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 six B777‑300ERs, six A330‑300s and three A330‑900Ns. Outbound services to Jeddah and Madinah run from 22 April to 21 May, with return flights scheduled for June. The leasing terms remain undisclosed, but the strategy reflects a preference for flexible, short‑term capacity expansion.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Which US Airline CEO Was Highest Paid In 2025? ($32.3 Million)
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby topped the 2025 compensation rankings with $32.3 million, edging out Delta, Southwest and American. The CARES Act pay caps that limited CEO earnings from 2020‑2022 expired in April 2023, allowing the current surge in executive pay....
How Amex Cardholders Can Access Lufthansa Lounges — While This Benefit Still Lasts
American Express Platinum, Business Platinum, and Centurion cards grant access to select Lufthansa lounges, a perk that has been repeatedly extended but now has a firm end date of October 1, 2026. Eligible cardmembers can enter Business lounges in economy and Senator lounges...
Inside the Renovated Delano Hotel in Miami Beach
The historic Delano hotel in Miami Beach has reopened after a comprehensive renovation timed for the 2026 World Cup. Designed by Elastic Architects with Ennismore, the property blends minimalist, organic furnishings with restored Art Deco elements such as octagonal columns...
Statistically, United CEO Kirby Is Right, Airfares Are Low
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby argues that fares need to rise 15‑20% to improve yields and cover higher fuel costs. Inflation‑adjusted domestic fares have fallen sharply, with the New York‑Los Angeles one‑way price now about 28% cheaper than in 2017 and...
Muh Shoou’s Latest Hotel Is a Sanctuary for City Dwellers
Muh Shoou has opened its second boutique hotel, the 65‑key Zhujing property, an hour’s drive from downtown Shanghai in the Jinshan district. Designed by the Group of Architects, each room features a private garden and the layout draws on classical...
Ryanair Cuts Berlin Flights as Costs Rise in Germany
Ryanair announced it will halve its capacity at Berlin Brandenburg Airport and withdraw its aircraft base, citing sharply higher airport charges, Germany’s aviation tax and ancillary fees. The cut reduces point‑to‑point low‑cost seats, likely raising fares on leisure routes and...
Global Fuel Shortage Forces Airlines to Cut International Routes
A global jet‑fuel shortage, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply‑chain disruptions, is forcing airlines to slash international routes. Nigerian carrier Air Peace reduced its Abuja‑London service to three weekly flights, while Norse Atlantic cancelled the London‑Los Angeles route and halted...
JR Central Is Banking on the Shinkansen to Attract Foreign Tourists
JR Central unveiled the “Golden Route with the Shinkansen” campaign in late March 2026, targeting foreign tourists with a revamped Tokyo‑Osaka corridor. The initiative highlights 12 prefectures along the Tokaido Shinkansen, pairing iconic sites with lesser‑known attractions. A dedicated website,...
Andhra Pradesh, India Targets Tourism Boom with 50,000 Rooms Plan
Andhra Pradesh announced an aggressive tourism expansion, targeting 50,000 hotel rooms and 10,000 homestays by 2029. The state, already a domestic travel hotspot with over 309 million visits annually, aims to diversify into eco‑tourism, beach, and pilgrimage circuits. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s...
Trip.com Group on Why Going Global Means Becoming the Best Local Player in Every Market
At Skift Asia Forum 2026, Trip.com’s Boon Sian Chai argued that Asian travel operators can win globally by becoming the best local player in every market. He highlighted how event‑driven travel, AI‑powered conversational booking, and creator‑led distribution are reshaping demand,...
Click Here for the Forum and Sunday’s Chat Thread
The forum’s weekly roundup flagged several airline loyalty shifts, most notably British Airways suspending Avios redemptions for India flights up to 45 days before departure and announcing it will downgrade members whose tier status was previously extended. Virgin Atlantic rolled...
8 US Airlines With The Highest Captain Salaries In 2026
In 2026 U.S. airlines dramatically raised captain compensation, with Delta topping the list at a $454,680 mean salary and senior captains earning total packages above $500,000. American follows at $412,070, while UPS, United, FedEx, Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant round out...
