Las Vegas' Iconic MGM Resorts On The Strip Unveiled An All-Inclusive Deal In 2026
MGM Resorts launched an all‑inclusive package for its Excalibur and Luxor hotels, covering a two‑night stay, all meals, drinks, select shows, parking and select attractions. Priced at $330, MGM claims guests save more than $400 compared with a la carte pricing. The deal includes meals at 10 MGM restaurants, two tickets to one of six shows, and complimentary access to pool areas. This initiative aims to position Las Vegas as a more affordable, packaged‑vacation destination.
American Airlines Partners With TLC Jet, Adds Miles and Loyalty Points on Private Flights
American Airlines has teamed with Florida‑based TLC Jet to let AAdvantage members earn miles and Loyalty Points on private‑jet charters. Members receive one mile and one Loyalty Point for every dollar spent on base flight charges, meaning a typical one‑hour...
Swig Inks 25-Unit Deal to Bring 'Dirty Soda' To South Florida
Swig, the Utah‑based dirty soda chain, signed a franchise agreement to open 25 locations across South Florida, targeting Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach and Stuart, with the first store expected by the end of 2026. The deal is led by multi‑unit...
Saudi Arabia’s Business Travel Drove the Middle East’s 2025 Growth
The World Travel & Tourism Council reported that the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector expanded 5.3% in 2025, outpacing the global 4.1% average and contributing $385.8 billion to world GDP. Saudi Arabia was the primary engine, posting a 7.4% sector...
Introducing Nature’s Wellness Sanctuary at Hawaii’s 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on Kauai has launched Nature’s Wellness Sanctuary, a comprehensive, nature‑centric wellness program. The offering combines elite strength training, advanced recovery modalities, science‑backed health diagnostics, and outdoor activities across a 10,000‑sq ft Anatomy Fitness facility and a Bamford Spa...
Art, Design, and Sustainability: The Usual Hotel Arrives in Florence, Italy
Award‑winning hospitality brand The Usual will launch its first Florence hotel in the first quarter of 2027, adding an 80‑room, 3,400 m² property to a 19th‑century UNESCO‑listed building on Via Nazionale. The project, designed by Swedish agency Stylt and restored with...
Celestyal Launches ‘Iconic Sale’ on 2026-27 Mediterranean Cruises
Celestyal announced its "Iconic Sale," running April 27 to June 2, 2026, to promote 2026‑27 Mediterranean and Adriatic cruises. The promotion covers 178 itineraries, with a 3‑night Greek Islands cruise priced from $579 and a 7‑night Idyllic Greece voyage starting...
What Are Hotel Buffets Really Serving—Experience or Excess?
Hotel breakfast buffets remain a key driver of guest satisfaction, offering speed, variety and a visual cue of hospitality. However, they also generate significant food waste, contributing to roughly 8‑10% of global greenhouse‑gas emissions. Recent research shows that waste can...
Industry Leaders Honored at CLIA Cruise360
At CLIA Cruise360, A.J. Rick Mazza, founder of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST, received the 2026 CLIA Lifetime Achievement Award and Hall of Fame induction. Mazza’s agency network now spans over 3,000 agencies, 25,000 advisors and generates more than $20 billion in annual...
Hyatt Regency Chicago Completes Final Phase of $200M Facelift
Hyatt Regency Chicago has finished the final phase of its $200 million renovation, concentrating on a modernized Grand Ballroom. The three‑phase project, part of a $368 million investment since 2013, refreshed guest rooms, meeting venues, and added digital amenities. The upgrade positions...
Rollout Complete: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID Now Available at 60-Plus Airports
After a period of turbulence caused by a partial government shutdown, the Transportation Security Administration has completed its rollout of TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at more than 60 airports nationwide. The hands‑free lanes let eligible PreCheck and Global Entry members...
Delta Air Lines Slashes 12 More Routes As Fuel Prices Rise (Full List)
Delta Air Lines announced the removal of 12 routes, primarily leisure‑focused and thin point‑to‑point services, as jet fuel prices surge following Middle East instability. The cuts span Boston‑Nassau, Detroit‑Panama City, Detroit‑Sacramento, Los Angeles‑Mexico City, several New York‑city pairs, Raleigh‑Durham‑Las Vegas,...
Straight From the Source: Ocra
In a Straight From the Source video, James Hansen, head of partnerships at Ocra, explains how hotels can unlock new ancillary revenue streams. He highlights turning underutilized parking lots into dynamic profit centers and the role of artificial intelligence in...
New Chief Executive Officer for The Shannon Airport Group
Ray O’Driscoll has been appointed permanent chief executive officer of The Shannon Airport Group, after serving as interim CEO since Mary Considine’s departure in September. He previously held the deputy CEO and chief operating officer roles, giving him more than...
Applebee’s Franchisees Sue Chain over Dual-Branding Exclusivity
Apple Texas Restaurants and Apple Houston Restaurants have filed a federal lawsuit accusing Dine Brands of breaching franchise exclusivity clauses by opening dual‑branded IHOP‑Applebee’s locations in Texas trade areas they control. The plaintiffs argue the new concept, which Dine touts...
