ADA Cosmetics Now Cradle to Cradle Certified Full Scope Silver
ADA Cosmetics has recertified its entire hotel amenity portfolio under the Cradle to Cradle Certified Full Scope Silver standard, now using the more rigorous Version 4.0 criteria. The certification, which assesses material health, circularity, climate impact, water stewardship and social fairness, makes ADA the sole provider in the hospitality cosmetics sector with this level of recognition. The company also earned an EcoVadis Gold Medal with an 80/100 score, placing it in the top five percent of global firms. These credentials give hotels a clear pathway to earn additional points in GreenSign and Green Key audits.
AHLA Foundation’s FORWARD/26 Honors Leaders Advancing Women in Hospitality
The AHLA Foundation’s FORWARD/26 event in Atlanta honored two leaders advancing women in hospitality. Sarai Jacko of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts received the Paving the Way Award for her mentorship and training programs, while Apple Hospitality REIT CEO Justin Knight...
Jersey Mike’s Could Go Public
Jersey Mike’s Submarines is preparing for an initial public offering after filing a confidential S‑1 with the SEC. The sandwich chain expanded from 2,387 stores in early 2023 to 3,227 locations by early 2026, driven by a majority‑stake purchase by...
Avinor to Open New New Mo I Rana Airport in September 2027
Avinor announced that the new Mo I Rana/Helgeland Arctic Circle Airport will open on 30 September 2027, nine months earlier than a previously feared delay. The operator will take control of the site from contractor AF Gruppen on 19 February 2027, initiating the operational readiness and transition...
Studio 6 Grows Footprint with 35+ New Locations in 2026
G6 Hospitality, the parent of Motel 6 and Studio 6, opened more than 35 new Studio 6 locations in the first quarter of 2026, spanning cities such as Birmingham, Sacramento, Chicago, Seattle and Washington, DC. The rollout includes a mix...
Thomas Cook Chief Alan French to Join Europe's Sunweb Group
Sunweb Group, a fast‑growing European holiday operator, has appointed former Thomas Cook executive Alan French as Chief Product and Technology Officer, effective 11 May. French brings a track record of digital transformation at Thomas Cook and eSky, positioning him to lead AI‑driven product...
Hyatt Deploys ChatGPT Enterprise Across Global Workforce
Hyatt has implemented ChatGPT Enterprise across its global corporate and hotel workforce, giving employees access to OpenAI’s latest models, including GPT‑5.4 and Codex. The AI suite is slated to support finance, marketing, operations, business development, real‑estate, and product teams, accelerating...
HB on the Scene: Newport Hospitality Group Brings ‘Living Hospitality’ to Life
Newport Hospitality Group hosted its 2026 Leadership Retreat at the Ellie Resort in Myrtle Beach, centering on the “Living Hospitality” theme. CEO Andrew Carey emphasized building a shared identity that transcends individual hotel brands, while offering practical tools to improve...
The Technomic Top 500: Another Tough Year for Chain Restaurants
Technomic’s 2026 Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report shows U.S. chain sales rose just 3% to $451.5 billion, lagging the 3.8% menu‑price inflation and marking the slowest growth since the Great Recession. Median sales growth was only 2.5%, translating to a 1.3% real‑dollar...
GoldenAgers.in Is Redefining Travel for India’s Seniors
GoldenAgers.in, the flagship brand of Indiafly Golden Tours, launches a travel platform dedicated to Indian seniors aged 60 and above. Founded by Moneek and Nidhi Mehra, the service pairs older travelers with compassionate companion guides who prioritize slow itineraries, safety,...
British Airways Launches St Louis and Guernsey Routes
British Airways announced two new London Heathrow routes, linking the capital to St Louis, Missouri and the Channel Island of Guernsey. The St Louis service, BA’s 27th US destination, will run four times weekly this summer on Boeing 787s equipped with Starlink Wi‑Fi....
Speaker Q&A: Bharti Radix
Bharti Radix, a former finance professional turned hospitality founder, built six London venues during the pandemic and will speak at the FD Show about the CFO‑to‑CEO pathway. She emphasizes that finance leaders must adopt an open‑mind, gain cross‑functional experience, and...
