% Arabica, a global coffee sensation originating from Japan, has recently opened its doors in Mexico City, marking its presence in the 25th country. Specializing in high-quality coffee varieties, % Arabica is known for its exceptional service, premium coffee beans, and simplistic yet perfect barista brews. The brand’s founder, Kenneth Shoji, established % Arabica in
As the travel industry continues to evolve, there is a growing need to rethink how luxury cruises are promoted to a younger audience. Many newer travel advisors often overlook cruises in favor of promoting more bespoke experiences, but a recent sailing aboard the Silver Nova sought to challenge these perceptions. By inviting a select group
The World Beer Cup, often referred to as the “Olympics of Beer Competitions,” has been a premier event since its inception in 1996. Hosted annually by the Brewers Association, a trade group representing over 5,400 beer makers, the World Beer Cup brings together expert judges from 26 different countries to evaluate and award medals across
Australia’s Kimberley region is becoming a popular destination for expedition cruise ships, despite the risks involved with the wildlife, particularly crocodiles. Jason Flesher, the director of discovery operations for Scenic Group, emphasizes that the Kimberley offers a unique and adventurous experience for travelers seeking something off the beaten path. The region’s ancient Montgomery Reef, horizontal
Royal Caribbean Group is prioritizing the retention of its loyal cruisers by introducing a new status matching program across its brands. This program allows customers to carry over their highest loyalty status earned from sailing with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea Cruises to any of the three brands. The CEO of the group,
The recent unveiling of CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando marked the end of a long period of renovations at the beloved Epcot theme park. With these new additions, Epcot now boasts four distinct areas, including World Nature, World Discovery, and World Celebration, in addition to the original
The recent NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference shed light on the current state of the U.S. hotel business. Industry researchers STR have projected a decrease in the growth of RevPAR (revenue per available room) from 4% to 2% for this year. Luxury hotel RevPAR growth is also expected to decline by 0.2% instead of
The recent retheming of Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has sparked discussions among travel advisors about the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in theme park attractions. The decision to transform the beloved ride, which was originally based on Disney’s 1946 film “Song of the South,” reflects Disney’s
Air travel complications can be a nightmare for travelers, especially when they are about to embark on a cruise journey. A recent experience highlighted the challenges that can arise when dealing with airlines and their policies, particularly in the context of the cruise industry. One of the most frustrating aspects of air travel connected to
The 1986 Air Carrier Access Act mandates that airlines must provide wheelchair services to passengers with disabilities at airports. However, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle revealed that there is a growing trend of travelers abusing this service by falsely claiming the need for a wheelchair. Biffle pointed out that he has witnessed instances where a
American Airlines has recently rolled out a commission program aimed at promoting New Distribution Capability (NDC) bookings. This new initiative offers travel agencies a 10% commission rate for NDC-enabled bookings of American’s Main Plus, Main Select, and Flagship Business Plus bundles. The specifics of this commission program were first revealed in The Beat newsletter, where
The CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, is optimistic about the future of the airport and expects passenger traffic to reach record numbers. He predicts that the airport will top 100 million passengers by 2027, citing a strong post-pandemic recovery and increased efforts to promote Dubai as a safe and attractive destination. Record-Breaking Growth Dubai
Fiji Airways, a prominent airline serving 26 destinations across 15 countries and territories, has announced its transition from being a member of the Oneworld Connect affiliate program to becoming a full member of the alliance. This move marks a significant milestone for the South Pacific airline, with the integration process expected to be completed within
Air Canada has recently revealed its plans to integrate NDC content within Sabre in the upcoming weeks. This move comes as part of the airline’s larger strategy to shift towards digital modern merchandising technology. The airline’s NDC strategy includes offering incentive payments for NDC bookings while implementing surcharges on legacy GDS bookings. This strategy has
Summer air travel in the United States is expected to reach unparalleled levels this year, with record-setting passenger numbers projected by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The recent screening of close to 3 million individuals on a single day in June exceeded a previous record set just weeks earlier, highlighting the massive surge in travel.
Research conducted at the University of Colorado Boulder sheds light on the connection between consuming high-fat foods and increased anxiety levels. Contrary to popular belief, indulging in fried chicken, potato chips, and ice cream during stressful times might actually exacerbate anxiety due to the effects on gut bacteria and brain chemistry. The study, published in
Are you a blueberry enthusiast? Well, get ready to showcase your love for this delicious summer fruit and potentially win a nice bonus. July is National Blueberry Month, and the US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is celebrating in style with two exciting contests designed to engage and delight blueberry fans. The first-ever Great American Blueberry
One major foodservice giant that has been making headlines recently is Starbucks. Known for its premium coffee and upscale ambiance, Starbucks has recently faced criticism for its decision to lower prices and introduce a value menu. This move has raised questions about whether Starbucks is devaluing its own brand identity and moving away from its
