Travel trends are constantly evolving, and one concept that has gained popularity is the idea of destination “dupes.” These are places that offer experiences similar to well-known destinations but without the overcrowding and high costs that often come with them. The trend of opting for dupes has seen a significant surge, particularly in the wake
Hotels
The transition from a glamorous rock star lifestyle to managing figureheads like Buzz Aldrin is not a common career trajectory. However, for Christina Korp from Florida, this was the unexpected turn her life took. Previously known as Christina Rasch, a singer-songwriter who toured with the likes of Ringo Starr, Korp exited the music scene to
In recent years, popular tourist destinations such as Barcelona and Maui have experienced a surge in anti-tourism sentiment, leading to a new wave of legislation targeting short-term vacation rentals. This crackdown on short-term rentals is gaining momentum, with more cities joining in to regulate Airbnbs more aggressively. According to Daniel Guttentag, an associate professor at
The newly opened Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, nestled in the One Dojima high-rise in the vibrant Dojima neighborhood, offers a one-of-a-kind experience on its Gensui floor. This floor presents a contemporary ryokan ambiance, featuring traditional Japanese elements such as tatami floor mats, sliding doors, low-seating arrangements, and futon-style sleeping platforms. Guests staying on the Gensui
Marriott International’s CEO, Anthony Capuano, highlighted the significance of group bookings in the company’s business during its second-quarter earnings call. Groups accounted for 24% of worldwide room nights for the quarter, with a 10% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) compared to the previous year. Despite this positive trend, Capuano noted a potential pullback
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) recently released data showing a decline in occupancy rates across hotels in Hawaii during the month of June. Compared to the previous year, Hawaii’s statewide occupancy dropped by 1.2 percentage points, with only 75.5% of hotel rooms being filled. This decrease indicates a potential weakening in tourist activity and demand
Universal Studios has announced the addition of a new Harry Potter-themed section at their Epic Universe park, promising an unforgettable experience for fans of the beloved wizarding world. The new attraction, named Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, is set to be the most ambitious ride Universal has ever created. Guests will be
Sandals Resorts International has announced plans to rebrand Sandals Emerald Bay into Beaches Exuma, catering to families looking for a fun and luxurious vacation destination. This transformation will bring updated accommodations and amenities to the Bahamas, making it an ideal spot for families to create lasting memories. The closure of Sandals Emerald Bay on Aug.
The recent update to the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Jamaica maintains the destination’s Level 3 advisory status. However, it does provide a glimmer of hope by stating that “tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country.” This suggests that while caution is still advised, there are
The hospitality industry has seen a heartwarming trend in recent years – the presence of dogs in hotel lobbies. This trend not only benefits the guests but also adds a unique touch to the overall hotel experience. Training and managing a lobby dog requires careful consideration, and hoteliers like Rauni Kew of the Inn by
Lying on a massage table fully clothed, covered in a skintight outfit designed to create friction between the body and robotic arms, paints a picture of an unconventional spa experience. While the idea of a high-tech massage may appeal to some, individuals seeking relaxation and stress relief through a traditional spa session may find this
In the wake of the pandemic, the travel industry is witnessing a shift towards normalization in travel sales trends, marking a departure from the uncertainties that characterized the recent past. A recent survey conducted by host agency Travel Experts revealed that while 16.8% of advisors experienced lower sales in the first half of 2024 compared
Future Found Sanctuary, a luxurious retreat nestled on the slopes of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, has recently unveiled a collection of wellness packages geared towards offering guests a comprehensive and rejuvenating experience. These innovative packages, crafted by Steve Uria, the wellness director at Newmark Hotels & Reserves, are set to debut on September 13.
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is known for its incredible wildlife migration, but it is also becoming a hub for luxury accommodation options. Recently, two new properties have opened their doors, with a third one in development. One of the new additions to the Serengeti is the One Nature Mara River Lodge, located in the northern
Maui has recently made a significant move towards regulating vacation rentals by having the Maui Planning Commission vote in favor of a proposal that would result in the elimination of over 7,000 short-term rentals across the island. This proposed ordinance specifically targets short-term rentals in “apartment districts” primarily located in West and South Maui. Should
After experiencing record attendance in 2022 and 2023, Universal theme parks in Florida and California saw a decline in visitation in the second quarter of this year. Mike Cavanagh, president of parent company Comcast Corp., explained during the Q2 earnings call that this decrease in attendance reflects a normalization following a post-lockdown boom. Cavanagh mentioned
Palau, a small western Micronesian nation with a population of 21,000, is slowly emerging as a potential tourist hotspot. Over the past few years, the country has seen an increase in interest from global hospitality brands and investors, with promises of new developments and luxury accommodations. However, as the tourism industry in Palau begins to
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is set to welcome a new adults-only hotel on August 1st, setting a new standard for luxury accommodations in the region. The Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole, perched atop the East Gros Ventre Butte, offers guests easy access to the area’s stunning outdoor attractions, including Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National
