WestJet Drops Raleigh-Durham, Cuts 16 US Routes Amid Travel Decline
WestJet will discontinue 16 U.S. routes, cutting about 13 % of its transborder seat capacity for 2026. The airline cites a sustained decline in leisure travel demand, with Canadian departures to the United States down 12.5 % year‑over‑year in 2025. Political friction, including tariff threats, has further dampened consumer sentiment. WestJet will drop routes from Calgary to Raleigh‑Durham, Edmonton to Atlanta and Nashville, and multiple West Coast connections, trimming its U.S. seat inventory by roughly 13 %.
It's Time for Banh Mi to Go National, Says This Vietnamese Sandwich Pioneer
Vietnamese sandwich pioneer Bun Mee, founded in San Francisco in 2011, operates five Bay Area locations. The brand is launching its first New York City outlet through a franchisee, marking its inaugural entry into the East Coast market. This move...
Major Explosions Rock Riyadh: Saudi Tourism, Air Travel & Regional Conflict Impact
Massive explosions rattled Riyadh, prompting immediate safety alerts and disrupting air traffic at King Khalid International Airport. Authorities have not confirmed causes or casualty numbers, but flights face delays and possible rerouting amid heightened regional tension. Western governments issued travel...
The Airport as a Broader Transport Hub
Airports are no longer judged solely by runway capacity or airline connections; they are now evaluated on how seamlessly they integrate with rail, metro, road and emerging modes like eVTOLs. Multimodal hubs enable passengers to book door‑to‑door journeys, as exemplified...
Holland America Line Unveils 2027/2028 South America & Antarctica Season
Holland America Line announced its 2027‑2028 South America and Antarctica cruise season, running from October 2027 through March 2028. The program features 14‑day‑plus itineraries on Nieuw Amsterdam and Zuiderdam, including a 26‑day Inca Coast voyage, a 28‑day Amazon Explorer, and a 22‑day South...
PRINCESS GRAND JAMAICA TO REOPEN MARCH 1, MARKING FULL RETURN OF PRINCESS HOTELS & RESORTS JAMAICA
Princess Grand Jamaica will reopen on March 1, 2026, restoring the full two‑resort portfolio of Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica after the February launch of Princess Senses The Mangrove. The family‑focused resort features 590 ocean‑view suites, an aquatic park, kids...
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi Drives Over 100 Million USD in Savings
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) partnered with Ivalua to overhaul its procurement function, delivering over 400 million AED (more than 100 million USD) in savings across 2024‑2025. Streamlined contract‑lifecycle management and a centralized repository cut procurement cycle times by 23 %...
Stretch Your Stay with Affordable Road Trip Adventures This Spring in North Dakota
North Dakota Tourism is promoting affordable spring road‑trip itineraries that emphasize slower travel and extended stays. The agency highlights three main corridors—the I‑94 Badlands route, the U.S. Highway 2 northern corridor, and the Enchanted Highway—each paired with budget‑friendly lodging and cultural...
FIRST LIGHT RESORTS ANNOUNCES THREE NEW REASONS TO LOVE YOSEMITE
First Light Resorts announced three visitor‑focused upgrades for Yosemite: a 2026 shift from peak‑hour reservations to real‑time traffic management, an online ticket‑purchase system that speeds entry, and new Wi‑Fi at the Big Oak Flat entrance. These changes aim to reduce...
China Shatters Tourism Records as Millions of International Travelers Descend on Iconic Cities and Hidden Paradises During Spring Festival 2025...
China’s 2025 Spring Festival set a new record for international tourism, with millions of visitors flocking to both iconic metropolises and lesser‑known regions. Streamlined visa policies, including a 240‑hour visa‑free transit, and a surge in cultural‑focused itineraries drove a 21.29%...
Sri Lanka Launches Digital Nomad Visa in 2026, Offering Remote Workers a Paradise Destination: All You Need To Know
Sri Lanka officially launched a digital nomad visa in February 2026, offering remote workers a one‑year stay that can be renewed annually for a €425 fee. Eligible applicants must earn at least €1,700 per month, with an additional €425 required...
