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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Airlines Continue to Redefine Luxury in First Class

The airline industry is experiencing a transformation, particularly in the premium cabin space, as airlines vie to provide the most luxurious first-class experiences. While some carriers have eliminated long-haul first-class options, others, like Emirates, Lufthansa, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, are enhancing their offerings...

COMO Hotels Launches Iconic Experiences

COMO Hotels and Resorts welcomed visitors to discover one-of-a-kind experiences when its new Iconic Experiences campaign debuted on September 10, 2024. This program offers more than 50 carefully selected activities in areas such as adventure, culinary arts, and spiritual well-being...

Microsoft’s Ongoing Efforts to Close the Disability Divide

Microsoft recently celebrated Disability Pride Month, marked annually in July, aligning with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enacted on July 26, 1990. The company emphasizes its commitment to closing the disability divide—addressing the disparities in opportunities for individuals with disabilities in education, employment, and civic engagement...

Aqua Expeditions Expands Fleet into East Africa

Aqua Expeditions, known for its luxury small-ship expeditions, is set to expand its fleet with a sixth vessel, marking its debut in East Africa. Supported by financing from the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, the new ship will offer immersive itineraries exploring the Seychelles and Tanzanian islands starting in December 2025...

Mandala Resort: Eco-Luxury on Tonga’s Private Island

Mandala Resort, located on the private island of Fetoko in Tonga's Vava'u island group, offers travelers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability. Catering to the growing demand for eco-conscious travel, this off-the-grid resort features biophilic design, integrating nature with its architecture to provide a serene and environmentally friendly experience...

Bloomberg Philanthropies Invests $600 Million in Black Medical Schools

Bloomberg Philanthropies is making a monumental impact on the future of healthcare with a $600 million gift aimed at supporting the endowments of four historically Black medical schools: Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. This funding, which is a component of the Greenwood Initiative, is intended to address systemic underinvestment in Black institutions and contribute to the diversification of the medical field...

Surge in American Travel Spending

American travel spending continues to surpass pre-pandemic levels, with international trips leading the trend, according to a new report from Bank of America. Although overall travel spending is slightly down from 2023, it remains 10.6% higher per household compared to 2019. International travel has emerged as a major area of growth, with 17% of Americans planning to vacation abroad in the next six months, an increase from pre-pandemic years...

Hilton Expands Luxury Footprint

Hilton has declared its intention to substantially broaden its luxury hotel portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, with the objective of surpassing 150 hotels in the near future. This growth will see the number of Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties more than double, with key signings in cities such as Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, and Jaipur...

Elon Musk Reveals Starlink’s Plan for Free Global Emergency Services and...

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has disclosed that the company's satellite internet service, Starlink, intends to provide free emergency services and access to cell phones worldwide. This initiative is a component of SpaceX's partnership with T-Mobile and is currently awaiting regulatory sanction from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)...

Study Highlights the Transformative Role of Technology in Corporate Travel

A new study titled "The Future is Now: Technological Transformation in Corporate Travel," published by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and supported by Cvent, underscores the critical role of technology in revolutionizing the corporate travel industry. The report, based on surveys of business travel professionals in North America and Europe, reveals that while a majority of travel management companies (TMCs) and suppliers believe their organizations effectively utilize technology, there remains significant potential for further integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain...

Popular Articles

The Top 25 Hotel Executives of 2023

Lodge + Dine is pleased to announce The Top 25 Hotel Executives of 2023. We recognize the outstanding achievements of these leaders who are at the highest levels of the hospitality industry. Despite the many titles that can be found in this year's list – whether it be CEO, president, or founder – all of these exceptional individuals are responsible for overseeing the overall business strategies for some of the most respected names in the world of luxury hotels...

The Top 25 Hotels and Executives of New York for 2023

Lodge + Dine is pleased to announce The Top 25 Hotels of New York for 2023. No place epitomizes luxury like the Empire State. Its iconic metropolis, New York City, or the Big Apple, stands as a premier destination for those seeking a myriad of upscale accommodations. In Manhattan alone, the area boasts hundreds of hotels catering to diverse and discriminating tastes. Ranging from timeless classics to avant-garde modern establishments, these accommodations are celebrated for their sophisticated lounges offering panoramic city views, indulgent spas, high-thread-count linens, and exquisite five-star dining experiences...

Hospitality Sector Sees Signs of Decelerating Growth

Quarter to quarter the traffic to hotels on a global basis varies but generally we have seen a positive trend indicating a vibrant and...

The Leading Northeast Ski Resort Is In Stowe, Vermont

While many travelers flock out west for traditional ski trips and winter vacations, those looking for a more intimate and tailored experience know to head Northeast to Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont. A destination for all seasons, Spruce Peak is the perfect home base for all your adventures...

II San Pietro Di Positano, A Jewel Of Italian Hospitality On The Amalfi Coast

Il San Pietro di Positano is a family-run Relais and Chateaux property, nestled in the cliffs overlooking the bay of Positano and located a few miles’ shuttle-ride away from town. The property is at one with its natural environment, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning panoramic views.

Ian Schrager Succeeds With Latest Venture, Kind Of

It’s been four decades since the days of Studio 54 and since then Ian Schrager has successfully evolved into a multifaceted creative and business...

Inspirato Expands Luxury Travel Market with Innovative Membership Model

Inspirato, renowned for its exclusive approach to luxury travel, in its 13th year, has achieved profitability, bolstered by a $25 million funding round from Capital One in October 2023. The company targets affluent clients, with over half of its members earning more than $500,000 annually...

Iconic Ritz Paris Is Rejuvenated

The only true constant is change and when the hotel world around is abuzz offering greater luxuries, pristine accommodations and highly personalized customer service, it’s hard to imagine that a hotel founded in the 1800’s could still command the respect from all its peers. Such is the case with the Ritz Paris. Undoubtedly its location in central Paris and unmistakable architecture have made it a big draw for movie settings, photographs and other big events...

Rosewood Brand and Presence Becomes More Prevalent

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts was acquired by the family of billionaire Henry Cheng in 2011 for $229.5 million and since then the company has...

Leading Hospitality Staffing Company Sold By Family Office

Littlejohn Capital, a family office owned by Angus C. Littlejohn Jr., the co-founder of Littlejohn & Co., recently announced the sale of its portfolio company Hospitality Staffing Solutions. CEO of HSS Tim McPherson stated, "As a recognized industry leader offering the highest quality of staffing and related managed services, we enable our hospitality partners to focus on their core business...