Gas at $4.50 Hormuz Still Closed Your Summer Trip Just Got Way More Expensive
US consumer inflation held at 3.8% as gasoline and other fuel costs drove a sharp jump in travel-related prices, with gas up about 28% year-over-year and averaging over $4.50 a gallon. The spike has pushed travel costs higher for drive-to destinations and raised airline operating expenses after airfares and fuel surcharges rose in the two months since the Iran conflict began. Supply disruptions are intensifying because the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, constraining crude and refined-product flows. Forecasters warn the situation could worsen, creating potential jet-fuel shortages in Europe this summer and further elevating travel costs.
The Real Reason Airlines Take Longer Routes
The video explains why airline flight paths often appear curved or longer than a straight line on a flat map. It shows that the true shortest distance on a sphere is a great‑circle route, which can look like an arc...
FAT Brands, Immigration, Limited-Time Offers
Fat Brands reached a broad-based creditor deal that clears a path for its sale out of bankruptcy, with lenders putting $8 million into a liquidation trust to pursue claims against former managers and the company being split and sold in...
Hilton Diamond Reserve: Everything You Need to Know About the New Elite Tier
Hilton announced a new top‑tier elite level, Diamond Reserve, targeting its most frequent travelers. To qualify, members must log at least 80 nights or 40 stays and spend $18,000 on eligible Hilton purchases within a calendar year. Diamond Reserve members receive...
Restaurant Chains Made This Many Billions in 2025 | Here’s Who Won — and Lost — Big
The Extra Serving podcast recaps the National Restaurant Show and dives into the latest Top 500 restaurant chain rankings, with a spotlight on Jack in the Box’s leadership shake‑up. Host Sam Okus and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the brand’s recent performance woes and...
The Coca-Cola Booth #4402
At the National Restaurant Association Show, Coca-Cola showcased a new Coca-Cola mixology dispenser developed with Micro Matic designed to automate craft beverage preparation for foodservice operators. The company also introduced a Costa Cold Brew concentrate featuring a French toast flavor...
Are Hongkongers Ready to Share Tables with Dogs?
Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has begun issuing the first licences that allow dogs inside restaurants, capping the pilot at roughly 1,000 eateries – about five percent of the city’s dining establishments. The scheme excludes hot‑pot and barbecue venues...
Japan in a Day: Why South Korean Tourists Are Flocking to TsushimaーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
The NHK World segment spotlights Tsushima Island’s surge in South Korean visitors, with over 260,000 arrivals last year—roughly ten times the island’s resident population. Just a 50‑kilometre ferry ride from Busan, the island offers a one‑day, two‑day itinerary of sushi,...
A Spirit Airlines Shutdown Update
The video reports on Spirit Airlines’ final wind‑down, focusing on the rapid disposal of its remaining A320 family fleet. After two failed Chapter 11 attempts, the carrier now has roughly 114 jets spread across 15 airports, and is pursuing asset sales,...
Peru's Gastronomy Scene Is Booming
Peru’s gastronomy has surged from regional roots to a global culinary powerhouse, with restaurants in Lima regularly featuring on world‑best lists. The cuisine blends Pacific coast, Andean, and Amazonian ingredients, reflecting centuries of migration and indigenous traditions. The sector now drives...
Bad Air India News
Air India, India's flag carrier, is confronting a steep 15‑20% reduction in its international schedule as it grapples with a $2.4 billion FY26 loss, soaring fuel prices and recent geopolitical shocks. Analysts say the new controlling group will likely trim up to...
Why Airlines Are Now Cutting Prices | FT #shorts
Airlines across Europe are slashing summer ticket prices after jet‑fuel costs surged following geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which supplies roughly 40 % of global kerosene, has driven jet‑fuel prices to double, prompting...
Why International Travelers Are Avoiding the U.S.
The video explores why international travelers are increasingly steering clear of the United States, focusing on perceptions of political instability, economic policies, and safety concerns that are shaping travel decisions abroad. According to the speaker, the top deterrent is the United...