RIU Hotels Deepens Travel Safety Commitments in the Americas
RIU Hotels & Resorts announced an expanded child‑protection programme across the United States, the Dominican Republic and Quintana Roo, Mexico. The chain has signed new agreements with PACT USA, MAIS‑ECPAT and ECPAT Mexico, elevating its status to a “Changemaker for...
This Hidden Heritage Boutique Hotel in Sighisoara Is Being Called Transylvania’s Most Magical Stay – And You’ll Want to Book...
Heritage Boutique Hotel, tucked inside Sighisoara’s UNESCO‑listed medieval citadel, is being hailed as Transylvania’s most magical stay. The 18‑room property blends restored stone walls and wooden details with modern comforts such as high‑speed Wi‑Fi, air‑conditioning and complimentary breakfast. Rates in...
Dining Trends Forecast for 2026
The 2026 dining outlook emphasizes cleaner, lighter cuisine that puts high‑quality ingredients front and center. Restaurateurs are pivoting from flashy indulgence to relationship‑driven hospitality, offering personalized service, non‑alcoholic pairings, and curated take‑out experiences. Trends such as mushroom‑centric menus, fermentation, plant‑forward...
LAST DAY: Get a 25% Bonus on HSBC Premier Credit Card Points Conversions to Avios
HSBC is offering a limited‑time 25% bonus on converting HSBC Premier credit‑card points to British Airways Avios, ending at midnight on 28 February 2026. The bonus applies only to transfers into a BA Avios account and the bonus points usually arrive instantly,...
Women Travelers Find New Freedom with Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises is launching a Zero Single Supplement program on seven South Pacific itineraries, eliminating extra fees for solo travelers starting March 2026. The small‑ship m/s Paul Gauguin, refurbished with private balconies and upgraded amenities, will sail to destinations...
Wynn Rewards Members Can Save 30% on Sailings With a New Partner Cruise Line — Here’s How
Wynn Rewards has switched its exclusive cruise partner from Holland America to MSC Cruises, offering members up to a 30% discount on select MSC sailings. The benefit can be self‑activated online or via the Wynn app, with vouchers required by...
Scooters Coffee Reaches 900 Stores Nationwide with 83 New Locations Added in 2025 Across 32 States
Scooter’s Coffee announced it has reached 900 stores nationwide, adding 83 new locations in 2025 across 32 states. The expansion represents a 10% increase over the prior year, following a 16% growth spurt in 2024. The company attributes the growth...
How a K-Shaped Economy Is Rewriting the Rules for Restaurants
Independent restaurants are feeling a K‑shaped economy where high‑spending guests continue to splurge while price‑sensitive diners cut back, creating a mismatch between busy dining rooms and shrinking profit margins. Rising labor and food costs, combined with lower check averages and...
Turkish Airlines Denies Reports of Iran Flight Cancellations Amid Regional Tensions
Turkish Airlines publicly refuted claims that it had halted all flights to Iran, confirming that daytime services remain operational. Evening departures from Istanbul to Tehran were cancelled, but the airline framed these as routine operational adjustments rather than a strategic...
Celebrating Women Who Shape Travel Advisor Success
Travel advisor platform Travelsavers highlighted two senior women executives for International Women’s Day. Chief Sales Officer Kathryn Mazza‑Burney credits crisis‑driven customer service and agency‑focused consulting for reshaping the business model. Marketing head Nicole Mazza says the pandemic taught her that...
IHG Platinum Elite: Room Upgrades, Late Checkout, Award Discounts, and More
IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite offers a balanced mix of perks and accessibility, delivering a 60 % points bonus, space‑available upgrades and Milestone Rewards. Travelers can earn the tier by completing 40 nights or accumulating 60,000 qualifying points, or obtain it...
This Week in Travel: Top Stories You Can’t Miss
Travel industry updates this week include Marival Group’s COO detailing how the hotel chain protected guests during the Jalisco cartel‑related unrest and confirmed that flights to western Mexico have fully resumed. TSA PreCheck will remain operational despite a partial federal...
El Pollo Loco Launches a Protein Menu
El Pollo Loco unveiled a "Protein Packed Menu" featuring 24 items priced under $15, each delivering 23 to 74 grams of protein. The lineup includes burritos, bowls, salads and a chicken side, all built around the chain’s citrus‑marinated, fire‑grilled chicken....
