Miscellaneous

🎆 China Tang at The Dorchester celebrates Lunar New Year 2026 on Park Lane with Cantonese traditions in 1930s Shanghai-inspired decor. On February 17 and 18, a Lion Dance welcomes guests for the Year of the Horse. Executive Chef Chong Choi Fong offers ten auspicious dishes symbolizing prosperity and unity, including Lo Hei, Sea Moss with Bamboo Heart, and Lobster with XO Sauce. The event features signature dim sum and cocktails, creating an elegant setting for festive gatherings.

🌿 Last April, Benny attended a talk on farm stays, igniting his interest. Within a week, he found an old Mennonite adobe and wood farmhouse, almost demolished for a new subdivision. His property is a lush oasis amid gray concrete homes, offering organic produce to neighbors. The Dueck family’s welcoming spirit and Benny's culinary skills make their home a community hub. Their generosity fosters a thriving community of families working and worshiping together.

🇺🇸 In Atlanta, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) congratulated President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a U.S.–India trade agreement, which lowers tariffs and boosts economic ties. This deal impacts nearly $30 trillion in economic output, benefiting global commerce, tourism, and hospitality. AAHOA, representing over 20,000 hotel owners, supports this as a catalyst for economic stability and growth, emphasizing the importance of open markets and international cooperation.

🛫 U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association urge the House to vote on a government funding package in Washington, D.C., after a 2025 shutdown cost $6 billion, affecting over 6 million passengers—nearly $140 million daily. The Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R. 6086) and Aviation Funding Stability Act (S. 1045) aim to ensure air traffic controllers and TSA officers are paid during shutdowns. The Senate passed the package on Friday.

💃 "Dance nhow, change now!" launched in March 2025 at nhow Berlin, is aimed at Gen Z and Millennials. The initiative uses dance to enhance guest experiences and brand awareness, targeting over 300,000 spectators and a global media reach of 41 million. Key components include events, silent disco, brand films, and 760 visual assets, with strategic openings in Rome and Lima. The program integrates local activities like salsa nights and dance-inspired yoga.

💼 Marriott Bonvoy, recognized as the Best Hotel Loyalty Program by The Points Guy in Bethesda, Md., excels with the Best New All-Inclusive Points Hotel, W Punta Cana. Founded in 2018, the awards highlight travel excellence. Marriott's portfolio includes 9,100 properties across 142 countries. In 2025, it expanded with citizenM and the Outdoor Collection, offering unique experiences like Michelin-starred journeys. The Points Guy, a travel media leader, reaches 11 million monthly visitors.

🗺️ Travellers during the Lunar New Year 2026 are booking longer trips with a 40% increase in cross-border stays of seven nights or more and a 50% rise in long-haul bookings. Destinations like Norway and Australia see booking spikes of over 200% and 100% respectively. First-class flights are up by 83%, and five-star hotel stays increase by 59%. Major Asian cities such as Seoul and Ho Chi Minh City report booking growths exceeding 70%.

💠 Hotel de la Ville in Rome partners with Coreterno in February to launch the ULTRAROME Journey, highlighting scents of Rome. Located above the Spanish Steps, the hotel offers suite guests the ULTRALOVE gift. Highlights include scents from the Pantheon, Campo de Fiori, Orange Garden, and Baths of Diocletian. On February 14, a candlelit dinner with Chef Fulvio Pierangelini at Cafè Ginori is featured. This journey invites visitors to explore Rome through its fragrances, enhancing the sensory experience.

🌱 Late Spring (May-June) and Early Autumn (September) are the best times to walk the Camino de Santiago, with temperatures around 15°C-25°C. Summer (July-August) is crowded, with temperatures exceeding 30°C. Early Spring (March-April) offers solitude but with unpredictable weather. Winter (November-February) is for experienced hikers due to cold and limited accommodations. Adapt your gear and plan based on weather and crowd levels to fully enjoy the pilgrimage experience.

🛒 Amazon will close all Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores, affecting 72 locations by February 1, except those in California, which will remain open for 45 more days. The shift focuses on Whole Foods Market, with plans for over 100 new stores and faster online grocery delivery, including Same-Day Delivery in 2,300 cities. About 16,000 Amazon roles face layoffs, though some employees may be reassigned or receive severance. Amazon Now tests ultra-fast delivery in select cities.