Miscellaneous

💳 Android payment device specialist, Castles Technology, is aiding Loomis Pay's expansion in Europe, initially targeting Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Spain. Loomis Pay will deploy the S1F4 Pro, S1P2, and S1U2M4 devices, along with the CasHUB TMS and Marketplace. A successful Norwegian pilot saw deployments in 17 locations. Partnering with Finnish company Seitatech, the rollout took just a few months. Castles Technology emphasizes innovation and agility in their Android solutions.

🛡️ Buying travel insurance too late can result in missing out on major pre-travel benefits. Choosing low-cost policies without evaluating coverage may lead to reduced benefits. Non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions might result in claim rejections. Ignoring policy exclusions, especially for activities like skiing or scuba diving, can void coverage. Purchase insurance early, assess policy terms, disclose medical conditions, and choose suitable add-ons for full protection.

🍳 Dion Wyn Jones, executive chef at Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa in Cheshire, was named National Chef of Wales 2026 by the Culinary Association of Wales. Competing against six finalists, Jones showcased his skills with a menu featuring poached cod and Welsh lamb. Rookery Hall, part of the Hand Picked Hotels group, holds three AA rosettes and is one of 21 properties in the UK and Channel Islands. This recognition underscores Jones's dedication and excellence in culinary arts.

🏨 The Hind Hotel, a 17th-century former coaching inn in Wellingborough town centre, is up for sale. Located on Sheep Street, it's a Grade II* listed building tied to the 1645 Battle of Naseby. A recent £1.3 million refurbishment was funded with Wellingborough Borough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, alongside £600,000 for bedrooms and £300,000 for ground floor upgrades. It features 34 en-suite rooms, three function rooms, and a restaurant. Currently closed, it's marketed to hospitality operators and developers.

🏡 Cyprus attracts celebrities for its privacy, luxury homes, and relaxed lifestyle. Shakira is rumored to own a home, while Limassol and Ayios Tychonas are preferred locales with features like infinity pools and home gyms. The Melrose Villas development stands out in Limassol for its elite status. Cyprus offers an appealing mix of safety, comfort, and discretion, drawing not only stars but also anyone seeking a sophisticated way of life.

🏈 Heated Rivalry, a Canadian TV show, filmed in Muskoka, Canada, attracted international success in 2026. Directed by Jacob Tierney, it tells the love story between two closeted NHL players over eight years. The pivotal cottage location, Barlochan Cottage by Trevor McIvor Architect, was secured just two weeks before filming. With a budget of CAD $30 million, the show creatively used lighting and set design, impacting fans and even fashion designer Donatella Versace.

🏖️ Coastal towns face a trust issue, not recorded in campaign metrics, impacting repeat visits. Visitors, arriving disoriented, struggle due to outdated info, leading to fewer return trips and increased staff burnout. In 1994, Werfenweng, an Alpine village, increased visitor numbers by 35% by aligning visitor expectations through a "soft mobility" model, offering car-free holidays. The focus is on reducing gaps between marketing promises and actual experience, ensuring destinations are truly ready for visitors.

✈️ Airlines face a dilemma between GDS and OTA. GDS offers access to premium passengers but incurs high distribution costs. OTAs provide volume and speed but compromise airline identity and customer loyalty. Airlines must choose between controlling distribution or negotiating dependency. The key to success is knowing when to use intermediaries and when to walk away, with the future hinging on shifting from selling seats to owning customers. Margin, not channel, often suffers in these compromises.

📱 Stuart Greif, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Forbes Travel Guide, discusses his approach to industry conferences like ALIS. He emphasizes balancing business objectives with human connections, avoiding over-scheduling, and leaving room for spontaneous interactions. These practices enhance relationship building and idea generation. Greif also highlights the importance of varying event attendance to engage with new communities and maintaining energy while traveling.

📚 Chapters break down essential topics on leadership and personal development: 00:00 - Intro, 01:58 - Book origins, 03:37 - Responsibility, and 04:17 - Presence. Key insights include 05:53 - Authenticity, 07:34 - Trust, 09:24 - Perfectionism, 11:51 - AI leadership, 13:00 - Communication, and 15:26 - Clear asks. Learn about 16:56 - Adapting, 18:29 - Stakeholder management, 20:03 - Personal branding, 21:49 - Visibility, 23:41 - Women's leadership, 27:09 - Feedback, 29:20 - Effective training, 31:16 - Additional resources.