Holiday Inn Express Fargo-West Acres Completes Renovation
Holiday Inn Express Fargo‑West Acres announced the completion of a comprehensive renovation. The upgrade refreshed guest rooms and public areas with new décor, beds, fresh‑ground coffee, and expanded plug‑in access. Fargo‑inspired design touches blend brand consistency with local character. Brandt Hospitality Group’s in‑house development team oversaw the project for IHG.
Big Dave’s Locks in Supply Chain Partnerships to Supercharge Expansion
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks announced strategic supply‑chain partnerships with Amoroso’s Baking Co. and Philly’s Best Steak Company to support its national franchise rollout. Amoroso’s will supply a custom‑cut baguette, while Philly’s Best becomes the exclusive, Halal‑certified protein provider, standardizing menu quality...
Canada Hotels Posts Record RevPAR in 2025
Canadian hotels closed 2025 with a record RevPAR of $142.89, a 4.1% year‑over‑year increase, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Growth was uneven, as Ontario and Quebec fell short of the national average while domestic leisure travel buoyed other regions. New...
How to Empower Employees Through Autonomy, Ownership
Jim Knight argues that modern leaders must balance employee autonomy with structured support to reshape culture, spark innovation, and lift performance. He outlines five practical strategies—shifting from control to collaboration, building trust, equipping teams, granting ownership, and phasing autonomy—to make...
For-Sight Strengthens Guest Engagement with Launch of New Loyalty Module
For‑Sight has launched a new Loyalty Module in partnership with Inspire Loyalty, embedding loyalty program management directly into its hotel CRM platform. The module automates points accrual, supports tiered and paid memberships, and feeds loyalty activity into guest profiles for...
Afghanistan and Pakistan to Exhibit at ITB Berlin While Engaged in a Deadly War
Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite a deadly war, will still exhibit at ITB Berlin, hoping to promote culture and adventure tourism. Prior to the conflict, both nations were experiencing fragile tourism recoveries, with Pakistan seeing domestic travel growth and Afghanistan grappling...
US–Caribbean Tensions, Cuba Sanctions and the Future of Regional Tourism
At CARICOM’s 50th heads‑of‑government meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Washington’s renewed focus on the Caribbean, tying security, energy and investment to the region’s tourism‑driven economies. He warned that transnational crime and energy instability threaten visitor confidence, while...
Angola Takes Centre Stage at ITB Berlin 2026: Political Gesture or Strategic Tourism Play?
Angola will headline the opening gala of ITB Berlin’s 60th edition on 2 March 2026, using the platform to unveil its new tourism brand “Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life.” The event will host 700‑800 high‑level guests, showcasing Angolan culture,...
![[Extended] Get 300k Lufthansa Miles, 150 GHA Dollars, Lounge Access, and Several Elite Statuses via ASmallWorld](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://awardwallet.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lufthansa-A350-Kyle-Fritz-Unsplash-Featured.jpg)
[Extended] Get 300k Lufthansa Miles, 150 GHA Dollars, Lounge Access, and Several Elite Statuses via ASmallWorld
ASmallWorld is offering its Prestige membership at a roughly 10% discount for €4,950, granting members 300,000 Lufthansa Miles & More, 150 GHA Discovery Dollars, and elite status across several hospitality and car‑rental partners. The promotion runs through March 31 2026, after which all perks...
At This Southern California Car Dealership, You Can Get a Patty Melt with Your Porsche
Galpin Motors, one of Southern California’s largest auto groups, has turned its dealerships into culinary destinations by operating full‑service restaurants such as the Horseless Carriage diner and the Porsche‑themed Boxenstopp. The Horseless Carriage alone pulls in about $3.2 million in annual...
Fat Brands Says that Bond Investors Knew What They Were Getting Into
Fat Brands, the parent of Fazoli's and 15 other restaurant chains, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2024. Lenders have pushed for a court‑appointed trustee, alleging CEO Andy Wiederhorn misused company funds for personal loans, bonuses, and an unauthorized stock...
