Greece International Air Arrivals Rise 5.9% in 2025, Driven by Market Diversity and Off-Season Growth
Greece recorded 31.0 million international air arrivals in 2025, a 5.9% rise from 2024. Athens International Airport handled 12 million passengers, up 9%, while Thessaloniki saw a 10.2% increase. The growth stemmed from a broader market mix—no single source exceeded 17.4%—and a noticeable lift in off‑season travel. The United Kingdom stayed the largest source, but Israel’s arrivals jumped 27%, underscoring emerging demand.
Italy Access Advisory Launches to Guide International Investment in Italian Hospitality
Italy Access Advisory (IAA) was launched by Chris Henry of Majestic Hospitality and Christian Scali of LV Toscana to guide international investors into Italy’s hotel market, valued at €1.4 billion (≈$1.5 billion), the highest level in five years. IAA offers end‑to‑end advisory covering...
Hotel Booking Trends 2026: Are Shorter Stays and Last-Minute Searches the New Normal? - By Jonathan Gough
Global hotel search data shows a 9% rise in one‑night stay queries and a 9% increase in bookings made within 28 days from Q1 2023 to Q4 2025, signaling a shift toward shorter trips and last‑minute planning. North America leads the change,...
Allegretto Vineyard Resort Joins Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Allegretto Vineyard Resort has joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts' L.V.X. Collection, the luxury tier of the independent hotel group. The 170‑room Paso Robles property offers a Mediterranean piazza, art gardens, estate‑grown wines, a farm‑to‑table restaurant, spa, and music‑focused wellness programming....
Booking SAS Awards Using Delta SkyMiles: Routes, Availability, and What It Costs to Fly
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) left Star Alliance for SkyTeam, enabling Delta SkyMiles members to redeem awards on SAS flights. The 2025 codeshare expansion broadened route availability, now covering intra‑European sectors and select long‑haul legs from European hubs to the U.S., Asia,...
Hotel Truths: From AI Concierges to Five-Star Myths
Hospitality leaders Youri Sawerschel and Christian Walter examined how AI concierges are reshaping service delivery, while questioning the relevance of traditional star ratings in today’s market. They highlighted common development missteps, the growing importance of sustainable, guest‑centric design, and the...
Little Caesars Jumps on the Shareable Trend
Little Caesars launched Four‑N‑One Stix, a pizza‑sized shareable snack featuring 16 breadsticks in four flavors for $7.99, available nationwide as a Hot‑N‑Ready item from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The product is positioned at the intersection of pizza, appetizers, and snacks, aiming...
Zaxbys Recruits Cameron and Cayden Boozer for Loyalty Promotion
Zaxbys launched a limited‑time loyalty drive called the “Transfer Portal,” offering the first 100,000 new Zax Rewards members a free dry‑rub menu item with any drink purchase. The app feature lets shoppers migrate existing restaurant loyalty points to Zaxbys and claim...
Indianapolis' Most Exciting 2026 Grand Opening Is A Chic Hotel With Skywalk Access To Lucas Oil Stadium
Hilton announced the upcoming Signia by Hilton Indianapolis, a 38‑story, 800‑room luxury hotel slated to open in fall 2026. The tower will be the city’s tallest hotel and will feature a skywalk connecting directly to the Indiana Convention Center and...
Ramada Hotel in Jacksonville, FL, Sold for $13.5M
Kabani Hotel Group brokered the sale of the vacant Ramada by Wyndham Jacksonville I‑95 for $13.5 million to an undisclosed nonprofit buyer. The hotel was delivered empty, reflecting negative cash flow, and the buyer intends to convert the building into veteran...
Find the OKU Hotel that Fits Your Summer Style
OKU Hotel Group now showcases four Mediterranean resorts—OKU Kos, OKU Bodrum, OKU Ibiza and OKU Andalusia—each designed around a distinct travel tribe. Kos offers an adults‑only wellness retreat with historic spa treatments, while Bodrum blends Turkish cuisine, craft workshops and gulet cruises. Ibiza caters...
Donohoe Hospitality Services Promotes Two Executives
Donohoe Hospitality Services promoted Jeremy Huvard to vice president of sales and marketing and Malcolm Mitchell to vice president of restaurants and bars. Huvard, a 25‑year sales veteran, will now steer portfolio‑wide sales, revenue and marketing strategies. Mitchell, a chef‑author...
