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PHOENIX RANKED FIRST among the top 25 markets with 19.7 percent year-over-year growth in October, according to Cendyn's Sales Intelligence platform, formerly Knowland. This was its first time at the top spot this year, driven by national associations, technology, healthcare and financial/banking events. Las Vegas followed closely with 17.7 percent growth, placing it in the top five for the 10th consecutive month, Cendyn said. South Michigan and Florida's Panhandle led secondary markets, while Kauai, Hawaii, saw significant year-over-year growth at 72 percent. Phoenix averaged 5,612 square feet and 174 attendees, primarily driven by national association events, which made up 8.6 percent of event volume, the report said. Las Vegas remained in the top five, ranking second, supported by national association events and weddings. Across the top 25 markets, average space usage rose to 3,902 square feet with an average of 132 attendees.

TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA led in meetings and events growth for the top 25 markets in February with a 20 percent year-over-year increase, according to Knowland. Denver and Boston came in second and third, respectively, while National Associations and Technology groups led in four of the top five markets. Overall, year-over-year event volume growth for the industry reached 5.3 percent, the report said. Meetings in the top 25 markets used an average space of 3,507 square feet, compared to 2,890 square feet in secondary markets. The top 25 markets had an average of 124 attendees, while secondary markets averaged 118 attendees. Additional insights into the key industry drivers for the top 25 markets with the highest meeting volumes include: Tampa-St. Petersburg (up 20 percent): national association, healthcare, charity/non-profit/social services, technology and wedding. Denver (up 7 percent): technology, national association, education, healthcare and construction. Boston (up 15 percent): education, healthcare, technology, training/education and travel.

THE ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN area ranked first in the top 25 markets with 125.8 percent year-over-year meeting and events growth in December, followed by Nashville, Tennessee, with 28 percent growth, according to data from Knowland by Cendyn. Louisville, Kentucky, led secondary markets with 135.6 percent year-over-year growth, topping the list for the eighth time in 2024. No single event drove St. Louis's growth, the report said. The top four accounts-HavenHouse, Arcadian Infracom, Crisis Prevention Institute, and the Train Shed-contributed nearly 9 percent, while SMERF events accounted for almost 11 percent, surpassing corporate accounts. St. Louis averaged 2,112 square feet with a group size of 97, while the top 25 markets averaged 3,045 square feet with a group size of 121.

CALIFORNIA-BASED HOTELIER Sunil "Sunny" Tolani has been named a top entrepreneur by Yahoo Finance. Tolani's the Prince Organization was named one of the fastest growing private companies in Orange County, California, by the Orange County Business Journal. In the Yahoo listing, Tolani is recognized not only for his work operating multiple hotels but also charity work, youth empowerment and education. It also mentions the organization's receipt of several honors and awards, including the 2016 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and, more recently, the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award from the Non Resident Indian Welfare Society. "Sunil Tolani is a self-made man, highly respected and publicly admired worldwide Indian American CEO, social entrepreneur, philanthropist and humanitarian," the Yahoo article said. "[The Prince Organization is] regularly commended by various third-party organizations as one of the best and top places to work. Prince has also been named the fastest growing private companies and top minority-owned organization three times in a row."

NASHVILLE RECORDED A 38 percent year-over-year increase in meetings and events in April, according to Knowland. Meanwhile, Las Vegas maintained a steady ascent with a 22.8 percent year-over-year growth. Overall, the industry saw a marginal 1.3 percent year-over-year increase in meeting volume. Among the top 25 markets, meetings averaged 3,768 square feet, compared to 3,684 square feet in secondary markets, the report said. Average attendance in the top 25 rose slightly to 133, while secondary markets saw an average of 127 attendees. Top five markets with highest YOY event volume growth Nashville stood out as a meeting destination in April, leading in growth among the top 25 U.S. markets, the report added. It recorded an average space use of 3,885 square feet with 131 average attendees, largely driven by national associations such as the Association of Physical Plant Administrators.