Zero Service: Delta Air Lines To Remove Main Cabin Drinks & Snacks On 450 Flights
Delta Air Lines announced that, beginning May 19, it will eliminate all complimentary food, snack, and beverage service on roughly 450 daily short‑haul flights under 350 miles (about 558 km). The move aligns the carrier’s service model strictly with distance,...
Southwest's Bag Fees & Assigned Seats: One Quarter In Is It Working?
Southwest Airlines rolled out its first full quarter of mandatory checked‑bag fees and assigned‑seat pricing, a shift toward a basic‑economy model traditionally absent from its all‑coach service. The airline reports that the new fees are already delivering revenue close to its...
You’re Competing With The Wrong Enemy
The video argues that independent restaurant owners mistakenly view nearby eateries as their primary rivals, a perception the speaker says is deliberately cultivated. Citing Angela Duckworth’s book *Grit*, the presenter explains that the Latin root of “competition” means “to strive together,”...
Why Restaurant Tech Can’t Fail in 2026
The video argues that restaurant technology is no longer optional in 2026; it is the backbone of the customer experience. Operators are moving away from paper menus toward app‑driven ordering, membership programs, and personalized promotions, all of which rely on...
Phunware Appoints Dmitry Kroshka CEO to Lead AI Platform Strategy
Phunware Inc. announced the appointment of Dmitry Kroshka as its new chief executive officer, signaling a strategic shift toward an AI‑centric product roadmap. Kroshka, a veteran of hospitality, SaaS and advertising, will steer the company’s “2.0” platform that blends location‑based...
How This Founder’s Cancer Diagnosis Sparked One of the World’s Most Unique Wellness Retreats
The episode chronicles Marina Efremoglu’s transformation from a high‑profile banker to the founder of Euphoria Retreat, a 45‑room holistic sanctuary in Mystras, Greece, sparked by a non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis at age 29. While leading a publicly listed bank, Marina embraced “conscious...
Why Canadians Should Care About United Airlines | The Suite Talk Travel Show Ep.6
United launched a Canada-branded credit card issued by Neo that within a month has replicated a major U.S. benefit: cardholders can unlock additional saver award seats on United, producing steep discounts on business-class redemptions—reportedly as much as 60–70% on some...
Disney’s BIG Summer 2026 Updates You Need To Know About 🏰✨
The video spotlights Disney World’s summer 2026 thrill‑ride lineup, featuring new attractions and refreshed classics. Marketing insider Helen advises guests to download the Disney Experience app, set priority rides, and stay flexible to maximize a single‑day itinerary. Key takeaways include the...
This Company Is Taking Chinese Takeout Into the Modern Era
The video profiles SO Chinese, an Austin‑based takeout‑only Chinese restaurant that built its technology stack before opening a single kitchen. The founders, a software engineer and a veteran restaurateur, created a Domino’s‑style ordering experience focused entirely on delivery, eliminating dine‑in...
How Art, Music, and People Drive Oklahoma City’s Growing Restaurant Empire 84 Hospitality
The Takeaway podcast features Rachel Cop, founder and CEO of 84 Hospitality, a fast‑growing Oklahoma City restaurant group known for turning ordinary spaces into vibrant "hangouts." Cop’s journey began with a laundromat‑turned‑pizza shop in 2013, evolved through a series of...
“I’m Here to Sell America”: U.S. Tourism Envoy Nick Adams on 2026 Travel
At the World Travel & Tourism Council summit in Egypt, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism Nick Adams delivered a high‑energy keynote urging the world to “sell America” as the premier destination for 2026. Adams dismissed safety and hospitality myths, branding...
TikTok Is Officially a Travel Booking Platform
TikTok unveiled TikTok Go, turning its short‑form feed into a travel‑booking engine just days after launch, as the platform seeks to monetize its massive travel‑content audience amid a slump in U.S. inbound tourism and soaring World Cup ticket prices. The feature...
GMH Hotels: Is Hospitality More Fragile Than It Looks?