Embassy Suites Dallas Love Field Changes Hands
Hunter Advisors brokered the sale of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Love Field to Scenic Capital Advisors. The eight‑story, 248‑suite hotel adjacent to Dallas Love Field Airport was sold by FelCor Dallas Love Field Owner LLC. Scenic Capital plans...
UAE Hotels Slashing Prices To Off Peak Lows Due To Travel Crisis
UAE luxury hotels are slashing room rates to July‑off‑peak levels as the Iran conflict curtails international travel and drives occupancy down. Government agencies and hotel operators have launched aggressive stay‑cation promotions, discount packages, and free‑attraction offers to stimulate domestic demand....
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Expands with 11 New Slides and Attractions
Miral announced that Yas Waterworld on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island will unveil an expansion on April 4, 2026, adding eleven new slides and attractions. The upgrade introduces eight new slides, two jump platforms and a leisure pool, pushing the park’s...
2 Extra Inches On 237 Aircraft: EasyJet Orders New Airbus A320neo Seats As Newcastle Base Opens
easyJet announced a partnership with Mirus Aircraft Seating to install lightweight Kestrel seats on roughly 240 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, delivering extra legroom and a 20% weight reduction. The lighter seats are projected to cut fuel burn enough to avoid...
British Airways Places Corpse In Galley For 13 Hours, Passengers Complain Of “Foul Smell”
A British Airways A350‑1000 flying from Hong Kong to London experienced a passenger death about an hour after take‑off. Instead of diverting, the crew continued the 14‑hour flight and placed the wrapped body in the rear galley for the remainder...
Hotel Indigo Lands in Turks and Caicos
Hotel Indigo has opened its first Caribbean location in Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos, adding a 56‑room, design‑forward property to the archipelago. The hotel is owned by Molo Hotel Group and operated by Lighthouse Hotel Management, featuring locally inspired décor,...
TAT Bets on Domestic Travel Boom with Thailand Tourism Festival 2026
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host the 44th Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF) from March 25‑29, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. The event will feature nine themed zones that showcase cultural, culinary and creative...
Hilton London Paddington Embarks on Heritage-Led Renovation
Hilton London Paddington, celebrating 173 years, has unveiled a multi‑million‑pound (≈$12.5 million) refurbishment of its guest rooms, ballrooms and public areas. The first phase, focusing on the historic left wing, will debut in spring 2026, blending Victorian architecture with Art Deco flair while...
Zero in on Cruising: Emissions-Free Ships on the Horizon
The cruise industry is moving beyond LNG toward truly zero‑emission vessels, with hydrogen fuel cells, biogas, solar sails and large batteries leading the charge. Viking Cruises will launch the world’s first hydrogen‑powered ship, Viking Libra, in late 2026, while Scandinavian...
Star Alliance Raises the Bar at LAX — But How Do Oneworld and SkyTeam Compare?
Star Alliance has opened its ninth Star Connection Centre at Los Angeles International Airport, a hub handling over 350,000 annual connecting passengers. The centre provides proactive, real‑time assistance, including on‑the‑ground agents and fast‑track rebooking, to keep tight connections intact. In...
Novotel Invites the World to Rethink Rest with Australia’s Leading Sleep Expert Olivia Arezzolo
Novotel is rolling out the sleep‑focused chapter of its Longevity Everyday platform in March 2026, positioning rest as a core pillar of everyday wellbeing. The hotel chain has appointed Australian sleep authority Olivia Arezzolo as its official Sleep Expert, joining the...
Sofitel Rio De Janeiro Ipanema: An Iconic Transformation Redefining Sofitel in Brazil
Sofitel announced the transformation of its Rio de Janeiro Ipanema property into the brand’s first Brazilian flagship, slated to open at the end of 2026. The hotel will feature 172 rooms and suites, a rooftop infinity pool, spa, and a...
Destination by Hyatt Brand Debuts in Portugal with Opening of Masana Algarve
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has launched Masana Algarve, the first Destination by Hyatt resort in Portugal, located in Olhos de Água, Albufeira. The property features 33 upscale residences, including one‑ and two‑bedroom suites and villas with private pools or sea views,...
