Author: Kai Lennox

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled its newest addition to the hospitality landscape—the Universal Stella Nova Resort. This exciting new hotel is co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co. and features a design crafted by the creative team at Universal. Unique Accommodations and Amenities The Universal Stella Nova Resort boasts 750 guest rooms, each designed with space station-style windows and capable of accommodating up to four guests with two queen beds. Guests can indulge in a variety of cosmic-themed dining options, including Cosmos Cafe and Market, Galaxy Bar, and Galaxy Grill. For leisure and relaxation, visitors can enjoy amenities such…

Hyatt has announced the appointment of Javier Águila as the new President of its Inclusive Collection, effective March 1, 2025. In this pivotal role, Águila will oversee Hyatt’s global all-inclusive portfolio, which includes brands such as Bahia Principe. This leadership change reflects Hyatt’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience across its diverse offerings in the all-inclusive market. Background of Javier Águila Javier Águila brings extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having held various senior management positions throughout his career. His robust background equips him with the skills necessary to drive Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection forward. Águila has demonstrated a keen understanding…

The emergence of large hotel chains in the all-inclusive sector is shaking up the travel landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for travel advisors. As these hotel conglomerates gain a foothold, their dominance has led to a notable reduction in the negotiating power of advisors, particularly concerning group bookings. The Shift in Group Booking Dynamics Traditionally, travel advisors played a pivotal role in securing favorable terms for group travel arrangements. However, with the increasing popularity of large all-inclusive resorts, advisors find themselves facing new hurdles when coordinating group trips. The allure of direct bookings—where customers book trips directly through hotel…

MAHO — Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten is introducing a new promotion titled "Meet Me in Paradise," aimed at incentive groups and corporate planners, running until October 31. This initiative coincides with the grand reopening of its newly renovated 16,000-square-foot convention center, complemented by an additional 8,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space, all featuring significant technological enhancements. The resort’s indoor convention area has undergone a transformation to provide a more open and uninterrupted design, ideal for various events. This upgraded space now offers flexible meeting arrangements, accommodating groups of varying sizes, while keeping comfort and efficiency at the forefront. In…

Universal Orlando Resort has officially unveiled its much-anticipated event dates for 2025, exciting fans and visitors alike. The upcoming year will see thrilling celebrations with Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras, and the festive Holidays at Universal. Mardi Gras: A Festive Celebration Kicking off the festive season, Mardi Gras will run from February 1 to March 30, 2025. This beloved annual event will transform the park into a vibrant celebration of music, food, and parades. Attendees can expect exciting entertainment, including live concerts and delicious cuisine inspired by the flavors of New Orleans. Guests can indulge in mouthwatering bites and awe-inspiring…

In 2024, Marriott International marked a significant milestone by achieving a 6.8% increase in net rooms, further solidifying its position as a leader in the global hospitality industry. The year was defined by strategic moves that included signing over 1,200 new hotel deals, showcasing the company’s aggressive expansion plans despite facing a $52 million fine for security breaches. Record Development in the Hospitality Sector Marriott’s robust development strategy led to the opening of its 9,000th hotel, a testament to its commitment to growth and innovation. This achievement underscores Marriott’s ability to diversify its portfolio, particularly in luxury and midscale segments.…

Sandals and Beaches Resorts have officially launched a limited-time promotion that’s sure to excite travelers planning a Caribbean getaway. This four-day flash sale offers savings of up to CAD$1,250 for bookings made through Air Canada Vacations. The sale is valid now until January 31, 2025, so vacationers should act quickly to take advantage of these incredible discounts. Details of the Flash Sale This enticing promotion is applicable to new vacation packages with a stay of five nights or longer, available for travel through December 31, 2025. Destinations included in this offer are Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Curaçao,…

Playa Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International have unveiled the spectacular Paraiso de la Bonita, a new addition to The Luxury Collection in the stunning Riviera Maya. This beachfront gem, now a luxury all-inclusive resort, is situated just twenty minutes away from Cancun International Airport (CUN) and breathes new life into the former Hyatt All-Inclusive Zoetry property. A New Era in All-Inclusive Luxury Paraiso de la Bonita marks The Luxury Collection’s third all-inclusive venture, following the successful launches of Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic and Almare on Isla Mujeres. This new resort embraces a blend of modern aesthetics…

As summer commences, southern Europe is witnessing a resurgence of protests against mass tourism. Once more, residents of Barcelona have been spotted spraying tourists with water guns, voicing their frustrations over the overwhelming influx of visitors. This year, many travelers are opting for less popular destinations or planning their trips during off-peak periods. This shift is largely due to tour operators and travel advisors actively redesigning itineraries to promote sustainable tourism practices. The issue of overtourism is becoming increasingly serious, a problem that reached a breaking point last summer. Protesters in Barcelona first turned to water guns, a tactic that…

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is set to expand its luxury offerings in Canada with the exciting introduction of the Park Hyatt brand in Vancouver. The former Shangri-La Vancouver has officially transitioned into the Hyatt Vancouver Downtown Alberni, and the hotel is currently undergoing a substantial multi-million-dollar redesign. This transformation is poised to elevate the venue to the esteemed Park Hyatt standard by 2026. Located at 1128 West Georgia Street, the property is now available for bookings through all Hyatt reservation channels, making it convenient for travelers eager to experience its luxurious offerings. Following the planned renovations, this 119-room hotel will feature…