AZDS and Way Launch Unified Hotel Booking Experience
AZDS and Way have introduced a new integrated digital reservation system designed for hotels and resorts. The innovative solution enables guests to book rooms and ancillary experiences, such as ticketed dinners or on-site amenities, through a single transaction on the property's official website...
Evolving Preferences and Opportunities in The Luxury Travel Market
The demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is predicted to outpace all other industry segments, fueled by a rise in the number of individuals with net worths between $1 million and $30 million and a growing base of aspiring luxury travelers with net worths ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. These travelers, especially younger ones, are willing to allocate more of their wealth to upscale travel experiences...
Ben & Jerry’s Partners with Farmers to Drive Sustainable Dairy Practices
Ben & Jerry’s Low Carbon Dairy project is driving significant change in the dairy industry by partnering with farmers, scientists, and experts to reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming. The initiative focuses on improving soil health, animal welfare, and climate resilience, aiming to reduce farm emissions by 50% by 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...