Goodbye, Airbus A380: These 3 US Airports Have Lost Superjumbo Flights
The Airbus A380, once a hallmark of high‑density hub routes, no longer serves any U.S. airport. Atlanta saw a one‑off Qatar flight in 2016 that struggled with gate access, while Chicago’s regular British Airways A380 service ended in favor of...
VIENNA BREAKS RECORDS WITH THE CONGRESS TOURISM
Vienna’s 2025 tourism report shows record‑breaking congress activity, pushing total overnight stays above 20 million. Conference and business events reached 7,196, up 9% year‑over‑year, delivering 2.54 million overnight stays—a 27% jump. The sector generated €1.707 billion (≈$1.86 billion) in economic output, contributing €348 million in...
JAPAN’S TOURISM RESILIENCE AND THE COST OF THE SINO-JAPANESE RELATIONS
Japan’s tourism sector rebounded in Q1 2025 despite a sharp decline in Chinese visitors, which fell 55.9% to 296,000. Overall foreign arrivals rose 3.5% to 3.62 million, led by strong growth from South Korea (+22%) and Taiwan (+25.7%). The government allocated...
MUSIC TOURISM REWIRING MEXICO’S ECONOMY AND GLOBAL IMAGE
Mexico has emerged as the world’s third‑largest live‑event market, trailing only the United States and the United Kingdom. Concert‑related revenue has risen 3.2% annually, hitting roughly $2.0 billion (41.1 billion pesos) last year, far outpacing the nation’s overall economic growth. The sector’s...
5 US Airports With The Potential To Become Legacy Airline Hubs
Legacy carriers are scouting new domestic hubs as passenger demand shifts, especially toward Sun‑belt markets. Delta Air Lines is poised to deepen its presence at Tampa International and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, while also eyeing Austin’s rapid growth. United Airlines may turn...
Delta Says No To “Business Class Plus” And That’s A Smart Move
Delta Air Lines has confirmed it will not introduce a premium “Business Class Plus” tier within its Delta One cabins, unlike rivals American and United. Instead, the carrier will keep Delta One as a single, uniform product, promising every business‑class...
Labor Shortages in Foodservice: How Automation Is Helping Restaurants Stay Competitive
U.S. foodservice operators are confronting unprecedented labor shortages that are inflating overtime costs, slowing service, and eroding margins. To counteract these pressures, many are turning to automation—from self‑service kiosks to smart inventory systems—especially automated cooking equipment that reduces hands‑on labor....
Is Zimbabwe’s Tourism Image at Risk? ZITF 2026 Meets Political Reality
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026 showcased the country’s tourism assets, drawing delegations from Japan, the EU and neighboring Botswana. President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana’s President Duma Boko opened the event, underscoring regional support. However, the fair’s optimism was clouded by...
White Castle Puts Its Restaurant in a Box with 1,000 Automated Kiosks
White Castle is rolling out 1,000 automated "Crave & Go" kiosks across the U.S., targeting hospitals, campuses, and corporate sites. The kiosks prepare hot food on demand, eliminating the need for full‑service restaurants and reducing labor and real‑estate costs. Leveraging...
Citi AAdvantage Business Card 75K Bonus Miles Limited Time Offer
American Airlines’ primary co‑branded business card, the Citi® AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard®, is offering a limited‑time welcome bonus of 75,000 AAdvantage miles after $5,000 of spend within five months. The promotion improves on the prior 65,000‑mile offer, translating to roughly...
United Flight Attendant Gave A Passenger “The Hand” And Boarding Pay Won’t Fix It
A United passenger shared a viral tweet showing a flight attendant giving "the hand" when asked to dispose of an empty cup, highlighting a rude interaction in the galley. United recently secured a tentative agreement to add boarding pay for...
25 Airlines and 25 Airports Shortlisted for FTE World Airline Ancillary & FTE World Airport Retailing Awards 2026
Future Travel Experience has announced the shortlists for its 2026 World Airline Ancillary and World Airport Retailing Awards. Twenty‑five airlines and twenty‑five airports are in contention, with winners to be revealed on 10 June at a ceremony in Dublin. The awards,...
