New Zealand Visa Trial Lifts China Arrivals
New Zealand’s 12‑month visa trial, launched in November 2025, lets Chinese travelers use an Australian visa to enter the country. The scheme has generated a 144% year‑on‑year surge in Chinese arrivals via Australia, with 59,000 visitors between November 2025 and March 2026. Overall Chinese visitor numbers rose 42% in the same period, boosting demand for regional destinations such as Dunedin and Queenstown. Tourism officials say the market now sits at about 80% of pre‑pandemic levels, leaving significant upside.
Meliá Ho Tram Expands with Onsen and Forest Bathing
Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort in southern Vietnam will roll out an onsen experience, forest‑bathing pathway and a Wellness Inclusive Package starting August 2026. The new program adds daily yoga, tai chi, meditation and locally‑sourced workshops, while in‑room wellness kits enhance the guest...
Air New Zealand Expands Christchurch Network
Air New Zealand announced three new nonstop flights from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth, slated to begin in late October 2026. The routes are enabled by the return of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and a fleet expansion. The airline highlighted...
Traveloka Teams up with Resorts World Sentosa to Target Demand for Singapore Travel
Traveloka has partnered with Resorts World Sentosa to boost Indonesian and Southeast Asian travel to Singapore through integrated flight, hotel and attraction packages. Traveloka data shows Singapore ranks among the top three outbound destinations for Indonesian users, and searches for...
Seychelles Strengthens Tourism and Aviation Leadership with Key Appointments
The Seychelles government announced Vesna Rakić as the new CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, effective 15 May 2026, and confirmed a refreshed board for Air Seychelles, with Capt. François Jackson returning as chair. Rakić brings over three decades of tourism marketing, product development, and...
Los Angeles Welcomes New Art-Driven Boutique Hotel
The Ivory, a new 48‑room boutique hotel, opened in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, offering a home‑like yet upscale retreat. Founded by developer Rachel Gerstein, the property blends international design influences with a distinctly LA sensibility, featuring warm oak herringbone floors, curated...
Malaysia Airlines Brings Malaysia’s Largest Airline Trade Summit to Sabah
Malaysia Airlines partnered with the Sabah Tourism Board to host the third Trade Elevation Summit (TES) in Kota Kinabalu from May 12‑15, 2026. The four‑day event gathered over 300 delegates from 60 cities, showcasing Sabah’s natural attractions and local culture....
Capri by Fraser Debuts Its Design-Led Lifestyle in Penang’s George Town
Frasers Hospitality announced the soft opening of Capri by Fraser in Penang, a 22‑storey, design‑led hotel featuring 248 rooms and residences. Situated at 31 Jalan Magazine, the property merges a preserved heritage shophouse with a modern tower, targeting independent, modern...
Marriott International and The Fern Hotels & Resorts Celebrate 75 Signings and 50 Openings
Marriott International announced that its Series by Marriott brand, operated by The Fern Hotels & Resorts in India, has secured 75 hotel signings and opened 50 properties within six months of launch. The portfolio now adds more than 3,556 rooms...
Tourism on Edge: How the Travel Industry Is Reacting to the New Ebola Emergency
The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public‑health emergency, prompting the tourism sector to act cautiously. U.S. CDC introduced enhanced screening and limited entry restrictions for travelers from the affected...
DEXTER HOTEL IN ELK RAPIDS BRINGS DESIGN-FORWARD BOUTIQUE HOSPITALITY TO NORTHERN MICHIGAN
The Dexter Hotel, a 29‑room boutique property in Elk Rapids, Michigan, opened on May 19, 2026, showcasing design‑forward hospitality rooted in Michigan’s mid‑century legacy. Created by former Shinola creative director and Kinship Hospitality, the hotel features the Noble Lounge restaurant...
High Prices Ease Jet Fuel Supply Outlook for Europe’s Airlines
European airlines say jet‑fuel shortages are unlikely despite the Strait of Hormuz closure. Ryanair and easyJet report stable supplies sourced from West Africa, the Americas and Norway. Wizz Air and TUI note that soaring fuel prices have spurred additional imports from...