Minor Hotels to Debut Colbert Collection in London
Minor Hotels will open The WestDill Mayfair Hotel later this year, marking the UK debut of its premium soft‑brand Colbert Collection. The Grade II‑listed former bank on Piccadilly will house 50 guest rooms and suites across six floors, plus a restaurant...
Prague as a Hub of Global Tourism. The Capital Hosts Czechia Travel Trade Day 2026
The Czech Tourist Authority hosted Czechia Travel Trade Day 2026 in Prague on April 20‑21, gathering buyers and operators from more than 20 countries. The two‑day event featured pre‑arranged business meetings, familiarisation trips to five regional destinations and a gala...
AI Will Help Wine Sales in Hospitality but Won’t Replace Humans
Artificial intelligence is reshaping wine service in hospitality by delivering real‑time, personalized recommendations that match guests with the right glass. At a Preferabli‑hosted webinar, Napa Valley Marriott GM Rachel Wilson explained how AI tools boost revenue, extend dwell time, and...
Jersey Mike’s 'Confidentially' Files for IPO with $1B Target
Jersey Mike’s Subs has confidentially filed an S‑1 to pursue an initial public offering, targeting a $1 billion raise at a minimum $12 billion valuation. Backed by majority‑owner Blackstone, the company could debut as early as Q3 2026, positioning it among the top...
4 Places Where Your Catering Program Is Leaking Revenue
Catering can be a high‑margin growth engine for restaurants, but many programs lose money because they treat orders as one‑off transactions. Kelly Grogan outlines four revenue‑leak points—team alignment, customer follow‑up, product suitability, and partner reliability—and shows how a culture of...
Middle East War Clouds Egyptian Tourism Outlook
Egypt’s tourism sector surged to 19 million visitors in 2023, delivering more than $15 billion and supporting three million jobs. The government targets 30 million arrivals by 2030, but the Middle‑East conflict has triggered up to a 25% decline in hotel occupancy and heightened...
What Restaurants Are Doing Differently on TikTok and Why It’s Driving Visits
TikTok has become the top platform influencing U.S. dining choices, with over 200 million monthly active users and 75% of diners saying it shapes where they eat. The platform’s blend of authentic, creator‑driven videos and paid formats like Spark Ads and...
Why Restaurants Are Using Spice to Drive Flavor—And Repeat Traffic
Spice is now a staple on roughly 95% of U.S. restaurant menus, driven by the 65% of Americans who enjoy hot flavors. Operators are shifting from extreme heat to approachable, mid‑level heat that blends sweet, savory and global influences. Brands...
How H&H Bagels Managed 900 Orders on Opening Day without Selling Out
H&H Bagels opened its first Miami location in Pinecrest, processing over 900 orders in a ten‑hour launch without any menu sell‑outs. The 13‑person team leveraged targeted staffing, ultra‑efficient station layouts, and real‑time wait‑time communication to keep lines moving. Rigorous inventory...
Conrad Bengaluru Appoints Director of Sales
Dhruva Parate has been appointed director of sales at Conrad Bengaluru, bringing experience from Marriott International where he managed national accounts and drove revenue growth across multiple properties. In his new role he will lead sales strategy with an emphasis...
Africa Cannot Sell Itself in Pieces Anymore
Uganda and Egypt have launched a joint tourism promotion, showcasing a unified African travel experience. The partnership combines Uganda’s wildlife and Egypt’s historic sites, illustrating the African Tourism Board’s push for a continent‑wide brand. It highlights persistent challenges such as...
AlUla Development Company Commences Construction on NUMAJ, Marking a New Phase of AlUla's Development
AlUla Development Company (UDC), a Public Investment Fund entity, has broken ground on NUMAJ, a 250‑room Marriott Autograph Collection hotel slated to open in 2027. Designed by GioForma and named after the ancient star system Nu Ursae Majoris, the resort...
61% of Travel Business Surveyed Experimenting with or Scaling Agentic AI
Travel firms are rapidly moving beyond generative AI, with 61% experimenting with or scaling agentic AI that can perform real‑world tasks. Phocuswright’s report shows 6% are actively scaling and 22% are beginning to scale these solutions. Adoption is fueled by...
