Accor Exec Warns AI Could Weaken Hotels’ ‘Human Connection’
Accor’s European and North‑Africa CEO Karelle Lamouche warned that while artificial intelligence drives pricing, personalization and marketing efficiencies, an over‑reliance could erode the human connection that defines hospitality. She highlighted risks such as disintermediation, commoditisation and loss of brand differentiation if AI dominates guest interactions. Accor continues to deploy AI tools but insists technology should support, not replace, authentic guest relationships. The caution was voiced at the ITB Berlin conference, underscoring a strategic tension across the hotel sector.
$185 Million Monarch San Antonio, TX Hotel Debuts With 200 Rooms Downtown
Hotel News Resource reports that the $185 million Monarch San Antonio, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, opened in the Hemisfair District with 200 rooms, including 28 suites. The 17‑story property offers upscale amenities such as a full‑service spa, a 550‑sq‑ft fitness...
Envisioning the NextGen Pizza Restaurant Experience
Happy Joe’s is rolling out its first Arizona location, a NextGen prototype slated for spring 2026 near Tucson, that blends family‑focused entertainment—game room, golf simulator, fire‑pit patio—with a hybrid service model offering a value‑priced lunch buffet and full‑service dinner. CEO...
Tourism Emergency Procedures Activated in Israel and Gulf Region
Israel's Ministry of Tourism launched Operation “Roaring Lion,” activating 24/7 virtual assistance and shuttle services to expedite tourist departures via the Taba border crossing. Four land border crossings remain operational with specific hours, while Destination Management Companies retain full logistical...
This Week’s Comings & Goings
This week’s hospitality news is dominated by a series of senior‑level appointments across hotels, resorts, and related service firms. Trailborn Hotels & Resorts named Paul Eckert COO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts hired Amit Sripathi CFO, and Westgate Resorts added Jared...
From Culture to Contactless: How Alliants Is Transforming Hospitality
Alliants CEO Tristan Gadsby and VP Gareth Fraser discussed how the company’s people‑first culture fuels its hospitality technology strategy. The firm emphasizes automating routine tasks with AI while empowering staff to deliver exceptional, contactless guest experiences, exemplified at Resorts World...
Citrus County Latest Travel News: Fewer Canadian Snowbirds Visiting Florida’s Nature Coast
Citrus County’s traditional influx of Canadian snowbirds is waning, with recent tourism data showing fewer winter visitors from Canada. Analysts attribute the dip to a stronger U.S. dollar, higher airfare and fuel costs, and shifting preferences toward Mexico, the Caribbean,...
The Hawthorn by Galway Bay Joins Ireland’s Luxury Golf Hotel Collection
The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, a €60 million luxury resort, will open in May 2026 as Ireland’s first five‑star hotel in Galway in over two decades. The property features 114 rooms—including junior and penthouse suites—an 18‑hole championship golf course originally designed by...
The Monarch, a Luxury Hotel in San Antonio, Offers Refined Accommodations and Culinary Excellence, Boosting Their Hospitality Sector in the...
The Monarch, a $185 million, 17‑story luxury hotel in San Antonio, opened under Zachry Hospitality and Hilton’s Curio Collection. Featuring 200 rooms—including 28 suites—its butterfly‑inspired design integrates natural materials, a $2 million La Mariposa art pavilion, and expansive public spaces. The property houses...
NYC, Boston, Philadelphia Travel Boom Latest: Historic Walking Tours Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
A walking‑tour operator has launched the Independence Trail Tours across New York City, Boston and Philadelphia, timed for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. The small‑group, guide‑led experiences weave through Revolutionary‑War landmarks such as Federal Hall, the Freedom Trail...
From Skateboarding to 11 Locations: How Neen Williams Built NADC Burger
Neen Williams, a professional skateboarder turned strength coach, turned his online health‑focused content into NADC Burger, a fast‑casual chain now operating 11 locations. He first launched a line of spice blends to build audience trust, then partnered with Michelin‑starred chef...
Thompson Savannah Appoints Ari Taymor Executive Chef
Thompson Savannah has hired acclaimed chef Ari Taymor as its new Executive Chef, tasking him with directing four distinct dining venues that emphasize locally sourced, seasonal Southern fare. The concepts include the signature Fleeting restaurant, rooftop Bar Julian, artisan bakery...