FEATURE: Hopes Grow for Early Restart of North Korea-Bound Tourism at China Border
A daily passenger train linking Dandong, China and Pyongyang resumed in March after a six‑year pause, but it currently serves only diplomats, businesspeople and students as North Korea has not yet reissued tourist visas. Before the pandemic, roughly 350,000 Chinese...
Failed Coffee Farmstay Costs My Friend $130,000
Vietnamese couple invested VND3.5 bn (~US$132k) to convert a coffee farm into a farmstay, far exceeding their original VND1 bn budget. The venture relied heavily on personal networks, with 30% of guests being friends, and struggled with high operating costs and staffing....
Foodcase Designs F B Concepts for the Realities of Flight
Foodcase International is expanding its concept‑driven service, creating customized meal, packaging and service solutions that fit each airline’s brand, cabin class and operational constraints. The firm designs ambient and frozen menus, ovenable sleeves for hot economy meals, and bento‑style cold...
Iconic Downtown Hotel Skyscraper Changes Hands; Renovation Coming
Portman Hospitality Fund I has acquired the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta’s 73‑story, 1,073‑room hotel that has dominated the skyline for five decades. The deal, announced by developer Portman, was made with Marriott International, which will continue to manage the property...
The Qantas Fleet Order In 2000 That Locked It Out Of The World's Most Popular Widebody
In 2000 Qantas, led by CEO James Strong, placed a landmark fleet order that favored Airbus—12 A380s, 13 A330s, and six 747‑400ERs—while rejecting the Boeing 777, citing the aircraft’s size for domestic routes and Australia’s strict ETOPS limits that made...
This Sailing Yacht Might Be the Most Luxurious—And Unique—Way to Cruise the Med This Summer
Jumeirah, the Dubai‑based luxury hotel group, has teamed with the iconic superyacht The Maltese Falcon to offer week‑long, fully‑serviced charters in the Mediterranean this summer and the Caribbean in winter. The 12‑guest vessel, famed for its three‑mast DynaRig system, features...
En Route Scales Regional Ranges with Global Strategy
En Route International is rolling out region‑specific menu ranges while leveraging a global data‑driven innovation platform. The company’s new "Power of Possibility" research highlights a shift toward flexible, familiar, and experience‑focused inflight dining, prompting product launches such as a reimagined...
Why Hotels Should Automate Facility Maintenance
Hotelkit’s Facility Management Tool lets hotels replace manual maintenance logs with a mobile, real‑time platform. By centralizing requests across front office, housekeeping and engineering, the system speeds up repairs and enables preventive schedules. Ruby Group hotels report 85% of fixes...
Raffles Hotels & Resorts To Debut Alpine Retreat in Courchevel
Raffles Hotels & Resorts announced its first alpine resort, Raffles Courchevel, slated to open for the 2028 winter season in the exclusive Jardin Alpin precinct of Courchevel, France. The 50‑room property, owned by Art de Vivre and designed by Humbert...
The Fife Arms in Scotland Just Unveiled a ‘Secret’ Coco Chanel–Inspired Room
The Fife Arms, a five‑star boutique hotel in Braemar, has launched a “secret” guestroom inspired by Coco Chanel, with nightly rates starting at $1,355. Guests must solve Camellia‑themed clues to locate a trompe‑l’œil door that hides the entrance, turning a routine...
Brian Chesky on Boutique Hotels Vs. Chains, Taking on Expedia and Booking, and Where Airbnb Has Stumbled
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky used a San Francisco media roundtable to announce a strategic pivot toward boutique and independent hotels, which he says better reflect the company’s brand than large chains. He highlighted a renewed focus on the creator economy, positioning...
Hospitality in the GCC: Hotel Owner and Investor Sentiment on the U.S.-Iran Conflict - By Hala Matar Choufany
HVS surveyed owners and investors of roughly 160,000 GCC hotel rooms to gauge reactions to the 2026 U.S.–Iran conflict. The war disrupted aviation links and traveler confidence, pressuring RevPAR during the region’s peak season. While sentiment has grown more cautious,...
Gategroup CEO Christoph Schmitz on Why Consistency Is the New Premium in Airline Catering
gategroup CEO Christoph Schmitz says consistency is the new premium in airline catering, pledging identical world‑class service from Zurich to Sydney. The company is pouring capital into digital infrastructure, AI‑driven forecasting and standardized production to lock in quality at scale....
