The political landscape in the United States is constantly evolving, especially in the aftermath of significant elections that can alter the direction of policy and governance. With President Donald Trump potentially beginning a second term, changes in Washington are already palpably felt across various sectors. One of the areas where ripples of change are particularly
In recent years, the hospitality industry has witnessed an unsettling trend with the imposition of resort fees. Unite Here, a prominent labor union for hotel workers, has launched the „Resort Fee Ripoff“ campaign to draw attention to what they deem a deceptive practice aimed at extracting additional money from unsuspecting travelers. This initiative seeks to
In the rapidly evolving landscape of travel technology, the launch of Sabre Red Launchpad marks a significant milestone, particularly for novice travel advisors. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, this innovative booking platform, which became widely accessible to travel agencies recently, aims to streamline the process of booking flights, hotels, and car rentals. Unsurprisingly, this significant
In a significant move that could reshape its future, Spirit Airlines is nearing a restructuring agreement with its bondholders. This development might ultimately lead to a bankruptcy filing, raising concerns about the airline’s financial stability. With a history marked by tumultuous market conditions and competitive pressure, this structure aims to alleviate some of the burdens
Argentina is internationally recognized for its Malbec, a flagship varietal that has become synonymous with the South American nation’s wine identity. However, this beautiful country, rich in topographical diversity and convivial heritage, has so much more to offer. Among the hidden gems stashed within Argentina’s vineyards is Cabernet Sauvignon, the third most widely planted grape
Cooking can often feel like a daunting endeavor, especially after a long day when all you seek is the comfort of a delicious meal without the hassle of complex preparation. The crux of the challenge lies in balancing taste with simplicity—a situation many home cooks find themselves in. In my culinary journey, I have discovered
On November 1st, Melia Hotels International celebrated the grand opening of ME Malta, an emblem of contemporary design and luxury situated in the stunning seaside locale of St. Julian’s. The new five-star hotel, crafted by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is part of the ambitious Mercury Towers development, which promises to transform the landscape of Malta’s
In a bold move to simplify its offerings and enhance guest experience, Celestyal Cruises, a leading Greek cruise line, has announced significant alterations to its fare structure. Effective from December 11 for cruises departing on March 21 and after, the company will abolish its previously popular Experience and Experience Plus packages, replacing them with a
SLS Hotels & Residences have officially launched their inaugural all-inclusive resort, the SLS Playa Mujeres, marking a significant milestone in their hospitality journey. Nestled just 15 miles north of Cancun International Airport, this expansive property stretches across a pristine beachfront in a secure gated community. Boasting 498 exquisitely designed rooms, the resort redefines luxury vacations,
Traveling through bustling European airports can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. Many frequent flyers share a common sentiment: the time allocated by airlines for connecting flights rarely mirrors the often chaotic reality of major international hubs. From missed connections to hurried runs through terminals, the following analysis explores some of the most notorious airports
The Viceroy Hotels & Resorts brand has long existed in the luxury hospitality space, but its presence has faded over the last decade. However, following its acquisition by Highgate in early 2023, the brand is poised for a significant overhaul. This transformation is not merely cosmetic but represents a deeper commitment to experiential luxury and
As the holiday season approaches, a notable shift is occurring in how younger generations perceive and prioritize gifting. According to a recent Amex Trendex survey, a striking 75% of Generation Z and millennials desire experiences or trips over traditional physical gifts. This trend highlights an evolving mindset that values memorable experiences over material possessions, signifying
In a decisive move reflecting growing concerns over air travel safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has instituted a 30-day prohibition on all U.S. civilian flights to and from Haiti. This action follows a distressing incident where a Spirit Airlines aircraft experienced gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince. Such developments not only raise alarms
The journey of Rescue Dog Wines serves as a poignant reminder that a successful business can emerge from heartfelt passions and a commitment to social causes. Founded in 2017 by Laura and Blair Lott, this winery, nestled in the picturesque town of St. Helena, Napa Valley, has not only gained recognition for its quality wines
Corinthia Hotels, a luxury hospitality group based in London, has carved out a noteworthy niche since its establishment in 1968, primarily across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Recently, the group has set its sights on the vibrant North American market with the grand reopening of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, in New York City.
In a rapidly evolving travel industry, the launch of the Sabre Red Launchpad represents a significant step forward, particularly for new travel advisors. Designed with simplicity in mind, this booking platform is now accessible to all travel agencies. By collaborating closely with the Internova Travel Group, one of the industry’s leading networks, Sabre has tailored
In an exciting development for luxury travel enthusiasts, Belmond, a prominent name under the LVMH umbrella, is preparing to unveil a luxurious sleeper train named the Britannic Explorer. Launching in July 2025, this exquisite train is set to offer travelers the chance to experience the enchanting landscapes of England and Wales in unparalleled comfort. The
In a significant industrial standoff, over 32,000 machinists at Boeing recently concluded a strike that lasted more than seven weeks. The machinists had initially rejected a proposal offering a 25% pay raise, opting instead for a new contract that ultimately provided a remarkable 38% salary increase over four years. This resolution marked the end of
As airlines continuously strive to enhance the passenger experience, Lufthansa has taken a pioneering step by introducing virtual reality (VR) headsets into their business-class cabins. Launched on October 11, 2023, during an experimental phase on select routes, this initiative showcases how technology is shaping the landscape of in-flight entertainment. With the inclusion of Meta Quest
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound impact on the travel and tourism sector, particularly for cruise lines. As we transition into a post-pandemic world, the role of travel advisors has undergone a transformative change. During a recent conference at CruiseWorld, Frank A. Del Rio, the president of Oceania Cruises, spoke candidly about the resurgence
The landscape of grocery shopping in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation due to evolving tariff policies. As the government implements new tariffs on imported goods, consumers can expect a ripple effect on grocery prices. Particularly for products that rely heavily on imports, this situation promises to reshape the typical weekly shopping experience.
