Hyatt has taken a bold step in redefining what a hotel loyalty program can be. The company recently announced that its World of Hyatt platform will now allow members to earn and redeem points not just on overnight stays, but also on a broad range of on-property experiences.

This includes spa treatments, poolside cabana rentals, curated dining options, and other activities that go far beyond the traditional scope of hotel benefits. For Hyatt, this expansion represents more than an upgrade in perks – it signals a larger strategy to meet evolving traveler expectations and to transform loyalty into a holistic lifestyle program.

For many years, hotel loyalty was synonymous with free nights or room upgrades. While those remain core benefits, Hyatt’s decision reflects a growing shift in the hospitality industry toward experiential value. Travelers increasingly want to feel that their loyalty points translate into memorable moments, not just discounted rooms. By integrating amenities and activities into the reward system, Hyatt is positioning itself as a brand that understands the modern traveler’s mindset.

Expanding Rewards to Real-Life Experiences

With this change, members can now accumulate and redeem points for services that directly enhance their trips, whether it’s unwinding at a luxury spa, reserving a private cabana to enjoy the day poolside, or booking special culinary experiences at participating hotels. These options are available across hundreds of properties worldwide, giving the program an unprecedented level of flexibility.

Hyatt’s integration with a specialized experiential platform ensures that the process is seamless – points can be used instantly for on-site offerings, without the need for complicated redemptions or pre-planning. This ease of use matters, as it empowers travelers to make spontaneous choices and maximize the value of their loyalty. For frequent guests, the ability to enjoy small luxuries on every stay, not just during milestone trips, reinforces their emotional connection to the brand.

Strategy and Implications for Travelers

From a strategic perspective, Hyatt’s move has clear benefits. It boosts ancillary revenue by encouraging guests to spend on-site, while also strengthening member engagement. Guests are more likely to return when they feel their loyalty is rewarded in flexible, meaningful ways. Analysts believe that this approach could set a new benchmark in hospitality, challenging competitors to rethink how loyalty extends beyond the room.

For travelers, the implications are equally significant. A family might choose to redeem points for a special poolside experience, while a solo traveler may opt for a wellness package during a business trip. The range of choices ensures that the program appeals to different travel styles and budgets. By offering more personalized value, Hyatt ensures its loyalty program remains competitive in an increasingly crowded market.

Ultimately, Hyatt’s expansion illustrates how loyalty is evolving. Today, it’s no longer just about accumulating nights – it’s about creating experiences that resonate on a personal level. With this initiative, Hyatt reaffirms its commitment to guest satisfaction, ensuring that every stay can become a memorable journey, supported by a loyalty program that rewards more than just sleep.

Europe’s overnight travel is set to get a major – and stylish – upgrade with the arrival of Twiliner. Launching in November 2025, this Swiss-operated network introduces premium sleeper buses designed to close what Twiliner calls the “comfort gap in long-distance travel.” A clear choice for eco-conscious travellers, these buses offer a tranquil, hotel-like experience that promises to rival short-haul flights.

A Journey with Comfort and Class

Twiliner’s interior design leans heavily into luxury. Each coach accommodates just 21 seats – 18 on the upper deck and 3 below – all modeled after business-class airline seating. These aren’t your typical bus seats: with the press of a button, they fully recline into beds, allowing passengers to transition from sit to sleep effortlessly.

Expect to find amenities such as pillows, blankets, individual tables, reading lights, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and personal storage compartments. On the lower deck, passengers gain access to a spacious bathroom and changing room – no showers, but plenty of comfort – and a snack bar for light refreshments.

Luggage is also handled thoughtfully: each passenger may bring one checked suitcase (up to 23 kg, 80 × 50 × 35 cm) and one carry-on (up to 5 kg, 50 × 30 × 20 cm). Additional gear like bicycles or surfboards can be accommodated if booked in advance. Twiliner’s attention to detail creates a journey that blends convenience with a sense of indulgence.

Connectivity, Sustainability, and Expansion Plans

Twiliner isn’t just about comfort – it’s also green. The buses run on HVO diesel, a renewable fuel derived from waste fats and vegetable oils, allowing journeys to emit up to 85% less CO₂e than flights. Twiliner markets its overnight service as both sustainable and city-centre convenient, saving time, transfers, and hotel costs by letting travellers board in the city and wake up refreshed at their destination.

Two routes will debut: Zurich to Amsterdam (via Basel, Luxembourg, Brussels, and Rotterdam) and Zurich to Barcelona (via Bern and Girona). Initially operating several times per week, Twiliner aims to increase frequency soon. Their vision is bold – connecting the 25 most visited European cities by 2028, and expanding the network to 30 destinations within three years.