The Beverage Boom Is Transforming the Soda Fountain
Restaurants are responding to a surge in specialty beverage demand by partnering with equipment manufacturers to replace legacy soda fountains with advanced, high‑tech drink dispensers. The new machines integrate IoT connectivity, real‑time analytics, and modular ingredient cartridges, allowing on‑the‑fly customization....
James Beard Foundation Honors 6 Longtime Restaurants with 2026 America's Classics Award
Six long‑standing, family‑owned restaurants across the United States have been named the 2026 James Beard America’s Classics. The honorees include The Serving Spoon in California, Oyster House in Philadelphia, Johnny’s Café in Omaha, Eng’s in Kingston, Figaretti’s Italian Restaurant in...
How the Restaurant Industry Fared in the State of the Union Address
President Trump’s State of the Union offered little concrete relief for restaurants, focusing instead on broader political themes. Washington state introduced the “Golden Oldie” proposal, a per‑employee head tax aimed at funding health initiatives. Minneapolis reported calmer streets and a...
Want More Sales? Just Add Cheese
Applebee’s reported a notable sales boost after launching a cheese‑laden burger, highlighted on the Restaurant Business podcast. The episode also examined Burger King’s Whopper enhancements and its rollout of AI tools to streamline operations. Meanwhile, major pizza chains continue to...
Burger King's Store-Level Profitability Runs Into a Beef Cost Wall
Burger King has been steadily boosting store‑level profitability, posting double‑digit earnings growth across its U.S. locations. However, a sharp rise in beef prices—up roughly 35% since early 2025—has begun to erode those gains. The chain responded with modest menu price...
A New Chapter at FRAPORT: Terminal 3 and Condor’s Homecoming
Frankfurt Airport’s privately financed Terminal 3 is set to open in summer 2027, offering state‑of‑the‑art technology, streamlined passenger flows and high sustainability standards. The new hub will become home to Condor, Germany’s second‑largest airline, which is moving its operations from existing terminals...
McKinney National Airport Set to Launch Commercial Flights, Becoming Dallas Region’s Third Airport
McKinney National Airport in Collin County is set to begin commercial passenger service as early as November 2026, becoming the Dallas region’s third commercial airport. A $72 million upgrade adds a 45,000‑square‑foot terminal, four gates and 1,500 parking spaces, with a...
20 Takeaways: How AI Is Redefining the Future of Travel Planning
A recent Recommend webinar gathered travel experts to discuss AI’s growing role in itinerary creation, client communication, and market analysis. Nearly half of attendees already use AI tools both personally and professionally, citing rapid itinerary generation and significant time savings....
Hotel Review: The Beaumont Mayfair, London
The Beaumont Mayfair has completed a multi‑million‑pound renovation that transforms its Grade II listed building into a 1920s‑inspired boutique hotel. The overhaul added 29 new rooms, bringing the total to 101, and introduced a fresh art‑filled lobby, a new Rosi brasserie...
McLaren Racing Announces Etihad Airways as an Official Partner
McLaren Racing announced Etihad Airways as an Official Partner for its Formula 1 and United Autosports WEC Hypercar programmes starting in the 2026 season. The deal links the UAE’s national carrier with McLaren’s high‑performance racing platforms, emphasizing shared values of innovation...
Dublin’s New Music Wall Celebrates Much Loved Irish Artists
Dublin Airport has launched a new music wall in Terminal 1’s arrivals corridor, showcasing images of 11 legendary Irish acts such as U2, Thin Lizzy, The Cranberries, Christy Moore and Sinéad O’Connor. Integrated speakers play iconic tracks while LED lighting adds visual flair, turning...
Abta LifeLine Welcomes Three New Trustees to Its Board
ABTA LifeLine announced the appointment of three senior travel industry executives—Jody Rolfe of TUI, Lisa McAuley of World Travel Holdings UK, and Zoe Powell of Xeinadin—as trustees effective 26 February 2026. The board expansion follows a rigorous recruitment process and is intended...
New Concessions Area at Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport has expanded Concourse A Marketplace, adding ten custom columns by Móz Designs that visually link six local restaurants. The upgrade is part of a broader plan to introduce 27 new concessions by 2026, enhancing the passenger experience. Five snow‑coloured...
