In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in anti-tourism sentiment in popular destinations like Barcelona and Maui. This sentiment has led to a new wave of legislation targeting short-term vacation rentals. The crackdown on short-term rentals is not a novel concept, but it seems to be picking up momentum in various cities around
Hotels
The Four Seasons Hotel Osaka has recently opened its doors in the vibrant Dojima neighborhood of Osaka. One of the standout features of this hotel is the Gensui floor located on the 28th floor. Here, guests can immerse themselves in a contemporary ryokan experience unlike any other. From tatami floor mats to sliding doors and
Marriott International’s CEO, Anthony Capuano, emphasized the importance and strength of the group segment during the second-quarter earnings call. He highlighted that groups accounted for 24% of the company’s worldwide room nights and experienced a 10% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) compared to the previous year. Despite this positive growth, Capuano cautioned about
In June, hotels across Hawaii experienced a decline in both occupancy and room rates, as reported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). The statewide occupancy rate was 75.5%, a decrease of 1.2 percentage points compared to the previous year. Additionally, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) dropped by 3.7% year over year, amounting to $373 across
The highly anticipated Harry Potter-themed section of Epic Universe promises to deliver an unparalleled experience, described as “the most ambitious, groundbreaking ride Universal has ever created.” Entitled “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry,” guests are in for a magical journey that transcends both time and space, transporting them from 1920s Paris to the
Sandals Resorts International recently announced plans to convert the well-established Sandals Emerald Bay resort in the Bahamas into the new Beaches Exuma. This transformation is set to take place after the closure of Sandals Emerald Bay on August 15, with renovations expected to commence in the upcoming fall season. While an exact reopening date for
The presence of dogs in hotels has become a heartwarming trend in the hospitality industry. This trend not only benefits the guests but also adds a unique charm to the hotel experience. Hotel editor Christina Jelski discusses this trend with Joel Morales of Castlerock Asset Management and Rauni Kew of the Inn by the Sea
The recent update from the U.S. State Department regarding the travel advisory for Jamaica maintained the destination’s Level 3 advisory status. However, it did mention that tourist areas generally have lower rates of violent crime compared to other parts of the country. This shows that while there are risks involved, certain areas are considered safer
While traditional massages have long been a staple in the world of spa treatments, a new era in relaxation has emerged with the introduction of robotic massage therapy. Imagine lying on a massage table, fully clothed in a specially designed outfit engineered to enhance the interaction between man and machine. This high-tech table, equipped with
Future Found Sanctuary, nestled on the picturesque slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, has recently introduced a collection of wellness packages to offer guests a rejuvenating and holistic experience. Spearheaded by Steve Uria, the renowned wellness director at Newmark Hotels & Reserves, these new packages have been meticulously curated to meet the evolving needs of
The travel industry has seen a significant transformation over the past few years, with catchphrases like “new normal” and “unprecedented times” becoming part of everyday vocabulary. However, as we step into the fourth year since the onset of the pandemic, a new term is gaining traction in the travel landscape – normalization. Travel sales trends
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park has long been a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, but now it is also becoming a hotspot for luxury travelers. With the recent opening of two new properties and a third in development, visitors can now enjoy high-end accommodations while experiencing the beauty of the park. Situated in the northern Serengeti
Maui has recently made a significant move towards controlling vacation rentals, with the Maui Planning Commission voting unanimously for a proposal that could potentially eliminate over 7,000 short-term rentals across the island. This proposed ordinance aims to gradually phase out short-term rentals in “apartment districts” predominantly situated in West and South Maui. If the Maui
As per the latest quarterly results from Comcast Corp., the attendance at Universal theme parks in Florida and California saw a decline in the second quarter. The company’s president, Mike Cavanagh, mentioned that the decrease in attendance was a result of normalization following a post-lockdown boom in 2022 and 2023. During those years, the theme
Palau, an island nation in western Micronesia, is slowly emerging as a tourist destination. The country’s President, Surangel Whipps Jr., faces the challenge of balancing economic development with conservation efforts to ensure sustainable tourism growth. With the imminent arrival of global hospitality brands like Indigo and Four Seasons, Palau stands at a critical juncture in
Wyoming’s Jackson Hole is about to welcome a new adults-only hotel on Aug. 1st. The Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole, located atop the East Gros Ventre Butte, is set to offer a unique experience for travelers looking to explore the region’s outdoor attractions. What sets this hotel apart is its promise of providing a serene
Golden Rock Resort’s Statia Divers has recently unveiled a brand new PADI-authorized dive center for all the diving enthusiasts out there. Situated on the stunning cliffs of St. Eustatius, this facility offers an array of exciting opportunities for divers of all experience levels. From PADI courses to guided dives and top-notch ScubaPro rental gear, Statia
Intrepid Travel, a well-known tour operator, has recently decided to enter the lodging industry with an acquisition strategy aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience of its customers. Over the last three years, Intrepid has added two hotels to its portfolio, one in Australia and the other in Vietnam. These acquisitions include the Daintree Ecolodge