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
Hotels
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,
The concept of all-inclusive resorts is often linked with tropical destinations like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. However, as travel trends evolve, Europe is witnessing a robust emergence of all-inclusive options that deviate from traditional expectations. In a recent Folo podcast episode, host Rebecca Tobin brought together industry experts to delve into this growing
As the travel industry emerges from the unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the term “normalization” has rapidly infiltrated discussions among industry experts. This concept reflects the observed deceleration in travel growth compared to the remarkable highs witnessed as restrictions began to ease. During the recent World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in
Nocturne Luxury Villas has made considerable strides since its inception in 2021, recently amplifying its portfolio through the notable acquisition of 140 upscale properties from Grand Cayman Villas and Condos. This strategic move aligns with the company’s vision of solidifying its presence within key luxury markets across North America and the Caribbean. This expansion not
In an inspiring move toward inclusivity, Hilton has teamed up with Be My Eyes to enhance the travel experience for individuals who are blind or have low vision. This initiative not only showcases the hospitality sector’s commitment to accessibility but also highlights the innovative use of technology to support diverse needs. By harnessing AI-powered assistance
The labor unrest at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has escalated into a significant strike involving over 1,800 hotel employees. Spanning into its third week, this protest brings together a diverse group of workers—housekeepers, maintenance crews, front desk personnel, and food and beverage staff. The core of their dissatisfaction stems from prolonged contract
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, Central Florida’s premiere theme parks are meticulously preparing to reopen their doors to guests, beginning on October 11. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, all renowned for their magical experiences, had to pause operations during the dangerous weather. Now, as the community begins to recover, these
As Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s famed central theme parks, vacationers found themselves navigating uncertainty. Arriving at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, it was apparent that preparations were actively underway. Sandbags adorned entrances and poolside furniture was skillfully stacked, showing a proactive approach to storm readiness. Yet, despite the atmospheric tension, visitors, including myself, embraced an environment
The recent settlement between Marriott International and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) underscores the critical need for companies to prioritize data security. Following three significant data breaches that exposed the personal information of over 344 million customers between 2014 and 2020, Marriott has agreed to undertake an extensive overhaul of its security practices. This agreement