Hospitality news covering hotel chains, occupancy, travel demand, labor, and lodging industry earnings.
The Independent reports that JD Wetherspoon plans to open up to 25 new bars, including locations in London's West End and Edinburgh. The chain cites an 8.2 percent rise in first-quarter sales, with bar sales leading growth, as it expands its managed and franchised estate.
Wynn Resorts stated it has agreed on a framework with union leaders to resolve the ongoing strike at Encore Boston Harbor. Workers are scheduled to vote on the contract on Thursday, which could end the work stoppage that has impacted operations and revenues for months.
Marriott Bonvoy hotel owners are demanding a larger share of revenue from the loyalty program's credit card partnerships. This tension arises as Marriott reported a 14% rise in management fees to $1.522 billion in Q3 2026, with co-branded card fee growth expected in the high-30% range.
The Globe and Mail profiles Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp, reflecting on the brand's 65-year legacy and his confidence in current leadership. The piece details the company's expansion into luxury residences and yachts while capturing Sharp's personal perspective on the hotel chain's future era.
The Globe and Mail podcast examines tensions in Elora, Ontario, where resident Kat Florence’s hotel company faces backlash from locals over its dominance. The piece explores the conflict between community preservation and corporate power, questioning who controls local development.
The piece outlines the evolving accommodation landscape in Valletta, Malta, noting a shift from an 'accommodation desert' to a diverse range of hotels. It suggests that rising popularity has increased prices, though options remain for various tastes and budgets, making it a viable destination for city breaks.