Elena Petrova is a senior correspondent specializing in the global hospitality and travel sector. She covers luxury hotel openings, industry trends, and destination developments, providing insights for travelers and industry professionals.
Portfolio
The Waldorf Astoria New York, recently reopened after an eight-year, $2 billion renovation, is set for sale by its Chinese state-owned owners, likely at a significant loss.
Royal Caribbean Group has ordered two new Discovery Class cruise ships from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with options for four more, set for 2029 and 2032 debuts.
Downtown Las Vegas casinos, including Circa, The D, and Golden Gate, are offering a 1:1 Canadian to U.S. dollar exchange rate on rooms, drinks, and gaming until August 31, 2026, to counter a 20% drop
New York City has banned hidden hotel fees, requiring all mandatory charges to be included in advertised room prices. This rule aims to protect consumers ahead of the World Cup tourist influx, also ma
The travel industry is increasingly focusing on content strategy to engage consumers, moving beyond traditional advertising to build trust and inspire travel through valuable storytelling and informat
A new list of 20 must-visit destinations for 2026 spans six continents, featuring places with new direct flights, major cultural openings, and unique natural attractions.
The cruise industry is set for a major expansion in 2026, with 14 new ocean-going ships adding over 30,000 berths at a cost exceeding $10 billion. New luxury brands like Four Seasons and Orient Expres
A hotel in Changchun, China, discovered a room buried under three feet of garbage after a guest's two-year stay. The esports-themed room required three days of cleaning and extensive renovation after
The historic Hilton Milwaukee hotel has completed a $42 million renovation, updating guest rooms, ballrooms, meeting spaces, and the lobby to preserve its legacy while welcoming new visitors.
Paris secures its position as the world's most attractive city for the fifth year, according to Euromonitor International's 2025 index, while Bangkok leads in international arrivals. New record-breaki
Port Canaveral has become the world's busiest cruise homeport, surpassing PortMiami with over 8.6 million passengers in FY 2025, driven by strategic investments and increased demand.
Portland's TriMet transit agency has implemented the first phase of bus service cuts due to a $17.7 million budget shortfall, affecting five lines and reducing frequency.
Los Cabos officials reassure tourists the destination remains safe despite a new U.S. travel alert. The advisory is a seasonal caution, not a ban, and Los Cabos continues operating normally with enhan
Marriott has terminated its agreement with Sonder, accusing the hospitality company of threatening guest safety to secure financial aid. Sonder has now filed for Chapter 7 liquidation, affecting thous
Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia's first theme park of its kind, will open on December 31st, featuring 28 rides including three world record-breaking coasters.
EPCOT's Coral Reef Restaurant will shift to dinner-only service starting January 4, 2026, operating daily from 4 PM to 9 PM. Lunch service will end after January 3, 2026, for the popular aquarium-view
Property rental firm Sonder has declared bankruptcy, leading to guests being ejected from accommodations globally after Marriott terminated its leasing agreement.
A woman in Hainan, China, flooded her hotel room after a cancellation request was denied, leading to 30,000 yuan (US$4,200) in damages.
Marriott International has terminated its partnership with Sonder Holdings due to a contract default, impacting Marriott's 2025 growth forecast and leading to immediate operational changes for Sonder.
Hilton Honors is reportedly planning major changes to its elite status program, including new Diamond Reserve and invitation-only tiers, alongside reduced qualification requirements for existing Silve