Rogers Bank Introduces the Rogers Red World Legend™ Mastercard, Canada's First World Legend Card
Rogers Bank has introduced the Rogers Red World Legend™ Mastercard, Canada’s first World Legend‑branded credit card, priced at a $495 annual fee and featuring a metal design. The card offers 2% cash back globally for Rogers‑affiliated customers (1.5% for others),...
LATAM Airlines Soars with Costa Brazil Amenity Kits, Facilitated by WESSCO
In December 2025 LATAM Airlines introduced the Altitude Collection, a series of six collectible amenity kits created with Brazilian brand Costa Brazil and executed by WESSCO International. The kits draw on South America’s diverse landscapes, using vegan, Amazon‑sourced ingredients and...
RMT Spotlights Collapsible ATLAS Drawer
RMT Global Partners introduced the Collapsible ATLAS Drawer, a lightweight galley drawer that folds flat when not in use. Designed with input from caterers and cabin crews, the drawer features snap‑open and quick‑collapse mechanisms that speed loading and reduce handling...
Olo Launches First Consumer-Facing Digital Ordering App
Restaurant technology platform Olo unveiled its first consumer‑facing digital ordering app as part of the new Olo Network. The app functions like a marketplace but charges restaurants zero commission and lets them retain full guest‑data ownership. Built on the password‑free...
Gategroup Introduces Conscious Kitchen, Inspiring New Era for Special Meals
gategroup has launched Conscious Kitchen, a cross‑functional initiative that reimagines airline special meals as purpose‑built, plant‑forward, and nutritionally balanced offerings. The program embeds ESG, nutrition, procurement and operations expertise into a monthly working group, driving lower‑impact cooking methods and waste...
Family Favourite in South Tyrol Gets Upgraded Star Rating
The Falkensteinerhof hotel in South Tyrol has been upgraded to a 4 * Superior rating following a comprehensive refurbishment completed in 2025. The renovation adds modernised interiors, expanded wellness facilities with adult‑only and family saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, and new...
Q A with Icelandair: Serving Special Meals with Certainty
Icelandair has rolled out an allergen‑guaranteed special‑meal program that delivers sealed, passenger‑opened boxes on roughly one‑third of its flights. Developed with Foodcase International under the Libero Special Meals Program, the service adheres to a strict EU/U.K. Top 14 allergen‑free framework and...
Wellness Retreats and Resorts Designed for Today’s Female Traveler
Luxury resorts are increasingly designing wellness retreats specifically for female travelers, capitalizing on the momentum of International Women’s Day. Ananda in the Himalayas offers a data‑driven, Ayurveda‑centric program for high‑performing women dealing with burnout and hormonal issues. In Phuket, Layan...
CAAS Makes Plans for Singapore’s Airspace
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) outlined a strategic plan to manage rapid air‑traffic growth in the Asia‑Pacific region. CAAS provides navigation services over 670,000 km², with 400 controllers handling 676,000 movements annually, including 374,000 at Changi Airport in 2025—a...
The Most Versatile Item on Your Menu Might Already Be There
Red sauce has become a staple across full‑service restaurant menus, rising from 63% of menus in 2022 to 74% in 2025, according to Datassential. Operators favor Red Gold’s fully‑prepared marinara because it offers a long‑shelf‑life, consistent flavor, and the ability to...
Outrigger Names Nathan Decker Director of Group Sales
Outrigger Hospitality Group announced the appointment of Nathan Decker as director of group sales, effective March 2, 2026. In his new role he will pursue new sales prospects and deepen client relationships across the brand’s properties and commercial unit. Decker arrives with...
Partner with Hospitality’s 2025 Transaction Leader
Marcus & Millichap topped North America’s hospitality brokerage in 2025, closing 258 deals worth $2 billion. The firm credits its expansive buyer network and deep market expertise for the performance. This achievement places the company ahead of traditional competitors across all...