Ontario Government Introduces Act to Support Expansion of Billy Bishop Airport
Ontario has introduced the Building Billy Bishop Airport Act, 2026, allowing the province to assume Toronto’s role in the airport’s governing agreement and to acquire city‑owned land for expansion. The legislation aims to modernise the 2 million‑passenger airport, relieve congestion at...
Resolute Road Adds SpringHill Suites Boise West/Eagle
Resolute Road Hospitality has signed a management agreement with Mercury Hospitality to operate the newly acquired SpringHill Suites Boise West/Eagle in Boise, Idaho. The four‑story, 119‑suite hotel features separate living and sleeping areas, ergonomic workspaces, a fitness center, meeting space...
Hilton Garden Inn Fort Collins Trades
Hunter Advisors brokered the sale of the 120‑room Hilton Garden Inn Fort Collins, a four‑story property built in 2007 and renovated in 2023. The hotel offers 2,800 sq ft of meeting space, an indoor pool, fitness center and The Garden Grille &...
India’s Noida Airport Gets a New CEO; Taj Partners With Etihad on Loyalty
India’s Noida International Airport named CFO Nitu Samra as interim CEO to satisfy a Bureau of Civil Aviation Security rule that airport CEOs be Indian nationals. Swiss‑born Christoph Schnellmann, who has led the greenfield project since 2020, will shift to...
TikTok Tests Hotel Metasearch Cards That Redirect Users to Expedia, Booking.com
TikTok is beta‑testing hotel metasearch cards that appear in users' For You feeds and link directly to major online travel agencies such as Expedia, Booking.com and Trip.com. The cards display a property photo, name and real‑time rate options, with a...
Good News for the Hospitality Sector as Restaurants Edge Back Into Growth
Restaurant groups reported a 2.5% rise in sales for March, marking the first quarterly uptick after two years of decline. The gain was driven by restaurants, which posted 0.9% like‑for‑like growth while pubs and bars fell 2.6%. Including new site...
Travel + Leisure Names Rosemead House a Top New Hotel
Rosemead House in Victoria, B.C., has been named to Travel + Leisure’s 2026 100 Best New Hotels, a list that evaluated roughly 250 properties across 40 countries. The restored 118‑year‑old manor is one of only three Canadian hotels to make the...
Built to Breakthrough: The Power of One Vision
Kathleen Wood’s latest piece expands the "Built to Breakthrough" playbook, urging restaurant founders to replace generic vision statements with a "Power of One Vision" that defines whether they are building a scalable company or merely adding locations. She outlines three...
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I've Lived in Southern California for 16 Years and This Is My Favorite Small Town—And It's Called 'The City of...
Costa Mesa, California, has embraced the moniker “City of the Arts,” anchored by the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the newly expanded UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. The 53,000‑square‑foot museum, designed by Pritzker‑prize architect Thom Mayne,...
UK: Government Attempts to Assuage Jet Fuel Shortage Fears
The UK government has publicly reassured travellers that there is no jet‑fuel shortage in the country, despite supply anxieties triggered by the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It noted that airlines purchase fuel in advance and that airports...
The Executive Escape: Six of the Best New Luxury Safaris
The article spotlights six newly launched luxury safari properties across Africa in 2026, illustrating a shift toward low‑volume, conservation‑focused travel. Highlights include Tanzania’s Ubuyu in Ruaha, Ritz‑Carlton’s Masai Mara camp, Laba Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Uganda’s Erebero Hills, Botswana’s Sediba Sa...
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EasyJet Announces 18 New Routes Including Longest Flight Ever [Full List]
easyJet announced 18 new or returning routes that will launch between October 25 and 28, expanding its European network ahead of the 2026/27 winter season. The Belfast → Sharm el‑Sheikh service, at 2,380 nautical miles (4,408 km), becomes the carrier’s longest route to date. New...
Killer Burger Growing Texas Footprint
Killer Burger, the Portland‑based fast‑casual chain famed for bold toppings, opened its first Houston restaurant at 1909 Taylor St., marking its third Texas location after two San Antonio sites. The outlet is operated by a local franchise group and is...
Açaí Republic Selects Square Platform to Support Franchise Growth
California‑based Açaí Republic has chosen Square’s commerce platform to power its franchise network. The brand will deploy Square for Franchises, Register and Terminal across its 36 existing locations in Arizona, California, Florida and Hawaii, plus eight planned stores. Square’s open...
Singaporean Billionaire Asok Kumar Hiranandani’s Royal Group Picks Thai Hospitality Giant for First London Hotel
Singapore’s Royal Group, owned by billionaire Asok Kumar Hiranandani, has signed Thai operator Minor Hotels to run its first European property, the WestDill Mayfair Hotel London. The five‑star, 50‑room hotel will open in the fourth quarter of 2026 under Minor’s...
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...
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...
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...
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)...
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,...