Universal Studios has set out to create an unparalleled experience for Harry Potter fans with the upcoming opening of the Harry Potter-themed section at Epic Universe. This new addition promises to be a game-changer, featuring what Universal describes as „the most ambitious, groundbreaking ride“ ever created. Dubbed „Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry,“
Delta Airlines CEO, Ed Bastian, revealed during a recent interview on CNBC that the CrowdStrike outage cost the airline a staggering $500 million. This outage, caused by a software update failure on July 19, resulted in significant financial losses for Delta, including compensation to customers and lost revenue. The aftermath of the CrowdStrike software update
Stepping into a luxurious suite on a cruise ship can be a transformative experience, with opulent amenities and personalized service that epitomize extravagance. The size of the room, the quality of the butler service, and the overall ambiance play crucial roles in determining the level of luxury. However, luxury is a subjective concept, with different
Sandals Resorts International has recently announced that they will be transforming the Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas into the Beaches Exuma. This oceanfront resort is set to close on August 15th in order to undergo renovations, with work expected to commence in the fall. While an exact reopening date has not been specified by
The Avoya Travel’s Million Dollar Showcase held at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando showcased the elite group of 81 travel advisors known as Independent Agencies (IAs) who are on track to make at least $1 million in gross sales this year. The event aims to raise the bar for luxury travel and connect travel advisors
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is looking ahead to 2025 with confidence, as CEO Harry Sommer reveals that the company is experiencing strong pricing power and unexpected demand for Europe and Alaska summer itineraries. This pivot towards the future has proven to be successful, with the company exceeding several expectations this quarter and finding itself in
Upon my first visit to Rwanda for primate trekking, I was left stunned by the natural beauty that the country had to offer. Beyond the expected sights, such as tea plantations and the landscapes of a thousand hills, I encountered the singing fishermen of Lake Kivu whose work at night from tri-hulled boats left a
The U.S Department of Transportation has recently issued a strong warning to airlines regarding their compliance with refund requirements outlined in the FAA Reauthorization Act. Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed concern over the lack of transparency from airlines in informing passengers of their right to a refund when faced with flight cancellations or significant delays. This
The aviation industry, which is usually synonymous with massive airplane orders during air shows, took a different turn at this year’s biggest air show in Farnborough, England. Instead of breaking records with hundreds of orders, the focus was on the struggles faced by Boeing and Airbus in ramping up airplane production post-pandemic. The challenge lay
Imagine Jane Austen’s classic novel „Pride and Prejudice“ set in the luxurious backdrop of the Hamptons. This is exactly what writing duo Emily Harding and Audrey Bellezza have done in their latest book, Elizabeth of East Hampton. The contemporary retelling of the beloved Austen tale brings Elizabeth Bennet to the South Fork of Long Island,
The espresso martini has undoubtedly risen in popularity over the years, becoming the fourth most popular cocktail in the US by the end of 2023. As more cocktail enthusiasts turn to experimenting with making drinks at home, sourcing top-quality ingredients becomes crucial. Bartender Chris Leavitt, also known as ‚Not Just a Bartender‘, is on a
JetBlue Airways experienced a significant surge in its share price following the announcement of an unexpected profit for the second quarter. This success was coupled with the revelation that the airline would be deferring an additional $3 billion in aircraft spending through 2029 as a strategic move to enhance cash flow. The carrier’s second-quarter profit
Spirit Airlines, known for its budget air travel options, recently announced a new approach to ticket sales that includes various packages with added perks. The Florida-based carrier has struggled with challenges such as blocked takeovers, engine recalls, and tough competition from larger rivals. In an effort to increase revenue and cater to a wider range
A recently published study has shed light on the potential benefits of a vegan diet on health and biological aging. The study, conducted over eight weeks, aimed to investigate the effects of a vegan diet on DNA methylation, a process associated with aging. The research utilized genetically identical twins to control for genetic and lifestyle
Siddhi Capital, a growth equity firm with a focus on food and beverage brands, recently closed its impressive $135 million Fund II, signaling a shift in the investment landscape. In a time where inflation and high interest rates are creating challenges for fund managers and consumer brands alike, Siddhi Capital is taking a proactive approach
Precision agriculture has emerged as a game-changer in the realm of modern farming practices. This innovative approach utilizes advanced technologies to optimize productivity while minimizing input costs. One pioneering example of this is the utilization of „auto-steer“ technology, originally developed as a byproduct of NASA’s research. This technology harnesses GPS and georeferencing data to precisely
Wingstop, founded in 1994 as a buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant, has seen its fair share of ownership changes over the years. Despite this, it has remained one of the fastest-growing restaurant concepts in the industry. With flavors like Lemon Pepper and Hot Honey Rub, Wingstop has managed to keep labor costs low and run efficiently
Royal Caribbean International, the leading cruise line within the Royal Caribbean Group, made strategic decisions regarding the deployment of its ships in various markets around the world. One of the key shifts in strategy was observed when the company decided to shift its focus from China to California. This move has significant implications for the
JetBlue recently announced a strategic move to defer deliveries of 44 Airbus A321 aircraft until 2030 and beyond. This decision is aimed at solidifying the airline’s balance sheet and improving cash flow. By deferring the delivery of these aircraft, JetBlue will be able to reduce its capital expenditures through this decade by approximately $3 billion.
