Fund, a program that will fully finance personalized travel experiences for teachers, social workers and other community heroes. Applications run March 26‑August 31, with recipients to be announced in December, expanding access to...
Campo Del Drago at Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco Wins First Michelin Star
Campo del Drago, the flagship restaurant of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Montalcino, has been awarded its first Michelin star under Executive Chef Matteo Temperini. The honor spotlights the estate’s commitment to hyper‑local Tuscan cuisine and elevates the Val d'Orcia...
North American Hotel and Holiday Accommodation Sponsorship Deals Reach $303.11 Million in 2025
Corporate sports sponsorship spend by North American hotel and holiday‑accommodation firms hit $303.11 million in 2025, representing 50.1% of global spend and 436 deals. The region’s dominance stems from the U.S. and Canadian sports ecosystem, especially the big‑four leagues and college...
Jill Chalmers, Glenapp Castle MD, Honoured with Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award
Jill Chalmers, Managing Director of Glenapp Castle, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scottish Excellence Awards in Edinburgh. With more than 30 years in hospitality, she has transformed the historic estate into a five‑star destination, tripling turnover and doubling...
Capital One Rental Car Insurance: Which Cards Offer It, How It Works, and Important Limitations
Capital One equips several of its travel cards with rental‑car collision‑damage waiver insurance, offering either primary or secondary protection depending on the product. The Venture X card stands out with primary coverage up to $75,000 and a 15‑day domestic rental limit, while...
Tailored Stays: Why Hotels Have Become Fashion’s Most Coveted Collaboration
Fashion houses are rapidly entering hospitality, turning hotels into runway‑ready destinations. Recent collaborations include Christian Louboutin’s Vermelho Hotel in Portugal, Thebe Magugu’s suite at Belmond’s Mount Nelson, and Chanel’s takeover of Raffles Singapore, while Louis Vuitton eyes a Paris hotel. The...
Welcome Back to Perfect Isolation
Picnic Island, a private retreat 800 m offshore from Coles Bay near Freycinet National Park, has reopened after extensive renovation. The island now features four luxury accommodations—including a new primary suite and two copper‑clad structures—for up to eight guests. With a...
What’s New in Bangkok: Restaurants, Bars, Hotels and More
Bangkok has solidified its status as the world’s most visited city, drawing a flood of tourists and luxury brands alike. International hotel giants such as Aman, Hilton, Hyatt, Fairmont, Langham and Nobu are slated to open new upscale properties, expanding...
WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre Sounds Alarm: Latin America’s Trillion-Dollar Future Hinges on Fixing Infrastructure Failures
At the Future Investment Initiative in Miami, WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre warned that Latin America’s trillion‑dollar growth prospects depend on fixing chronic infrastructure gaps. The council estimates the region must invest about $150 billion each year—roughly 2.4 % of GDP—to close shortfalls...
WorldHotels Appoints Jennifer Parks as VP, Development – North America
WorldHotels has appointed Jennifer Parks as Vice President of Development for North America, where she will steer the expansion of the BWH Hotels brand. Reporting to President Ron Pohl, Parks will coordinate with owners and partners to grow the portfolio...
Miles and Points On Sale — March 27 2026
A wave of limited‑time promotions across major travel loyalty programs is underway, offering steep discounts or massive bonus points for purchased miles and points. World of Hyatt, JetBlue, American Airlines, and dozens of others are slashing prices or matching purchases...
G6 Hospitality Launches Procurement Platform
G6 Hospitality, the parent of Motel 6 and Studio 6, has unveiled G6 Marketplace, an enterprise‑grade procurement platform for its US and Canada franchise network. The digital hub consolidates suppliers, inventory, pricing and ordering, allowing franchisees to source supplies, lock...
New Budget Train Launching Between 4 Major European Cities From Only $22
Dutch startup GoVolta has launched budget train services linking Amsterdam with Berlin and Hamburg, offering one‑way fares as low as €19 (≈ $22). The routes run three times weekly starting March 19‑20, 2026, with plans to increase to daily departures in summer 2026....
Air Alderney Eyes up to Ten Islanders
Air Alderney has applied for a ground‑handling licence that would let it base up to ten BN‑2 Islander aircraft on the Channel Island of Alderney. The plan earmarks one aircraft for year‑round medevac missions while the remaining nine would serve...
Sports Events Drive Experience-First Travel Surge, Klook Reports
Klook Philippines General Manager Michelle Ho says travelers are increasingly building itineraries around sports events, signaling a shift from destination‑centric vacations to experience‑first travel. The trend is reshaping how hotels, airlines and local economies market to tourists, with marathon and...
LEGOLAND Florida Launches Hotel Deal that Includes a Gold Annual Pass
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is bundling a one‑night hotel stay with a Gold Annual Pass for $230 per person, valid for reservations through April 15, 2026. The pass grants unlimited, no‑blockout access to LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park, Water Park, Peppa Pig Theme Park,...