“No Bookings at All”: Ravaged by Conflict, How Are Business Owners in the Middle East Navigating Their Shattered Tourism Industry?
The ongoing US‑Israel‑Iran conflict has pushed tourism in the Middle East to the brink of collapse, with hotels reporting 70‑75% cancellations and some businesses receiving only a handful of bookings in a year. Entrepreneurs like chef Fadi Kattan in Bethlehem and eco‑lodge manager Nabil Tarazi in Jordan describe empty streets, shuttered restaurants, and massive revenue losses for hotels, farms and local service providers. Restrictions, military checkpoints, and frequent air strikes have also limited agricultural activities, forcing farmers such as Mohamad Nehme to work in short, pre‑approved shifts. The combined humanitarian crisis and economic fallout threatens to drive thousands of residents out of historic tourism hubs.
Travel Trends Podcast Launches Season 7 with New Themes and Industry Conversations
The Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Travel Trends Podcast launched Season 7 on March 4, introducing five new thematic tracks that explore Sun Holidays, Luxury Hotels, Agentic AI, Loyalty, and Experiences. Hosted by Dan Christian, the series brings founders, CEOs, and senior executives...
How To Use Citi AAdvantage Globe Card Admirals Club Globe Passes
American Airlines’ Citi AAdvantage Globe Mastercard offers a $350 annual fee paired with four annual Admirals Club Globe Passes. The passes load automatically into the airline’s mobile app, grant 24‑hour lounge access for the primary cardholder and a guest, and require a...
TSA Lines Hit up to 3 Hours at Major Hubs as Partial Government Shutdown Drags On
Airport security wait times surged during the fourth week of the partial DHS shutdown, with Houston Hobby Airport experiencing average lines of nearly three hours. Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson and New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong airports reported hour‑long backups, while George Bush Intercontinental...
AMERICA FIRST – THE U.S. TOURISM LAST
U.S. international tourism is contracting sharply, with arrivals down 6% in 2025 and early 2026 figures showing a further 5% drop, keeping roughly 11 million travelers away. Canadian visitors fell about one‑third year‑over‑year, while European arrivals also slipped, eroding demand in...
AIRCRAFT DELIVERY DELAYS WORRY AIRLINES
Airlines are grappling with record passenger demand while aircraft deliveries stall because of a severe engine production bottleneck, especially Pratt & Whitney’s GTF units. Boeing briefly reclaimed the lead in 2026, delivering 46 737 MAX jets in January, surpassing Airbus’s 19 A320neo...
Swiss–Luxembourg and Lombardy Launch Trilateral Innovation Hub for Freshwater Preservation and Sustainable Tourism
A trilateral Innovation Hub linking Luxembourg, Switzerland and Lombardy has been launched to protect freshwater biodiversity through Certified SAFE Marine Areas and to remove plastic from lakes and rivers. The program combines direct field operations, scientific monitoring by OBRIA, and...
16 Hours To Nowhere: Virgin Atlantic Suspends Middle East Routes After Dramatic Dubai U-Turn
Virgin Atlantic announced it will suspend its London‑Heathrow to Dubai service until the end of March due to escalating Middle East conflict and persistent airspace closures. The decision follows a forced U‑turn of flight VS400, which diverted to Budapest after...
Norwich Airport Based Saxon Air Expands Fleet with Agusta AW139 Helicopter for Executive Charters and European Routes, New Update
Saxon Air, a Norwich Airport‑based private charter operator, has bolstered its fleet with a brand‑new 2025 Agusta AW139 helicopter (registration G‑MCFC). The medium‑twin aircraft will serve executive charter flights across the UK and key European destinations such as Paris, as...
Tales & Teacups: A Magical Afternoon Tea for Children at DoubleTree by Hilton
DoubleTree by Hilton London – West End has launched Tales & Teacups, a children‑focused afternoon tea created with Macmillan Children’s Books. The experience blends storytelling, a curated "Book Butler" trolley of titles, and a classic tea menu of sandwiches, scones...
AI Is Transforming Business Trips Across the US and Canada: Is This The End of 20-Page Travel Policies?
The Global Business Travel Association reports that North American firms are rapidly replacing bulky travel manuals with AI‑driven tools. AI video explainers and agentic platforms now translate complex policies into short clips and automatically negotiate itineraries within corporate budgets. Real‑time...
