The Americas
McDonald’s is planning a major overhaul of restaurants and menus
The global chain aims to drive nostalgia, technology and boost customer loyalty while adapting to shifting consumer habits while focusing on value leadership and consistency. Key changes include new restaurant openings, menu updates and expanded digital tools, such as leveraging AI to enhance drive-thru efficiency and minimize errors. It will also revamp 27,000 drive-thru locations, with more sites changing to multi-lane formats to cut wait times and speed up bigger order volumes. The company said local price changes are to be expected.
NYC Mayor bans hidden hotel fees
The administration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a final rule banning hotels across the city and country from charging consumers hidden fees, which are often labeled as “destination fees,” “resort fees” or “hospitality service fees”. This was also inclusive of unexpected credit card holds or deposits. The administration stated these fees “cheat consumers and hurt honest small businesses.” This rule, which will go into effective on February 21, aims to “protect both consumers coming to New York City and New Yorkers traveling elsewhere around the country,” according to the statement. Some economists estimate that banning hotel junk fees will save consumers more than $46m in 2026.
Asia Pacific
Industry leaders warn of falling international arrivals in Thailand
On January 22, Industry leaders at Thailand Tourism Forum 2026 warned that the kingdom is at a “defining nexus”, highlighting that infrastructure gaps and the rise of competition in nearby destinations such as Vietnam require a strategic shift. C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett said Thailand’s international arrivals fell 7.2 per cent in 2025, while Vietnam recorded a 20.4% increase. Despite high household debt and global volatility, investment sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. Marriott International is responding by diversifying its footprint, with four new brands and 31 hotels in its Thailand pipeline.
BWH Hotels plans to expand APAC and Middle East portfolio in 2026
BWH Hotels plans to open 230 properties globally in the next year, having opened 200 worldwide in 2025. The area of focus will be in APAC, with expansion accelerating in India, South Korea and Vietnam, to meet demand for accommodation across value, upscale and luxury tiers. In the Middle East, 11 new projects will also be opened in Saudi Arabia, building on its ambition to reach 70 hotels in the Kingdom. “As we enter 2026, we will continue reaching new destinations and evolving our business to meet the needs of current and future guests,” said Larry Cuculic, president and CEO of BWH Hotels.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Amazon begins testing for airborne deliveries ahead of UK launch
The US tech giant has begun test flights ahead of launching its UK airborne delivery service later this year. Once it launches, customers local to the town would be able to receive packages under 2.3KG (5 pounds) in under two hours, using its most modern drone, the MK30 (below), to ensure “the safety of people, pets and property”. Amazon said “This marks an exciting next step in bringing drone delivery to the UK, and we continue to work closely with Darlington Council and the Civil Aviation Authority throughout this period.” The company had announced in January 2025 that this location would be its UK test center.
Kerten Hospitality signs 156-room Casadora Resort in Morocco
Kerten Hospitality has signed Casadora Resort by Cloud 7 Hotels, a resort and branded residences project in El Jadida, Morocco. The resort is under development by Groupe Ramos and will function as both a hotel and residential destination. It will include 156 hotel rooms, 140 branded ryads and 60 ryads under a fractional ownership model. The resort will also include food and beverage venues, wellness and spa facilities, sports and outdoor experiences, children’s clubs, creative spaces and an organic garden. “In El Jadida, we sought to develop a project that respects the site, its history, and all of its stakeholders… Casadora Resort by Cloud 7 Hotels is therefore conceived as a long-term endeavour, where real estate development becomes a driver of sustainable territorial value,” said André Ramos, founder of Groupe Ramos.
Lauren Hurrell