The recent ruling by a federal appeals court to uphold the dissolution of the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue has sent ripples throughout the aviation industry. This decision raises essential questions regarding competition, regulatory oversight, and the future of airline partnerships in a rapidly evolving landscape. The implications of this case extend beyond
In a troubling turn of events, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has placed a 30-day prohibition on U.S. airlines flying to Haiti following alarming incidents of gunfire directed at Spirit and JetBlue aircraft. This heightened security measure extends to restricting operations in Haitian airspace below 10,000 feet. The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated,
As Thanksgiving approaches, the age-old tradition of gathering for a hearty feast often brings the dilemma of cooking versus dining out. For those who find cooking a daunting task or simply prefer to enjoy the day without the fuss, Manhattan’s vibrant culinary scene offers a plethora of dining options. Restaurants across the city are stepping
In an evolving landscape of customer service and experience, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) introduced a forward-thinking concept termed „Return on Experience“ (ROEx). This novel philosophy, presented by CEO Harry Sommer, emphasizes the importance of curating experiences that resonate with guests, all while ensuring efficiency in execution. Unlike traditional metrics focused solely on financial return,
The harsh and enigmatic polar regions may have once sparked imaginations of treacherous, icy wastelands, but today, they stand as some of the most sought-after destinations for explorers worldwide. With the advancement of technology and a deeper understanding of these unique ecosystems, areas once written off as inhospitable are now accessible to those who wish
In recent years, the fervor surrounding plant-based diets has gained unprecedented popularity, compelling companies to rethink their approaches to food production and packaging. The plant-based milk sector, with a market valuation that soared to $2.8 billion in 2022, is projected to experience explosive growth, potentially reaching $7.3 billion by 2032. This remarkable surge in demand
In a recent episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski engages in a compelling conversation with Abbey Meyer, the CEO of Sky High Travel, about her experience at the luxurious Hotel Xcaret Arte located near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The resort distinguishes itself as an adults-only all-inclusive destination, characterized by its vibrant artful décor
The hospitality industry continually evolves to meet the demands of discerning travelers, and Design Hotels is at the forefront of this transformation. Established in 1993, this Berlin-based brand is dedicated to merging innovative design with unique local experiences, operating a diverse portfolio of nearly 300 boutique hotels. Notably, since becoming part of the Marriott family
Singapore Airlines has recently reported a stark decline in its net profit for the first half of the fiscal year, triggering a noticeable reaction in the stock market. The flag carrier’s net profit plummeted nearly 50%, coming in at 742 million Singapore dollars (approximately $559.12 million). This figure marks a significant drop from the SG$1.44
In a significant move to bolster its operational efficiency, Booking Holdings announced on November 8 that it intends to undergo a comprehensive organizational transformation, particularly at Booking.com. This initiative encompasses staff reductions and modernization of processes and systems to align with evolving market demands. Through a regulatory filing, the company detailed its objectives, which include
Crystal Cruises is charting a bold new course in the luxury travel sector with the announcement of a firm order for a third ship, set to be built by the renowned shipyard Fincantieri and slated for delivery in 2032. This development marks a pivotal moment for the cruise line, especially following the recent firm orders
In 2022, Margaritaville at Sea made a splash in the cruise industry with its inaugural offering—a budget-friendly, two-night getaway aboard an aging vessel. Originally tethered to a modest vision, the brand has undergone significant changes since being acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm that operates luxury cruises through Azamara. This transition not only
As autumn unfolds in Japan, the allure of this vibrant nation remains steadfast. Unlike typical trends where interest wanes during the late summer months, recent statistics depict a remarkable resurgence in tourism, suggesting that Japan has not only regained its pre-pandemic popularity but has also surpassed it. The Japan National Tourism Organization reports that August
Celebrity Cruises is gearing up for a significant transformation with the upcoming launch of its fifth and final Edge-class ship, set to debut in November. Brand President Laura Hodges Bethge unveiled an ambitious vision at CruiseWorld, revealing that the cruise line is entering what she describes as the „dreaming stage“ for its next series of
Skiing enthusiasts on the East Coast have long found refuge in New England’s resorts, drawn to their thrilling slopes and diverse off-mountain activities. Yet, a growing trend emerges as ski destinations like Windham Mountain in New York attempt to reclaim a portion of that market share by enhancing both their infrastructure and the overall skier
In recent years, the landscape of travel has evolved significantly, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Once confined to conventional cruise itineraries often designed for mass tourism, LGBTQ+ travelers now seek experiences that resonate with their identities and lifestyles. Traditional cruises, with their generalized approach, often failed to cater to the unique needs and desires of
Travel stories often come with a fair share of unexpected twists and turns, and my journey from Southwest Florida to Tokyo was no exception. Scheduled to meet 53 clients for a cruise around Japan, the adventure began with hopes as high as the palm trees surrounding Fort Myers Airport. However, as fate would have it,
Small-ship cruises have quietly emerged as a transformative force within the cruise industry. Unlike their larger counterparts, which are often focused solely on high-capacity travel and standardized itineraries, small-ship lines offer unique opportunities to connect with both destinations and the vessels themselves. This duality is essential to understand, as it reflects a newer trend in
Princess Cruises has recently found itself in a challenging predicament as the Regal Princess faces substantial technical difficulties, leading to the cancellation of multiple sailings. Initially scheduled to embark on a Western Caribbean itinerary from Galveston, Texas, the ship’s operations have been halted not once, but three times now due to persistent issues with its