NEW INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY AT SHREVEPORT REGIONAL AIRPORT
Mumford Company is marketing a Residence Inn at Shreveport Regional Airport as a new investment opportunity. The hotel sits directly off Interstate 20, adjacent to the airport exit, and is close to multiple commercial and recreational demand generators. It is currently...
JLL Arranges $37M Financing for Ambiente
JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group arranged a $37 million non‑recourse refinancing for Ambiente, a 40‑room adults‑only luxury landscape hotel in Sedona, Arizona. The deal, executed through a debt fund, includes a sizable cash‑out component that recapitalizes the property to fund ongoing...
Buy Southwest Rapid Rewards Points With a 50% Discount Through April 4
Southwest Airlines is offering a limited‑time 50% discount on Rapid Rewards point purchases, pricing points at 1.5¢ each through April 4, 2026. The discount applies to purchases of 5,000 points or more, with a minimum buy of 2,000 points and a daily...
Chatham Acquires Six Hilton-Branded Hotels for $92M
Chatham Lodging Trust bought six Hilton‑branded hotels for $92 million, adding 589 rooms in Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri. The portfolio averages ten years of age, with 66% of rooms classified as extended‑stay, and posted 2025 RevPAR of $116 and EBITDA margins...
5 Mistakes Pizza Restaurants Make with Their Digital Menus
Pizza operators face intense competition, making digital menus a critical differentiator. Common pitfalls include cluttered item lists, weak visuals, unsynced POS data, paper‑style kiosk designs, and treating kiosks merely as labor‑saving tools. Experts at INFI show that optimized, visual‑first kiosks...
Expedition Cruise Network Launches New Membership Category
Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) has added two new operator members—66° Expeditions and Royal Galapagos—bringing its total to 32. ECN also launched an Associate Membership tier, admitting Kaptio and The Polar Collective as the first associates. The new category targets organizations linked...
Widewaters Selects Schulte Hospitality Group to Operate Hotels
Widewaters has appointed Schulte Hospitality Group (SHG) to manage its portfolio of seven hotels, covering day‑to‑day operations, revenue management, sales and marketing, and food‑and‑beverage programming. The partnership also retains Basin Ventures as the asset‑management overseer to drive value across the...
American Express Opens First Sidecar Dining Concept at Las Vegas Airport — Here’s a First Look Inside
American Express launched Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport, a compact, restaurant‑style concept that seats just 33 guests. The space replaces the traditional lounge model with upscale small plates, curated cocktails and a rotating selection of Old‑World wines,...
How to Make a Pillow Menu Work for Your Hotel
Hotel pillow menus, a legacy of the late‑1990s, are resurging as a low‑cost way to personalize sleep. By letting guests select from three to seven pillow types—soft, medium, firm, hypoallergenic or down—properties can turn a routine stay into a memorable...
How Can Predictive Operations Transform Airport Management?
Heathrow Airport has appointed Netcompany as its primary digital operations partner, deploying the AIRHART Airport Operations Orchestration Platform. The solution promises real‑time situational awareness, AI‑driven decision support and predictive planning for the hub’s 80 million annual passengers. By consolidating airline, ground...
Rail Europe Joins Pleasant Holidays’ Global Rail Portfolio
Pleasant Holidays has expanded its global rail portfolio by adding Rail Europe, granting travel advisors access to regional and high‑speed train services across more than 20 European countries. The partnership brings major carriers such as SNCF, DB, Trenitalia, and Eurostar...
SUNRATE and Repayd Join Hands to Power Global Payments
SUNRATE, a global payment and treasury platform, announced a strategic partnership with travel‑focused merchant‑account provider Repayd at ITB Berlin 2026. The alliance merges SUNRATE’s worldwide financial network with Repayd’s specialist travel payment infrastructure. Together they will deliver faster international payouts,...
Omio Group Breaks Boundaries, Accelerating Product Innovation and Market Expansion
At ITB Berlin 2026, Omio Group announced a dual‑track growth strategy focused on technology innovation and global expansion. The travel platform now serves over one billion users, with inventory from 3,000 partners in 46 countries, and aims to operate in...
