Plaza Premium Group Celebrates Grand Opening of Two New Airport Lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Plaza Premium Group opened two new lounges—Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge—at Dallas‑Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal D on April 21, 2026. The First lounge marks the brand’s inaugural U.S. location, offering bespoke service, private dining and curated art, while the standard lounge provides a premium yet accessible experience. Access is sold by the hour, starting at $70 for the Lounge and $115 for First, with both operating daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The launch reinforces PPG’s aggressive North‑American expansion and DFW’s role as a global gateway.
Hospitality Sector Embraces Google Workspace and Gemini to Cut Admin
South African hotels are rapidly adopting Google Workspace, bolstered by Gemini AI, to replace legacy on‑premises systems. Rand Data Systems, a 44‑year‑old hospitality IT specialist, reports that the migration slashes administrative overhead, improves staff mobility, and strengthens cyber resilience. The...
American Airlines' America250 Jet Is Brazilian-Built – And There's a Good Reason Why
American Airlines unveiled a special‑liveried Embraer E175, dubbed America250, at Dallas/Fort Worth. The 76‑seat regional jet, delivered in March, will display the patriotic paint scheme on high‑frequency routes, reaching more passengers than a typical wide‑body. The aircraft will debut on American’s...
YDA Dalaman Airport Enhances Operations with a Real-Time Platform to Support Reliable Travel to Türkiye
YDA Dalaman Airport announced a digital overhaul by deploying SITA’s single real‑time management platform, unifying flight, gate, check‑in and baggage operations. The integration gives airport teams a shared live view, enabling faster resource allocation and smoother passenger flow during peak...
Breadfruit: An Emerging Ingredient for Professional Kitchens
Breadfruit is moving from Caribbean home kitchens to U.S. professional kitchens as Amasar launches a gluten‑free breadfruit flour. The flour replicates potato‑like texture and mild sweetness, letting chefs swap it into baked goods, batters, coatings and savory dishes without major...
Whitbread to Put 3,800 Jobs at Risk of Redundancy
Whitbread, the owner of Premier Inn, announced a restructuring that puts about 3,800 jobs in the UK and Ireland at risk as it resets its five‑year strategy. The plan includes selling roughly £1.5 bn (≈ $1.9 bn) of freehold hotel assets and shifting...
Artotel Opens Design-Led Hotel in Magelang, Central Java
Artotel Group opened its 111‑room boutique hotel, Artotel Leguna Magelang, in Central Java. Designed by architect Andra Matin, the property blends minimalist architecture with art, featuring a tiered lobby and an oval atrium inspired by Borobudur. The hotel targets local...
Minor Hotels Signs Two Resort Projects in Southern Thailand
Minor Hotels announced two new resort projects in southern Thailand, partnering with Thailand’s Rasa Group. The 32‑room beachfront property on Koh Samui will become the first Colbert Collection hotel in Asia, while the 63‑room resort on Koh Phangan will be rebranded as...
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Rolls Out 2028-29 Extended Global Voyages
Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveiled its 2028‑29 Legendary Journeys Collection, a trio of ultra‑long itineraries ranging from 61 to 101 nights. The Grand Pathways of Europe, Grand Hemispheres Journey and Grand Silk Seas Passage will sail on the Seven Seas...
Jamco Interiors Names Proponent Exclusive Global Distributor for Aftermarket Spares
Jamco Interiors has appointed Proponent as its exclusive global distributor for aftermarket spare parts, initiating a phased rollout this year with full capability slated for early 2027. The partnership lets Jamco concentrate on engineering and product development while Proponent leverages...
Bits: £300 Virgin Atlantic Holidays Discount, Jamaica Flight Deal, Marriott Homes & Villas Deal
Virgin Atlantic Holidays is rolling out a tiered "spend and save" promotion that offers up to £300 (≈ $384) off bookings exceeding £10,000, provided the lead booker is a Flying Club member. The airline also unveiled a limited‑time Upper Class round‑trip...
USD4.5 Billion Expansion of Madrid’s Airports Seeks to Enhance Barajas' O&D and Transfer Potential
Madrid’s Barajas Airport will undergo a $4.5 billion expansion between 2027 and 2031, adding a fourth runway and terminal upgrades. The project targets stronger Asia‑Pacific connections while preserving its dominant role as Europe’s gateway to Latin America. It also seeks to...
