SMF Celebrates New Dining
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) inaugurated three new dining concepts in Terminal A, marking the first local‑brand offerings in the facility. The venues—Magpie Café, New Helvetia Brewing Co., and Centro Cocina—will be operated by HMSHost under a partnership that blends national concession expertise with Sacramento’s culinary scene. The launch event gathered airport executives, state legislators, and concessions teams to highlight the airport’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience. These additions aim to diversify food options and generate incremental non‑aeronautical revenue.
CHS Unveils Just Baked Kiosks
Automated Retail Technologies (ART) has introduced four 24/7 Just Baked snack kiosks at Charleston International Airport, operated by Evolvending. The kiosks feature distinct brand concepts, including White Castle, Wow Bao, a sweets theme, and a café theme. ART and Evolvending have...
Hyde Park Hospitality Promotes Carter
Hyde Park Hospitality has promoted Cortez Carter to president, tasking him with leading the firm’s airport practice. Carter, who joined the company in April 2022 as executive vice president, will focus on domestic growth of its food‑and‑beverage, retail and lounge...
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Chick-Fil-A Is Opening a Distribution Center in Texas
Chick‑fil‑A will break ground on a $50 million distribution and warehouse facility in Lubbock, Texas, slated for May. The site, positioned near Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, will store and ship food and related products to the chain’s restaurants across the region....
MGM Resorts’ Work to Assist Employee At-Home Water Conservation Is Big Success
MGM Resorts International allocated a $500,000 grant to support Southern Nevada Water Authority’s cash‑for‑grass program for its 55,000 employees. The initiative subsidizes turf removal, smart irrigation controllers, leak detectors and low‑flow fixtures, resulting in more than 100 residential projects and...
Royal Caribbean Expands Australia Season with New Royal Beach Club Lelepa Debut
Royal Caribbean is adding its first Southern Hemisphere private destination, Royal Beach Club Lelepa, to its 2027‑2028 Australia season. The all‑inclusive beach club, located in Vanuatu, will be featured on all South Pacific itineraries departing from Sydney and Brisbane starting...
Reserv by Tambourine Unveils Reserv Encore Multi-Property to Revolutionize Hotel Portfolio Bookings
Tambourine launched Reserv Encore Multi-Property, a new booking engine that lets guests compare and reserve rooms across multiple hotels on a single page. The tool targets hotel clusters, mega‑resorts and collections, offering a unified link, advanced filters and conversion‑focused messaging....
Chicago Mayor Plans to Veto Tipped Wage Freeze
Chicago’s city council voted 30‑to‑18 to freeze the city’s tip credit at 24% of the minimum wage, keeping the tipped minimum at $12.62 per hour. Mayor Brandon Johnson announced he will veto the ordinance, arguing that the stepwise elimination of...
Concord Hospitality Expands Full-Service, Lifestyle Portfolios
Concord Hospitality announced a 2026 expansion of its full‑service management portfolio, opening the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic and assuming control of South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center, Texas’ largest waterside resort. The company also grew its Opus Collection,...
Report: Hotel AI Adoption Surges with 82% Expanding Use in 2026
Canary Technologies’ 2026 global study shows hotels moving from AI experimentation to full‑scale implementation. Seventy‑one percent of hospitality IT leaders say AI is already transformative, while 85% plan to devote at least 5% of their IT budgets to AI tools...
Debra Centurion Joins The Rainemaker Company
The Rainmaker Company announced the appointment of Debra Centurion as Director of New Business Development. Centurion brings over 30 years of hospitality sales experience, including leadership of her own consulting firm that represented FF&E manufacturers. Her expertise spans hotel brands,...
U.S. Hotel Results for Week Ending March 14
The U.S. hotel sector posted solid year‑over‑year gains for the week of March 8‑14, according to CoStar data. Occupancy rose to 65.7%, ADR climbed to $167.97, and RevPAR jumped 5.6% to $110.29. San Francisco posted the strongest performance, with occupancy up 22.1%...
Could an EV Charger Be the Key to Increasing Your Bookings?