The service is geared toward mature, quiet travellers; children under five are not permitted, and older kids must respect a rest-friendly environment. At prices starting around €180 one-way (or CHF 150–200 return), Twiliner aims to offer a premium experience at economy pricing.

This venture arrives at a time when Europe’s travel landscape seeks sustainable, comfortable alternatives to flying. With sleeper trains already gaining popularity, Twiliner stands out for blending high-end comfort with low environmental impact. Travelers and industry observers alike will be watching to see how this innovative approach shapes the future of overnight travel.

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is set to unveil Rosewood Calistoga, a luxurious reimagining of Napa Valley hospitality scheduled to open in 2027. This forested‐hillside estate spans 118 acres near downtown Calistoga and will seamlessly blend modern design with the natural terroir, anchored in local culture, cuisine, and connection.

Design, Dining & Wellness in Harmony with Nature

Rosewood Calistoga aims to feel like a living ecosystem, built to foster exploration, renewal, and communal harmony. Design firm Atelier Marsh will honor the architectural legacy of Ed Tuttle, ensuring the resort’s 129 guestrooms and suites, along with 20 private villas and 13 estate homesites, harmonize with the land’s ridgeline and seasonal rhythms.

The culinary experience will be deeply rooted in place. Drawing from its own gardens and nearby farms and wineries, the signature restaurant will champion an earth-to-table approach with fresh, organic produce and sustainably sourced meats and seafood. Guests can also unwind at a cozy cocktail bar or a relaxed poolside eatery that offers sweeping vineyard views. Culinary immersion deepens through vineyard dinners and cooking workshops, allowing guests to truly taste and understand the local terroir.

Wellness at Rosewood Calistoga will be centered around Asaya®, the brand’s integrative spa concept. Set against a lush forest backdrop, this sanctuary will feature six treatment rooms, a garden, hydrotherapy experiences, and a fitness center. There will also be two pools – one exclusively for adults – and a children’s Explorer Club. With over 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, the resort is designed to host celebrations both intimate and grand.

Residential Living and “Sense of Place”

Beyond hotel experiences, Rosewood Calistoga invites long-term connection through its residential offerings. The private villas and homesites are thoughtfully designed for those who wish to call Calistoga home, offering access to the resort’s amenities and privileges of the Rosewood Reserve program. These residences are crafted to reflect a timeless, nature-driven aesthetic—prioritizing serenity, understated luxury, and a sense of belonging.

Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, emphasizes that every detail is curated to celebrate Napa Valley’s culinary heritage and vinicultural legacy. The concept revolves around the idea that time spent in good company, in an environment shaped by nature and terroir, is the greatest luxury of all.

In a hospitality landscape rich with hotels opening in cosmopolitan centers or urban enclaves, Rosewood Calistoga is a compelling return to place-based storytelling. It promises a retreat where grounding design, seasonally expressive cuisine, and immersive wellness foster a more meaningful connection to the wine country – and to oneself.

Japan reached a major milestone in July 2025, welcoming 3.43 million international visitors, the highest figure ever recorded for that month. The number represents a 4.4% increase compared to July 2024, highlighting the resilience of the country’s tourism sector even in the face of natural disruptions and unexpected public fears. A mix of seasonal travel demand, cultural attractions, and a favorable exchange rate helped drive the surge.

Regional Declines and Market Shifts

Despite the record total, the picture was not equally bright across all markets. Visitor arrivals from Hong Kong fell by nearly 37%, while South Korea recorded a 10% drop. These declines were largely attributed to flight cancellations caused by typhoons and heightened concerns over potential natural disasters. Rumors of an imminent earthquake, fueled by social media and unfounded predictions, also discouraged some travelers from neighboring regions.

However, other markets saw significant growth. Tourists from mainland China increased by more than 25%, reflecting renewed interest in Japan following years of restricted travel. The United States also posted a double-digit increase, confirming Japan’s position as a top long-haul destination for American travelers. European markets contributed positively as well, adding further balance to the inbound tourism profile.

A Strong Outlook Despite Setbacks

Overall, the July surge underscores Japan’s ability to attract international visitors even amid short-term turbulence. From January through July 2025, the country welcomed nearly 25 million travelers, marking an 18% rise year-on-year. The combination of a weak yen, diverse cultural offerings, and well-developed tourism infrastructure continues to make Japan an appealing destination.

Looking ahead, officials remain optimistic that seasonal peaks in autumn and winter will maintain momentum. While regional drops from South Korea and Hong Kong highlight the vulnerability of travel demand to external shocks, the broader trend suggests Japan is well-positioned to exceed its annual targets and cement its role as one of the world’s most resilient tourism markets.

