Miscellaneous

🏨 Lisa Drake, currently with GF Hotels & Resorts, shares insights from her hospitality career. Since her start as a sales coordinator at a large resort, she has played a significant role in tripling GF Hotels & Resorts' portfolio. In 2025, the lodging industry showed promising progress in placing women in leadership roles, a trend Drake hopes continues into 2026 and beyond. She emphasizes maintaining momentum in diversity and inclusion efforts within the hospitality industry.

✈️ Matt Drinkwater shares his 17-hour Qantas flight experience to Perth and further travel to Brisbane. The discussion covers flying within Japan, the appeal of Qsuite to Bali, and the future challenges of air travel due to global tensions and fare inflation. Matt emphasizes the relevance of British Airways in 2026 despite IT issues and highlights his interest in onboard cuisine, fashion, and technology in aviation.

✈️ Mar 17, 2026, Iran war disrupts global aviation, shutting down key transit hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, affecting Southeast Asia connections. Countries like Thailand and Cambodia risk economic impacts due to tourism declines. Airlines face rising fuel costs and operational challenges, leading to surcharges and higher ticket prices. Thousands of Gulf carrier flights are canceled. A shift towards regional travel is noted while industries anticipate a rebound post-conflict, akin to post-pandemic recovery.

✈ Mar 17, 2026, Middle East: Airline disruptions reveal booking channel weaknesses. Direct airline bookings offer faster issue resolution, while online travel agency (OTA) customers face delays due to split responsibilities. Communication gaps slow resolutions, increasing frustration for passengers caught between airlines and OTAs. The crisis highlights the complexity of the travel ecosystem, prompting a shift toward direct airline bookings for better control. The Independent reports on this evolving travel behavior.

🐞 Available from 2026, Mevalco introduces Red Alistado Prawns from South-West Atlantic waters. These prawns are known for their lobster-like taste and vibrant red color. Artisanal partners with over a century of seafood expertise ensure quality through IFS Food-certified systems. Offered in 1kg boxes with 40–45 pieces, they support chefs with premium consistency amidst rising seafood costs. A limited promotional price will be available early 2026.

📦 Brabantia offers diverse products in Laundry, Waste Management, Bathroom, and Food Enjoyment categories, enhancing UK hospitality venues with sustainability and design. Popular products include Bo Bins with 60L capacity, NewIcon Pedal Bins ranging from 3L to 30L, and ironing boards in A & B sizes. The 60L laundry bin with a cork lid suits spas, while Fairtrade ironing board covers are a unique offering. Rebecca Obery invites inquiries through email or at 07958 291532.

🍴 Vraic in Guernsey received a Michelin star seven months post-opening, becoming the island's sole Michelin-starred venue. Launched in July 2025 by Nathan and Hollie Davies, the 24-cover restaurant overlooks Chouet Bay. Nathan's previous venture, SY23 in Aberystwyth, also earned a Michelin star. Vraic's menu features local ingredients, including seaweed, a nod to the restaurant's name. Seaweed-themed decor and dishes like seaweed broth highlight the emphasis on regional produce.

🗺 Mar 16, 2026, global travel disruptions due to the Iran war exposed rebooking complexities for online travel agency (OTA) users. When flights are canceled, travelers face confusion since responsibility often lies with the OTA until check-in. Delayed support, differing airline policies, and the OTA's operational friction prolong the process. This fragmented system highlights the operational weaknesses in travel distribution during crises. Experts suggest direct airline bookings for quicker resolutions in international travel.

🌏 In Greenland, tourism is increasingly focused on understanding the local environment and culture. Ilulissat, a major tourism hub, prioritizes visitor orientation through centers like the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre. Visitors learn about hunting traditions and climate impacts. Greenland avoids rapid tourism expansion, learning from Iceland’s challenges. The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) provides guidelines, emphasizing education about fragile environments. Understanding fosters respectful behavior, helping visitors appreciate the landscape and community, promoting longer stays and more informed interactions.