Wellness tourism was on the rise before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down travel worldwide, accounting then for 17% of tourism across the world. Now, whether it’s virtual visits or promoting connecting with nature, travel providers and resorts are adapting to the new normal when it comes to wellness tourism. This article outlines some initiatives such …

​The number of people booking holidays for this year leapt in May, despite warnings about not getting their money back, with customers lured in by huge discounts offered by travel providers. But tens of thousands of customers are still waiting for refunds for cancelled holidays so those now booking might end up at the back …

Big American hotel chains hit by the coronavirus pandemic, including Hilton, Sheraton and Marriott, are increasingly catering to parents in search of a quiet place to work, such as attending a Zoom meeting, followed by an hour at the gym. Hilton’s Cincinnati Netherland Plaza hotel promises “complimentary WiFi and coffee, along with a desk in …

ASAP is delighted to continue its new series of interviews with key industry leaders from around the global serviced accommodation sector. Join ASAP CEO James Foice as he interviews Jennifer Breen President at ASAP Accredited Provider member Suite Home in Chicago discussing the key priorities during the COVID situation, the importance of ISAAP Accreditation in …

The coronavirus pandemic has forced Hilton to suspend operations at many of its hotels around the world, and furlough more than 60% of its 430,000-person workforce. CEO Chris Nassetta has said it will take years and a new operational approach to return to its pre-coronavirus performance high after its strongest ever year, in 2019. All …

Travelodge’s landlord Combined Property Control Group (CPCG) has accused the company of “using strong-arm tactics” to “tear up leases”, and is threatening legal action to force the hotel giant to make rent payments. CPCG says the group is receiving government support and should not be penalising landlords. Travelodge had previously warned landlords that they may …

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s claim on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that if everyone wore face masks on planes and public transport, it would ”eliminate the risk of spreading Covid-19 by about 98.5%”, is being called into question. Prof Paul Hunter, who has conducted a review into mask studies, told the BBC he could ”find …

EasyJet revealed yesterday that the personal information of 9 million customers was accessed in a “highly sophisticated” cyberattack, exposing email addresses and travel details. The airline will contact all of the customers affected. Of the 9 million, 2,208 had credit card details stolen, and they have already been contacted. EasyJet said “there is no evidence …

Ryanair is gearing itself up for a difficult year ahead in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, with consultations about closing bases, pay cuts of up to 20%, unpaid leave and up to 3,000 job cuts under way However, the company has said it is well positioned after a strong 2019, when it reported a …

Accor has signed an agreement with a consortium of five banks for a new €560 million revolving credit facility, on top of the undrawn €1.2 billion facility signed in 2018. In total, it now has more than €4 billion available, enough to survive for 40 months under current conditions. Accor has re-opened 250 hotels since …