Miscellaneous

📖 Author: Priyanka C. Agarwal, a seasoned writer and editor, has contributed to notable publications such as The South China Morning Post, SilverKris, Her World, The Michelin Guide, and Time Out. Her portfolio includes custom content for brands like Sentosa, Mediacorp Special Projects, Asia’s 50 Best, IKEA, and Meat and Livestock Australia. Priyanka specializes in food and drink, wellness, luxury, and travel.

🥘 Chef Cho leads Onjium, a Seoul-based restaurant, showcasing innovative takes on Korean royal cuisine by using local ingredients like heirloom rice and walnut oil. Traditional techniques from temple and royal kitchens are integrated into seasonal menus. Dishes include tofu “cheese” from soybean milk and shrimp wrapped in strawberry gochujang. Onjium emphasizes food sustainability through fermentation, offering vinegars and drinks from repurposed peels, demonstrating a blend of heritage with modern culinary practices.

🏠 2026, global: Up in the Air | Consultancy releases three new editions of its Airline & Travel Payment Landscape Infographics. The infographics cover vendors with established or aspiring presence in the industry. Access the vendor directory online for detailed insights. Over 50 infographics are available, focusing on airline, travel payments, and fintech, enhancing B2B payment knowledge. Explore the infographics via the provided LinkedIn link for detailed vendor information. #airlinepayments #travelpayments #b2bpayments #travelfintech

🏨 In 2025, Dusit International saw three of its hotels—Dusit Thani Bangkok, Kyoto, and Mactan Cebu—earn one Michelin Key each. Cannubi by Umberto Bombana in Bangkok became the first Italian restaurant in Thailand to receive a Michelin Star. Alumni from Dusit Thani College, including chefs from AKKEE and GOAT Bangkok, also garnered Michelin Stars. Le Cordon Bleu Dusit in Bangkok continues to train award-winning chefs like Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij, named Asia's Best Female Chef 2024.

🎢 Tonana, a rooftop bar in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, designed by AG Studio, is inspired by ancient goddesses. Located on Casa Hoyos, the bar features crocodile-shaped furniture and tezontle flooring, a red volcanic stone. Andrés Gutiérrez drew on Mexican matriarchal history and Aztec mythology, creating a space celebrating female figures like Tonantzin. Tezontle and marble elements add to the design, with custom furniture crafted by Oaxaca artisans and collaborations with Los Patrones.

🏆 As of January 8th, Amadeus data shows a 15% increase in airline bookings to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for the FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 5th-July 19th). British travelers account for 18% of international bookings. Scotland vs. Haiti on June 13th at Gillette Stadium spurred a 162-fold booking surge. On June 27th, England faces Panama in New York, with a 3.5x booking increase. Hotel occupancy in Vancouver rose to 53%, Toronto to 29%, and Mexico City to 21%.

🎆 China Tang at The Dorchester celebrates Lunar New Year 2026 on Park Lane with Cantonese traditions in 1930s Shanghai-inspired decor. On February 17 and 18, a Lion Dance welcomes guests for the Year of the Horse. Executive Chef Chong Choi Fong offers ten auspicious dishes symbolizing prosperity and unity, including Lo Hei, Sea Moss with Bamboo Heart, and Lobster with XO Sauce. The event features signature dim sum and cocktails, creating an elegant setting for festive gatherings.

🌿 Last April, Benny attended a talk on farm stays, igniting his interest. Within a week, he found an old Mennonite adobe and wood farmhouse, almost demolished for a new subdivision. His property is a lush oasis amid gray concrete homes, offering organic produce to neighbors. The Dueck family’s welcoming spirit and Benny's culinary skills make their home a community hub. Their generosity fosters a thriving community of families working and worshiping together.

🇺🇸 In Atlanta, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) congratulated President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a U.S.–India trade agreement, which lowers tariffs and boosts economic ties. This deal impacts nearly $30 trillion in economic output, benefiting global commerce, tourism, and hospitality. AAHOA, representing over 20,000 hotel owners, supports this as a catalyst for economic stability and growth, emphasizing the importance of open markets and international cooperation.

🛫 U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association urge the House to vote on a government funding package in Washington, D.C., after a 2025 shutdown cost $6 billion, affecting over 6 million passengers—nearly $140 million daily. The Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R. 6086) and Aviation Funding Stability Act (S. 1045) aim to ensure air traffic controllers and TSA officers are paid during shutdowns. The Senate passed the package on Friday.