Square and Uber Eats Expand Global Partnership to Streamline Restaurant Operations and Payments
Block (Square) and Uber Technologies have broadened their partnership, extending Square’s native integration with Uber Eats into Canada, the U.K., Australia, Ireland, France and Spain while adding Cash App Pay as a U.S. checkout option. The deeper integration routes Uber...
CVG Airport Enhances Dining Experience with New VV The Italian Experience Restaurant
VV The Italian Experience, a family‑owned restaurant with roots in 1940s Puglia, opened in Concourse B of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The all‑day venue serves authentic Italian dishes, wine, and cocktails, reflecting both regional Italian heritage and Cincinnati culture....
Virgin Atlantic Accelerates Starlink Rollout to Create ‘Home Away From Home’ Experience
Virgin Atlantic is accelerating its rollout of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet, beginning with free high‑speed Wi‑Fi on its Airbus A350 fleet in May. The first passenger flight, VS153 from London to New York, will showcase the service, with plans to...
Brisbane Airport Revamps International Terminal with New Food & Beverage and Retail Offerings
Brisbane Airport is overhauling its International Terminal with 13 new food and beverage outlets, an expanded retail footprint, and a dedicated Dining Precinct. Brands such as KFC, Manna, Liv Eat and Sushi Jiro are joining existing operators like McDonald’s, while...
Southwest Airlines Partners with Siete Foods to Enhance CX with New Onboard Snacks
Southwest Airlines has teamed up with Texas‑based Siete Foods to introduce Mini Grain‑Free Mexican Wedding Cookies for its Extra Leg Room (ELR) passengers. The snack was chosen after a customer survey that evaluated more than 200 options, highlighting a demand...
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Transition to Shared Passenger Service System for More Seamless CX
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have completed a migration to a shared Sabre passenger service system, consolidating bookings, mobile apps, loyalty programs, and airport check‑in under one platform. The unified system lets travelers manage trips across both carriers through a...
Wyndham Rewards Promotions: Member Month Deals, Special Insider Enrollment Offer, and More
Wyndham Rewards is running a slate of promotions through May 2026, including lingering Member Month deals that offer up to 25% off stays, 3X points on travel bundles, and bonus points for bookings. The brand also launched a Route 66 Open‑Road...
Taal Vista Hotel: A Heritage Property that Stands Tall and Timeless
Taal Vista Hotel, an 87‑year‑old heritage property in Tagaytay, is leveraging its historic charm while modernizing for today’s traveler. The SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. subsidiary has introduced open‑air, wellness‑focused spaces and a revamped Presidential Villa with panoramic Taal Lake...
Trump Thinks This Airline Is A Bargain. History Suggests Otherwise
The article revisits the collapse of the Trump Shuttle, highlighting how rising fuel costs, an aging fleet and a thin balance sheet turned a once‑stable carrier into a cash‑starved operation. Despite attempts to pivot to leisure routes and secure contract...
While California's Tourism Rallied, L.A. Faced Its Worst Year Since the Pandemic
Los Angeles saw its first tourism contraction since the pandemic, with direct travel spending slipping 0.1 % in 2025 after a decade of near‑3 % annual growth. International air arrivals dropped over 30 % between August and November 2025, and visitor air spending fell...
Hilton To More than Double Its Portfolio in Morocco with New Signings and Debut of Waldorf Astoria
Hilton announced plans to more than double its Moroccan footprint, targeting 25 hotels from the current 12. The rollout includes 15 new properties across ten brands, highlighted by the opening of Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé, the luxury brand’s first hotel in...
New Propellic Research Reveals a Collapse in Travel Bookings Beyond the Middle East
Propellic’s new Travel Marketing Index shows a dramatic disconnect between rising traveler interest and near‑zero bookings following the 2026 Middle East conflict. Sessions surged across the region—Jordan up 153%, UAE up 12,766%—while conversion rates fell sharply, creating a “frozen pipeline.”...