ANAHEIM-SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA, ranked first among the top 25 markets in November with 17.5 percent year-over-year growth, followed by Atlanta at 13.7 percent, according to Cendyn's Sales Intelligence platform, formerly Knowland. This was Anaheim-Santa Ana's first time at the top this year, driven by healthcare groups contributing 7.1 percent, including events from Edwards LifeSciences LLC and Kaiser Permanente. Atlanta's growth was supported by events from national association and education groups, the report said. Chicago entered the top five for the first time, ranking third with 12.6 percent growth, largely driven by national association groups contributing 10.2 percent. Anaheim-Santa Ana averaged 4,555 total square feet with an estimated group size of 167. The top 25 markets averaged 3,764 total square feet with a group size of 131.

LAS VEGAS LED meeting volume growth in June for the second consecutive month with a 22.2 percent year-over-year increase, according to Knowland. St. Louis ranked second with a 12 percent year-over-year growth and the U.S. top 25 and secondary markets saw increases in total square footage used and group sizes. The average space used for meetings in the top 25 markets was 4,127 square feet with 141 attendees, while secondary markets averaged 4,085 square feet with 132 attendees, Knowland said. Las Vegas also remained a popular meeting spot in June, with sports entertainment entering the top five industry segments due to NHL draft-related meetings, the report found. The city led the top 25 markets, averaging 8,297 square feet and 282 attendees.

LAS VEGAS LED the top 25 markets in meetings and events growth for September, with a 34.2 percent year-over-year increase, according to Cendyn's Sales Intelligence platform, formerly Knowland. This marked its eighth consecutive month in the top five. Las Vegas meetings and events averaged 5,596 square feet with 209 attendees, driven by weddings, accounting for about 10 percent of event volume, and tech events like Oracle SuiteWorld, according to Cendyn. Anaheim ranked second, hosting education, national associations, and weddings. Across the top 25 markets, average space rose to 3,856 square feet with 130 attendees. The top five among the 25 leading markets were: Las Vegas (+34.2 percent): Weddings, technology, training/education, national associations and manufacturing. Anaheim-Santa Ana (+23.2 percent): Education, national associations, weddings, healthcare and consulting. Orlando (+22.9 percent): National associations, technology, healthcare, training/education and charity/non-profits/social services. New York (+21 percent): International government, finance/banking, charity/non-profits/social services, national associations and travel. Dallas (+18.6 percent): Healthcare, technology, consulting, finance/banking and education.

Before you plan for visiting any city or country in Europe, you should be aware of the total number of airports there in existence. Whenever we think about the airports, it is all about excitement, top-notch security, immigration, and customs as well as other mixed feelings. Whether we are boarding a flight to any city or come to see-off to our loved ones, we spend a couple of minutes and experience a range of activities there. From shopping or eating to taking a nap or just strolling around, we always have memorable experiences. In this ultimate guide to Europes busiest airport and top airports that will help you to know about their facilities, convenience, and ambiance. Check out this guide before you plan to visit any city or country in Europe.

More and more top luxury hotels now accept cryptos for rooms and hotel services. Other travel-related sites were already accepting cryptocurrencies before luxury hotels jumped on the bandwagon. The primary reason that travelers use cryptos is because of the favorable conversion rates that save hundreds of dollars over using credit cards. The cards are just as convenient to use because they're totally digital-based. FIVE OF THE TOP LUXURY HOTELS THAT ACCEPT CRYPTOS Among the benefits, using cryptos tends to be less expensive than other methods of payment. Five of the top luxury hotels that accept cryptos include the following properties. 1. CHEDI ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND 2. SRI PANWA PHUKET 3. SANDMAN HOTELS OF CANADA AND THE U.K. 4. CASUAL HOTELES OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL 5. PAVILIONS HOTELS & RESORT GLOBAL TRAVEL WITH UTMOST CONVENIENCE Bitcoin ranks as the most popular digital currency. The innovative payment method uses decentralized currency for efficiency, transparency and security.

