Miscellaneous

📈 Jun 30, 2025, McAfee's report highlights travel fraud targeting young Americans. 1 in 5 Americans reported scams while booking trips. 13% lost over $500; 5% lost over $1,000. 21% of 18-24-year-olds clicked fake links, while 10% of 25-34-year-olds fell for AI-altered photos. Men are more likely to lose money (29% vs. 18% women). Despite risks, 59% still trust third-party sites. Cost-saving travelers are more prone to scams, especially around major events.

📚 Edward discusses his experience in New York City, reflecting on Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." He emphasizes the value of a personal board of directors—trusted individuals who support decision-making. Key members include his parents, with 4-5 others, balancing growth and faith. He highlights the importance of a personal mission statement and maintaining one's name, suggesting regular updates to this board as relationships evolve and personal growth continues.

🍴 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, and Restaurant Hospitality since 2016, oversees food trends in the U.S. He wrote for the New York Sun (2005-2008) and lived in Thailand for five years. A Tufts University graduate and Le Cordon Bleu alumnus, Thorn has authored entries in Oxford encyclopedias and won a Jesse H. Neal Award in 2006. He resides in Brooklyn, NY, and was inducted into the Disciples d'Escoffier in 2014.

🚀 72.2 million people will travel 50+ miles for Independence Day from June 28 to July 6, 2025. AAA reports a 1.7 million increase from last year. 61.6 million to travel by car, marking a 2.2% rise. 5.84 million to fly, an 8% share of travelers. Other modes like bus, train, and cruise see a 7.4% uptick. Top U.S. destinations include Orlando and Seattle, while Vancouver leads international trips.

🏨 The HON team provides weekly expert insights into the hospitality industry. By joining as a member, you'll gain access to exclusive content and job opportunities in this ecosystem.

🛫 In 1981, American Airlines launched AAdvantage, pioneering frequent flyer programs. By 2025, these programs can account for over 20% of airline revenue, primarily through co-branded credit card deals. However, dissatisfaction is rising: 95% of reviews on Trustpilot (2019-2025) rated just one star. Changes in program design, like revenue-based models and dynamic pricing, have fueled frustration. Investment in travel loyalty startups hit nearly $500 million in 2024, with new models emphasizing personalization and instant rewards over traditional points.

🍷 Hattingley Valley and Blacklane have launched a partnership during English Wine Week this June, offering wine enthusiasts a bespoke tour and tasting experience in Hampshire, two hours from London. This includes a return journey via Blacklane's chauffeur service. Tours, featuring wines like Blanc de Blancs and Kings Cuvée, start at £630 for two people. The collaboration aims to bring a seamless, luxury experience, highlighting England's vibrant wine scene.

🛫 Jun 27, 2025 - Luxury travel sees signs of recession with less safety. Post-COVID growth in cruise lines, hotels, and airlines led to thinner margins and higher risks. Limited cost-cutting options due to inflation and lean staffing. Economic pressures include rising tariffs, geopolitical risks, and reduced travel demand. Government bailouts, like those in 2008 or COVID-19, are unlikely due to political resistance. The luxury sector faces significant vulnerabilities in the looming downturn.

💸 Jun 27, 2025, Deloitte reports a shift in U.S. consumer behavior, focusing on "value for money" rather than low prices. 4 in 10 Americans value-seek across sectors. High-income households ($200K+) cut 50-60% in discretionary spending. MVP brands gain market share due to perceived value in quality, service, and trust. Non-price factors account for 10-40% of brand value perception. A 2% shift to MVP brands could add $1.3 billion annually per grocery chain.

💻 2025, watch as Jeremy Julian from Custom Business Solutions shares tips for restaurants choosing tech partners. Learn about evaluating POS systems and tech infrastructure effectively. Episode 2 of HT’s interview series highlights the importance of trust and support from tech partners during negotiations and implementation. Discover the value of hands-on assistance. Don't miss this insider insight—click "Watch the video" to see the conversation!