Miscellaneous

🐟 After seven years, The Sea, The Sea moved into larger premises on Chelsea's Pavilion Road, London. The new space boasts a 40-cover bistro, a terrace for 28, and a seafood bar for 10. Designer Benjamin Wilkins utilized elements from the seafood industry. The shop sources fish from small boats in Cornwall and Scotland. Head chef Nick Marsden offers dishes like grilled Cornish lobster and pickled Fowey mussels. Clients include Michelin-starred restaurants Ikoyi and Kol.

🌿 May in the UK saw a fractional deflationary movement, contrasting April's inflation uptick. Significant price drops occurred in fresh produce, dairy, and oils. The vegetables category experienced ongoing deflation due to peak European growing conditions boosting supply for salads, leafy crops, and outdoor produce. This indicates the resilience of UK supply chains amid global commodity uncertainties.

🎿 Verbier is ideal for confident skiers with off-piste terrain and après-ski options. Courchevel offers a luxury experience with Michelin-starred dining and is family-friendly with beginner terrain. Zermatt provides stunning scenery and cross-border skiing into Italy. A £25,000 budget varies by group size and timing; New Year options are often self-catered, while January can include more luxuries. The Luxury Chalet Co. offers services like concierge and private chefs to enhance your ski holiday.

❤️ In the mid-1970s, Milton Glaser designed the iconic I ❤️ NY logo for an advertising campaign to boost New York City's tourism amid a financial crisis. Created pro bono, the logo was adopted as the state's official tourism symbol. Despite receiving a copyright in the mid-1990s, the logo generates tens of thousands annually in licensing fees. In 2023, an attempted rebrand failed, underscoring enduring affection for Glaser's original design.

🌍 July sees cultural explorations from Cartagena, Colombia, to Haus der Kunst in Munich, featuring Tomás Saraceno’s exhibition. The Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition in London showcases over 1,800 artworks, running since 1769. In music, Madonna's album launch and Wolf Alice's Finsbury Park show highlight the scene. Taring Padi's exhibition starts 8 July in London. Cálong’s Korean-European cuisine fuses flavors in Stoke Newington. London's Forefront platform introduces a new series blending architecture and textile art.

🌎 81% of Europeans plan to travel between June and November 2026, a 4% increase from last year. Travel within Europe remains popular, with Southern and Mediterranean Europe attracting 61% of travelers. Safety (20%) and affordability influence decisions, with 22% concerned about rising costs. Climate considerations affect 76% of travelers. Air travel remains preferred at 53%. Summer is peak season, with 86% planning to travel, and €1,500–€2,500 is the common budget for spending.

📅 ISHC is accepting nominations for the Rising Star Award Asia Pacific until 14 August 2026. This award targets under-35 professionals in hotel development or investment with a minimum of five years' experience in the APAC region. Winners will be announced at HICAP from 20-22 October 2026 in Singapore. Candidates must be born on or after 23 October 1991 and have at least one year with their current company. Nominations require a submission from a colleague.

📰 Marriott International and The Coca-Cola Company announced a global agreement on August 2025 to expand beverage choices across Marriott's properties worldwide. The partnership, developed with Hot Shoppe Services International, makes Coca-Cola Marriott’s global beverage partner, covering carbonated drinks, hydration, and functional beverages. The rollout begins immediately, enhancing guest experiences in hotels, restaurants, and events. Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott, and Henrique Braun, CEO of Coca-Cola, emphasized the collaboration’s focus on quality and guest satisfaction.

🗺 In the high-net-worth travel sector, LVMH’s model is key. Bernard Arnault’s multi-billion-dollar empire thrives on legacy and "savoir-faire." Travel advisors are urged to focus on provenance over mere amenities to capture heritage-driven clients. Unlike algorithmic Online Travel Agencies, human curation offers deep historical context. Advisors using the LVMH mindset can transform travel into an intellectual pursuit, framing heritage properties not just as accommodations but as cultural experiences, thus enhancing the traveler's connection to place.