Miscellaneous

📅 Direct Travel Inc has acquired ATPI, creating one of the world's largest travel management companies with over $6 billion in annual revenue. This merger aims to enhance international rollout of Avenir Travel Edition, a real-time intelligence platform. Direct Travel CEO Christal Bemont highlights the strategic fit, enhancing service delivery at scale. ATPI CEO Ian Sinderson emphasizes the shared vision for innovative global travel management, combining specialized services and technology to rival mega-agencies.

🎧 DJ booth designs are captivating audiences worldwide. "Unveiled" in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, features a metallic booth in a VIP area. Sydney's "JAM Record Bar" boasts 15,000 vinyls. Valencia's "Oven" uses red and black wood for an oven-like feel. Brooklyn's "Nursery at Public Records" incorporates a shipping container booth. Kyiv's "Bursa Bar" uses dark wood for acoustics. Seattle's "Supernova" centers around an 8-ft disco ball booth. Tokyo's "Koganeyu" converts a bathhouse into an event space. San Francisco's "Side A" combines design and music in a hub.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor, is renowned for his expertise in food trends, particularly in French and Asian cuisines. He joined Nation’s Restaurant News in 1999, after five years in Thailand. His notable accolades include winning the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and serving as IFEC president in 2005. A Tufts University graduate, Thorn studied at Le Cordon Bleu and in China. He wrote entries for the Oxford Encyclopedia in 2012 and the Oxford Companion in 2015.

🍴 India Doris, chef and owner of Markette in New York City, brings her diverse culinary journey to life in her restaurant. Her grandmother, who emigrated from Jamaica to London, inspired her cooking. After 18 years in the industry, including working for James Kent at Saga and Crown Shy, Markette is her autobiographical culinary expression. Doris highlights the importance of community and recognition in her kitchen, inspired by the support she received from Kent.

📃 Architect Nicholas Grimshaw, a key figure in design, died at 85 this week. His notable works include the Enneüs Heerma Bridge (2001) and the Eden Project in Cornwall. Miss Dior's exhibit launched in Shanghai, spanning 6,800 sq. ft. with 200 items. Invite-only dining is trending in NYC and Virginia. Wellness retreats offer drugs like Ozempic; The Ranch Malibu reports rising usage. The 2025 Gold Key Awards finalists were announced; winners will be celebrated in New York on November 10.

📷 Airlines, starting January 2025, will have access to ATPCO's Routehappy retailing data. This includes virtual cabin tours, seat images, and videos, boosting global virtual merchandising by over 40%. Surveys reveal 80% of travelers want to see seats before booking, and visuals can increase purchases. By launch, visual content will rise by 43%, with 47 airlines collaborating. Airlines like Finnair and Breeze Airways use Routehappy for enhanced passenger engagement. Changes were communicated in June 2025 for preparation.

🍴 Karlie Redd, star of MTV’s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” will open the Red Room Bistro in downtown Atlanta on September 28. The American-Caribbean-inspired lounge covers 3,000 square feet and seats 85. In partnership with Ace Carrington, the venue aims to enhance Atlanta's service standards. Designed by Ty Young, it features a red palette and events like the “Bunnies and Bubbles Brunch.” The menu offers American and Caribbean tapas. Redd’s passion stems from her family’s hospitality background.

🍴 Brasserie Marie, located in De Pijp, Amsterdam, offers a Parisian brasserie experience with a modern twist along the Amstel River. The restaurant blends French tradition with Dutch seasonal produce. Diners can enjoy dishes like Agneau and Sébaste, paired with Château Minuty Prestige Rosé. After dining, Chapter 1896, a speakeasy, offers cocktails like the Woza Mary and Tease. This dining venue reflects a balance of elegance and modernity, providing a memorable culinary journey.

✈️ In 2024, business travel demand rose, with global travel expenditure increasing despite challenges. Airline fares increased by 2.6%, while Business Class and Premium Economy fares rose 5.2% and 3.1%, respectively. Airlines are redefining corporate contracts, making discounts tougher to secure. NDC adoption is growing, offering competitive fares. Travel managers must adapt to evolving airline strategies, focusing on joint ventures, loyalty programs, and NDC to maintain efficiency and traveler satisfaction. Looking forward to 2026, agility is crucial.

🏦 Air Canada, 2023, Europe & beyond: Bag Tracking feature now available for flights from London, Paris, Dublin, Edinburgh, Rome, Milan, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Bogotá, Cancun, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Mexico City, Punta Cana, and Tulum. The Air Canada app offers real-time luggage tracking, including carousel and transfer details, plus notifications for delays. Originally launched in 2023, this service enhances travel peace of mind.