Hyatt Introduces the Grand Hyatt Brand in Izmir, Türkiye
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has rebranded its former Hyatt Regency property in İzmir as Grand Hyatt İzmir İstinyePark, marking the second Grand Hyatt hotel in Turkey. The 160‑room resort offers Gulf‑front views, a 14,638‑sq ft spa, and a new courtyard that connects directly to...
GFA, Hilton Announce Waldorf Astoria Residences Guadalajara
Grupo Imobiliario GFA and Hilton announced the Waldorf Astoria Residences Guadalajara, the first standalone Waldorf Astoria branded residence in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. The 30‑story, 128 m tower will host 114 luxury one‑ to four‑bedroom units and is slated for delivery...
Canada Joins United States, Australia in Thailand’s Major Visa Overhaul, Slashing Stays to Just 30 Days, Transforming the Future of...
Thailand announced a sweeping visa overhaul effective April 1, 2026, cutting the standard tourist stay for Canadians, Americans and Australians from 60 to 30 days. The change adds mandatory proof of vaccination, a negative COVID‑19 test and travel‑insurance coverage of at least...
Saudi Arabia Hosts Umrah & Ziyarah Forum 2026 in Madinah March‑April Intending to Showcase Global Pilgrimage Innovation and Partnership Summit
Saudi Arabia will host the Umrah & Ziyarah Forum 2026 in Madinah during March‑April, gathering around 40,000 visitors, 150 exhibitors and 160 speakers. The three‑day summit is positioned as a showcase for global pilgrimage innovation, digital solutions and new partnership...
Passenger Numbers Surge 8.6% to 10.9 Million in Indonesia During This Year Eid Travel Season, With Railways Leading the Way:...
Indonesia’s 2026 Eid travel season saw passenger traffic climb to 10.9 million, an 8.6% increase over the previous year. Railways led the surge, transporting 3.35 million travelers, up 13.5%, while ferries, air travel, and buses also posted double‑digit growth. Robust infrastructure, coordinated...
Singapore and UK Set to Double Daily Flights From London Gatwick, Offering Unmatched Travel Convenience and Expanding Direct Connections Between...
Singapore Airlines will lift its UK‑Singapore schedule to a record 43 flights per week in 2026, adding double‑daily services from London Gatwick and extra summer frequencies. The carrier will operate the new slots with Airbus A350‑900 aircraft, offering a modern...
Iraq Joins Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iran and Others in Escalating Middle East Airspace Crisis, Disrupting Travel and Tourism for Emirates,...
Iraq has extended its airspace closure for an additional 72 hours, joining Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iran in a regional aviation shutdown. The ban halts all arrivals, departures and transit flights, forcing carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines...
Mumbai Int'l Petitions Court over $92mn Jet Airways Debt
Mumbai International has filed a petition in court demanding repayment of approximately $92 million owed by the insolvent Jet Airways. The claim comes as the airline’s liquidator continues to manage asset sales, including pending auctions of Boeing 777‑300ERs and the transfer...
Today Only: Up To 4x Bonus Airline Miles On Apple Purchases
A limited‑time promotion lets shoppers earn 3.5‑4 times the usual airline miles on Apple purchases through major airline shopping portals. The highest multiplier, up to 4x, is offered by Alaska Atmos Rewards and United MileagePlus, while American AAdvantage and Delta SkyMiles...
Don’t Forget …. You Can Buy up to 1,000 BA Tier Points for £1 Each if You Are Still Short
British Airways is allowing members to purchase up to 1,000 Club tier points for £1 each by contributing to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) before the club year ends on March 31. The scheme provides 10 Avios per £1 and caps...
SalamAir Partners with Arcube to Launch eSIM and E-Visa Services
Omani low‑cost carrier SalamAir has teamed up with UK travel‑tech firm Arcube to embed eSIM and e‑Visa services into its booking platform. The eSIM solution gives travelers access to more than 5,000 data packages in over 213 countries, while the...
Foreign Leadership at a Crossroads: IndiGo and Air India Face a Pivotal Succession Test
IndiGo and Air India, India’s two largest carriers, are confronting pivotal CEO succession decisions. IndiGo’s foreign‑born chief Pieter Elbers stepped down on March 10, 2026, while Air India’s expatriate CEO Campbell Wilson will likely depart when his contract ends in 2027. Both executives were...