NRF’s Retail’s Big Show Is Driving the Next Wave of Restaurant Innovation
The National Retail Federation’s Retail’s Big Show in New York is now a proving ground for restaurant technology, showcasing AI, automation, and data‑driven loyalty tools that were once retail‑only. Sessions highlighted Dine Brands’ 34% cut in ticket‑resolution time and the...
AAHOA Shares Details of 2026 HYPE Conference
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association hosted its 2026 Helping Young Professionals Evolve (HYPE) conference in Miami, gathering emerging hospitality leaders for two days of education and networking. Sessions covered leadership, extended‑stay performance, AI‑driven operations, financing through AAHO Lending, and...
Hotel Executives Highlight Benefits of Asset-Heavy Ownership at Industry Event
Hotel executives at a recent industry forum championed asset‑heavy ownership, citing control over development, favorable debt terms, and stronger ESG execution. Whitbread, Fattal and Essendi disclosed that a majority of their portfolios are owned outright, enabling rapid market entry and...
What to Tip When Traveling—And How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off
Travelers face a complex tipping landscape as customs vary worldwide, from modest European gratuities to mandatory U.S. percentages. Google searches for travel‑tip guidance jumped 121% this year, highlighting growing anxiety. In the United States, digital payment presets push tip rates...
HVS Las Vegas Casino & Hotel Market Outlook 2026 - By Shannon S. Okada
Las Vegas’ casino and hotel market showed modest declines in 2025 visitation compared with 2024, yet resilience persisted thanks to a robust calendar of major events and sports‑driven traffic. Per‑visitor spending rose, shifting performance drivers from sheer volume to premium...
Industry Excellence Honored At AX Awards Gala
The Airport Experience (AX) Awards Gala celebrated top performers in airport concessions, hospitality, and property management, drawing more than 450 North American executives. The ceremony recognized excellence across nearly 40 categories, including best passenger service, sustainability initiatives, and DE&I leadership....
Red Cliffs Lodge Moab Announces Property-Wide Renovation
Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab has completed a property‑wide renovation that revamps its lodge, 79 guest rooms, and 31 riverfront cabins, while introducing Ember, a new signature restaurant and cocktail lounge. The redesign emphasizes natural materials, floor‑to‑ceiling river views, and...
HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin Week Ending 20 February 2026
The HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin for the week ending 20 February 2026 lists a series of high‑profile hotel deals across the continent. Indian conglomerate SanRaj, via Clearsense Ventures, bought three Accor‑branded hotels in the UK (478 rooms) from Ares and EQ....
OTG Announces Leadership Changes
On The Go (OTG) announced Matt King as its new chief executive officer, replacing Jeff Yablun who moves to a senior‑advisor role. King brings over 30 years of multi‑unit foodservice, hospitality and airport‑concession experience, most recently as president of Elior...
The Life of a Slipper: Spa & Wellness Form and Function - By Peter Anderson
Peter Anderson’s article uses the seemingly trivial choice between disposable and reusable spa slippers to illustrate how micro‑level decisions shape the financial performance, brand identity, and sustainability of resort spas. He argues that spas are no longer ancillary amenities but...
ORF Appoints Humphrey As Senior Manager Of Airside Operations
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) has named Jerald Humphrey senior manager of airside operations. Humphrey brings more than two decades of United States Navy experience, most recently as air operations officer at Naval Air Station Oceana. He highlighted the airport’s growth,...
MIA Extends Hudson, HMSHost Contracts
Miami International Airport has secured 12‑year extensions with concessionaires Hudson and HMSHost, allowing them to continue operating existing venues and launch new concepts across the North, Central and South terminals. The extensions are part of the airport’s $9 billion Modernization in...
Avolta Launches Health-Conscious Concessions Line
Avolta has launched its health‑focused "Eat Well. Travel Further." concession line at Chicago O’Hare, with Los Angeles International and Phoenix Sky Harbor slated for later rollout. The collection offers high‑protein, plant‑based, macro‑balanced items free from artificial flavors, synthetic colors, high‑fructose...
