The James, Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 opens in the heart of Florence

 

FLORENCE, ITALY – Nestled in the heart of Florence, the new opening of James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 is the latest addition to the city’s luxury hospitality scene.

Japan Launches Asuka III as the Largest and Most Sustainable Cruise Ship, Redefining Luxury and Environmental Responsibility in Revolutionary Maritime Travel

 

Asuka III has embarked, marking a new era in Japanese sea history. Equipped with environmental-friendly LNG fuel tech as well as modern systems, this new gem of a ship is bound to redefine the world of cruises as well as set trends in green luxury cruises.

Blackstone Real Estate to acquire Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor for $200M

 

Blackstone and Allegiant Travel Company have revealed that funds affiliated with Blackstone Real Estate have agreed to acquire Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor on the Gulf Coast of Florida from Allegiant for $200 million.

Pete Sams named Highgate president

 

Hotel management, investment and development company Highgate has appointed Pete Sams as president. In this newly created role, he will focus on optimizing business performance.

Mediterranean in Bloom: 5 Reasons to Yacht Away

 

There’s a fleeting moment between spring’s awakening and summer’s buzz when the Mediterranean feels entirely yours.

News in Brief

 US to lose $12B in tourism as policies deter visitors

(Cmart7327/Getty Images)

The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that the US will be the only country to see a decline in international visitor spending in 2025, with a projected $12.5 billion drop, while Tourism Economics now predicts an 8.2% decrease instead of a previously expected 9% increase. The U.S. Travel Association said it is “deeply concerned,” warning that cuts to tourism marketing will “significantly impact every sector of our industry.”

 Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (7/4)

Hotels IHG Hotels & Resorts welcomes its first voco in Ireland

 LONDON, UK – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announces the opening of voco The Club – Dublin Gateway, alongside partners, Nhance. The converted hotel will be fully rebranded by the end of summer 2025 and will add to IHG’s growing portfolio in Ireland which now stands at 10* open and pipeline properties.

Osaka-Kansai Expo Celebrates Over Ten Million Visitors: Aiming For Record Attendance, Know More

The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which is considered the most anticipated global event in 2025, has announced a landmark development. On the 12th of July, the famous exhibition has been visited by more than 10 million visitors overall. The award comes half way through the event as it celebrates the halfway stage in its six month duration that started on April 13.

Survey Two-thirds of frequent Southwest flyers say they’re booking other airlines due to baggage fees

 

MINNEAPOLIS – A new survey from leading travel site Thrifty Traveler suggests that many once-loyal Southwest flyers are booking with other carriers after the airline ended its free baggage policy this spring.

BMA house celebrates hundred years of history, sustainability and events what you need to know

 

Hosted in the beating heart of Bloomsbury, London, within the iconic listed BMA house, this incredible venue has reached its 100th year. The British Medical Association House, a striking, but quirky design with thought-provoking design elemnts, is a quirky 20s design, that has been the headquarters of the British Medical Association since it opened.