5 Airports' International Terminals With The World's Best Lounges In 2026
Premium airport lounges are evolving into full‑service lifestyle hubs, offering museum‑grade art, Michelin‑starred dining, and wellness amenities. The article highlights five leading international terminals—Tokyo Haneda, Doha Hamad, Singapore Changi, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Zurich—each delivering unique ultra‑luxury experiences such...
How to Track Your Delta, Southwest, United Accounts in AwardWallet
AwardWallet aggregates points from over 620 loyalty programs, but Delta, Southwest, and United restrict direct data access. The article outlines three workarounds—email linking, auto‑forwarding travel emails, and manual copy‑paste updates—to keep mileage balances current within AwardWallet. Each method balances convenience,...
THAILAND PREPARES FOR TOURISM CRISIS
Thailand’s tourism sector remains robust in early 2026, with crowded beaches and steady arrivals, but the fallout from Middle East tensions is prompting longer flight routes and higher fuel costs. Airline ticket prices to the country have risen 10‑15%, and...
NUMBERS OF CHINESE TOURISTS IN JAPAN DECREASE
Chinese tourist arrivals to Japan plunged sharply in early 2026, with March figures down 45.2% year‑over‑year and a combined January‑February drop of 54%. The decline follows heightened diplomatic friction after Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi warned of possible forceful action over...
GAMI VACATIONS: GAMES TURN PLAYERS INTO TRAVELERS
A new tourism trend dubbed "gami vacations" sees gamers turning virtual landscapes into real‑world trips. By 2026, travelers are visiting sites that resemble game settings—from Norway’s fjords echoing God of War to Scotland’s castles linked to Assassin’s Creed—and even staying...
TAX-FREE SHOPPING BOOSTS REVENUES IN SPAIN
Spain’s tourism is shifting from volume to value, with luxury visitors now driving a disproportionate share of spending. Although they represent only about 3% of arrivals, high‑end tourists account for nearly 20% of foreign expenditure, pushing total tourist spend to...
American Airlines AAdvantage Mileage Expiration Policy: How to Keep Your Miles From Expiring
American Airlines’ AAdvantage miles now expire after 24 months of inactivity, but members under 21 and primary holders of co‑branded credit cards are exempt. Any qualifying earn or redemption activity resets the clock, while expired miles can be reinstated for...
American’s Hub Problem Is A Credit Card Problem
Airlines now earn more from co‑branded credit cards than from flying passengers, with Delta pulling $8.2 billion and American $6.2 billion in 2025—amounts that dwarf their operating incomes. Executives like Doug Parker admit that traditional hub profitability models ignore the true value...
Sedona’s Lodging Market: Resilience and Pricing Power - By Zabada N. Abouelhana
Sedona’s lodging market has stabilized after the pandemic surge, with occupancy holding in the high‑60 % range and average daily rates remaining above historical levels. Limited new supply due to topography and zoning continues to give hotels pricing power, while visitation...
Bilt Buys Sion for $30M and It’s About the Data
Bilt Rewards acquired travel‑commission platform Sion for $30 million, its second major deal after buying receipt‑data firm Banyan. Sion serves over 8,000 travel advisors and processes more than $7 billion in booking revenue, giving Bilt unprecedented access to travel transaction data. While...
From ‘Nepo Baby’ Doubts to Leadership: 3rd-Generation Yeoh Pei Xien’s Journey to Manage Malaysia’s Hospitality Giant YTL Hotels
Yeoh Pei Xien, the youngest grandchild of YTL Group founder Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay, has become vice‑president of transformation and strategy at YTL Hotels, overseeing a portfolio of 38 properties worldwide. After two years in consulting, she returned to...
Uganda Tourism at a Turning Point: Lilly Ajarova Calls for Renewed Momentum and Investment
Uganda’s tourism sector, rich in gorillas, chimpanzees, the Nile source and cultural heritage, is at a pivotal crossroads. Former Uganda Tourism Board CEO Lilly Ajarova, now senior presidential advisor, urges accelerated investment in high‑quality accommodation, infrastructure and digital branding. She...
Shipping Containers Become Smart Infrastructure for Restaurant Design
PETTI Restaurant in Tuticorin repurposes twelve decommissioned shipping containers into a high‑performance dining space, wrapping them in poured‑earth insulation that acts as a natural thermal regulator. The passive envelope, combined with limited façade openings, cross‑ventilation and skylights, cuts air‑conditioning demand...