Miscellaneous

⚽ Former goalkeeper Raman (RP) Rama, a Lifetime Member of AAHOA, realized a lifelong dream by volunteering at the FIFA World Cup in Miami. This opportunity marked the culmination of a passion that started decades ago.

🏠 In 1923, the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads launched the first federal highway system, linking rural towns with cities. This included Route 66, spanning 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Known as the "Mother Road," it became vital for cross-country travel, with motels and diners flourishing along its path. Today, Route 66 remains a cultural icon, albeit with reduced traffic, as it was replaced by the Interstate Highway System. Yet, it still attracts tourists seeking nostalgia.

💫 Francesco Ragazzi, founder of Réservation Parfums, collaborates with Yann Vasnier to craft seven luxury unisex perfumes inspired by an imaginary California hotel. Key scents include Suite 909 and Bleu Piscine. The brand, backed by Pietro Ruffini, blends European refinement with Californian style. Réservation's story-first approach stands out in a saturated market, emphasizing culture, emotion, and imagination over mere trends, echoing Ragazzi's fashion experience from Moncler and Palm Angels.

🍴 Glenn Haussman interviews Bonnie Campagnolo, Global Head of Embassy Suites, at Asheville's Embassy Suites rooftop. The Michelin-recommended restaurant operates seven nights a week, attracting diners. The property features two-room suites, breakfast, and an evening reception with meeting space.

🏨 In 2026, HotelTechReport surveyed 450 hotel operators revealing that 48% would switch PMS vendors due to reliability issues, while 42% cited cybersecurity concerns. The study highlights the critical role of PMS in hotel operations.

🏢 In 1979, Berlin's ICC, designed by Ralf and Ursulina Schüler-Witte, was completed. The building features auditoriums seating 5,000 and 2,000 people, plus 80 smaller spaces. Operating until 2014, it was deemed inefficient. In 2022, architects proposed 24/7 cultural use. By 2024, a competition sought redevelopment ideas. Nine architectural firms, led by Max Dudler, aim to revitalize the structure over 2.5 years. Proposals include bike paths, high-rises, and flexible spaces for concerts and exhibitions.

🎧 Vapoura launched its "After Stories" series, debuting with The Mandrake in London. The series includes a six-track vinyl EP and a bespoke cocktail menu at Waeska Bar and YOPO Zaytoun. Producers CARALUS and Daniel Sehnawi created tracks inspired by the hotel's spaces. The EP is available online, and limited vinyl copies cost £25, or £110 with two bottles of Vapoura. Cocktails feature Vapoura Chapter One, available through summer, with the vinyl produced by The Vinyl Factory.

🏨 Radisson Hotel Group launched a new long-stay proposition for B2B partners, offering tiered pricing and standardized booking conditions. This initiative targets EMEA and APAC markets with high long-stay demand, such as Dubai, Riyadh, Zurich, and Amsterdam. Partners receive an extra 20% points bonus on bookings. The initiative aims to simplify access, optimize revenue, and strengthen partner relationships through commercial terms and personalized guest experiences.

🏨 Chateau Denmark in Soho will close on 4 August 2026, after operating for over four years since its April 2022 opening. The boutique hotel, comprising 16 buildings with 55 rooms and apartments, was launched by CAW Ventures in partnership with Outernet London. Despite the closure, the award-winning club, Thirteen, and private bar, dial8, both opened in 2023, will continue to operate, ensuring the spirit of Chateau Denmark lives on.

✈ In December 2024, NDC transactions made up 20.3% of all ARC-reported transactions, marking an increase from 18.4% the previous year. Despite expectations, NDC has not yet replaced GDS bookings. The Airlines Reporting Corporation provides this insight, reflecting the U.S. travel agency market's current state. The post, “Global Distribution System (GDS): 2026 Guide for Hotels,” was featured on RateGain.