Why Airports Must Befriend Their Neighbours
Airports are being urged to treat neighbouring communities as strategic partners rather than obstacles. The article revisits the 1987 Brundtland Report, reminding readers that sustainability rests on three equal pillars—economic, social, and governance. While environmental measures dominate airport agendas, the...
CRM Driven Personalization: Moving Beyond Automated Messages to Predictive Guest Experiences
Hospitality operators are shifting from generic automated messaging to predictive, intelligence‑driven guest experiences powered by integrated CRM and PMS data. Fragmented guest information has limited personalization, but unified profiles enable real‑time segmentation, tailored offers, and on‑property service alignment. Hotels that...
Freddy's Frozen Custard Launches Senior Meals
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced a new Senior Meals line aimed at diners aged 55 and older. The offering includes four core menu items—cheeseburger, crispy chicken sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, and all‑beef hot dog—each paired with a small side...
GoTo Foods Names CFO, CGO
Atlanta‑based GoTo Foods, the parent of seven restaurant brands including McAlister’s, Cinnabon and Jamba, announced the appointment of Brett Ubl as chief financial officer and Francisco Bram as chief growth officer. Both executives arrive with deep experience in franchise finance and digital...
PTE PREVIEW: Fabrizio Magliocca, Director of Business Transformation, Innovation & Quality, Aeroporti Di Roma
Fabrizio Magliocca, Director of Business Transformation at Aeroporti di Roma, outlined a five‑year plan that moves the airport beyond passenger volume to a predictive, connected, and people‑centric hub. The strategy hinges on AI‑enabled assistants, computer‑vision analytics, digital twins and a...
Don't Bet the House on GLP-1: Why 'Everyday Health' Is the Better Menu Strategy
The piece warns restaurant operators that chasing "GLP‑1 friendly" labels is a short‑term gamble, citing data that more than half of users discontinue the drugs within a year and that up to 40% of weight loss is lean‑muscle loss. It...
Far East’s New Light
Far East Hospitality (FEH) appointed Mark Rohner as managing director in July 2024, succeeding Arthur Kiong. Rohner outlined a multi‑year roadmap that includes automating revenue management, building a proprietary loyalty platform, and accelerating digital transformation across front‑office and housekeeping. He...
EasyJet Expands Its Uniform Donation Scheme
easyJet is scaling its crew‑uniform donation programme to provide free, professional attire for job‑seekers across the UK. The airline cites ONS data showing unemployment rising 5.2% while 734,000 vacancies remain, and research indicating that 71% of respondents can’t afford interview‑ready...
Marriott Signs Osaka Conversion to Debut Series by Marriott in Japan
Marriott International has teamed with Blackstone to convert the 14‑storey Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi into a Series by Marriott property, marking the brand’s first entry into Japan. The 256‑room hotel will open in April 2026, positioned just 300 metres from Shinsaibashi Station and close to...
Airalo, Cathay to Offer eSIMs with Asia Miles
Airalo and Cathay Pacific have partnered to sell discounted eSIMs to Cathay travelers, granting 100 Asia Miles for each eSIM purchased. The miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotels, dining and other lifestyle rewards. The collaboration taps into a...
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Unveils New Multi-Day Land Programmes
Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced nearly 50 new multi‑day pre‑ and post‑cruise land programmes, rolling out on six ships beginning in 2026. The itineraries span Africa, Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and North America, offering curated experiences...
Tracy Wilson Takes over as SVP and GM at Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line has appointed Tracy Wilson as senior vice president and general manager of operations, succeeding Sharon Siskie. Wilson brings more than 30 years of Disney experience, most recently serving as senior vice president of finance for Disney Signature...
Stansted Opens a New Lounge on Tuesday Following Escape Closure
London Stansted Airport has launched a new “Essence by Escape” lounge on 3 March, replacing the closed Escape lounge. The facility is located in Satellite 1, meaning Ryanair passengers cannot use it, while airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa and Jet2 have access....
Bits: Etihad Signs McLaren F1 Deal, Get a 100% Bonus Buying IHG Points
Etihad Airways has signed a multi‑year sponsorship with the McLaren Formula 1 and United Autosports WEC teams, securing branding on race cars, helmets and a future Dreamliner livery. The partnership extends Etihad’s long‑standing involvement with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Meanwhile, IHG One...
