Hospitality and leisure industry

Union rep says West Virginia governor late on paying worker health insurance bills, despite denials

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Union rep says West Virginia governor late on paying worker health insurance bills, despite denials

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s family is millions of dollars behind on payments to employees’ health insurance fund at their financially beleaguered hotel, putting workers’ coverage at risk despite the U.S. Senate candidate’s claims otherwise, a union official said Friday. “The delinquencies are factual, tangible and documented,” Peter Bostic, chairperson of the … Read more

A robot that gives massages — this is what it looks and feels like

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A robot that gives massages — this is what it looks and feels like

One step inside a spa’s dimly lit room, and I’m already anticipating a serene, therapeutic experience: an hour-long full-body massage that leaves me relaxed and revitalized. But a recent appointment at ila Only Spa at the luxurious Lotte New York Palace hotel didn’t resemble past spa experiences.  Although a human escorted me into the room, … Read more

Ship that travels the world full time — here’s how much it costs

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Ship that travels the world full time — here’s how much it costs

A floating apartment. A residential yacht. A holiday home that travels the globe. The World, a luxury liner, has many descriptions, but “cruise ship” is not one of them, said resident Jim Minarik. “The only thing that’s similar between the world and a cruise ship is they float on the water,” he said. “If our … Read more

Travel is too expensive now — travel demand falls under cost concerns

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Travel is too expensive now — travel demand falls under cost concerns

Travelers may have finally had enough. With revenge travel over and pandemic savings depleted, travelers say they’re planning fewer trips this summer, or skipping their vacations altogether. “After two straight years of strong gains, the number of Americans planning to take leisure trips is taking a dip,” states a summer travel report from Deloitte Insights. … Read more

Too many people, not enough management: A look at the chaos of ‘overtourism’ in the summer of 2024

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Too many people, not enough management: A look at the chaos of ‘overtourism’ in the summer of 2024

SINTRA, Portugal — The doorbell to Martinho de Almada Pimentel’s house is hard to find, and he likes it that way. It’s a long rope that, when pulled, rings a literal bell on the roof that lets him know someone is outside the mountainside mansion that his great-grandfather built in 1914 as a monument to … Read more

Where to stay and how to spend your money in Singapore

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Where to stay and how to spend your money in Singapore

For many, Singapore — the city that inspired “Crazy Rich Asians” — is synonymous with luxury, with everything from top-tier accommodations to high-end shopping and restaurants. For the ultimate stay, Marina Bay Sands has an exclusive, invitation-only Chairman Suite, while Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island is a tranquil escape, known for hosting high-level international meetings. … Read more

How much does it cost to rent a superyacht? Try $1.4 million per week

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How much does it cost to rent a superyacht? Try .4 million per week

The 255-foot superyacht Malia sold in 2023 with a price tag of $120 million. But she can be yours for a fraction of the cost: $930,000 per week. But with many large yacht charters, surcharges — for fuel, food, drinks, marina fees, onshore activities and special requests — are usually an additional 35% of the base … Read more

North Korea to reopen for international visitors, tour operators say

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North Korea to reopen for international visitors, tour operators say

North Korea will resume international tourism this winter, ending a COVID-era ban on travelers, according to operators that organize trips to the country. Travel companies KTG and Koryo Tours, which organize trips to North Korea, said on Wednesday that their partners in the country had informed them about government plans to allow travel to some … Read more

Summer tourists flock to boardwalks and piers while sticking to their budgets

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Summer tourists flock to boardwalks and piers while sticking to their budgets

NEW YORK — Small businesses along popular vacation destinations like boardwalks and piers in the U.S. say the number of tourists flocking to the waterfront is back to normal, meaning pre-2020 levels. But while the affluent are spending freely, lower-income vacationers are sticking to carefully planned-out budgets. Sean Bailey, marketing manager of the SkyWheel observation … Read more

Day passes at hotels and resorts offer downtime, relaxation on the cheap

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Day passes at hotels and resorts offer downtime, relaxation on the cheap

NEW YORK — As an independent business consultant, Jen Ford in Austin, Texas, is the master of her own schedule. Twice a month, she blocks out “me” time. In the sweltering summer, that means poolside at one of her hometown’s many hotels and resorts. Rather than check in, Ford relies on day passes, an increasingly … Read more