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The revived Starwood Hotels plans to keep its footprint small. Spirit Airlines struck a deal to emerge from its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy. And the loyalty rivalry between Virgin Atlantic and British Airways is heating up.

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Hotels

Sean O'Neill

Senior Hospitality Editor

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Image by Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels Explains Why It's Staying Small

Starwood Hotels, which was revived a year ago by founder Barry Sternlicht's Starwood Capital Group, isn't pushing for fast growth.

"I don't see us having 1,000 hotels like the old Starwood. Market dynamics have changed quite a bit," CEO Raul Leal said.
Leal argued that a smaller portfolio can punch above its weight as travelers discover hotels through Instagram influencers and AI chatbots.
Leal added that big chains try to be everything to everyone — they destroy pricing power and guest loyalty.

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Airlines

Meghna Maharishi

Airline Reporter

Image by Spirit Airlines

Spirit Reaches Deal to Emerge From Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Spirit Airlines has announced it reached an agreement with its creditors to emerge from its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The deal will give Spirit the financial support to finalize its restructuring and implement changes to its fleet, network, and cost structure.
Spirit said it expects to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late spring or early summer.
During its second bankruptcy, Spirit has cut underperforming routes, conducted layoffs, and furloughed flight attendants and pilots.

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Tourism

Why Africa's Risk Narrative Is Outdated

Millat Group

Legacy investor perceptions are obscuring real tourism momentum.

Visa openness and Gulf routes are expanding access to Africa.
Capital is shifting beyond safaris to cities and mixed-use developments.

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Airlines

Gordon Smith

Airline Weekly Editor

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Image by Virgin Atlantic

British Airline Loyalty Battle

Fierce competition between British Airways and Virgin Atlantic is nothing new, but the contest for Britain's most coveted jetsetters has expanded onto a new front.

As controversial changes to BA's loyalty program take effect, Virgin targeted frequent flyers with a limited-time offer and guerrilla marketing.
The initial promotion, launched ahead of Valentine's Day, cheekily asked: "No longer feeling the love from your airline?"
"Hats off to Virgin for a well-executed PR stunt – we've seen many of these plays over the years from them," British Airways told Skift.

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