5 Airlines' Business Class Seats That Are The World's Most Private In 2026
In 2026 the world’s leading carriers are redefining premium travel by installing fully enclosed business‑class suites that prioritize privacy. Air France, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways each offer unique features such as sliding doors, full‑length dividers, and...
Summit Hotel Properties Inc (INN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Summit Hotel Properties posted a modest 0.2% year‑over‑year increase in pro forma RevPAR for Q1 2026, driven entirely by higher average daily rates. March delivered a 4.1% RevPAR gain, anchored by a 5.6% ADR rise, while the negotiated segment saw...
Ensign Group Inc (ENSG) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
The Ensign Group lifted its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to $6.34‑$6.46 per share and raised revenue expectations to $4.99‑$5.02 billion, reflecting stronger‑than‑expected occupancy, skilled‑mix growth, and disciplined acquisition integration. The company added eight new operations and three real‑estate assets in Q2,...
Park Hotels & Resorts Inc (PK) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Park Hotels & Resorts reported a strong 2025 finish, completing over $120 million of non‑core hotel sales at a 21‑times EBITDA multiple and investing roughly $300 million in capital projects. Core portfolio RevPAR rose 3.2% in Q4 (5.7% excluding Royal Palm) while...
Diamondrock Hospitality Co (DRH) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
DiamondRock Hospitality reported Q1 2019 results that slightly exceeded internal expectations, driven by a 2% overall RevPAR increase and stronger food‑and‑beverage performance. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted FFO were marginally ahead of forecasts, while the company repurchased 3.1 million shares at a...
Fort McMurray International Airport Unveils Refreshed Observation Area
Fort McMurray International Airport has reopened its Level 3 Observation Area with a vibrant new wall wrap that celebrates the Wood Buffalo region and an interactive motion‑controlled gaming console. The exhibit lets visitors virtually fly over local landmarks, learn airport facts, and...
Dining Out NYC Roadway Program Returns With 1,800 Outdoor Setups Citywide
New York City’s Dining Out NYC roadway program reopened for the 2026 season, authorizing roughly 1,800 outdoor dining setups across all five boroughs. About 700 restaurants have full licenses for both roadway and sidewalk seating, while another 1,100 operate under...
American Airlines Cuts Airbus A321XLR Order, Sells $1 Billion In Bonds For Over 30 New Planes
American Airlines reduced its Airbus A321XLR order from 50 to 40 jets while raising $1.14 billion through aircraft‑backed bonds to fund 17 new aircraft, refinance loans on 15 others, and shore up liquidity. The bond issuance ties repayment to the new...
May Events Bring New Energy to Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza
Grand Prix Plaza, the world’s largest Formula 1 attraction in Las Vegas, is rolling out a slate of May events, including two live race‑day watch parties, themed dining menus, and special pricing for teachers, nurses, and service members. The Grand Prix...
Prism’s G6 Debuts New Budget Brand in the U.S. — Studio 6 Plus
India‑based Prism’s hospitality arm G6 Hospitality has unveiled Studio 6 Plus, a new premium‑economy extended‑stay brand for the United States. The first 15 properties, to be built by Natson Hotel Group in Atlanta, represent a $200 million investment. Studio 6 Plus targets traveling professionals with...
Investors Bet on ‘OTA 2.0’ — But Some Builders Aren’t There Yet
Investors are channeling fresh capital into a next‑generation, AI‑powered wave of online travel agencies dubbed “OTA 2.0.” At a Skift Forum panel, industry veterans argued that artificial intelligence could reshape distribution the way early OTAs did a decade ago. Yet many...
New Tauck Journeys Explore Yellowstone and Canyon Country
Tauck opened bookings for its 2027 North America portfolio, adding two new small‑group national‑park itineraries: Yellowstone Awakens (a 6‑day spring/fall tour) and Bryce & Zion (a 7‑day southern Utah adventure). The Yellowstone trip limits groups to about 24 guests, includes...
