Miscellaneous

👟 HOFF, a sneaker brand, opened a 6,458-square-foot flagship store on Calle Velázquez, Madrid. Designed by El Departamento, the store's interior features zones with natural lime mortar, local stone, and stainless steel. The space includes a café, Sneaker Lab, Gallery, and a multipurpose Work—Shop. Highlights include pink olivillo marble, bespoke terrazzo flooring, and sculptures by Sara Regal, Casa Antillón, and Elisabeth Blumen. The upper floor hosts cultural programming and private meetings.

📚 At 18, Nadia Panasyuk began her hospitality career in Atlanta as a PBX operator. Over a 20+ year career, she held positions including Vice President of Revenue Strategy at First Hospitality. In 2025, women made 80% of travel decisions and 64% of global travelers were women, prompting First Hospitality to promote women like Jenna Fishel and Christina Santarelli. Nadia's mentors include Harry Carr, and her values are inspired by her father's escape from the Soviet Union.

💸 In 2025, the lodging industry progressed in promoting women to leadership roles, with increased decision-making positions across operations and finance. Mentorship transitioned to sponsorship, providing women with real ownership. Platforms like Women in Lodging enhanced visibility. Maha Shah, inspired by her father's hotel investment advice at age 11, now pursues an MBA at Cornell Johnson. She foresees a 2026 focus on diversity, with clearer leadership pipelines and stronger promotion accountability.

🛫 Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, impacting the travel industry. Rosanna Maietta, CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, highlighted the need to end the shutdown affecting the travel sector. The disruption, mainly at airports, affects TSA operations, causing traveler uncertainty. There's a call for swift action to resume TSA work and ensure their pay. This aims to restore travel confidence and benefit communities nationwide.

💰 AHLA, March 2026, announced 11 new companies joining its Premier Partner program. Silver Partners include Deloitte, PwC, and Quore. Associate Partners are Amazon Web Services, ConnexPay, EDS Service Solutions, Enseo, Hapi, MindClick, PepsiCo, Purchasing Management International, and Signal Restoration. These partners provide strategic insights and trends to AHLA members, enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency. Rosanna Maietta, AHLA CEO, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in meeting evolving hotel guest expectations.

🍷 Lewis Cellars, a Napa Valley winery with over 30 years of acclaim for its bold wines, unveils a new tasting room. Designed by Lynda Resnick and Bernard Jazzar, the space features 19th-century European-inspired decor, custom floors, and views of the Mayacamas Mountains. With 15 artworks by Zachary Scott, the experience blurs reality and fantasy. The Salon Privé offers a private lounge for two, complete with personalized service and access to the estate’s private cellar.

🏌️ Hand Picked Hotels partners with Basingstoke Golf Club to offer a 'Golf and Stay' package, including golf, overnight stay, dinner, and breakfast. Basingstoke Golf Club members receive discounts at Audleys Wood Hotel, with 25% off afternoon tea and 15% off select food and drinks for up to 12 guests. The hotel, a Grade-II listed 1880s Victorian building, and the golf club, transformed in 2021 with a £20m investment, aim to enhance leisure experiences in Hampshire.