What to Do in Case Your Flight Is Canceled During the Fuel Crisis (and How to Prepare)
Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the U.S.-Israel conflict began, pushing fuel to account for up to 30% of airline operating costs. Carriers such as Delta and Lufthansa are trimming capacity—Delta by roughly 3.5% and Lufthansa by 20,000...
JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp Now Open for Bookings
JW Marriott has opened reservations for its Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, slated to welcome guests in July 2026. The luxury retreat, owned by Lazizi Solio Limited, will feature 19 tented suites, including a two‑bedroom family suite, set within...
Expedia Group Survey: How Gen Z & Millennials Are Reshaping Sustainable Travel
Expedia Group’s new "Travel with Purpose" survey of 7,000 travelers shows Gen Z and Millennials now place sustainability and overtourism prevention at the core of trip planning. Ninety‑four percent are willing to travel off‑peak or choose less‑crowded alternatives, and 83%...
Delta CEO Brushes Off Elon Musk, Says Amazon Offers More Than Starlink
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian defended the airline’s selection of Amazon’s low‑Earth‑orbit satellite network, Leo, over SpaceX’s Starlink. He emphasized that Amazon offers a lower price and a suite of services—including Prime video, gaming, retail and advertising—that go beyond...
Almare Beach Resort Las Terrenas, Curio by Hilton, Set for 2028 Opening in Dominican Republic
Hilton announced the signing of Almare Beach Resort Las Terrenas, a Curio Collection property slated to open in 2028 on the Dominican Republic’s Samaná Peninsula. The beachfront resort will comprise 252 accommodations, including 90 hotel rooms and 162 residential units,...
Expedia to Launch Agentic AI Tools for B2B Partners
Expedia Group will roll out a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server in the coming months, allowing B2B partners’ AI agents to directly access its travel inventory. The MCP acts as a standardized interface, replacing custom integrations and enabling scalable AI‑driven...
CASE STUDY: Resort Leadership Breakdown & Revenue Decline - By Rick Blackburn
A seasonal independent resort lagged more than $1 million in room revenue year‑over‑year as staff morale eroded under inexperienced leadership. BRN Solutions intervened, replacing the general manager, adding dedicated HR, outsourcing revenue management, and revamping marketing and sales tactics. Within five...
.jpg?width=1280&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
How Restaurants Can Once Again Become an Employer of Choice
Restaurant labor shortages have eroded the industry’s reputation as an employer of choice, with turnover now at historic highs. Associate professor Audrey Benet urges operators to adopt a "Miss Pat" mindset—personal, welcoming, and community‑focused—to rebuild belonging and psychological safety. She...
Expedia Reports Domestic Travel Rises, Hotel Prices Fall in Key International Destinations for Summer 2026
Expedia’s "Unpack ’26 Summer" report shows a sharp pivot toward domestic vacations, with social‑media chatter about home‑based trips rising 77% year‑over‑year. Travelers are embracing “hotel hopping” and bleisure stays, especially around concerts, sports events and business trips. Major sporting fixtures...
Standards, Not Sentences: How to Make Agentic AI Work Across Travel - By Sylvain Roy
Sylvain Roy, CTO of Amadeus, argues that agentic AI will reshape travel only if the industry adopts shared standards rather than isolated solutions. He outlines the Model Context Protocol (MCP) as a first step toward AI interoperability, but notes its...
Inno Is Moving Into a Hotel: Three Fully Furnished Suites at Novotel
Belgian department‑store chain Inno has teamed with Accor’s Novotel brand to redesign three hotel suites in Brussels and Bruges using Inno’s product range. Over a six‑month makeover, the suites showcase linens, bath textiles, personal‑care items and décor, turning each room...
Alaska Airlines Launches Daily Non-Stop London-Seattle Route
Alaska Airlines has inaugurated a daily nonstop service between Seattle and London Heathrow, marking its second European destination this year. The route, operating from Heathrow Terminal 3, expands Alaska’s transatlantic footprint ahead of the summer travel surge. The airline previously launched...
