The recent Labor Day weekend walkouts by 10,000 hotel workers across nine U.S. cities have sparked discussions about the state of the hospitality industry and the challenges faced by its workforce. The strikes, organized by the labor union Unite Here, were driven by the workers’ demands for higher wages, fairer staffing levels, and the reversal
Hotels
Hotel housekeepers like Fatima Amahmoud are facing an uphill battle when it comes to managing their workloads. With up to 17 rooms to clean each shift, these workers are pushed to their limits to meet the time requirements for each room. The decline in daily room cleaning options has not only increased their workload but
Travalyst, the not-for-profit organization founded by Prince Harry, recently announced the first batch of sustainable accommodation certifications that meet their criteria. This development marks a significant milestone in Travalyst’s mission to strengthen credibility and ensure consistency in the display of certifications on travel booking platforms. Established in 2019, Travalyst aims to educate consumers about sustainable
Grupo Xcaret has established itself as a dominant force in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico with its six ecoparks, three all-inclusive properties, tour operations, and boat transportation services. One of their latest innovations is the Xcaret Agents Pro Booking platform, a dedicated tool designed to simplify the hotel reservation process for travel advisors. In
In July, Hawaii hotels experienced a slight uptick in occupancy rates, with a statewide average of 78.4%. This represented a 1.2% increase from the previous year. Despite this positive trend, average daily rates (ADR) took a hit, dropping by 5.5% to $385 across the Islands. As a result, total room revenue for Hawaii hotels declined
The recent move by Hyatt to acquire Standard International is not just a mere transaction in the hospitality sector; it signifies a significant shift in the industry landscape. The trend of major hotel chains acquiring boutique brands is becoming more prevalent as companies strive to enhance their global brand footprint and expand their reach. According
The term “overtourism” has been gaining traction in recent years, especially as the post-pandemic tourism boom continues to unfold. Barcelona, one of the cities at the center of this issue, saw protests where residents expressed their frustration by targeting tourists. However, this problem is not unique to Barcelona, as many other European cities are also
Recently, the Grand Canyon National Park made a crucial announcement regarding the suspension of all overnight accommodations on the South Rim due to a severe water shortage. This decision, effective from Aug. 29 onwards, comes as a response to a series of “significant breaks” in the 12.5-mile Transcanyon Waterline, the park’s primary water supply system.
The recent vote by United Airlines flight attendants has caused a stir in the airline industry, with over 90% of union members in United’s chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA supporting a strike authorization. This overwhelming support indicates a deep dissatisfaction among flight attendants with their current labor conditions. However, it is important to
As I delved into Nate Silver’s book “On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything,” a shift in perspective was inevitable. Silver’s exploration of risk and reward, stemming from his background in poker and forecasting, sheds light on the intricate relationship between calculated risks and potential payoffs. The comparison between the 17% and 30% probabilities
There has been a noticeable shift in the all-inclusive resort industry, with a slowdown in growth and demand becoming more evident in recent times. According to Geoff Millar, owner of Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel, rising costs are a significant factor contributing to this trend. The prices at many all-inclusive resorts have nearly doubled over the past
Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas is planning to add 106 rooms and suites to its tower, marking a 20% increase in its inventory. This decision comes after the resort left four floors empty when it first opened in 2020, as the owners wanted to better understand customer demands before expanding. The new
Outrigger Resorts & Hotels has been making significant strides in expanding its presence within its home state of Hawaii. Adding the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort in Maui and the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort & Spa have been key additions to their portfolio. These new properties have helped Outrigger establish a solid foothold in the Hawaii
Paris Las Vegas is marking its 25th anniversary with a stunning redesign of its Versailles Tower, featuring 756 luxury guestrooms. These rooms are among the largest standard rooms on the Strip, boasting a spacious 420 square feet. As part of the renovation, thirty-eight rooms now come with new 55-square-foot balconies, offering breathtaking views of the
Madagascar, an island known for its unparalleled biodiversity, is becoming a top destination for luxury responsible tourism. One remarkable expedition is the Omura’s Whale Conservation Research Sailing Adventure, set to launch in October. Led by renowned whale researcher Salvatore Cerchio, participants will have the opportunity to study the elusive Omura’s whale in its natural habitat
The Beaumont Mayfair, a luxurious five-star hotel in London, is gearing up to celebrate its milestone 10th anniversary in September. To mark this special occasion, the hotel is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation that promises to elevate the guest experience to new heights. The highlight of the renovation includes the addition of 29 new rooms and
Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled its latest addition to its lineup of luxury properties with the announcement of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel set to open in 2025 as part of the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park. Boasting 500 rooms, this resort will offer a unique blend of Mediterranean- and celestial-inspired
The Family Reunion event at the Salamander Middleburg in Virginia is not just a regular gathering; it aims to create a sense of family among the attendees, who come as friends and leave as family. This task is quite challenging, especially with around 1,000 people in attendance. However, during the welcome reception, participants quickly bonded