Genting Malaysia, Agibot Collaborate to Advance Embodied AI Robotics
Genting Malaysia Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai‑based Agibot Innovation to develop embodied artificial‑intelligence robotics for its hospitality, entertainment and leisure venues. The partnership was formalised at the Agibot Partners Conference 2026 in Shanghai and will focus...
Etihad Airways Unveils Six New Destinations, Expanding Footprint Across the Africa Continent
Etihad Airways announced six new routes to African cities—including Accra, Asmara, Harare, Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Lagos—operating from Abu Dhabi. The expansion targets high‑growth markets in trade, cargo and passenger demand, complementing recent China‑focused growth and a joint venture with Ethiopian...
Zayed International Airport Launches Visitor Pass for Non-Travellers
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport introduced a Visitor Pass that lets non‑travellers enter terminal areas, shop, dine, and use lounges without a flight ticket. The pass costs $30 per day and includes biometric security for quick access. Airport officials project...
Radisson Hotel Group Introduces Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova
Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova has opened as the first Radisson RED property in Turkey, bringing the brand’s design‑forward, social‑centric hospitality concept to İzmir’s Bornova district. The 204‑room hotel is directly linked to the Point Bornova Shopping Mall, offering guests immediate access to retail, dining and...
ROCCO FORTE HOTELS LAUNCHES THE GRAND EUROPEAN GOLF TOUR
Rocco Forte Hotels has unveiled the Grand European Golf Tour, a luxury golf‑travel program created with Golf Travel Centre. The offering links the brand’s flagship properties—from The Balmoral in Edinburgh to Verdura Resort in Sicily—with some of Europe’s most prestigious...
Agoda, Taipei City Government Team up to Support Tourism Growth
Agoda and the Taipei City Government signed a memorandum of understanding at the 2026 Taiwan Gold Circle Awards to jointly promote tourism. The partnership will combine Agoda’s global digital platform with Taipei’s local attractions, offering data sharing, industry training, and...
AHICE Returns for Three Action-Packed Days
The Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) returns to Adelaide from May 5‑7, 2026. The three‑day event will host over 200 speakers, 1,600 attendees and more than 100 sponsors, featuring headline keynotes from INXS bassist Garry Gary Beers, Olympian...
ALL Accor Announces the Return of the “Dream Tournament”
ALL Accor, the hospitality giant’s booking and loyalty platform, is reviving its Dream Tournament on May 18 at Paris Saint‑Germain’s Parc des Princes. The event invites ALL Accor members worldwide and a handful of contest winners to play alongside PSG legends...
TRIBE Launches Global Vinyl Club
TRIBE Hotels announced the launch of the TRIBE Vinyl Club on Disquaire Day/Record Store Day, installing curated vinyl listening stations in select properties worldwide. The program partners with local independent record stores and will debut a limited‑edition LP, “New Grounds,” in May 2026,...
Hilton to Broaden Caribbean Presence with the Signing of Paradise Breeze Nassau
Hilton announced a franchise agreement with B.P.G. LTD. to develop Paradise Breeze Nassau, a new‑build Curio Collection hotel slated to open in 2028. The 11‑story, 125‑room resort marks the Curio Collection’s debut in The Bahamas and signals Hilton’s intent to double...
Qantas Project Sunrise Aircraft Moves Closer to Testing Stage
Qantas’ Project Sunrise has received its first Airbus A350‑1000ULR, rolled out from Toulouse and slated for a two‑month flight‑testing program. The aircraft features an extra fuel tank enabling nonstop flights of up to 22 hours, targeting direct routes from Australia’s...
Singapore Flyer Refreshes Time Capsule Experience
Singapore’s flagship observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, has relaunched its Time Capsule exhibition with Epson’s projection‑mapping technology. The refreshed attraction spans two levels and ten themed installations, blending AI‑driven visuals, spatial sound, and interactive storytelling to guide visitors through Singapore’s history....
W Kuala Lumpur Rolls Out Family Staycation Package for School Holiday Travel
W Kuala Lumpur has unveiled "Little Guests. Big Experience," a one‑night family staycation aimed at Singapore travelers during the May and June school holidays. The package, priced from S$600 (≈US$445), bundles accommodation, daily breakfast for two adults and up to...