MSC Musica Expands South America Presence for 2026-27 Winter with New Homeports in Paranaguá, Itajaí and Rio De Janeiro, Offering...
MSC Cruises announced that its MSC Musica will sail from three new Brazilian homeports—Paranaguá, Itajaí and Rio de Janeiro—during the 2026‑27 winter season. The ship will run seven‑night itineraries visiting popular coastal spots such as Búzios, Ilha Grande and Ilhabela, filling...
Where to Invest: A Pragmatic View of Hospitality in 2026
Andrew Carey argues that 2026 could become a turning point for hospitality investment as interest rates retreat and debt constants settle between 7% and 9%, reopening the door to positive leverage. However, cap‑rate expectations have not yet risen, keeping pricing...
The Ultimate Guide to World of Hyatt: How To Earn, Redeem, and Maximize Value
World of Hyatt remains one of the most valuable hotel loyalty programs, offering over 1,400 properties across 80+ countries and a tiered award chart that recently shifted to a five‑tier pricing model. Members can earn points through stays, two co‑branded...
The 737 MAX Wants To Cross The Atlantic, And It May Just Win
Airbus has dominated thin transatlantic routes with the A321LR/XLR, but Boeing’s 737 MAX is now making a serious push across the pond. Icelandair already flies more than 3,500 MAX flights to Europe and is phasing out wide‑bodies, while WestJet is adding...
How Adding a ‘Player Two’ Supercharges Your Points and Miles Strategy
The article introduces the “Player Two” model, where a partner or family member joins a points‑and‑miles strategy to amplify earnings and redemption options. By sharing credit‑card applications, referral bonuses, and pooled balances, households can sidestep limits like Chase’s 5/24 rule...
Uber Eats Is Raising Delivery Fees for some Restaurants
Uber Eats announced its first delivery‑fee hike in a decade, raising the Lite tier from 15% to 20% and the Plus tier from 20% to 25% while keeping Premium at 30%. Custom contracts will see a 3% increase, capped at...
Zurich Airport to Further Develop Commercial Experience in Expanded Partnership with Avolta
Zurich Airport has renewed its duty‑free and retail concession with Avolta until 2035, covering 17 locations and all food‑and‑beverage, convenience and duty‑free segments. The extension provides long‑term planning certainty and unlocks targeted capital for upgrading commercial spaces. Avolta will expand...
Malaysia Airlines Deploys Additional European Services to Support Travellers Amid Global Disruptions
Malaysia Airlines announced supplemental Kuala Lumpur‑London Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur‑Paris Charles de Gaulle flights from 6‑8 March 2026, adding capacity amid widespread travel disruptions. The airline will operate the extra services with A350‑900 aircraft alongside its daily schedule, using alternative routes that...
The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts Appoints New Chief Marketing Officer Tom Thrussell
The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts announced Tom Thrussell as its new Chief Marketing Officer, starting 1 February 2026 in Bangkok. Thrussell brings 20 years of experience across hospitality, travel, and financial services, previously leading brand strategy at Maybourne, American Express, and Centara. He will...
What’s Your Community Strategy?
Bars are shifting from pure alcohol sales to becoming community hubs, a change driven by younger patrons who value belonging over drinking. The article cites the "third place" concept, urging establishments to act as informal gathering spots beyond home and...
Charcuterie, Reimagined — No Meat Required
Charcuterie boards have surged 84% on U.S. menus, prompting chefs to expand the category beyond cured meats. Chef Jenna McPartland at Joylark Plant Kitchen & Bar showcases how plant‑based boards can deliver the same sensory satisfaction using fermentation, marination, and...
PANAMA’S TOURISM DESTINATIONS WELCOMED OVER 3 M VISITORS IN 2025
Panama welcomed 3,004,266 foreign visitors in 2025, an 8.2% increase over 2024. Tourism earnings climbed to $6.6 billion, up 9.7% year‑over‑year, driven by stronger air connections, expanded cruise ship access, and a surge in business‑related trips. Tocumen International Airport recorded a...
FROM NFTS TO REAL TRIPS: HOW DIGITAL PROOF IS TRANSFORMING TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
In early 2026 travel brands began replacing traditional key cards with non‑fungible tokens that act as smart access passes, linking a guest’s digital wallet directly to physical entry points. The NFT‑backed system automates room entry, VIP lounge access, and on‑site...