The episode questions the hospitality industry’s reliance on the buzzword “resilience,” arguing it may conceal a deeper structural weakness. Hosts examine whether the surge in luxury hotel openings in cities like London reflects genuine demand or a temporary peak that...
Bad News For KLM
KLM announced a further suspension of flights to Dubai until June 22, 2026, extending the previous June 14 deadline, and also halted service to Riyadh, citing ongoing Middle East instability. The airline attributes the moves to safety concerns, volatile fuel...
Meet Whataburger CEO Debbie Stroud: Why She Loves the Spurs, ’The Pitt,’ Texas BBQ, and Brene Brown
In a candid video, Whataburger chief executive Debbie Stroud shares her personal passions—from cheering on the San Antonio Spurs to savoring Texas barbecue—and how they intersect with her role leading the fast‑food chain. Stroud emphasizes a leadership model rooted in vulnerability...
Menu Innovation & Value Strategy with Lazy Dog Restaurants CEO Chris Simms
Lazy Dog Restaurants’ CEO Chris Simms outlined a two‑pronged menu strategy that delivers both value and premium experiences, aiming to satisfy cost‑conscious diners while attracting food‑enthusiasts. Six months ago the chain introduced the $15 Fireside Favorites, a set of entrees, sandwiches,...
Tourism in Crisis: The Impact of the Iran War
The video highlights a sharp tourism downturn in Iran as the ongoing war drives a steep decline in hotel bookings. Hotel occupancy has slipped 30‑40% compared with the previous year, and travel agencies report a surge in cancellations despite the country’s...
Amex Gold Card Updated Benefits: Is It Worth It in 2026?
American Express unveiled a suite of refreshed benefits for its Gold card, positioning it as a stronger value proposition for both existing members and prospective applicants in 2026. The headline change is a boost to travel earnings: prepaid hotel bookings through...
Airbnb Revenue Up 18%. Hotels Growing 2x Their Core Business
Airbnb reported a robust second‑quarter performance, with nights booked up 9% and revenue climbing 18% year‑over‑year, while gross booking value rose 19%. Although the company fell short of its quarterly profit guidance, it lifted its full‑year revenue outlook, citing strong momentum...
Lufthansa Orders A350s & 787s
Lufthansa Group unveiled a landmark order for 20 long‑haul aircraft – ten Airbus A350s and ten Boeing 787‑9s – marking the latest step in its fleet renewal program. The deal, listed at $7.7 billion, will be heavily discounted, though exact terms...
EHL Alumni Testimonial Eric Piatti (AEHL 1992)
Eric Piatti, a Lausanne native and former chef, has just taken the helm as general manager of the newly opened Duzitani Laguna Singapore, which launched three days prior. He transitioned from culinary work into hotel management and credits EHL—chosen for...
How David Grutman Became a Hospitality Mogul #business #entrepreneur #interview #nightlife
The interview spotlights David Grutman’s evolution from a nightclub manager to a hospitality empire builder, highlighting how his personal philosophy shaped the brands that now attract A‑list clientele. Grutman emphasizes that success hinges on separating ego from criticism, maintaining a...
McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Texas Roadhouse
The episode of Restaurant Daily recapped quarterly performance of several major chains, highlighting McDonald’s continued same‑store sales growth, Wendy’s sharp decline, and Texas Roadhouse’s rebound, while also touching on Sweet Green’s struggles and other industry moves. McDonald’s reported a 3.9% rise in...
People Build Culture
In episode 1,272 of the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast, co‑founder Mike Gallagher of Brick Store Pub Restaurant Group argues that culture is forged by people, not by strategy documents. Gallagher contends that while systems, SOPs, tech stacks and branding are useful, they...
Norwegian Jade Returns From Dry Dock Without a Key Guest Service. #cruise #cruises
The video highlights Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest setback: the 93,600‑ton Norwegian Jade returned from a two‑week dry‑dock in Canada on May 4 without functional laundry facilities. The ship, freshly refitted, launched into its Alaska season only to inform guests that washing,...