Jens Corder Takes the Lead at Jen Singapore Orchardgateway
Jens Corder has been named general manager of Jen Singapore Orchardgateway, the boutique hotel operated by Shangri‑La. Corder joins the property after senior general‑management stints at Shangri‑La’s China World Summit Wing Beijing and the Shangri‑La Bangalore. In his new role...
Kingfisher Bay Resort Shines as a Premier Wedding Destination With Multiple Industry Recognitions
Kingfisher Bay Resort on UNESCO‑listed Fraser Island has been crowned a top wedding destination, winning three categories at the 2026 Wedding Industry Awards™ Wide Bay & Burnett. The resort leverages its pristine beaches, ancient rainforests, and freshwater lakes to offer...
Carlton Hotel Singapore Names Executive Assistant Manager, Sales and Marketing
Joanne Chan has been promoted to executive assistant manager, sales and marketing at Carlton Hotel Singapore. She previously led sales and marketing initiatives at Carlton City Hotel Singapore within the Carlton Collection. In her new role, Chan will oversee sales,...
Palm Garden Hotel Putrajaya Welcomes New GM
Marshall Chai has been appointed general manager of Palm Garden Hotel Putrajaya, succeeding his role as hotel manager at Moxy Putrajaya where he helped launch the property. In his new position, Chai will oversee all hotel operations, with a particular...
‘First-Of-Its-Kind’ In-Room Hotel Advertising Technology Launches In Australia
The Travel Network (TTN) has launched a first‑of‑its‑kind in‑room advertising platform that converts smart TVs in 4‑5‑star Australian hotels into data‑rich ad spaces. The service captures real‑time engagement via personalized QR codes, allowing premium brands to measure performance and optimize...
Potential £5 or £10 of LNER Perks Credit for Checking the LNER App
LNER Perks, the five‑year‑old loyalty scheme for the East Coast rail franchise, is running a birthday‑type promotion that grants users either £5 (≈ $6.40) or £10 (≈ $12.80) credit, or entries into a competition, when they tap the offer in the LNER...
Middle East Crisis May Affect Malaysia Aviation Group's Finances – but Not Its Growth Plans
The Iran‑driven Middle East crisis is pushing up fuel costs and forcing the suspension of several Middle Eastern routes, putting pressure on Malaysia Aviation Group's (MAG) 2026 financial results. Despite the headwinds, MAG is pressing ahead with a fleet expansion,...
My Flight Was Canceled — Here’s How I Turned It Into €1,200
During a return trip from Helsinki, a Finnair flight was canceled after a satellite malfunction, triggering EU Regulation EC261/2004. The author filed separate claims for himself and his wife and secured the maximum €600 per passenger, totaling €1,200 (about $1,300)....
How a Journalistic Eye Can Elevate a Hotel: Adrian Zecha’s Approach to His New Resort Collaboration in Rural Japan
Adrian Zecha, the founder of Aman Resorts, approaches hotel development like a journalist, observing and amplifying the existing environment. His latest venture, Azuma Farm Koiwai, opens in rural Iwate, Japan, in partnership with Naru Developments and East Japan Railway Company....
Toronto Hotel Unveils Room With Unique View Of Blue Jays Games
The Toronto Marriott City Centre, the only hotel inside a major‑league ballpark, has opened the Rawlings Room—a two‑level, baseball‑themed suite with floor‑to‑ceiling views of Rogers Centre. Guests can stay for $965 USD per night, with premium dates like Opening Day reaching...
Transfer Citi Points To Leading Hotels Of The World With 25% Bonus: Worth It?
Citi ThankYou is running a limited‑time 25% transfer bonus to the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) Leaders Club from April 19 to May 16 2026. The promotion improves the standard 5:1 transfer ratio to an effective 4:1, meaning each 1,000 ThankYou points...
UK CONSUMERS TIGHTEN THEIR TRAVEL BUDGETS
Barclays data for March 2026 shows UK consumers tightening travel budgets amid Middle‑East unrest. Transaction volume rose 9.2%, yet travel‑agency spend fell 4.4% and airline outlays slipped 4.1% year‑on‑year. Hotel and accommodation costs bucked the trend, edging up 1.2% as domestic...