Hospitality operators are increasingly adding electric‑vehicle (EV) charging stations as a differentiating amenity, mirroring the evolution of Wi‑Fi and complimentary breakfast. Recent surveys show that EV‑ready hotels attract more bookings, especially from the growing segment of eco‑conscious travelers. Property owners...
Nigeria's Binani Air Certifies for Scheduled Operations
Nigeria's Binani Air obtained an air operator’s certificate for scheduled domestic flights from the NCAA on 17 March. The certification marks the first fully woman‑owned airline in Nigeria, led by Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani. Binani Air already holds an...
Munich Airport Obtains Level 4 ACA Certification
Munich Airport has earned Level 4 certification under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, confirming its alignment with the Paris Agreement and its commitment to net‑zero emissions by 2035. The certification requires absolute reduction targets for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and...
Annua to Open Fifth Property in Summer
Annua Signature Hotels announced the June 1, 2026 opening of Gran Hotel Margalida, its fifth boutique property. The 29‑room oceanfront resort sits above the cliffside village of Banyalbufar on Mallorca, offering Mediterranean‑inspired design and panoramic sea views. Architects Álvaro Onieva...
Zedwell Continues Fast-Paced UK Rollout with York Debut
Criterion Capital announced that its Zedwell capsule‑hotel brand will convert the historic 48 Coney Street in York into a new property. The grade‑II‑listed mock‑Tudor building will join recent Zedwell openings in Oxford and London, where the company launched the world’s...
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex: A Good Card, Or Is There A Better Option?
Marriott’s Bevy® American Express card carries a $250 annual fee and grants Gold elite status, 15 elite nights and a free‑night award after $15,000 spend. The newer Brilliant® American Express card costs $650 but delivers Platinum status, 25 elite nights,...
Bonchon Hires Blas Escarcega as Chief Development Officer
Bonchon, the Dallas‑based Korean fried chicken chain, has hired industry veteran Blas Escarcega as chief development officer to drive its U.S. expansion. Escarcega brings over 20 years of franchise development and real‑estate expertise and will oversee market planning, site selection,...
Ker & Downey Africa: Turning Africa Into Luxury Travel’s Final Frontier
Ker & Downey Africa is redefining ultra‑luxury travel in Africa by turning the continent into a repeat‑visit destination for high‑net‑worth guests. The Cape Town firm blends classic safaris with wine tastings, balloon flights and gorilla treks, all delivered through discreet airport...
Bengaluru Kempegowda Recognised for Customer Experience Excellence
India’s Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has been named the ‘Best Regional Airport in India & South Asia’ for the third year running at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026. The airport also rose to 41st place globally, up from...
Hospitality HR Pivots to Cross-Training Amid Talent Shortage
Hospitality operators across Asia are overhauling HR structures to address a deepening talent shortage, shifting focus from external hiring to retaining existing staff. Marriott International has launched an integrated cross‑training program that enables employees to work across multiple departments and...
Tunisia’s Capital Is Captivating a New Generation of Travelers
Tunis is experiencing a cultural surge as tourism rebounds toward pre‑pandemic levels, with 6.4 million visitors recorded in 2022. Visa‑free entry for the US, Canada and most EU nations, coupled with a favorable exchange rate, makes the city an affordable destination....
How a Localized Influencer Strategy Drove 24% Follower Growth for a Hospitality Brand
Hospitality brands are turning to localized influencer campaigns to amplify reach and drive bookings. In 2025, a targeted strategy using travel‑focused creators lifted a hotel’s social following by 24%, while 71% of travelers reported greater booking intent after seeing authentic...
Access Hospitality Appoints Aravinda Gollapudi as Chief Technology Officer
Access Hospitality, the hospitality‑technology arm of The Access Group, has appointed Aravinda Gollapudi as Chief Technology Officer. Gollapudi, a veteran of Sage, Intuit, Ellie Mae and VeriSign, will steer the company’s global technology strategy, emphasizing agentic AI to create a...
AndBeyond Sandibe Under Canvas and andBeyond Nxabega Under Canvas, Botswana - Opening This Month
andBeyond is adding two ultra‑luxury Under Canvas camps—Sandibe and Nxabega—in Botswana, slated to open in March 2026 with three‑tent configurations and all‑inclusive rates starting at $580 per person. The company also announced the July 2026 re‑opening of Phinda Vlei Lodge...
