Miscellaneous

📣 René Redzepi, chef at Noma in Copenhagen, faced allegations from 35 former employees of abuse from 2009 to 2017. The Obama Presidential Center opens on June 19th in Chicago, coinciding with Juneteenth, featuring events from June 18th-21st. Women make up 46% of U.S. architecture license candidates but only 27% are licensed architects. Today, March 13th, is the last day for submissions to the HD/West Elm Student Product Competition and HDAC Awards of Excellence.

💳 Robinhood's new Platinum Card is priced at $695 annually and targets high-spend customers, aiming for durable revenue from daily transactions and transaction data benefits. Interchange fees remain a clean revenue stream for consumer fintech, improving with better approvals and customer retention. Despite predictions, decentralized money platforms face challenges in replacing credit cards due to consumer demand for credit, rewards, and fraud protection, along with merchants' preference for high conversion and compatibility without altering global operations.

📁 Agoda and Artotel Group, on March 13, 2026, launched a flagship storefront featuring 100+ art-inspired hotels in Indonesia. This partnership emphasizes localization, with Southeast Asia's secondary destinations seeing demand spikes: Puncak (+156%), Yogyakarta (+117%), and Semarang (+110%). Key markets include Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. The storefront leverages curated brand environments, emphasizing storytelling and thematic positioning, reflecting a shift towards integrated digital ecosystems in hotel distribution.

📈 WebRezPro has been awarded Expedia Group's Preferred Connectivity Partner status for 2026. This recognition highlights their exceptional performance across various technical and performance metrics. The prestigious status is granted annually and signifies excellence in hotel technology.

🌎 In 2026, potential conflicts in oil-rich regions, reminiscent of post-9/11 and pandemic travel climates, threaten sudden wars with minimal warning. This affects travel plans, favoring regional and train travel over the predicted 2026 road trips. Travel costs, driven by oil-price inflation, impact the sector, affecting mid-market and luxury hospitality. As summer bookings peak, the travel industry must adapt to transportation challenges and guest support. The uncertain environment emphasizes wellness and escapism as 2026's prevailing themes.

💡 Energy drink sales in U.S. convenience stores surged by 7.9% over a 52-week period ending September 7, 2023, totaling $15.5 billion, according to Circana. Non-aseptic drinks increased by 8.5%, while energy drink mixes skyrocketed by 99%. Post-COVID, about 60% of consumers regularly read food labels, seeking healthier options like zero-sugar drinks. Younger demographics are driving innovation, with Gen Z and millennials frequently trying new beverages, contributing to a broadening consumer base.

🧂 According to a Revenue Management Solutions survey, 62% of consumers frequently look for high-protein options, and 48% choose meals based on protein content. Willingness to switch brands for protein options stands at nearly 50%. Fiber interest is growing with 45% seeking high-fiber meals, driven by digestive health concerns. Millennials and high-income households lead these trends, with 70% of millennials seeking protein and 53% seeking fiber. Restaurants are urged to adapt menus to capture this evolving market.