Only 18% Full: American Airlines' 10 Emptiest Routes Revealed
American Airlines disclosed its ten lowest‑load routes for 2025, led by the New York JFK‑Worcester pair that recorded a dismal 18% load factor before being dropped in July. The next four routes—all under 50% capacity—include Phoenix‑Santa Maria, JFK‑Saint Vincent, Chicago‑Waterloo and LaGuardia‑Dayton, the...
From Japan to India, Overtourism Cries Out for New Success Metrics
Tourism in Asia is booming, with Japan welcoming 42.7 million international visitors in 2025 and India logging 2.9 billion domestic trips in 2024. Cities like Kyoto and Goa are seeing foreign arrivals outpace resident populations, sparking congestion, infrastructure strain, and resident backlash....
Africa’s Aviation Growth Collides with Financing Barriers
Africa’s aviation market is booming as urban growth and the African Continental Free Trade Area drive passenger demand, but airlines struggle to secure affordable financing. Nearly $1 billion in blocked funds and higher lease costs force carriers to operate aging fleets,...
New AmaWaterways Ship Strengthens Colombian River Sailings
AmaWaterways christened its second Colombian river vessel, AmaMelodia, in Barranquilla, marking a deeper foothold in South America. The 64‑guest ship, co‑designed with architect Camilo Restrepo, will sail the Magdalena River on new Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia itineraries,...
All the Benefits of Hertz Five Star Status — and How to Get Them Without Ever Renting a Car
Hertz has lowered the threshold for its mid‑tier Five Star elite status to three rentals or $1,000 spent in a calendar year, making the tier reachable without a high rental volume. The status delivers on‑availability upgrades, a 25% points bonus...
Deliverect CEO Predicts AI Agents Will Transform Restaurant Industry
Deliverect has rolled out a suite of AI‑powered autonomous agents and smart assistants, first to UK restaurant operators with North America, Australia and New Zealand slated next. The agents dynamically adjust menus, pricing and promotions in real time by ingesting...
Hilton Bets Big on AI with Vendor Partnerships, Guest Planning Tool
Hilton announced strategic AI partnerships with Google, OpenAI and Anthropic, expanding its customer‑facing and internal capabilities. The hotel chain unveiled the Anthropic‑powered Hilton AI Planner, a tool that curates personalized itineraries using property data and local attractions. CEO Chris Nassetta...
Fairmont Unveils ‘Wellness Without Walls’ Campaign
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts launched the global “Wellness Without Walls” campaign, appointing soccer star Kylian Mbappé as its inaugural Wellness Ambassador. The initiative expands wellness beyond gyms and spas, offering a premium Nike gear‑lending program and a curated menu of experiences...
From Amenity to Asset: Turning Wellness Into a Core Revenue Strategy
Hotels are confronting rising labor and operating costs, prompting a shift from treating wellness as a peripheral amenity to a core revenue driver. The global spa market is projected to surpass $156 billion by 2027, with hotel and resort spas already...
Purdue’s Union Club Hotel Introduces AI- and Robot-Powered Massage
The Union Club Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection in West Lafayette, Indiana, has added an Aescape AI‑driven robotic massage system to its spa. The technology uses body‑scanning sensors, robotics and artificial intelligence to tailor pressure, technique and music in...
Study Demonstrates Long-Term ROI of Wellness Retreats
A new third‑party study by Miraval Resorts and nonprofit Humin finds that immersive wellness retreats deliver measurable, lasting benefits. Sixty‑two percent of participants reported lower stress levels 60 days after their stay, while 95% felt a sense of belonging and...
Second $450M Conventional Center Hotel Planned for Downtown Detroit Next to Huntington Place
Detroit is planning a second convention‑center hotel adjacent to Huntington Place, a $450 million, 600‑room project slated for a full city‑block site bounded by Cass Avenue, West Fort Street, Washington Boulevard and West Congress Street. Developed by the Sterling Group, the...
Pendry Sets Stage for Barbados Debut in 2027
Pendry Hotels & Resorts announced the topping‑off of its first Caribbean property, Pendry Barbados, slated to open in 2027. The resort will feature 80 ocean‑front rooms and suites, a 110‑berth private marina, and a suite of wellness and family‑focused amenities....