UNIWORLD REVEALS FIRST LOOK AT NEW SUPER SHIPS DEBUTING IN 2027
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises unveiled two new Super Ships—S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene—set to launch in 2027. The Audrey, inspired by Audrey Hepburn, will sail from 16 April on a Rhine‑Holland itinerary, while the Marlene, echoing Marlene Dietrich, departs 27 March on a Tulips & Windmills...
Sydney Airport Unveils a Host of New F&B Outlets in T3 Domestic
Sydney Airport has launched a revamped food precinct in Terminal 3, adding 11 new dining concepts ranging from coastal Italian to Cantonese dumplings, ramen, Mexican street fare and artisan coffee. The flagship venue, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, brings its iconic...
INTRODUCING OMEON MYKONOS, AN ALL NEW, DESIGN-LED COASTAL RETREAT LAUNCHING APRIL 30, 2026
Omeon Mykonos, a 38‑room adults‑only boutique, opens on April 30, 2026, positioning itself as a design‑led, wellness‑focused retreat on the island. Operated by SWOT Hospitality, the property blends Cycladic minimalism with private pools, spa‑centric amenities and curated Mediterranean dining. It...
AI-Driven Ground Operations: Lessons From Frankfurt Airport in Real Time
Frankfurt Airport has deployed AI‑driven computer‑vision to monitor more than 30 turnaround events, delivering real‑time timestamps and predictive insights. The system provides unprecedented visibility, allowing precise crew and equipment deployment and improving aircraft ready‑time forecasts. Implementation emphasized human‑centred design, data...
Bits: Good Etihad Flight Deals, Hyatt Opens in the Algarve, Edinburgh Grand Opens Its Spa
Etihad has rolled out business‑class fares to major Asian and Australian cities, with prices ranging from £1,562 to £2,549 and a booking deadline of 24 March. Hyatt opened Masana Algarve, a 33‑suite, 4‑star resort in Olhos de Água, expanding its Destination by...
JR East Launches Expanded Rail Pass to Boost Travel Beyond Tokyo
East Japan Railway Company has launched an expanded JR East Pass covering the Tohoku, Nagano and Niigata regions. The new product consolidates the former Tohoku and Nagano‑Niigata passes, offering unlimited travel on Shinkansen, limited‑express, local trains and selected partner lines...
Club Med Opens Reservations for Borneo Resort in Sabah
Club Med announced that reservations for its first East Malaysia resort, Club Med Borneo, will open on March 24, with the property slated to welcome guests beginning November 16, 2026. The beachfront resort in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, spans 17 hectares and will feature 400...
Linstol Expands Audio Portfolio with Sound by Bose
Linstol announced the addition of Sound by Bose headphones to its inflight entertainment portfolio, bringing a globally recognized audio brand onto aircraft cabins. The partnership leverages Bose’s premium acoustic technology alongside Linstol’s airline‑specific integration expertise. The new offering will be...
Europe's Top 20 Airline Groups by Passengers 2025: Ryanair Extends Its Lead over Lufthansa Group
Ryanair remained Europe’s largest airline group in 2025, transporting 206.4 million passengers, its seventh consecutive year at the top. The airline’s lead over Lufthansa Group, the second‑largest carrier with 135.0 million passengers, widened to 71.4 million, surpassing the combined traffic of all but...
John Horsfall Introduces Bedding Collection in Collaboration with Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is set to launch a bespoke onboard bedding collection created with luxury textile maker John Horsfall. The range includes a bolster cushion, wool‑blend throw, dual‑sided pillows with cooling and warming options, and duvets filled with Re‑Thread® recycled material....
Video of the Week: Partnership Power – How Airlines Are Scaling Capability Beyond Their Walls
Airlines are moving from self‑reliance to partnership‑driven models to handle retail, disruption, and customer expectations. At the CAPA Airline Leader Summit, executives highlighted how deep, capability‑led collaborations with specialists are becoming strategic extensions rather than simple vendor relationships. This approach...
