Miscellaneous

📈 The Accor group has divided into two divisions, including Luxe & Lifestyle, to enhance its presence in the luxury category. This strategic move underscores Accor's ambition to lead a diversified portfolio and expand globally. The reorganization aims to strengthen its brand recognition and market position.

🏖 Lake.com, a travel marketplace for waterfront vacations, reached 40,000 rental properties across 36 countries, surpassing their 2026 goal by 30%. Europe leads with Italy and Croatia each hosting around 10,000 listings. In the U.S., Florida tops with 425 properties. The platform provides 360,000 data points across 7,000+ destinations, enhancing searchability for lakeside stays. Founded by a passionate couple, Lake.com uses AI to advance outdoor travel offerings, making water-based getaways more accessible.

✈️ Airlines aim for stability in 2026, focusing on reliability and premium upgrades. Key priorities include enhancing business class, premium economy, and cabin refreshes, alongside improved airport environments and high-speed inflight connectivity. External challenges like regulation and supply chain issues persist. The shift emphasizes premium demand, potentially limiting budget travel options. Overall, the industry seeks incremental improvements over radical changes. Read more at [Business Traveller](https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/opinion-what-airlines-want-2026/).

💬 As a 12-year-old, performing at 8-10 magic shows weekly, I learned the importance of feedback, or lack thereof. My father advised me to note which tricks weren't mentioned post-show, suggesting they should be replaced. This taught me to operationalize feedback, enhancing customer experience by focusing on unspoken cues. Silence can provide insights for improvement, making it as valuable as direct feedback. Always look for what customers don’t say to drive your next big change.

🛫 Rising travel costs in New York are influencing American travel behavior, as reported by Internova Travel Group. Business class airfare increased to $4,500, while luxury hotel rates rose by 4.9% in North America. Expedition cruise costs climbed over 20% since 2023. In 2026, 27% plan to travel more, with 60% relying on travel advisors. Despite economic uncertainty, strategic, experience-driven travel is prioritized, with a focus on expert planning and value.

🏨 WITT launched the WITT Accredited Professional (WITT AP) credential, the first global wellness accreditation for hospitality professionals, aiming to certify those who develop wellness-centered experiences. Grounded in Core Wellness Standards and Five Pillars of Wellness, it targets hotel leadership and related roles. Graduates earn a professional certificate, digital badge, and directory listing. This supports career growth in the burgeoning wellness travel sector, enhancing expertise and organizational value.