How Restaurant Brands Can Thrive in Uncertain Times
Restaurant operators facing economic uncertainty can boost resilience by simplifying menus, leveraging data‑driven technology, and tightening operational execution. Streamlined offerings reduce kitchen friction, improve speed of service and lift margins, as shown by Pollo Tropical’s 15‑second service gain. Advanced analytics...
Avanti Destinations Offers Incentives, Giveaways & More for Advisors
Avanti Destinations is celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a tiered gift‑card program, complimentary Avanti Insider walking tours, a Portland getaway, and weekly wine‑drawing contests. Advisors who book FIT land trips of $5,000 or more in May receive $25‑$100 gift...
Wingstop Links Same-Store Sales Slides to Iran War
Wingstop reported an 8.7% same‑store sales decline in Q1, driven by low‑income consumer pullback after gas prices spiked following the U.S. war with Iran. Unit count, however, grew 17% year‑over‑year, partially offsetting the sales dip. The chain is emphasizing sub‑$10...
How to Avoid Overspending on Restaurant Furniture Without Sacrificing Design
Restaurant owners often overspend on furniture by prioritizing aesthetics over cost efficiency. Modern Line Furniture proposes a modular approach that replaces traditional booths with wall benches and upholstered panels, delivering a high‑end look at a fraction of the price. An...
Atlantis Enhances Luxury Offering With Imperial Club
Atlantis Paradise Island will launch The Imperial Club on May 1, 2026, a private lounge perched on the 19th floor of the resort’s East Tower. The club is reserved for suite‑level guests and select premium rooms, offering a dedicated check‑in,...
Wellness, Sustainability Sessions at HD Expo
The HD Expo will convene more than 10,000 hospitality design professionals in Las Vegas from May 5‑7, featuring a robust lineup of wellness and sustainability sessions. Speakers range from university researchers to leading architects, covering topics such as neuroinclusive hospitality, health‑focused...
G6 Hospitality Introduces Studio 6 Plus
G6 Hospitality, the operator of Motel 6 and Studio 6, unveiled Studio 6 Plus, an upper‑economy extended‑stay brand aimed at guests staying weeks or months. The new‑construction properties will deliver average daily rates of $75‑$90 and RevPAR of $60‑$70, featuring...
Windstar Cruises Launches Travel Advisor Appreciation Month Incentives
Windstar Cruises is celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a May‑long incentive program that adds a $100 bonus commission per stateroom, a grand‑prize Tahiti cruise giveaway, and reduced‑rate familiarization (FAM) sailings. The promotion runs May 1‑31 and includes a complimentary all‑in‑package...
EasyJet and Rolls-Royce Conclude Hydrogen Fuel Engine Test
easyJet and Rolls‑Royce have completed a four‑year hydrogen‑fuel engine programme, successfully running a modified Pearl 15 turbine at full take‑off power on 100% hydrogen. The test, performed at NASA’s Stennis Space Centre, demonstrated a complete flight‑cycle operation—start‑up, climb, cruise and landing—on...
The Murky Ethics of Swimming With Killer Whales
Tour operators in La Ventana, Mexico, and Skjervøy, Norway, now offer tourists the rare chance to swim with wild killer whales, a practice limited to these two locales. Social‑media hype is driving a surge in visitors, boosting local economies but also...
Villa San Michele, Belmond’s 600-Year-Old Sleeping Beauty, Stirs
Belmond’s historic Villa San Michele in Fiesole reopened after an 18‑month restoration, reviving a 600‑year‑old former Franciscan convent turned luxury hotel. Interiors architect Luigi Fragola enlisted Florence’s master artisans to restore silk passementerie, scagliola inlays and period antiques, while preserving the...
Incomparable Access to Yosemite National Park and a Starting Nightly Rate of $319 Makes Under Canvas My Favorite Affordable Stay...
Under Canvas Yosemite, a safari‑style glamping site just ten minutes from the park’s Big Oak Flat entrance, launches its 2026 season with nightly rates starting at $319. The property offers 71 luxury tents—some sleeping four to six—featuring king‑size beds, heated...
JetBlue Eyes Airport Lounge in Third US City, Gives First Class Update
JetBlue announced it is scouting space for a third BlueHouse lounge in Fort Lauderdale’s Terminal 3, following its New York debut and a Boston location slated for late summer 2026. The airline also confirmed its domestic first‑class recliners will roll out...