Miscellaneous

🎉 From January 29th to February 2nd, Covent Garden brands like AWAY and Charlotte Tilbury offer bespoke red packet gift sets. Din Tai Fung presents a special menu, including "Lion’s Head" Pork Meatball Soup and a 'Golden Twist' cocktail. RedFarm boasts "London's biggest dumplings". 100 lucky diners at Din Tai Fung could win free Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings. Exclusive Lunar New Year products are available from Charlotte Tilbury, Strathberry, and more. Interactive experiences and complimentary services are scheduled between January 25th and February 2nd. The Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown, London's West End, occurs on February 2nd, featuring a parade and performances.

📌 Spotnana integrates with British Airways for direct access to the airline's content, servicing, and disruption management, enabling seamless cancellation or rebooking with a single click. This partnership allows Spotnana customers and partners to benefit from the best prices, additional price points (APP), more ancillaries, self-service exchanges and cancellations, and no cost recovery surcharges. Spotnana supports BA's NDC-based offers throughout all travel stages.

🍴 Bret Thorn serves as the Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality since 1999, reporting on food and beverage trends and guiding F&B coverage. He hosted a podcast, wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008), and contributed to Manager magazine and Asia Times in Thailand (1992-1997). A magna cum laude graduate of Tufts University, Thorn studied at Le Cordon Bleu and in China. His work earned the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award, he joined IFEC as president in 2005, and was inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014.

🏡 Intuitive released a comprehensive buyers’ guide to aid travel companies in selecting new reservation systems. The guide includes a step-by-step process, an RFP template, and advice on aligning technology with long-term goals. It addresses internal alignment, contract negotiation, and what to look for in a provider, such as culture and delivery capabilities. Andy Keeley, commercial director at Intuitive, highlights the guide's role in helping companies make informed decisions every 10-15 years.

💎 On Valentine's Day 2025, AMANO Covent Garden's Penelope’s restaurant offers a special evening with a four-course menu by Executive Head Chef Fez Ozalgan. The set menu, priced at £180 for two, includes Charles Heidsieck Reserve Brut Champagne and an optional drinks pairing for an additional £100 per person. The dining experience is complemented by a DJ, with the menu featuring oysters, tuna pastrami, duck jamon, pistachio lamb cutlets, seared scallops, and a dessert assortment.

🚀 Air Europa expands partnership with Amadeus to deploy "Amadeus Value Cars" on its website, becoming the first airline to offer passengers access to multiple car rental options across thousands of global locations. According to Jesús Nuño de la Rosa, CEO of Air Europa, this move aims to provide travelers with more options and satisfaction. Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, President of Hospitality at Amadeus, highlights the partnership's role in diversifying Air Europa's offerings and ensuring a seamless journey. Amadeus' research emphasizes the importance of self-service technology for airlines.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, reports on food and beverage trends. Hosts the podcast "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn." Wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and worked in Thailand as journalist and critic (1992-1997). Thorn's column won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award. In 2014, inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier. Educated at Tufts University (BA in History, 1990) and trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris (1986).

✈ Global airline industry faces challenges in 2025, including strikes, IT failures, and severe weather. Analysis by ACI Europe reveals air traffic exceeded pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2024. Cathay Pacific struggled with staff shortages, and a Singapore Airlines flight encountered turbulence, highlighting the importance of reputation management. 46% of UK travelers would avoid an airline post-delays/cancellations. Airlines are advised to utilize data from media, social platforms, and audience analysis for proactive reputation management and to foster customer trust and loyalty.

🏦 Juniper Group acquired InteRES GmbH, an airline industry specialist, from TUI Deutschland GmbH and founder Volker Herrmann, who sold his minority stake. Peakwork, which joined Juniper Group in April 2023, facilitated the deal to enhance connectivity and digital retailing expertise. InteRES will remain an independent brand with close cooperation with Peakwork and Juniper Group's travel businesses. The acquisition aims to accelerate InteRES's growth and enhance its global B2B distribution. Ennea Capital Partners advised on the transaction.