The surge in anti-tourism sentiment in popular destinations like Barcelona and Maui has fueled a new wave of legislation aimed at targeting short-term vacation rentals. While crackdowns on short-term rentals are not a new phenomenon, they seem to be gaining momentum. According to Daniel Guttentag, an associate professor at the College of Charleston, cities are
Hotels
The Four Seasons Hotel Osaka has recently debuted in the one Dojima high-rise, situated in Osaka’s Dojima neighborhood. One of the standout features of this luxurious hotel is the Gensui floor on the 28th level, providing guests with a unique and modern take on a traditional ryokan experience. The Gensui accommodations boast a blend of
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) recently released data showing a decrease in hotel occupancy and room rates across Hawaii in June. The statewide occupancy rate was 75.5%, down 1.2 percentage points from the previous year. Additionally, the average daily rate (ADR) fell by 3.7% year over year to $373. This decline resulted in a total
Marriott International’s CEO, Anthony Capuano, highlighted the significance of groups in the hotel company’s business during the second-quarter earnings call. He mentioned that groups accounted for 24% of the company’s worldwide room nights for the quarter, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) for groups experiencing a 10% increase from the previous year. This demonstrates the
Beaches Resorts International has exciting plans to bring their family-oriented brand to the Bahamas by transforming the Sandals Emerald Bay into the Beaches Exuma. This announcement signifies a new chapter for the oceanfront resort and promises a fresh look and feel for guests. After the closure of Sandals Emerald Bay on Aug. 15, renovations are
Universal Studios has announced the creation of a highly anticipated Harry Potter-themed section at Epic Universe. This groundbreaking addition promises to include the most ambitious ride that Universal has ever created – “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.” Set in the magical world of Harry Potter, guests will embark on a journey through
The presence of dogs in hotels has become a heartwarming trend in the hospitality industry. It is not only beneficial for the guests who get to interact with these furry companions but also adds a unique touch to the overall hotel experience. Christina Jelski, alongside Joel Morales and Rauni Kew, sheds light on the logistics
The recent update to the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Jamaica maintains the destination’s Level 3 advisory status. While noting that tourist areas generally experience lower rates of violent crime compared to other parts of the country, the advisory points out that sexual assaults, including those involving U.S. citizen tourists at resorts, are regularly
As I found myself lying on the sleek, navy-blue massage table at Aescape’s headquarters in New York, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. This tech company’s debut innovation is no ordinary piece of spa equipment. It boasts two state-of-the-art robotic massage arms that hover just above the shoulders of the
Future Found Sanctuary, a renowned five-star retreat nestled on the picturesque slopes of Cape Town, South Africa’s iconic Table Mountain, has recently unveiled an array of wellness packages curated to offer guests a transformative and rejuvenating experience. Spearheaded by Steve Uria, the wellness director of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, these innovative offerings are set to
As the world navigates through the aftermath of the pandemic, travel sales trends are starting to resemble pre-Covid times, with a new catchphrase emerging in the travel landscape: normalization. According to a survey conducted by host agency Travel Experts in Raleigh, N.C., a significant portion of advisors reported either lower or stagnant sales in the
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, known for its incredible wildlife migration, is now seeing a rise in luxury accommodation options. One Nature Mara River Lodge has recently opened in the northern Serengeti near the Kogatende Airstrip. This lodge offers seven villas, including a two-bedroom presidential villa, all with stunning views of the Great Migration River Crossing.
Maui has recently made a bold move in the realm of vacation rentals, as the Maui Planning Commission has given unanimous approval to a proposal that would result in the elimination of over 7,000 short-term rentals across the island. The focus of this proposed ordinance is on phasing out short-term rentals specifically in “apartment districts”
The second quarter saw a decline in attendance at the Universal theme parks in Florida and California, signaling a normalization after a post-lockdown boom. This decline was discussed during parent company Comcast Corp.’s Q2 earnings call. According to president Mike Cavanagh, 2022 and 2023 brought record attendance to the theme parks, which were seen as
In a land renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor adventure opportunities, a new adults-only hotel is set to make its mark on the hospitality scene. The Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole is poised to open its doors on August 1, offering a unique and exclusive experience for visitors to this picturesque region. Perched
Palau, a small nation in western Micronesia, is quietly making its mark on the global tourism map. With its pristine reefs, vibrant sea life, and unique attractions, Palau is poised to become the next big destination for travelers seeking a balance of luxury and sustainability. While the country has yet to see the influx of
The once-promising Selina Hospitality has fallen from grace, as the board of directors filed a statement with the Securities Exchange Commission announcing their inability to avoid insolvency. Since going public in December 2021 with a $1.2 billion valuation, the company has experienced a catastrophic loss of value, leading to this dire situation. The appointment of
Are you ready to embark on an underwater adventure like no other? Look no further than Statia Divers, the newly opened PADI-authorized dive center at Golden Rock Resort on St. Eustatius. Situated cliffside with breathtaking views of the coastline, this luxury eco-retreat offers the perfect setting for diving enthusiasts of all skill levels. A Diving