The phenomenon surrounding Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has transcended traditional concert-going experiences, evolving into a substantial economic engine that rivals some of the world’s most influential tourism events. This tour, which began in 2023 and has captivated audiences across the globe, has unearthed the remarkable capacity of pop culture to sway economic trends, particularly in
Hotels
As the 2024-25 season approaches, Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa is stepping up its culinary offerings, demonstrating a commitment to gastronomic innovation and sophistication. The resort is transforming its dining scene to provide guests with more than just meals; it’s crafting memorable dining experiences that cater to diverse palates and celebrate local and international culinary
In an ambitious expansion of its acclaimed Pendry brand, Montage International has unveiled the stunning Pendry Natirar, nestled within the rich landscapes of Somerset County, New Jersey. With its prime location just 50 miles from Manhattan, this luxurious resort spans an impressive 500 acres, promising both tranquility and unbridled elegance. The Pendry Natirar is not
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is set to deepen its commitment to the all-inclusive hospitality sector through a strategic partnership with Grupo Pinero, a well-established Spanish company best known for its Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts. This collaboration, which will function as a 50/50 joint venture, aims to enhance the Inclusive Collection by incorporating a substantial portfolio
As travel continues to rebound following the disruptions caused by global events, the airline industry is facing a paradigm shift in operational capacity that is anticipated to lead to higher airfares in 2025, especially for destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. Ray Snisky, president of ALG Vacations, shared insights during the ALG Ascend 2024 conference
Outrigger Hospitality Group has recently introduced the reimagined Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel, marking a significant evolution in the hospitality landscape of Waikiki. This establishment, formerly recognized as the Ohana Waikiki East, has undergone comprehensive renovations, culminating in a revitalized hotel that comprises 443 modern guestrooms and suites. With a fresh aesthetic and enhanced amenities, the
As gazes turn towards Orlando, excitement builds for the much-anticipated opening of the Epic Universe theme park on May 22. This eagerly awaited attraction promises to add a fresh dimension to the Universal Orlando Resort experience. However, the ticketing strategy for this grand debut has demanded careful consideration and planning from Universal, with implications not
In an intriguing move, Southwest Airlines is gearing up to unveil Getaways by Southwest, redefining the way travelers book vacation packages. Set to launch in mid-2025, the brand presents a significant shift in Southwest’s distribution strategy, centering most sales on its website, Southwest.com, rather than traditional travel advisors. This decision reflects a broader trend within
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. has recently released its financial results for the third quarter, revealing a mixed bag of performance metrics. Despite a modest gain in revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 1.4% year-over-year, the 2023 outcomes fell below the company’s own forecasts. CEO Christopher Nassetta identified several contributing factors to this shortfall, including a
The Regent hotel brand has made a remarkable comeback in the Americas after a lengthy absence of 32 years, marking a significant moment in luxury hospitality. The grand opening of the Regent Santa Monica Beach in Southern California heralds the brand’s revival, positioning it strategically in a competitive market known for its opulence and coastal
The recent passage of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has marked a significant turning point for Florida, particularly in its tourism sector. With a shared devastation echoing through coastal communities, the immediate repercussions of these storms are particularly palpable along the Gulf Coast. Small, independent businesses—often the backbone of local tourism—now confront an uphill battle as
Baha Mar, the luxurious resort complex situated on the picturesque Cable Beach in Nassau, has announced an ambitious plan to augment its portfolio by constructing a fourth resort. This forthcoming addition will rise on the site of the recently razed Melia Nassau Beach, which has been earmarked for expansion within the Baha Mar development since
As the countdown to the presidential election unfolds, Washington D.C. is gearing up for an unprecedented influx of visitors ahead of Inauguration Day in January 2025. Anticipation is palpable within the hospitality industry, which is witnessing an extraordinary spike in hotel and vacation rental bookings. This surge reflects not only the excitement surrounding the event
In an impressive move to enhance the travel booking experience, LuxRally Travel, a Miami-based host agency, has significantly broadened its inventory by integrating approximately 1.3 million hotels into its innovative booking platform, FastBook. This expansion draws hotel inventory from multiple reputable suppliers such as HotelBeds, RateHawk, Restel, Expedia Partner Solutions, and Rakuten Travel Xchange. This
The excitement surrounding the upcoming launch of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort is palpable, marking a significant milestone in the world of theme parks. As the official opening date approaches on May 22, 2025, Universal is unveiling a robust strategy to manage ticket sales and visitor access, which reflects their ambition to create a
The discussions surrounding the upcoming elections often echo beyond the corridors of power to local venues, where community leaders and innovators meet. An event at the Salamander Middleburg highlights the inseparable link between hospitality and civic engagement, reflecting both the nation’s political climate and its social pulse. For Johnson, a prominent figure in the hospitality
In an ambitious move to enhance the visitor experience at its theme parks, Disney has recently launched the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This innovative service allows guests to skip the traditional lines for attractions without the need for prior scheduling. While this move aims to streamline the experience for visitors, it generates a mixed bag
Windstar Cruises has announced an exciting phase of renovations for its flagship sailing vessel, the Wind Surf. This first stage of upgrades is set to commence in November in Cadiz, Spain, with the ship emerging refreshed on December 21. The enhancements aim to elevate the cruising experience by transforming suites and public areas into luxurious,