Hitting New Heights: Turkish Airlines Aims for 1,000 Aircraft by 2036
Turkish Airlines celebrated its 500th aircraft delivery in late 2025 and unveiled an ambitious plan to double the fleet to 1,000 planes by 2036. The airline’s growth has accelerated from 100 aircraft in 2006 to 400 in 2023, reflecting a...
Video of the Week: Inside the Engine Room - Lessons, Innovation and the Trent 1000 Reset
At the CAPA Airline Leader Summit, Rolls‑Royce senior VP Luke Mallows detailed the Trent 1000 programme reset, highlighting how early durability setbacks prompted a comprehensive redesign. The overhaul emphasized new materials, rigorous testing, and tighter airline‑OEM collaboration to restore reliability. Mallows...
Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc (SHO) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Sunstone Hotel Investors (SHO) reaffirmed its full‑year earnings outlook despite a choppy operating environment and a government shutdown. Third‑quarter RevPAR rose 2% year‑over‑year, led by strong performance in San Francisco and Miami Beach, while adjusted EBITDAre reached $50 million and adjusted...
How To Fly American Airlines’ Best Business (and First) Class Seats Within the U.S.
In March 2026 American Airlines will operate 2,016 domestic flights equipped with lie‑flat seats across its A321T, A321XLR, 777‑300ER, 777‑200, 787‑8, 787‑9 and select Flagship Suite aircraft. The compact A321T carries 30 First‑Class and 20 Business lie‑flat seats on four coast‑to‑coast...
Ontario International Airport Passenger Count 3.7% Higher in January as New Year Begins on a High Note
Ontario International Airport reported a 3.7% rise in January 2026 passenger volume, reaching 492,895 travelers. International traffic surged 64% to a record 66,281, while domestic numbers slipped 1.9% to 426,614. The airport added a new daily nonstop service to Boise...
Rediscovering Atlantis Paradise Island
Atlantis Paradise Island has completed a $250 million refresh, modernizing its iconic resort while preserving its mythic brand. The upgrade expands the 141‑acre Aquaventure waterpark, adds new marine‑habitat experiences, and introduces upscale dining concepts such as Paranza and Claudio’s, targeting families,...
Silversea Unveils Interiors of New Antarctica Gateway Hotel in Chile
Silversea has revealed the interiors of The Cormorant at 55 South, a 150‑room hotel slated to open in October in Puerto Williams, Chile. Marketed as the southernmost hotel on Earth, it serves as the land‑based anchor for Silversea’s Antarctica Fly...
Bilt Taps Luxury Hotels to Build Marketplace for Top Spenders
Bilt has launched Bilt Verified, a marketplace that links Forbes‑rated luxury hotels with its high‑spending members. The program offers exclusive perks such as a $100 hotel credit, complimentary breakfast, flexible check‑in/out and room upgrades, while leveraging AI‑driven personalization and deep...
Mistakes Sellers Make
Hotel owners who postpone selling often pay a hidden price as risk, competition, and operating costs climb. The article outlines four common mistakes: waiting for a perfect market, treating PIP and CapEx as background items, fixating on headline price, and...
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Southwest's Massive Expansion: 31 New Routes Launch Next Week [Map]
Southwest Airlines will launch 31 new routes between March 2 and 8, the most weekly additions among its peers. The rollout includes 25 domestic and six international services, five of which are brand‑new markets, marking the carrier’s first international flights from Indianapolis...
Spanish Tapas Concept Vya Opens in Southeast Portland
Vya, a new Spanish tapas and paella restaurant, opened this week in Southeast Portland’s Solterra Building. Chef Connor Gallaher, drawing on experience from Barcelona to Southeast Asia, delivers a menu that fuses traditional Spanish small plates with seasonal Pacific Northwest...
Ruby Slipper Announces New Limited-Time Menu
Ruby Slipper is rolling out a limited‑time spring brunch menu from Feb. 25 through Apr. 21 at all locations. The lineup blends colorful sweets like strawberry‑cheesecake beignets and a Fruity Pebbles‑crusted French toast with savory corned‑beef hash dishes and new cocktail‑style drinks....