UK Aviation Minister Visits London City Airport and New CEO Andy Cliffe
London City Airport outlined a plan to lift annual traffic to 9 million passengers, following 2024 government approval to increase capacity without adding flight movements. Aviation Minister Keir Mather visited the airport, meeting new CEO Andy Cliffe and frontline staff. The growth...
Choice Hotels Kicks Off 11th Annual Mastery Tech Innovation Summit
Choice Hotels International launched its 11th annual Mastery technology and innovation summit in Scottsdale, gathering more than 800 associates for a week of hands‑on workshops, competitions and knowledge‑sharing sessions. The agenda centers on artificial intelligence, cloud platforms, data analytics, and...
Six Senses The Palm, Dubai Resort to Open September 2026
Six Senses announced that its Palm Jumeirah resort will welcome guests starting September 1, 2026. The property will host 61 luxury suites and 172 privately‑owned branded residences, designed by SAOTA with stone and timber elements. A 60,000‑square‑foot spa will feature...
Green Lodging News Is Media Sponsor for AHLA Responsible Stay, F&B Summits
Green Lodging News announced its role as media sponsor for the AHLA Responsible Stay and Food & Beverage Summits taking place March 3‑4 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, Virginia. The two‑day event will feature high‑profile sustainability leaders and crossover...
Arik Funds Paid UmzaXpress Insurance, Lagos Court Hears
Nigeria’s EFCC testified that Arik Air funds were used to pay insurance premiums for rival carrier UmzaXpress, indicating improper financial flows. The testimony was delivered during the Lagos Special Offences Court trial of former Arik executives, AMCON officials, Union Bank...
Agentic Hotel Bookings: Three Models, Not One
The hospitality sector is grappling with three distinct "agentic" booking models—AI‑assisted, AI‑mediated, and AI‑executed—each demanding its own technology stack, payment rails, and data architecture. Meanwhile, hotels continue to lose 10‑25% of potential revenue when phone inquiries are not converted into...
Agentic Hotel Bookings: What Are We Actually Talking About Here?
Agentic hotel booking is a buzzword covering three separate models: AI‑assisted booking via consumer AI platforms, AI‑mediated booking within a hotel’s own digital environment, and AI‑executed agent‑to‑agent booking where autonomous agents complete transactions. Each model demands different technical stacks, payment...
STR/Tourism Economics Forecast Shows Uneven 2026 Hotel Growth Across Major Global Markets
The 2026 hotel market forecast from STR and Tourism Economics shows uneven growth across regions. Europe’s RevPAR is projected to rise to 1.1% driven by the Milan‑Cortina Olympics and luxury demand in Paris, while 11 European markets face occupancy pressure...
Hot Off the Press – Exhibitor First Look
TTG Media’s new Black Book luxury travel trade show debuts in London, gathering a curated roster of destination specialists, cruise lines, hotels and tour operators. The event partners with XO Private to link elite experiences with travel designers, offering one‑on‑one...
Stayntouch Launches AI-Powered Guest Messaging
Stayntouch introduced an AI‑powered guest messaging tool embedded within its property management system, debuting at ITB Berlin. The solution consolidates SMS, WhatsApp, Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb chats into a single inbox, adds real‑time language translation, and automates routine requests. It...
Hotel Arboretum in DC to Rebrand to City Express by Marriott
PM Hotel Group announced that the independent Hotel Arboretum in Northeast Washington, DC will rebrand as City Express by Marriott Washington, DC Northeast, owned by Rocks Hospitality. The transition aligns the property with Marriott’s global distribution network and the Marriott...
Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport Opens
Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando Sanford Airport opened across the airport, owned by AirSan Investments, the Hickman family’s entity. The four‑story property, developed with Newport Hospitality Group and Lamm & Company, targets airport passengers, Boombah Sports Complex teams, and cruise...
Up to Doubled Award Rates: How Aeroplan Award Pricing Has Evolved Since Going Dynamic
Air Canada’s Aeroplan switched from fixed to so‑called dynamic pricing in March 2025, but the change effectively doubled many award costs. United‑partner economy awards that were 10,000 points now cost 15,000 points, and median North American economy awards rose between...