MSP Begins Redevelopment Efforts for Terminal 1 Concessions
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is initiating the first major redevelopment of Terminal 1 concessions at Minneapolis‑St. Paul International Airport in nearly a decade. An RFP slated for summer 2026 will offer more than 45 food, beverage and retail locations across...
ASTA Sets Vienna Expo Dates, Legislative Day Forecast
The American Society of Travel Advisors announced its 2027 River Cruise Expo will take place in Vienna from March 10‑14, featuring a record‑size ship inspection with at least 13 cruise brands and 17 vessels. Registration opened after a sold‑out Amsterdam...
EgyptAir A350-900 Enters Service with Panasonic Avionics IFEC Solutions
EgyptAir has launched its new A350‑900 equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ full IFEC suite, becoming the first carrier worldwide to operate the Modular Interactive (MI) authoring platform. The cloud‑based MI tool lets the airline swiftly customize and deploy content, while the...
ALGV Opens 2027 Beach Flight Bookings Early With Frontier
ALG Vacations (ALGV) has opened early bookings for its 2027 Exclusive Nonstop Vacation Flights (ENVF) with Frontier Airlines, linking three Midwest hubs to two Caribbean destinations. Chicago O’Hare will fly nonstop to Cancun, while Cleveland and St. Louis will serve...
Princess Cruises Expands ‘North to Alaska’ Program with New Experiences
Princess Cruises is expanding its North to Alaska program with four new signature experiences for the 2026 season, available on all eight Alaska‑focused ships. The additions include the Glacier Experience with ranger‑led narration and exclusive bow viewing, a Welcome to...
Elite Island Resorts Launches Antigua Campaign With Agent Tools
Elite Island Resorts has unveiled “A Love Letter To Antigua,” a multi‑component campaign designed to equip travel advisors with ready‑made itineraries, an interactive 360° map, and a summer promotion offering a free fifth night at The Verandah Antigua. The initiative...
Royal Caribbean Announces Quantum of the Seas’ Singapore Journeys
Royal Caribbean announced that its Quantum of the Seas will resume operations from Singapore for the 2027‑28 season, running from October 2027 through March 2028. The ship will offer a mix of 3‑ to 10‑night itineraries visiting Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam,...
Sand Bathing: The Ancient Wellness Ritual Making a Global Comeback
Sand bathing, an ancient therapeutic practice that involves lying in heated sand, is experiencing a resurgence across luxury spas and wellness retreats worldwide. Modern practitioners cite benefits such as improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and stress reduction, while recent studies highlight...
Explore Worldwide Announces First Morocco Familiarization Trip
Explore Worldwide has opened applications for its inaugural North American familiarization (FAM) trip to Morocco, a seven‑day, small‑group tour scheduled for June 7‑13, 2026. The program will host up to ten travel‑industry professionals, offering hands‑on exposure to the operator’s responsible‑travel...
3-Hour Security Queues? Closed Airports? What to Know About TSA and the Shutdown
The ongoing federal shutdown has frozen funding for the Department of Homeland Security, leaving TSA screeners without pay and triggering a surge in employee call‑outs. As absenteeism climbs above 10% at many locations, airports such as Atlanta, JFK, Houston Hobby,...
GHA Approaches 1,000 Properties with Addition of Japan’s Tokyu Hotels
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) announced that Tokyu Hotels & Resorts will join its network, adding 42 Japanese properties across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Okinawa. The addition pushes GHA’s portfolio to roughly 950 hotels, edging it toward the 1,000‑property milestone. Tokyu’s...
Airlines That Let You Extend Elite Status for Life Events (New Kid, Illness, School, and More)
Airlines are increasingly allowing elite members to pause or extend their status when major life events—such as a new child, serious illness, job change, or school enrollment—reduce travel frequency. Currently, eleven carriers, including Aegean, Alaska, Delta, and Qantas, have published...
Virgin Limited Edition to Open Hotel Near Marrakech
Virgin Limited Edition, part of the Virgin Hotels Collection, announced a new 37‑suite luxury hotel set on a 10‑hectare private agricultural estate near Marrakech, slated to open in 2027. The project, developed with local real‑estate firm Sazanes Immobilier, blends Moroccan...