The Americas
Government shutdown impacted the hotel industry by over $1.2bn
The American Hotel & Lodging Association estimates that the 43-day government shutdown, which lasted from Oct 1 through Nov 12, 2025, cost the US economy $31m a day in hotel-related economic activity alone, for a total of more than $1.2bn by the time it ended. The total cost to the travel and hospitality industry overall was calculated at $6bn, according to a Wednesday release from the US Travel Association. “Shutdowns also suppress travel demand,” US Travel said in the release. “These effects ripple outward, decreasing visitor spending and imposing downstream costs on airlines, hotels, restaurants, small businesses and local economies.”
New US dietary guidelines to avoid highly processed foods receives mixed response
The restaurant industry has mixed reactions to new federal nutrition guidelines, which recommend reducingconsumption of processed foods and sugary drinks, while promoting more protein and full-fat dairy. The National Restaurant Association and Sweetgreen issued statements of support for the new guidelines, but there are some concerns that the guidelines could encourage customers to spend less on dining out, particularly at a time of high inflation. “When dining out, choose nutrient-dense options,” the guidelines advise. However, the changes could boost struggling fast-casual chains like Chipotle, whose menu products contain the natural ingredients championed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make American Healthy Again movement.
Asia Pacific
Yamagata to take the title as Japan’s ramen capital
Yamagata, a city in Japan’s northeast with a population of around 240,000 and with about 230 ramen establishments to choose from, is tipped to be Japan’s ramen capital. About 340km north of Tokyo, the city recently took over from its rival, Niigata, which took the title in 2021. Since then, ramen shop owners and officials teamed up to re-establish the city as Japan’s ‘Ramen Kingdom’. In 2025, Yamagata households spent an average of ¥22,389 [£106] on ramen – ahead of runner-up Niigata on ¥16,292, according to the internal affairs ministry, which will announce the winner in early February. Osamu Higuchi, assistant manager in Yamagata’s brand strategy section, is confident Yamagata will win the title. “If our ramen businesses do well, then so does the local economy – farmers and soy sauce manufacturers, even the companies that produce hot towels for restaurants,” he says. “I don’t think it’s going too far to say that Yamagata is ramen.”
Hong Kong to host Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 award ceremony
Hong Kong will host the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 award ceremony on 25 March 2026 for the first time, after venues in Hong Kong became the first to receive both The World’s Best Bar and The World’s Best Hotel titles the same year. This marks a key milestone for Hong Kong, securing its spot as an exciting gastronomic hub with global influence. The event will bring chefs, restauranteurs and industry leaders from across Asia to celebrate the region’s culinary talent. Mr. Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) stated, “We are thrilled to host Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in Hong Kong this March for the very first time, highlighting the deepening partnership between HKTB and 50 Best. Hong Kong has long been one of the most sought-after dining destinations in the world, blending culinary cultures from around the globe to offer diverse and exciting gastronomic experiences.”
Europe, Africa and Middle East
UK government is set to U-turn business rate hike for pubs
Pubs, the beating heart of many of Britain’s communities, had called for relief after finance minister Rachel Reeves announced changes to business rates in her November budget, as the hospitality industry faces the end of Covid-era support. In response, the UK government is set to announce a package of measures to mitigate the impact of the planned hikes, following hospitality groups warning that the tax measures would undoubtedly result in pub closures and pose risks to employment for many. House of Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell said: “The prime minister has been absolutely clear on this, [we are] listening and that he’s actively, we are actively looking at, further measures, to help pubs and the hospitality industry, whether these are in rural areas or in urban areas.”
Greggs says there is ‘no doubt’ business is being impacted by weight loss jabs
The UK bakery chain is expanding its products to include more healthy alternatives, such as egg pots and protein drinks, not only to respond to the impact of appetite-suppressing medications, but also to tap into health trends. CEO Roisin Currie said: “What we’ve been seeing is people are looking for smaller portions, people are looking for information on areas such as protein and fibre, and therefore we’re making sure that in the breadth of our range we can offer those choices to customers.” Other brands like Tesco and M&S are also monitoring these consumer trends closely to understand the impact.
Lauren Hurrell