Tui to Launch Gambia Flights and Packages From Birmingham Airport
TUI will start its first direct Birmingham‑Banjul service on 2 November, a six‑hour flight that adds a Midlands gateway to the Gambia’s winter‑sun market. All‑inclusive packages begin at £800 per person (about $1,016), covering flights, accommodation, transfers and luggage. The new...
CDC Approves TIF Loan for 111 W. Monroe
The Chicago Development Commission (CDC) has approved a $50 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) loan to fund the hotel portion of the adaptive‑reuse project at 111 W. Monroe. The mixed‑use conversion will create a 308‑room hotel with extensive meeting space, two fine‑dining...
Josh Emett Joins Air New Zealand as Culinary Ambassador
Air New Zealand has named Michelin‑starred chef Josh Emett its Culinary Ambassador, tasking him with creating signature dishes for the airline’s premium long‑haul cabins. The new menu, debuting in October 2026, will showcase native ingredients such as venison, kūmara, and kahawai across...
GTHA Hosts 2026 Mini-Summit
The Greater Toronto Hotel Association convened more than 250 industry leaders at the Delta Toronto for its 2026 Mini‑Summit and AGM. Highlights included a mentorship‑focused keynote by Jamie Mason Cohen, a security briefing from Correia Security Resources, and data‑driven presentations...
CHC Grows Ascend Collection Hotel Portfolio
Choice Hotels Canada (CHC) has opened its newest Ascend Collection property, the Inn on Prince Hotel & Conference Centre, in Truro, Nova Scotia, just under an hour from Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The hotel offers a full‑service restaurant, complimentary breakfast,...
Cushman & Wakefield Releases Canadian Innsights Q1 2026 Report
Cushman & Wakefield’s Canada Hospitality Innsights Q1 2026 report shows national RevPAR rose 6.8% in the first quarter, surpassing earlier forecasts. The gain reflects stronger occupancy and rate growth across major markets. Indicators point to continued momentum into Q2 and Q3,...
Colliers Hotels Releases Q1 2026 INNvestment Canada Report
Colliers Hotels’ Q1 2026 INNvestment Canada report shows hotel investment volume rose 3% year‑over‑year, with Western Canada delivering a dominant 73% share of national activity. Major deals in British Columbia, such as the Versante Hotel sale and multiple Victoria transactions, drove...
Park Hyatt Toronto Hosts Parisian Chef
Park Hyatt Toronto’s Joni Restaurant hosted Michelin‑starred French chef Jean‑François Rouquette for a two‑night Global Chef Series event, delivering a multi‑course tasting menu that blended his contemporary French style with Ontario’s seasonal produce. The collaboration is part of the hotel’s...
Raffles Hotels & Resorts Debuts Luxury Property on Jeddah Corniche
Raffles Hotels & Resorts is launching its second Saudi property, Raffles Jeddah, on the historic Corniche waterfront with bookings opening May 25. The 182‑key hotel features 142 guestrooms, 40 suites and 120 branded residences, alongside two dining venues and a...
Etihad Offers 3kg Extra Baggage to Passengers Checking in Online
Etihad Airways is rolling out a seasonal incentive program through August 16 to encourage passengers to check in online or via remote services. Travelers who use the Morafiq app, website, or Etihad City Check‑In locations receive 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles and...
Valor Hospitality Launches Sustainability Strategy for UK Hotels
Valor Hospitality announced a UK‑wide sustainability program for its 40‑hotel portfolio, beginning with a commitment to achieve Green Key certification at each property by 2026. The plan targets energy, water, waste, biodiversity, and food‑and‑beverage operations while also enhancing stakeholder engagement...
Innside by Meliá Opens First Greek Outpost
Meliá Hotels International has launched Innside Elounda, the brand’s inaugural property in the Greek islands. The 86‑room resort, developed with Zeus Hotels Greece, sits on a hillside overlooking Elounda Bay and offers a mix of sea‑view rooms, private‑pool suites, and...
Europe’s Air Connectivity Stalls in 2025 as Airlines Face Mounting Regulatory and Cost Pressures
IATA data show Europe’s airline route network barely grew in 2025, expanding just 1% to 14,797 routes – a net gain of only 154 after 1,281 additions and 1,127 cancellations. The slowdown reflects high operating costs, heavy regulation, and rising...