U.S. HOTEL LEISURE travel revenue is projected to rise 14 percent this year over pre-pandemic levels and business travel revenue is expected to be within 1 percent of 2019 range, according to a report by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Kalibri Labs. However, these projections are not adjusted for inflation, and real hotel revenue recovery may take many years, a statement said. Among the top 50 U.S. markets, 80 percent are projected to see hotel leisure travel revenue exceed 2019 levels, but just 40 percent are expected reach that milestone for business travel revenue. Many urban markets are yet to recover due to their dependence on business from events and group meetings, the report said. All markets in the top 10 are likely to report increase in leisure travel revenue except New York, Washington and San Francisco. Whereas, in business travel revenue only Orlando, Las Vegas and San Diego will end up this year in green among the top 10.

DALLAS TAKES THE lead in top five U.S. hotel construction markets in the third quarter of 2023, setting a record with 189 projects and 21,840 rooms, according to Lodging Econometrics. The top markets all saw growth in new openings as well. Atlanta follows closely with 140 projects and 17,775 Rooms, while Nashville comes next with 122 projects and 16,046 rooms. Phoenix recorded 119 projects, totaling 16,455 rooms, while the Inland Empire reported 117 projects comprising 11,784 rooms, according to the third quarter United States Construction Pipeline Trend Report by LE. New York City leads with the highest number of projects under construction, totaling 46, and 8,386 rooms at the close of the third quarter, LE said. Phoenix follows with 26 projects and 5,353 rooms, followed closely by Atlanta with 26 projects and 4,354 rooms. Dallas trails with 25 projects and 3,178 rooms, and the Inland Empire with 23 projects and 2,386 rooms.

MIT SHAH-LED NOBLE Investment Group topped the "2023 Best Places to Work in Money Management" awards by the investment news portal Pensions & Investments. The selection process involved a thorough evaluation of workplace policies, practices, and employee feedback, with combined insights playing a key role in identifying top companies in the industry, Noble said in a statement. Shah, Noble's founder and CEO, expressed honor in being named to the list. "We take pride in the ongoing recognition of Noble's culture, emphasizing excellence, inclusivity, and professional growth," Shah said. "Our team, our greatest strength, shares a dedication to fostering an environment that values and supports one another, as reflected in this honor." "As their employees attest, companies on this year's Best Places to Work list showcase a commitment to cultivating a robust workplace culture," said P&I Executive Editor Julie Tatge. "Even amid challenges like volatile markets and ongoing pandemic stress, employees noted strong support from their managers, empowering them to perform at their best."

AS THE LABOR shortage continues, hotels are offering more incentives to attract new employees, according to a survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. They include higher wages, more benefits and greater scheduling flexibility. AHLA's Front Desk Feedback survey of more than 500 hoteliers, conducted Jan. 10 to 17, found that 79 percent of responding hotels were experiencing staffing shortages. Also, 71 percent of respondents are increasing wages, 64 percent are offering greater flexibility with hours and 33 percent are expanding benefits. Despite that, 81 percent said they are still unable to fill open positions. Also, 79 percent of respondents are experiencing a staffing shortage, severely so for 22 percent. The most critical staffing need is housekeeping, with 43 percent ranking it as their top hiring need. At the same time, in September, 87 percent of respondents said they were short staffed, 36 percent severely, with 43 percent ranking housekeeping as their top hiring need at the time. Respondents are attempting to fill an average of seven positions per property, down from 10 vacancies per property in September. "Recruiting enough workers continues to be the top challenge for many hoteliers, and this is leading to historic career opportunities for hotel employees," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO.

