The Americas
New report finds New Orleans hotels generated almost $9bn total economic impact in 2025
A report released by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) conducted by Oxford Economics has found that New Orleans hotels generated nearly $9bn in total economic impact across 2025, supporting over 51,000 jobs in Louisiana, which represents 19% of all jobs in New Orleans. The report also highlighted that the sector contributed nearly $5bn to the city’s gross domestic product (GDP), and generated $1.2bn in total taxes for 2025, including $405m in local taxes, $34m in state taxes, and $495m in federal taxes. The AHLA also reported, however, that despite over 5 million tickets sold for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, nearly 80% of US hoteliers report that bookings are tracking below initial forecasts, with domestic travelers outpacing international due to ongoing geopolitical conflict and visa barriers.
Subway’s US footprint shrank in 2025 as closures outpaced openings
The sandwich chain closed a net 729 US locations in 2025, marking its steepest drop in years, according to a new franchise filing reviewed by FOX Business. The total restaurant number has fallen to below 19,000, from over 22,000 just a few years ago. Subway opened 499 locations in 2025, but closures outpaced new units, resulting in an overall decline.
Asia Pacific
APAC leads global foodservice with 40% share in 2025 sales
APAC remained the dominant region in global foodservice, accounting for about 40% of total sales in 2025, according to new data from Euromonitor International. China, India, and the Philippines continued strong growth. In China, expansion has been driven significantly by beverages, with coffee and tea chains adding around 73,000 outlets since 2020. Globally, the foodservice sector reached about $3.36tn in 2025, up 4% year-on-year despite ongoing pressure from higher living costs. Amongst the fastest-growing markets were Turkey (+32%), Egypt (+27%), and Nigeria (+19%).
Jollibee named top chicken QSR in Southeast Asia by Euromonitor International
Jollibee has been ranked as the No. 1 Chicken Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in Southeast Asia, according to Euromonitor International, based on 2025 value sales in its Consumer Foodservice 2026 study which includes fast food and takeaway formats. The brand has seen sustained growth and strong consumer demand across multiple Southeast Asian markets. As of December 31, 2025, Jollibee operated 1,658 stores across Southeast Asia, with a strong base in the Philippines and a growing footprint in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, with potential to continue growth outside the Philippines going forward.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Delivery share of UAE dining market increased in Q1 2026 amid Iran conflict
Restaurant delivery services increased their share of the UAE dining market in Q1 2026, gaining ground as the Iran conflict impacted overall demand and reduced dine-in traffic. Orders rose 18% year on year to 1.9 million in Q1, according to restaurant tech company Syrve Mena, while delivery’s total order share increased to 29%, up from 25% a year earlier. The gains came despite a contraction in supply, with the number of restaurants offering delivery falling during the same period. Delivery orders declined from 700,000 in January to 593,000 in March, but the number of outlets offering the service also dropped, from 325 to 312.
Waldorf Astoria Debuts in Rabat-Salé
Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé opens in the iconic Mohammed VI Tower, Morocco’s tallest building, combining the Waldorf Astoria’s signature elegance with Morocco’s soul and celestial-inspired design. The 55-room hotel provides guests with five dining options, a spa, one of North Africa’s largest private art collections with nearly 7,000 works, and almost 1,300 sq m of event space. The hotel provides panoramic views from the Bouregreg River to the Atlantic and close access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural landmarks, and major transport links.
Lauren Hurrell