FRENCH SKI RESORTS DEMONSTRATE A SOLID PERFORMANCE
French ski resorts maintained strong performance through February‑March 2026, averaging 80% occupancy despite a 4.5% dip caused by misaligned school holidays. The core two‑week period (Feb 14‑28) saw occupancy surge above 90%, outpacing the previous winter. International overnight stays rose 3.7%,...
American Airlines Unveils Four New A321XLR Europe Winter Routes—Here's Where They'll Fly
American Airlines will launch four new winter transatlantic routes to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Edinburgh and Lisbon using its Airbus A321XLR. The narrow‑body jet, capable of carrying 155 passengers, will operate from Philadelphia between late January and late March, filling seasonal demand that...
Why The Original Boeing 737-700 Concept Still Influences Fleet Strategy
The Boeing 737‑700 remains a linchpin of low‑cost carrier strategy in 2026, offering a rare blend of range, speed, and operational simplicity. Its high‑performance wing, CFM56‑7B engines, and 41,000‑ft service ceiling deliver fuel‑efficient, high‑altitude cruising that outperforms many newer narrowbodies....
Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel Gears Up for 2026 Launch with Hospitality Experts at the Helm
Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel is slated to open in July 2026, repurposing the historic 1913 Gwynne Building in the Fountain District. The project marks the brand’s second U.S. property after Cleveland, aiming to blend modern luxury with the building’s heritage. Leadership...
Vail Resorts Introduces Game-Changing Epic Pass Discounts for Gen Z Skiers and Snowboarders in North America: Everything You Need to...
Vail Resorts unveiled a steep price cut for its 2026/27 Epic Pass, targeting Gen Z skiers and snowboarders in North America. The standard Epic Pass now costs $869, a $220 reduction, while the Epic Local Pass is $649, reflecting a...
Las Vegas Joins Los Angeles, Kansas City, Philadelphia and More US Cities as World Cup 2026 Set to Rejuvenate Tourism...
The United States is banking on the 2026 FIFA World Cup to revive a hospitality sector that suffered a steep decline in foreign tourism, with Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Philadelphia among the cities preparing for a surge in visitors. In...
Angola: The New Giant Emerging in African Tourism
At the 60th ITB Berlin, Angola unveiled its new tourism brand “Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life,” positioning the nation as a serious contender in global travel. Minister Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel called tourism the country’s “green oil,”...
Odd: Uganda Airlines Grounds A330neo Fleet For “Unscheduled Maintenance”
Uganda Airlines has grounded both of its Airbus A330‑800neo aircraft after unscheduled maintenance, leaving its long‑haul fleet idle since mid‑January 2026. The airline announced a suspension of all long‑haul services on February 20, affecting routes to Dubai, London Gatwick and...
American Airlines Expands Digital Wallet Integration for Seamless Traveller Experience
American Airlines has become the first U.S. carrier to integrate boarding passes with Samsung Wallet, allowing passengers to add passes directly from the airline app. The integration pushes real‑time flight details—gate changes, boarding times, seat assignments—into the digital wallet, keeping...
Hawaiian Airlines Elevates First Class Dining Experience with New Executive Chef and Enhanced Hospitality
Hawaiian Airlines has appointed Hawaii‑born chef Dell Valdez as its new executive chef, tasked with revamping the First Class inflight dining program. Valdez will introduce a modern, ingredient‑driven take on Hawaiian cuisine across premium routes, especially between Honolulu, Japan and...
Brussels Airlines Invests in Improved Onboard Product for Passengers in All Booking Classes
Brussels Airlines is rolling out a comprehensive upgrade of its inflight product across all cabins, with the most significant investment in Premium Economy on long‑haul routes. The refresh includes premium tableware, three hot‑meal choices, enhanced entertainment accessories, and a new...
Tampa International Airport Launches Enhanced Passenger Processing in Partnership with U.S. CBP
Tampa International Airport has launched Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, using touchless facial‑comparison technology for U.S. passport holders. The system verifies identity in six to eight seconds, allowing travelers to bypass traditional document...
ASTA Advises Travel Advisors Amid Middle East Disruptions
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has released new guidance for travel advisors as the Middle East conflict disrupts air travel, cruises, and tours. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” alert for Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan...