HELPED BY THE onset of spring break travel, U.S. hotels' performance bettered in the second week of March from the previous week, according to STR's latest data through 11 March. The top 25 markets were up on a weekly basis but still behind 2019 levels. Occupancy for the week ending March 11 came in at 64.7 percent up from 62.8 percent the week before, 2.8 percent more than the comparable week in 2022 and 7.5 percent below the comparable week in 2019. ADR stood at $158.20, up from $151.35 the previous week and also up 8.1 percent and 16.6 percent over the same month in 2022 and 2019, respectively. RevPAR was reported at $102.38, up from $95.06 the previous week, and an increase of 11.1 percent and 7.8 percent over the same month in 2022 and 2019. Among the top 25 markets, Washington, D.C., witnessed the highest year-over-year occupancy increase compared to 2019, up 21.8 percent to 67.6 percent. However, none of the Top 25 Markets saw an occupancy lift over 2019. Meanwhile, D.C. also registered the most substantial ADR increase at $183.86 against 2019, up 23.4 percent. D.C.'s RevPAR rate also climbed up 50.2 percent to $124.33 year-over-year. Anaheim reported the highest ADR increase for spring break week, up 51.4 percent to US$245.62 and RevPAR rose 42.2 percent to $189.81, when measuring against 2019.

LAS VEGAS SAW 18.5 percent year-over-year growth in group business this May, while Oahu Island, Hawaii, ranked second with a 17.9 percent year over year increase, according to Knowland. The average meeting space in the top 25 markets was 3,615 square feet, compared to 3,625 square feet in secondary markets. The top 25 markets averaged 128 attendees, while secondary markets had 127 attendees, Knowland said. Las Vegas led the top 25 U.S. markets in meeting growth in May, with an average space of 7,803 square feet and 287 attendees, the report said. Key drivers included technology events like the Electronic Distributor Show and national associations such as the International Council of Shopping Centers.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY'S EVENT volume doubled to 94.9 percent year-over-year in July, according to Knowland. It is Louisville's fifth month in the top five secondary markets this year. Philadelphia led the top 25 markets with 27.7 percent growth, driven by a National Education Association event and several state-level education associations, according to Knowland. Louisville has become a key meetings hub in secondary markets, with an average of 4,935 square feet used and 119 attendees, while Philadelphia averaged 3,066 square feet and 117 attendees, the report said. Secondary markets grew by an average of 6.9 percent, compared to 3.6 percent for the top 25 markets.

U.S. HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES reported a 108.2 percent year-over-year health metric for the fourth quarter of 2024, the highest in four quarters, according to the Hospitality Group and Business Performance Index by Cendyn and Amadeus. Tampa, Houston, and Miami led the top 10 cities in rankings. The index combines event data from Cendyn's Sales Intelligence platform, formerly Knowland, with hotel booking data from Amadeus' Demand360, covering group, corporate negotiated, global distribution system, and events performance, the companies said in a joint statement. Top 10 cities by index: Tampa - 121.4 percent Houston - 120.6 percent Miami - 116.8 percent New York City - 112.0 percent Chicago - 111.6 percent Phoenix - 110.4 percent Detroit - 109.8 percent Louis - 109.6 percent San Diego - 109.6 percent New Orleans - 108.3 percent

Buddhist Countries - Top Ten Countries with Largest Buddhist Population map indicates countries with largest Buddhist population.

Lisa Jordan, the senior director of digital marketing at Red Roof, has been named one of the top 25 extraordinary minds in sales, marketing, revenue optimization, and distribution for 2023 by The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International. She will be recognized at a special reception in New York in February. This recognition is part of HSMAI's 21st annual compilation, acknowledging exceptional achievement and leadership in the field, Red Roof said in a statement. "We celebrate HSMAI's 2023 class of Top 25 honorees in hotel sales, marketing, revenue optimization, and distribution with great admiration," said Robert Gilbert, president and CEO of HSMAI. "Through their creativity, dedication, and impact, these professionals not only excel in their respective fields but have set benchmarks of excellence for the industry, inspiring us all."