The global tourism sector is starting the new year prepared to #RestartTourism when conditions allow, with the World Tourism Organization set to again bring together leaders from across the public and private sectors. Tomorrow in Madrid, the UNWTO G…
The Alila journey: In conversation with co-founder Mark Edleson
Alila – meaning ‘surprise’ in Sanskrit – was founded in 2001 on the back of personalized hospitality, private spaces and bespoke journeys. Today, Alila is one of the most well-known luxury brands in Asia and has 16 hotels globally, each in unique lo…
The Bittersweet Next Normal for the Hotel Industry
By now, we’re all well aware of the dire state of COVID-related affairs still facing many tourism and hospitality operators around the world. Specifically for hotels, some of experienced victories by feeding the summer staycation crowds while others…
Airbnb CEO says travel never going back to the way it was before pandemic
Airbnb Chief Executive Officer Brian Chesky on Thursday predicted travel would permanently change due to the pandemic with people seeking out thousands of smaller cities and spending more time visiting friends and family. Traditional tourism and sig…
A Best Western hotel in London is now taking in Covid-19 patients as hospitals run out of beds
The Best Western Hotel in the London suburb of Croydon would normally be packed with visiting families, out-of-town construction workers, and business travelers. But today the lobby is clear of all guests and furniture except for a single table with…
Three hospitality industry realities for 2021
Like many of you, I suspect, I didn’t have the energy to make resolutions for this year. After all, I was forced into enough changes in 2020 that I’m still adapting to, personally and professionally. It felt right not to put any additional pressure …
Scandic Comments On Market Situation And Ongoing Rent Negotiations
In December, Scandic’s average occupancy rate was approximately 15 percent with continued weak demand in all markets. Ongoing rent negotiations have thus far led to agreements for rent reductions and offers from landlords totaling approximately 850 …
WTTC welcomes wider test acceptance as a major step towards the return of international travel
Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC welcomes this major step by the UK government which opens the doors to travellers arriving into England with proof of a negative COVID-19 test, no matter what the type of test they take.” “Giving equ…
Light at the End of the Tunnel
OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT As we recover from the ravages of the Pandemic and the hospitality industry re-emerges from its devastation, the good news is that there is unprecedented opportunity for improvement. Much of the upcoming change is directl…
Key hospitality technology trends to watch in 2021
As we start to look forward to the new year, there are two key trends which we have already begun to see emerge throughout the course of 2020. Both have been driven, in the most part, by the advance of the Coronavirus pandemic – digitisation and the…