More than a year and a half after the catastrophic wildfires of 2023, Maui finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the significant decline in its tourism sector. The island, renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has seen a dramatic downturn in visitor numbers and hotel revenues, prompting urgent action from the state
Hotels
R Collection Hotels, renowned for its exquisite family-owned luxury properties, is making headlines with the recent acquisition of Bianca Relais. This charming establishment, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Annone, boasts a stunning backdrop of the Prealps, creating an idyllic setting for both relaxation and adventure. Spanning almost four acres, the property is enveloped
Set to open its doors in Frisco, Texas, in 2024, the Universal Kids Resort promises to be a thrilling experience for families with young children. With its unique blend of beloved characters and vibrant environments, this resort is tailored specifically for younger audiences and aims to foster creativity, interaction, and unforgettable memories. Universal recently unveiled
Karisma Hotels & Resorts has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the group booking experience by launching its W.I.S.E. program—standing for Weddings, Incentives, Social, and Entertainment. This initiative marks a pivotal shift in the way meeting planners and travel advisors can manage group bookings, aiming to make the entire process more efficient and rewarding.
Universal Orlando Resort is stepping up its game by unveiling an exciting after-hours event, Universal Volcano Bay Nights. This specially ticketed gathering aims to provide guests with a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of its renowned waterpark under the stars. Scheduled for limited dates in April and May, this exclusive event is carefully
The world of travel is constantly evolving, and it appears that popular culture plays a significant role in shaping the trends we see today. The recent premiere of the third season of HBO’s acclaimed series “The White Lotus,” which aired on February 16, has sparked a renewed interest in Thailand as a travel destination. While
In a significant move to bolster its portfolio and adapt to shifting market trends, IHG Hotels & Resorts has acquired Ruby, an emerging premium urban lifestyle brand. This transaction, estimated at $116 million, signifies a strategic shift aimed at tapping into the expanding urban micro hotel market across Europe and beyond. However, it’s essential to
Hawaii’s hospitality landscape is poised for a significant transformation as Hilton Hotels announces the addition of three new properties to their portfolio in the beautiful islands. This strategic expansion involves two new hotels on Maui and one on the Big Island, spotlighting Hilton’s commitment to elevate the vacation experience across the state. In a bid
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has solidified its position as a dominant player in the high-end all-inclusive sector, yet the company appears poised for further growth. The recent announcement of its plan to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts for $2.6 billion underscores this ambition. By adding 24 Caribbean and Mexican all-inclusive resorts to its already extensive portfolio
Hyatt Hotels Corp. appears to be on the upswing as it enters 2025, particularly in its all-inclusive resort offerings, which recorded a commendable 2.9% increase in RevPAR during the fourth quarter of 2024. This growth comes on the heels of a wavering performance in previous periods, signaling a potential turnaround in consumer preferences and travel
The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is setting the stage for a significant transformation, one that promises to redefine the guest experience in San Diego’s vibrant bayfront area. The multi-phase renovation, expected to extend through winter 2026, aims to refresh not only the aesthetic of the 1,628 rooms and suites but also the expansive 320,000
Deer Valley Resort, located in the scenic Park City, Utah, has long been revered as an elite ski destination known for its tailored service, capped daily capacity, and stunning terrain. Visitors are welcomed by “hosts” stationed throughout the resort who provide invaluable guidance and support, ensuring a luxury experience as they carve through the snow.
Marriott International’s recent fourth-quarter earnings call, led by CFO Leeny Oberg, highlighted the company’s ability to navigate potential challenges stemming from U.S. economic policy changes, particularly concerning relations with Canada and Mexico. The backdrop of economic tensions, exacerbated by the Trump administration’s tariff threats and President Trump’s temporary halt to such actions, created an environment
Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for the grand opening of its newest theme park, Epic Universe, on May 22. Positioned as a vibrant addition to the resort, Epic Universe boasts not just thrilling rides and attractions but also an extensive array of dining experiences that celebrate its richly themed lands. From whimsical beverages to
The Travel Leaders Network (TLN) recently announced an impressive 17% rise in sales for 2024 compared to the previous year, marking a significant achievement for the consortium that represents nearly 6,000 travel agencies across North America. This growth signals a powerful rebound in the travel industry following the tumultuous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. John
In the realm of luxury travel, few experiences can parallel the allure of a safari. Christina Jelski’s podcast, The Last Resort, recently delved into this exquisite corner of travel with guest Anna Gilbert, the visionary founder of Upannaway. In a gripping discussion, they explored Gilbert’s recent experiences at Angama’s prestigious safari lodges in Kenya, illustrating
In a significant move to enhance the travel advisor experience, Sandals and Beaches Resorts have introduced the Sandals Elite Advisor (S.E.A.) Program. This loyalty platform is meticulously designed to recognize and reward travel advisors for their commitment and contributions to the resorts’ success. By implementing a tiered structure that incentivizes increased sales, the S.E.A. Program
With the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, travel advisors grapple with the need for advanced tools that simplify their operations. Recognizing this, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has stepped forward with the introduction of a new online portal specifically designed for travel advisors. This innovative platform unifies an array of features, empowering advisors to manage