Turkish Airlines has moved forward with a significant strategic investment by securing an agreement to acquire a minority stake in Spain’s Air Europa. The binding offer, valued at approximately €300 million – mostly structured as a capital increase – is poised to give Turkish Airlines control of approximately 26–27% of Air Europa’s equity. The acceptance of the offer has set both airlines on a path toward a closing process expected within six to twelve months, pending regulatory approvals.

Reinforcing Global Routes and Financial Stability

For Air Europa, the timing couldn’t be more critical. The airline, long burdened by a pandemic-era loan of €475 million from Spain’s strategic enterprise fund, now sees a chance at financial stabilization. The incoming investment not only enables Air Europa to settle a sizable portion of its outstanding debt but also positions the carrier to enhance its fleet, expand maintenance operations, and improve overall operational resilience. Turkish Airlines’ seasoned expertise with aircraft and technical support presents an invaluable opportunity for modernization.

Meanwhile, for Turkish Airlines, this move represents a strategic expansion into critical markets. Air Europa’s well-established routes throughout Latin America and strong stance in the Iberian Peninsula align seamlessly with Turkish’s ambition to expand its network. By forging this equity partnership, Turkish effectively creates deeper connectivity south of Europe – from Madrid to Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and beyond – complementing its already extensive global footprint. The deal also highlights the airline’s ability to complement rather than consolidate, offering a creative path forward amid the competitive landscape.

Preserving Independence While Expanding Influence

Despite the new ownership dynamic, Air Europa is expected to continue operating independently outside the major European airline groups. The deal refrains from integrating the airline into any alliances or merging its brand, allowing Air Europa to retain its identity while benefiting from Turkish’s stable backing and support. This approach is seen as strengthening competition in Europe, particularly against larger groups like IAG, Lufthansa, and Air France–KLM.

Once completed, Turkish Airlines will hold shares second only to the founding Globalia group, potentially eclipsing IAG’s current 20% position. That spells deeper involvement in Air Europa’s strategic direction without homogenizing the brand. The alignment opens up new revenue channels across transatlantic routes while creating stronger bridges – for tourism, cargo, and bidirectional travel flows – between Spain and Turkey, and onward to Latin America.

In summary, the investment marks a bold chapter in both airlines’ trajectories. Turkish Airlines gains access to new markets and technical avenues, while Air Europa secures financial breathing room, access to modern operations, and a strategic ally. For passengers and the wider aviation industry, the deal signals more choice, stronger networks, and revived momentum in a competitive post-pandemic landscape.

Paris’s Montmartre – once a vibrant, art-laden bohemian quarter – has become ground zero in the city’s struggle against overtourism and
“disneyfication“. Locals are alarmed by the rapid transformation of their cobbled streets into crowded selfie zones, interspersed with swathes of souvenir stalls and tourist-only cafés. With over 11 million annual visitors frequenting landmarks like Sacré-Cœur, residents feel shuffled aside.

Streets turned pedestrian-only have made daily life harder for individuals with disabilities. Grocery stores and neighborhood services have closed, replaced by transient business models. Banners such as “Let Montmartre residents live” and “Behind the postcard: locals mistreated” now hang in windows, summing up the creeping frustration that the neighborhood is becoming less home and more spectacle.

Fighting Back: Resident-Led Action and Policy Demands

The residents’ group Vivre à Montmartre has been leading the charge, advocating for measures to curb tourism’s mechanical grip. They call for enforceable limits on tour group sizes, bans on loudspeaker activity, and reform of short-term rental policies. While city authorities have responded by reducing annual rental caps on primary residences from 120 to 90 days, the pace of transformation continues to outpace policy.

Rising real estate values – some apartments now costing upwards of 500,000 euros – only deepen the fears of displacement and hollowing out of local culture. These warning signs echo broader concerns heard globally – in Venice, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, neighborhoods suffer as rapid tourism replaces community life with polished facades.

Tourism vs. Livability: Broader Implications and Solutions

Montmartre’s struggle is emblematic of a growing dilemma: how to balance global tourism with the rights of residents to remain rooted. UNESCO and urban planners call these places “authenticity casualties,” warning of “zombie city” effects where local life vanishes beneath tours and trend-driven eateries. Paris recorded nearly 49 million tourist visits in 2024, and 2025 is tracking even higher. If Montmartre is illustrative, the enduring power of pop culture – from “Amélie” to “Emily in Paris” – and high-profile events like the Tour de France final stage intensify exposure but erode the soul of the place.