Atlific Hotels Adds Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre to Its Portfolio
Atlific Hotels announced it will assume management of Nova Scotia’s Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre effective February 17, 2026. The coastal property features 119 nautically inspired guestrooms, ocean‑front chalets, suites, and villas, complemented by extensive amenities including indoor/outdoor pools,...
Detroit's Motown Museum Announces Reopening Date
Detroit’s historic Motown Museum confirmed it will reopen its doors on July 1, 2024, ending a year‑long closure for extensive renovations. The revival includes upgraded audio‑visual installations, expanded exhibit space, and a new interactive experience that traces the label’s global...
LyvInn Hotels Speeds up UK and European Expansion
LyvInn Hotels is accelerating its European rollout after its 164‑room flagship in Frankfurt delivered a revenue generation index 35% above peers. The budget‑lifestyle brand targets 14 new openings across the UK and Europe by 2029, using a hybrid model of...
Thailand Presents ‘The New Thailand’ Vision at ITB Berlin 2026
The Tourism Authority of Thailand unveiled its “The New Thailand” vision at ITB Berlin 2026, centering on the “Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury” concept. The Thailand pavilion showcased 165 operators, including 89 with sustainability certifications, and promoted hidden‑gem destinations...
How 4 Restaurant Chains Are Using AI Today
At Olo’s Beyond4 conference, leading restaurant chains demonstrated that artificial intelligence has moved from speculative hype to everyday operations. Krispy Kreme is testing AI agents for contract management, while Nekter Juice Bar uses bots for SEO, social media, and an...
Dutch Bros' First Los Angeles Location Has Everything but the Drive-Thru
Dutch Bros opened its first Los Angeles walk‑thru store near USC in late November, marking the chain’s initial foray into an urban, drive‑thru‑free format. The location has become the chain’s top‑performing shop, with mobile‑order traffic three times the system average....
Indonesia Promotes #GoBeyondOrdinary at ITB Berlin 2026
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism launched the #GoBeyondOrdinary campaign at ITB Berlin 2026, occupying a 441 m² pavilion in Hall 26. The exhibition featured over 91 industry participants from 11 provinces, highlighting marine, gastronomy, wellness, traditional textiles, and Muslim‑friendly tourism. Minister Widiyanti emphasized the...
Cheese Is Melting All over Menus, Giving Sales a Solid Boost
Cheese‑centric dishes have become a viral sensation after Chili’s popularized the ooey‑gooey pull on social media. Casual‑dining chains quickly followed, rolling out cheese‑laden burgers, fries, and appetizers to capture the buzz. The trend has translated into measurable sales lifts, with...
Jean-Georges Vongerichten Restaurants in New York's Tin Building Have Shuttered
Famed chef Jean‑Georges Vongerichten’s Tin Building complex in Manhattan’s Seaport has permanently closed. The 50,000‑square‑foot venue, which housed The Fulton, The Frenchman’s Dough, House of the Red Pearl, T. Brasserie and other concepts, shut its doors on Feb 23, ending a $200 million...
The Secret Behind the Success of Dave's Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Jim Bitticks discussed the brand’s explosive growth on the Restaurant Business podcast, highlighting its recent acquisition by private‑equity firm Roark Capital. He explained how the company’s operator‑executive model drives consistency while enabling rapid expansion across the...
Cracker Barrel Sees some Progress in Rebound From Logo Saga
Cracker Barrel’s traffic fell 10.1% YoY in the quarter ending Jan. 30, driving a 7.1% same‑store sales decline, the second consecutive period of steep foot‑traffic loss after its controversial logo change. The chain has shifted focus to food quality, service and its...
US$12.5 Trillion in Travel & Tourism Investment Drive to Shape G20 Competitiveness Through 2035
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects $12.5 trillion of travel‑and‑tourism investment across G20 economies through 2035, outpacing demand growth of 3.3% per year with a 4.6% annual investment rise. The report, released at ITB Berlin with Oxford Economics, warns...
New York’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel Will Stage a Private Broadway Show in Your Suite
The Ritz‑Carlton New York, Central Park has launched a "Curtain Call" package that brings a private 60‑minute Broadway performance directly into guest suites. Guests can select songs from top shows like Wicked, Hamilton, and The Lion King, enjoy light refreshments, and meet...