In an ambitious pivot towards direct consumer engagement, Southwest Airlines plans to unveil its new vacation-packaging brand, Getaways by Southwest, in mid-2025. This initiative marks a significant departure from its previous partnership model, particularly the relationship it has had with travel advisors through Southwest Vacations, currently managed by Apple Leisure Group. The operational strategy suggests
Hotels
Hilton Worldwide’s recent earnings report for the third quarter showcased a somewhat sluggish rate of revenue growth per available room (RevPAR), reflecting the complexities faced by the hospitality sector. While a year-on-year increase of 1.4% in RevPAR demonstrates resilience, it fell short of expectations set by the company. The shortfall is attributed to various factors,
After a prominent hiatus of three decades, the Regent hotel brand has reestablished its foothold in the Americas, marking a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Regent Santa Monica Beach in Southern California. Originating in 1970, Regent was once synonymous with luxury in the U.S. hospitality sector, particularly with its iconic Regent Beverly Wilshire.
Florida’s picturesque coastline, renowned for its vibrant tourism sector, is grappling with the challenging aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton. These storms have cast a long shadow over the industry, with immediate effects particularly felt along the Gulf Coast. Local communities, especially small, independent hospitality businesses, now face the daunting task of recovery and adaptation
Baha Mar, a name synonymous with luxury and innovation in Nassau, Bahamas, is poised to expand its lavish offerings with the introduction of a fourth resort on the grounds of the recently demolished Melia Nassau Beach. Scheduled to open in 2029, this yet-to-be-branded resort will encompass a sprawling 12 acres and feature a mix of
Universal Orlando Resort is set to revolutionize its entertainment offerings with the grand opening of Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. This new theme park aims to change the landscape of family-friendly attractions and immersive experiences in Orlando. With a plethora of exciting features and attractions, Epic Universe promises to be a game-changer for the
As the presidential election approaches its climax, Washington D.C. is experiencing a dramatic increase in hotel and short-term rental reservations for January 2025. Visitors are eager to secure their accommodations ahead of what many anticipate will be an unprecedented Inauguration Day. This trend reflects a broader enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming event, particularly if Vice President
In a significant development for the travel industry, LuxRally Travel, a Miami-based host agency, has bolstered its FastBook platform by integrating approximately 1.3 million hotels into its booking engine. This influx of hotel inventory is sourced from a diverse range of providers, such as HotelBeds, RateHawk, Restel, Expedia Partner Solutions, and Rakuten Travel Xchange. Previously
In the realm of travel, all-inclusive resorts have long reigned supreme in tropical destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean. However, there is an expanding market for all-inclusive experiences in Europe that is swiftly garnering attention. As explored in a recent episode of the Folo podcast, hosted by Rebecca Tobin and featuring insightful guests from the
Windstar Cruises is embarking on an exciting revitalization journey with its flagship sailing ship, the Wind Surf. This November, significant renovations will commence in Cadiz, Spain, aiming to enhance the ship’s allure and comfort. Set to debut its newly revamped look on December 21, the Wind Surf will showcase improved suites and public areas—an initiative
The theme park experience has long been synonymous with long lines and wait times, capstone memories tinged with impatience. However, Disney has recently announced the introduction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, a novel approach designed to enhance the visitor experience by alleviating the burden of waiting. This new service offers patrons the opportunity to
In a world that constantly shifts under political and social pressures, individuals in positions of influence often face the colossal challenge of navigating change while uplifting their communities. This is particularly unavoidable for leaders in the hospitality industry, where the convergence of culture, service, and community-building creates a unique backdrop for discourse. This conversation became
In the aftermath of the global pandemic, the travel industry has undergone significant transformations. The discussion surrounding the term “normalization” has emerged as a central theme among stakeholders in the industry, particularly during key events like the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit held in Perth, Australia. While some experts assert that the
In an impressive move to boost accessibility in the travel industry, Hilton Hotels has embarked on a transformative partnership with Be My Eyes, an innovative tech platform that leverages artificial intelligence and volunteer support to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in making travel more
The luxury real estate market has witnessed a significant transformation, particularly in the last few years, with travelers seeking more personalized and exclusive options. In this context, Nocturne Luxury Villas has made a noteworthy advancement by acquiring 140 high-end properties from Grand Cayman Villas and Condos. This strategic acquisition exemplifies Nocturne’s ambition to solidify its
The ongoing strike at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort reveals deep-rooted concerns among hotel staff regarding their working conditions and compensation. Over 1,800 employees from various departments, including housekeeping, maintenance, and food service, are participating in the demonstration, which has now entered its third week. The strike highlights significant issues that resonate not
In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Orlando’s major theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando are set to re-open their doors to guests beginning on October 11. This move comes after a mandatory shutdown designed to ensure safety during the storm. For many, this heralds a return to normalcy and
The impact of Hurricane Milton on Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts illustrates a fascinating juxtaposition between nature’s fury and human resilience. As a family vacationer who found myself amid these chaotic circumstances, my experience was far from ordinary, yet distinctly remarkable. Sandbags displayed as a precaution, furniture stacked and secured, and a sense of