A recent report confirmed that domestic tourism to Washington, D.C., reached record highs for the sixth consecutive year in 2015. The capital welcomed more than 19.3 million visitors that year, a 5.3 percent increase over 2014. Visitor spending also rose, totaling approximately $7.1 billion—up 4.1 percent from the previous year. “In 2015, D.C. welcomed 1 … Read more

Finnair is partnering with leading Finnish restaurants to introduce signature menus on its long-haul flights. The new culinary offerings will be available in business-class cabins on flights departing from Helsinki beginning January 2015. Created by chefs from notable Finnish restaurants Nokka, G.W. Sundmans, Savoy and Fishmarket, the signature menus emphasize seasonal ingredients and bold, inspired … Read more

From Feb. 11–21, Abu Dhabi will celebrate the annual Qasr Al Hosn Festival with a program dedicated to honoring the United Arab Emirates’ rich culture and history. Qasr Al Hosn fort is the symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi and served as the residence of the ruling family for centuries. The fort continues to be a … Read more

Last month, Hilton and Uber announced an expanded partnership to more closely integrate their mobile apps, a first for the hospitality industry that aims to simplify travel logistics for users. The agreement allows Hilton HHonors members to request an Uber directly from the HHonors app. Likewise, Uber riders can view hotel reservation details and check … Read more

Amtrak announced last month that plans to restore Chicago Union Station have advanced to the next phase, which includes planning, historic review and preliminary engineering. The global engineering firm Arup has been selected to lead the renovation effort. Amtrak and the City of Chicago are jointly funding the improvements to address passenger capacity, service efficiency, … Read more

Delta Air Lines will introduce new complimentary on-board snacks beginning in June. The airline is adding three options—Squirrel Brand Almonds, Pretzel Perfection Olive Oil & Sea Salt Pretzels, and KIND Healthy Grains Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut bars—alongside its existing Biscoff cookies. These additions expand choices for passengers with dietary needs: all three new … Read more

In a city overflowing with romantic spots, the boutique five-star Palazzo Venart in Venice, Italy, offers a newly restored luxury option. Once in ruins, the property has undergone an extensive two-year restoration led by Venetian art historians. Original frescoes from the 1800s have been carefully conserved and now enliven ceilings and walls with rich colors, … Read more

Singapore sits at the crossroads of Asia. This island city-state, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, is a major trading center, transport hub and cultural melting pot. When MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) became a distinct tourism sector, Singapore embraced it quickly and has since become one of the world’s leading … Read more

We’re cruising beneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge on a late-afternoon sail around Waitematā Harbour when the boat captain calls out, “Look up — you might see someone bungee-jumping off the bridge.” The ferry slows and we watch a woman plunge from the bridge, suspended by a single knot in a long cord that leaves her … Read more

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has introduced its eco-conscious Element Hotels brand with the opening of Element Vaughan Southwest. Situated in Vaughan, Ontario, just outside Toronto, the hotel offers 152 guestrooms, each equipped with a fully appointed gourmet kitchen ideal for extended stays. The property includes a 24-hour fitness center featuring Element’s signature stationary bike charging … Read more