Americas
US fears tourism boom for World Cup may not materialize
A report produced by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has found that bookings are far below expectations in most host cities across the US for this year’s FIFA World Cup 2026, which does not align with Fifa’s (Fédération Internationale de Football Association – the International Federation of Association Football) statement that more than five million tickets have been sold, said the AHLA, creating the risk that “the anticipated economic lift may fall short”. The report places responsibility on Fifa, accusing the world’s football body for block-booking rooms for own use, which created false demand and drove prices artificially high, which, after Fifa cancelled many rooms, has been replaced by a vacuum of availability. Fifa said it does not recognize this accusation. The hotels said high ticket prices, local transport and tax costs on top of the political environment have put visitors off.
Starbucks to lay off 300 US corporate staff, with potential more layoffs to come
Starbucks is laying off 300 US corporate employees in its third round of job cuts under CEO Brian Niccol, and will be closing some regional support offices, due to a part of its turnaround strategy to help return the company to profitable growth, the layoffs, however, will not affect coffeehouse employees. The combined severance costs and reassessment of its office space will result in restructuring charges of $400 million, the coffee chain said. The chain expects to record $280 million in noncash charges related to the impairment of long-lived assets and $120 million in cash charges tied to the job cuts.
Asia Pacific
Radisson Blu Hotel opens Shanghai Eastern Hub
Jin Jiang International hotels and Radisson Hotel group has announced the grand opening of its upper upscale Radisson Blu brand’s flagship property in Shanghai, China, featuring 445 soundproofed guest rooms enhanced with intelligent lighting. The hotel will sit at the heart of the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation. It is strategically positioned between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the future Shanghai East Railway Station and is supported by innovative visa policies and air-rail intermodal connectivity to facilitate cross-border business travel.
Jollibee Foods gains interest from large US franchise operators
The Philippine food chain, Jollibee Foods Corp, said it was drawing interest from large franchise operators in the US, with some groups looking to open at least 50 stores as the company ramps up its expansion in one of its biggest overseas markets. Jollibee Group chief financial and risk officer Richard Shin said the growing interest came as the company strengthened its position in the fast-growing chicken segment in the United States.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
762 UK hospitality businesses closed in Q1 2026 as sector struggles to absorb rising costs
762 hospitality businesses entered insolvency in the first quarter of this year, reflecting the continued challenges of the hospitality landscape., according to the Buchler Phillips Hospitality Index of insolvencies, which has tracked monthly figures since January 2014. Recurring reasons for closures are weak late-night trading and less consumers drinking. This is down 3.7% compared to Q4 2025. In March 2026 alone, 268 hospitality businesses closed, according to government data. “The number of monthly hospitality insolvencies has remained consistently over 250 so far this year, after posting 207 for December,” Buchler Phillips said.
74% of UK consumers are seeking new flavors over traditional menus, report says
Korean, Filipino, Taiwanese and Middle Eastern dishes are gaining traction for UK customers, with almost three-quarters (74%) of consumers seeking new flavors when they eat out, according to a Paulig PRO report. The report found that Korean, Filipino, Taiwanese, and Middle Eastern dishes are gaining traction as guests seek dishes featuring heat, acidity, smoke and umami, with 60% also wanting to know more behind menu flavors, enabling operators to use flavor provenance to drive authenticity, premiumization and value. “Korean is mainstream now, but I think we will start to see more elevated Korean food. I also think Filipino food will be a big trend, as well as Malaysian,” Rebecca Grayson, senior category insights manager at Paulig PRO, said.
Lauren Hurrell