Live Cruise Port Q&A With "Cruise Ship Karen". Sunday 10 May. 9am PT / Noon ET/ 5pm UK
The live Q&A featured cruise‑industry veteran "Cruise Ship Karen" answering real‑time questions about shore‑excursion planning. Karen introduced herself as a Scottish travel writer and port specialist, emphasizing her focus on destination enrichment rather than ship reviews, and promoted her website...
Massive Qatar Airways News
Qatar Airways announced it will bring its Airbus A380 super‑jumbo back into service on June 16, 2026, ending a two‑month grounding that began in April. The comeback will start with a restricted schedule, deploying the aircraft on only two long‑haul routes from Doha...
Steve's Amazing Lufthansa Redemption #aeroplan #aircanada #podcast #businessclass
Steve details a high‑value Lufthansa first‑class redemption using Air Canada Aeroplan points, highlighting how dynamic pricing and a shrinking booking window turned a 55,000‑point Toronto‑to‑Amsterdam segment into a premium experience. He explains that Lufthansa first‑class seats, once bookable up to...
Disney Cruise Line Troubles Plus Infected Cruise Updates
The episode spotlights two major crises affecting the cruise sector: Disney Cruise Line’s sudden abandonment of the Disney Adventure in Singapore and a rapidly evolving Haunt virus outbreak on a separate vessel. In Singapore, 6,700 passengers were forced off the...
The Lure of St. Moritz - From Sleepy Mountain Village to Luxury Resort | DW Documentary
The documentary traces St. Moritz’s evolution from a modest alpine farming hamlet into a world‑renowned luxury resort. The turning point came with the 1888 Rhaetian Railway, which linked the remote Engadine valley to Europe, allowing affluent travelers to reach the once‑inaccessible...
New Summer Tour Products in HCM City | Sản Phẩm Du Lịch Mới Tại TP HCM
The video introduces a suite of summer‑time tourism offerings launched in Ho Chi Minh City, ranging from river cruises to high‑end cultural dining experiences. The 60‑minute Saigon River cruise lets passengers view verdant banks and sleek skyscrapers while traditional Vietnamese music plays, highlighting...
Restaurant Sales Were All over the Place Last Quarter
The restaurant industry’s first‑quarter earnings painted a fragmented picture, with fast‑food giants posting mixed same‑store sales while fast‑casual concepts scrambled for relevance. McDonald’s reported a modest 3.9% rise in U.S. same‑store sales, below expectations, whereas Burger King and Taco Bell...
What Actually Makes People Return to a Destination
The video discusses recent research revealing that merely enjoying a destination does not guarantee repeat visits. While travelers often cherish iconic landmarks, the study finds that love alone is not the primary loyalty driver. Instead, repeat tourism hinges on factors such...
This SECRET Amex Speakeasy Lounge in Vegas?! You’re Not Ready🍸
American Express has opened a new speakeasy‑style lounge, Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge, in Terminal 1 of Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS). Tucked near gate D1 and the escalators, the 1,500‑square‑foot venue marks the first of its kind for the...
Boeing Wants A New Order
Boeing has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Libyan government, marking a landmark step toward deeper cooperation in civil aviation. The agreement covers future aircraft purchases, technical assistance, and infrastructure projects. It follows earlier meetings in Washington and market surveys...
Hotel Labor & Scheduling Insights | Inn-Flow’s Kelsey Higginbotham | LODGING OnDemand Ep. 64
In this Lodging on Demand episode, Inflow’s Vice President of Customer Operations Kelsey Higginbotham explains how hotel labor decisions often default to gut instinct, especially when occupancy fluctuates, and why that reactive approach hampers both service quality and profitability. Higginbotham...
A Private Family Office Insights Webinar Featuring Andy Bernard, Partner and CIO at LEFT LANE.
The Family Office Insights webinar featured Andy Bernard, partner and CIO of Left Lane, outlining a $152 million capital raise to convert distressed historic office buildings into luxury hotels and high‑end multifamily assets. Bernard detailed his background in mortgage‑backed securities and...