For a broader perspective on regional responses to overtourism, see how other European cities are implementing strategies to protect community integrity and sustainable travel – from targeted taxes to visitor management systems and learn how public backlash even reached celebrity events, such as a high-profile protest during a wedding in Venice.

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, has officially broken ground on a major new infrastructure project. Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside aviation officials and airline leaders, marked the start of construction for Concourse D, a $1.3 billion satellite terminal that marks O’Hare’s first major concourse addition in over 30 years.

Slated for completion in late 2028, Concourse D will feature 19 new gates – designed for narrow-body jets but adaptable for wide-body aircraft – and will be connected to United’s existing Concourse C via a pedestrian bridge. The new facility forms the first phase of a larger modernization effort known as O’Hare 21, which aims to transform the entire airport complex over the next decade.

A Gateway Designed for the Next Generation of Travel

The new Concourse D represents a sweeping leap forward in passenger experience and operational capacity. The concourse will span roughly 590,000 square feet and house 20,000 square feet of lounge space along with 30,000 square feet dedicated to retail and dining. A standout architectural feature is a soaring 40-foot-high atrium adorned with an oculus to bring natural light into the space, creating an inviting and airy ambiance.

The design incorporates tree-like structural columns – a deliberate nod to the former apple orchard that once occupied the site – designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, Arup, and Juan Gabriel Moreno Arquitectos. Interior planning also includes a dedicated children’s play area, modern amenities, and infrastructure upgrades such as a new central cooling plant, with additional airfield utility improvements expected.

Chicago’s aviation commissioner emphasized that Concourse D alone will generate more than 3,800 construction jobs – an economic boost to the region. The project stands as a key part of ORDNext, the initial phase of the Terminal Area Plan under the O’Hare 21 umbrella. Following this, the plan calls for a new Global Terminal replacing Terminal 2, construction of a second satellite concourse (Concourse E), and an underground tunnel to seamlessly connect the sprawling campus.

W Hotels is reinvigorating the all-inclusive category with the announcement of W Punta Cana, its very first property in this space. Set to open in late 2026, the resort brings W’s electrifying design style, immersive social experiences, and vibrant nightlife into the all-inclusive landscape.

Perched along the shores of the Dominican Republic, the property introduces an adult-focused escape that combines premium amenities with creative energy – perfectly suited for guests seeking elevated hospitality with no missed moment.

A New Chapter: All-Inclusive, Elevated

W Punta Cana represents a purposeful shift for W Hotels. Rather than integrating into existing all-inclusive chains, this debut brings W’s pre-existing brand identity – think bold interiors, music-driven programming, and high-concept F&B – fully into resort territory.

Core features include a 202-degree ocean view wherever you stand, signature amenities like on-demand playlists, petal turndown rituals, an exclusive ‘Life Burst’ wellness journey, and nightlife experiences infused with W’s curated DJ sessions and at-sea cabanas. All of this falls under one inclusive price: meals, drinks, wellness access, and spirited social moments.

By allowing guests to be immersed in W’s expressive flair – ones that combine local culture with flamboyant design – the resort isn’t just opening a new property – it’s defining a new luxury benchmark in the all-inclusive world.

Architecture, Adults-Only Retreat, and Experiential Play

Consistently forward-thinking, the resort’s adults-only format ensures its vibe remains laid-back yet vibrant. Rooms and suites feature clean lines, sharp accents, and sweeping ocean views.

Public spaces are equally designed for energy: a lounge energised with local funk playlists, an infinity pool crafted for both lounging and parties, and hidden wellness corners where mornings flow gradually into evenings of elevated conversation.

W Punta Cana’s programming raises the bar on immersion. The resort’s opening will include a curated art installation series spotlighting Dominican talent, inclusive spa journeys inspired by local rituals, open-air mixology classes, and beach bonfires with live acoustic performances – situated so each moment feels uniquely tailored yet effortless.

Strategic Move into the All-Inclusive Market

From a strategic standpoint, the launch unfolds at a moment where travel preferences are shifting. Travelers – especially within adults-only and design-forward segments – seek clarity, flexibility, and confident indulgence.

W Hotels’ all-inclusive introduction meets this head-on. Brand leaders acknowledge that guests want both value and experience, and by owning the narrative from suite to social, W can command price integrity while nurturing expressive identity.

Moreover, this move widens W’s footprint in epic vacation destinations. While most all-inclusive brands compete on volume, W adds volume with personality – an angle likely to attract their loyal clientele while inviting curious travelers into a fresh canvas of relaxed luxury. Late 2026 will mark its true entry; for now, the industry watches with curiosity.