The recent announcement of the merger of sales forces between Holland America Line (HAL) and Seabourn Cruises has brought about a significant change in leadership. Rob Coleman, who has been with HAL for twenty-five years, will now lead the combined sales team as HAL’s senior vice president of North America and Australia sales. This move
Southwest Airlines has been known for its innovative Customer of Size policy, which allows plus-sized travelers to purchase two seats at the time of booking and receive a refund for one seat after the flight. This policy has made inventory management easier for Southwest while also accommodating travelers who prefer not to purchase an extra
The recent update of the U.S. State Department travel advisory for Jamaica has maintained the destination’s Level 3 status, indicating that while tourist areas generally have lower rates of violent crime, there are still risks to be aware of. Furthermore, the advisory now emphasizes that reports of sexual assaults, including those involving U.S. citizen tourists
The hospitality industry has seen a heartwarming trend in recent years with the inclusion of dogs in hotels. This addition not only adds a unique element to the guest experience but also provides numerous benefits to both the guests and the hotel itself. Training and managing a lobby dog requires careful consideration, as discussed by
In an effort to cater to a broader range of travelers, Spirit Airlines has announced that they will be introducing new fare bundles starting next month. This decision comes after listening to feedback from their guests, with the goal of providing affordable options that deliver an elevated experience with unparalleled value. The new bundles, set
The hospitality industry has seen a heartwarming trend in recent years with the presence of dogs in hotels. The idea of having a lobby dog has become popular as it not only benefits the guests but also adds a unique touch to the hotel experience. Training and managing a lobby dog requires careful planning and
In late 2025, Disney Cruise Line will welcome a new ship, the Disney Destiny, which promises to take guests on an unforgettable journey through the world of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. This exciting new addition will offer a variety of unique venues and experiences that will transport passengers to their favorite stories and characters. One
Recently, I experienced a revolutionary spa treatment at Aescape’s headquarters in New York City that completely changed my perspective on massage therapy. The use of two state-of-the-art robotic massage arms that hovered just above my shoulders provided a unique and futuristic approach to traditional massages. Unlike conventional massages, I remained fully clothed in a specially
In an effort to combat an oversupplied domestic market that has led to lower fares and reduced profits, U.S. airlines are making significant capacity reductions through the end of the year. This move comes despite strong summer travel demand and could potentially result in higher fares for passengers. According to a note from Deutsche Bank,
The anticipation leading up to the Summer Games in Paris was met with disappointment as travelers and even residents avoided the city for various reasons. Despite expectations of a travel boom, the reality was starkly different with warnings not to come to Paris being issued. The sky-high prices for hotel rooms, house rentals, and event
Future Found Sanctuary, nestled on the scenic slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain in South Africa, has recently introduced a range of wellness packages to provide guests with a rejuvenating and holistic experience. These new offerings, curated by Steve Uria, the wellness director at Newmark Hotels & Reserves, aim to appeal to a growing trend
As the travel industry slowly recovers from the impacts of the global pandemic, a new word is starting to circulate within the travel landscape: normalization. Travel sales trends are beginning to resemble something closer to the pre-Covid era, indicating a sense of hope and optimism within the industry. A recent survey conducted by host agency
Discount carrier Avelo has announced plans to expand its services internationally starting in November. The airline will be launching flights from Bradley International Airport, marking its first foray outside the continental United States. Avelo will add 18 new twice-weekly routes in the fall, with the inaugural international routes being to Montego Bay, Jamaica and Cancun.
The Singapore World Spirits Competition recently unveiled the winners of its annual event, showcasing a diverse array of top-quality beverages in various categories. This competition, founded in 2019 by the Tasting Alliance, initially focused on spirits from the Asia Pacific region but has since expanded its scope to include a more global perspective. While the
United Airlines recently made headlines by announcing their decision to sell customer data to companies for targeted advertising purposes. The initiative, known as Kinective Media, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the ethical implications of such practices. While United claims that this move will enhance the travel experience by providing more personalized advertising solutions
Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti National Park has welcomed the opening of new luxury accommodation options in recent months, catering to discerning travelers seeking an upscale safari experience. One Nature Mara River Lodge, located in the northern Serengeti near the Kogatende Airstrip, is one of the latest offerings in the region. This lodge boasts seven villas, including
Recent heavy rainfall in Colorado and other parts of the High Plains has brought an end to the region’s moderate drought, which is great news for agriculture. Last year, extreme heat and drought conditions led to the deaths of hundreds of livestock in the area, making it one of the deadliest seasons for cattle in
In 2004, the Gansevoort Hotel made a bold move by establishing itself as the first luxury hotel in New York City’s Meatpacking District. This strategic decision played a significant role in transforming the once gritty neighborhood into a vibrant hub of luxury apartments, restaurants, art galleries, and nightspots. The hotel’s success paved the way for
Rowena Hennigan, a self-employed remote work consultant, shared her journey of realizing the need for a break from work due to the toll it was taking on her mental health. Dealing with symptoms of menopause such as disrupted sleep and anxiety, Hennigan found herself in a state of constant stress and exhaustion. Despite trying various
Airlines at the Farnborough Airshow near London showcased new business class seats this week, with Qatar Airways taking the spotlight. The airline displayed its latest business class upgrade, featuring in-flight entertainment monitors that swivel to the side, allowing passengers in pairs or groups of four to create a bigger shared space. Qatar Airways‘ new business
The luxury market in Japan has experienced a significant surge in sales, largely attributed to the influx of Chinese travelers taking advantage of the weak yen. Brands such as LVMH, Kering, and Burberry have all reported an uptick in sales, despite facing challenges in the Chinese market. For example, Kering-owned Yves Saint Laurent saw a