Miscellaneous

🏨 In 2025, during the bustling Christmas season, hospitality professionals remain dedicated while GCSTIMES honors them with capybara-shaped wooden key cards, symbolizing calm and reliability. Since 2011, GCSTIMES focuses on sustainability with operations in China, US, UAE, France, and Australia, and 14 global offices. Supporting over 100,000 hospitality groups across 140+ countries, they lead in sustainable solutions, offering smart cards and cultural gifts.

🛫 Alex boards a Qatar Airways flight, discovering how to score a premium economy seat on an airline without such a class. Paul experiences a positive change of heart towards United Airlines, reminiscent of a Christmas miracle. SeatGuru bids farewell, with AeroLOPA as a potential substitute. Alex recounts being denied boarding at Hanoi airport. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! See you in 2026!

🍽 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor at Nation’s Restaurant News, has shaped F&B coverage since 1999. He previously worked in Thailand and wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008). Thorn studied history at Tufts University and French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu. He contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia (2012) and won the Jesse H. Neal Award (2006). Thorn, residing in Brooklyn, has explored Asian cuisines extensively, especially Thai.

🍽 Restaurant Hospitality, established during Prohibition in 1919, has merged with Nation’s Restaurant News. The integration strengthens resources for over 1 million U.S. restaurants, compared to 40,000 in 1919. Despite challenges over the past five years, independent restaurants remain vital, inspiring the industry. Visit NRN’s platform for insights and strategies, bolstered by the combined legacy and innovation of both publications.

📖 Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since August 2021, has over seven years in the restaurant industry. Her journey includes roles at Insider and The Daily Meal. She holds degrees from The College of New Jersey and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. Joanna's work also appears in The New York Times and Forbes. As a moderator at industry events like MUFSO, her insights impact food and cultural discourse.

🎨 In rural Wisconsin, an artist reflects on the transformative power of creating art in personalized spaces. This year involved crafting 20 portraits, leading to a sense of ownership marked by graphite and charcoal smudges. The emphasis is on the value of well-loved spaces with character, as seen in spaces like Morning Glory Farm. Mixing antiques with new elements is key for a vibrant atmosphere. Embrace messiness for authentic creativity.

🌳 SCP Hotels launched Wild Wellness, focusing on immersive nature-based experiences in Costa Rica, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Oregon. Notable offerings include the Sonic Re-Wilding at Corcovado Wilderness Lodge and Pacific Pulse Reset in Laguna Beach. SCP Hotels have also partnered with Japa Health and Anima Mundi Herbals to enhance guest wellness. Specially designed Peaceful Rooms in six hotels offer tranquility, utilizing non-toxic materials and wellness amenities to minimize digital distractions and promote relaxation.

📖 Hospitality ON offers exclusive content and job opportunities weekly. Members gain access to an extensive ecosystem encompassing expert insights and more. To unlock the remaining 80% of premium information, users are encouraged to subscribe.

📖 Author Priyanka C. Agarwal has contributed to The South China Morning Post, SilverKris, Her World, The Michelin Guide, and Time Out. She has developed content for brands like Sentosa, Mediacorp Special Projects, and IKEA. Her areas of expertise include food, drink, wellness, luxury, and travel.

🎉 Lodging Interactive celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. Founded by DJ Vallauri in 2001, the agency serves the hospitality industry worldwide, offering digital marketing and innovative services like GuestCONNECT. Over four years, $6,000 was donated through their Annual Christmas Tree Contest. The agency emphasizes people over technology, highlighting long-term relationships with clients. They have won awards such as the HSMAI Adrian Award, reflecting their impact and success in the industry.