Miscellaneous - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 43

5 min

Walmart and Target Advance AI Strategies: Walmart Develops In-House Tools, Target Partners with ChatGPT and Google.

31 March 2026

🛒 Walmart and Target are enhancing AI use for shopping. Walmart, now listed on Nasdaq, is building proprietary AI tools and has super agents like Sparky for customer assistance and Marty for operations. Target, under CEO Michael Fiddelke, plans a $2 billion investment in 2026 for AI and brand marketing, partnering with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini for consumer engagement. Both are leveraging AI to optimize retail strategies and compete with Amazon.

4 min

Kiana Beimes Named 2026 Woman of the Year by Hawai’i Women in Lodging & Tourism for Leadership Achievements

🏖 From 2013 to 2023, Kiana Beimes rose from intern to general manager at OUTRIGGER, working at four Waikiki properties and contributing to the acquisition of OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort. In 2023, she was selected by AHLA to speak at their 2024 conference in Chicago. Named 2026 Woman of the Year by Hawai’i Women in Lodging & Tourism, her team ranked #3 of 100 hotels in Honolulu, up from #58 in 2021, showcasing significant progress in five years.

Airbnb Launches Pre-Booking Car Service in Over 125 Cities Across Asia, Europe, and Latin America

🚗 Available in over 125 cities across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, the service allows guests to pre-book cars via the Airbnb app, enhancing travel convenience by integrating transportation options with accommodations.

Vertical Aerospace Secures Up to $850M Financing Package to Achieve 2028 Certification and Expand eVTOL Program

🚀 Vertical Aerospace, Bristol-based, announced a financing package totaling up to $850m for its eVTOL program by 2028. As of now, $160m is available to meet 2026 certification milestones. By April 19, 2026, definitive documents are expected. Significant contributors include Mudrick Capital ($50m) and Yorkville ($750m). Vertical aims to achieve 1,500 pre-orders globally, boasting partners like American Airlines. The Valo aircraft promises zero emissions, a 100-mile range, and speeds of 150mph.

SWISS and SBB Expand Air Rail Network to Grindelwald, Covering 25 Destinations Across Europe

🚄 Swiss International Air Lines and Swiss Federal Railways added Grindelwald to their SWISS Air Rail network, linking Interlaken to the Swiss Alps. The network now covers 25 destinations across Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. A single boarding pass covers both flight and rail, with connections guaranteed. The service targets the UK, US, and Asia markets, appealing to international travelers. This expansion aligns with Europe's trend of combining rail and air travel to reduce short-haul flights and enhance travel efficiency.

3 min

Villefranche-sur-Mer's New Mayor Robert Capelier Prioritizes Housing to Combat Town's Decline

🏘 In Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, a new mayor, Robert Capelier, was elected on March 22. The town, with many homes empty year-round, has lost essential services including a bakery, bank, and post office. This trend mirrors issues in Cornwall, Northern Ireland, and Provincetown, Massachusetts. In 2016, Cornwall voted against new homes as second residences, and Wales imposed a 300% council tax on second homes, but the bakery didn’t return, highlighting challenges in reviving local communities.

3 min

Thomas Keller Opposes Affordable Housing Plan Near The French Laundry Amid Staff Housing Crisis in Yountville

🍳 New York Mag published a 3.5K-word article comparing European and American food quality, citing numerous studies. 📚 Authors Ella Quittner and Tanaya Bush are pioneering narrative cookbooks by blending recipes and storytelling. 🏨 Chef Thomas Keller opposed a plan for 120 worker apartments near The French Laundry in Yountville, where 3,100 workers commute daily due to unaffordable housing. Hospitality struggles with zoning policies and relies on famous chefs for advocacy, but Keller chose a different stance.

2 min

American Hotel & Lodging Association Mourns Passing of Former CEO Kirk Kinsell, a Respected Industry Leader

📅 Kirk Kinsell, former CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. and president of the Americas for IHG Hotels & Resorts, passed away. He was a significant figure in the hospitality industry, deeply involved with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and AHLA Foundation. Kinsell was remembered for his leadership, commitment to supporting young talent, and advancing women's representation in leadership roles. His contributions to AHLA, including the merger of the Castell Project, will impact the industry for decades.

1 min

Subscription Required to Access Exclusive Hospitality Insights and Opportunities on Hospitality ON Platform

📰 Hospitality ON offers exclusive content to its subscribers, including job opportunities. As a member, you gain access to a comprehensive ecosystem tailored for hospitality industry insights and expertise. Explore 80% more of the benefits by subscribing through their membership platform.

1 min

New Delivery Offers Drive 4.7% Increase in UK Restaurant At-Home Sales Despite Decline in Takeaways in February

🍴 February saw a 4.7% rise in delivery sales for UK restaurants compared to February 2025, outpacing the nation’s inflation rate. This follows January’s 7.4% increase. The NIQ Hospitality at Home Tracker attributes this growth to new delivery offers and wet weather conditions, which encouraged more at-home dining despite a sharp reduction in takeaway orders. Powered by CGA intelligence, these trends show a strong shift towards home-based dining experiences.

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