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marks International Women’s Day
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) marked International Women’s Day with its “Give To Gain” campaign, highlighting the pivotal role of women in the region’s tourism sector. CHTA called on members to shift from mere recognition to concrete actions...
Wedding Destinations: Anantara Curates Europe’s Most Romantic Wedding Destinations for 2026
Anantara has unveiled a curated list of Europe’s most romantic wedding destinations for 2026, spotlighting five flagship properties in Rome, Amalfi, Marbella, Vienna and Budapest. Each venue blends historic architecture, local culture and luxury amenities, from rooftop terraces overlooking the...
A Kaleidoscope of Color, Texture, and Pattern, Africa's First "Designer Suite" Just Called It: Minimalism Is Dead — Long Live...
South African designer Thebe Magugu has unveiled the Thebe Magugu Suite and Magugu House at Cape Town’s Mount Nelson, marking his debut in luxury hospitality design. The two‑story suite blends Afro‑modernist colour, texture and pattern with handcrafted South African art, furniture and bespoke amenities. Adjacent...
Innisfree Hotels Announces Opening of The Landing, Pensacola Beach’s Newest Waterfront Event Venue
Innisfree Hotels is launching The Landing, a new waterfront event venue on Pensacola Beach, featuring panoramic ocean views and a private stretch of sand. The grand opening includes a vendor expo on March 6 and a ticketed low‑country shrimp boil on...
The Dyrt Publishes Seven Road Trip Guides That Span America
The Dyrt has launched a collection of seven road‑trip guides that map iconic U.S. routes—from the Atlantic Coast Highway to Route 66—each paired with ten top‑rated campgrounds. The guides blend brief route histories, recommended travel durations, optimal seasons, and practical details...
Have We Underestimated the Benefits of Mastercard Priceless?
Mastercard’s Priceless program provides cardholders with exclusive discounts, elite status upgrades, and hard‑to‑get tickets to events across the UK and globally. Recent experiences show access to sold‑out theatre shows, backstage ballet rehearsals, and charity‑linked UEFA Champions League tickets. Many offers,...
SAS Airlines Brings BBC Nordic Onboard
SAS Airlines has become the first carrier to launch a dedicated BBC Nordic on‑demand channel, thanks to a partnership brokered by Touch Inflight Solutions. The new offering provides passengers with a curated selection of British titles, ranging from murder mysteries...
SEKISUI KYDEX Unveils Latest Eco-Conscious Product Development
SEKISUI KYDEX introduced KYDEX® ECO™ 6565HI, a new aviation‑interior material built on renewable raw materials and verified life‑cycle assessment data. The thermoplastic sheet delivers an 8% cut in global warming potential and a 195% reduction in acidification potential while remaining...
Gen Z Travelers in 2026 Prioritize Experiences, Direct Bookings, and Digital Tools
A Cafeteria study of 900 Gen Z travelers shows that by 2026 the cohort will prioritize unique experiences, direct bookings, and digital tools over traditional luxury travel. They are willing to sacrifice higher‑priced flights and hotels to spend on local food,...
Block House Opening as Gastown’s only Hotel
Kalido House Hotels is launching Block House, a 19‑suite boutique property that becomes Gastown’s only dedicated hotel. The opening on March 21 marks the debut of Kalido’s unified brand after its Smithe House and Keefer House concepts. Block House blends mid‑century design, heritage architecture and...
MSC Steps Up to Return Cruise Passengers Stranded in Dubai
MSC, the world’s third‑largest cruise line, began repatriating stranded guests after the Strait of Hormuz closure left six ships immobilized in the Persian Gulf. The company chartered seven flights and secured commercial seats, moving more than 1,500 passengers from the...
Quasar Expeditions’ Darwin Family Cruise and Galapagos Exploration
Quasar Expeditions announced its 40th‑anniversary Darwin Family Cruise, an eight‑day Galapagos itinerary sailing July 18‑25. The trip aboard the newly renovated Quasar Evolution, limited to 32 guests, will visit both popular and remote islands such as San Cristóbal, Genovesa and Santa Fe....
Incentives Drive 2026 Riviera Cruises Across Europe
Riviera Travel launched a March‑April 2026 incentive program for North American agents booking European river cruises through 2027. The scheme offers a $75 gift card per reservation and a $3,000 grand prize for the top booker, measured by passenger count...