NYC & Company, New York’s tourism marketing organization, revised its 2017 travel forecast on Tuesday, stating that it expects 300,000 fewer international visitors than last year “in l…
North America
Royal Caribbean staffing pools with lifeguards
Royal Caribbean International has become the second major cruise line to staff lifeguards at its pools, a significant change in the cruise industry.Starting this week with the Oasis of the Seas, Royal…
Swiss to welcome more Bombardier C Series aircraft for summer season
Swiss is planning to further expand its range of air services from Zurich and Geneva in the coming summer schedules.San Francisco will newly receive daily Boeing 777-300ER service from Zurich from Apr…
New York’s Carlton Hotel converting to James brand
The James luxury-boutique brand will reflag the Carlton Hotel in New York after the Flatiron District property is upgraded this summer.The James New York NoMad will have 344 rooms, including 28 suites…
Construction begins on The Oaklander Hotel, Oakland
Concord Hospitality plans to open Pittsburgh’s first Autograph Collection Hotel in the heart of the Oakland neighbourhood.Construction began on the 167-room property, The Oaklander Hotel, last m…
Bill calls for 67% cut in Visit Florida’s budget
Florida’s travel marketing organization, Visit Florida, was dealt a setback on Tuesday when a Florida House committee voted in favor of a bill that would slash its budget by 67%.In defiance of F…
Discover Los Angeles launches new international ad campaign
In a break with the traditional tourism advertising formula, Discover Los Angeles – the official destination marketing organisation for LA – isn’t selling the city in its latest glob…
Travel industry says defunding Visit Florida will hurt tourism
The tourism industry is warning Florida lawmakers that a bill to kill government funding for the state’s tourism marketing arm could set it back after years of record-breaking visitor tourism gr…
Marriott’s luxury brands lead slight Q4 demand gain
Marriott International’s luxury brands such as Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott led fourth-quarter demand gains for the world’s largest hotel company, while business lagged in regions such as …
Carnival sets incentives for group bookings
Carnival Cruise Line is offering reduced deposits and an enhanced tour conductor credit for group business booked by March 15.Deposits are reduced by 50% for group bookings on select sailings departin…