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1. Will European fuel shortages affect travel?
The Washington Post reports that fuel shortages are inducing a higher level of flight cancellations across Europe, meaning travelers need to be more aware of their travel options this summer.
There are warnings that persistent issues with the Strait of Hormuz could mean running out of fuel by June. Travelers are urged to look at more "ground-based" travel alternatives.
"If your flight is canceled, look into rail options," the Post reports. "Europe has a robust passenger rail network that can get travelers to just about every corner of the continent. Airports in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and Zurich have intercity rail stations that allow for easy transfers."
2. Asset managers more optimistic to start 2026
Hotel asset managers have a higher degree of optimism, particularly for revenue growth, after a strong and stable first quarter, despite increasing worries about how hotels will fair in markets with FIFA World Cup matches, CoStar News Hotels reports.
More than half of those surveyed say they expect a 1% to 3% increase in RevPAR this year, with more than 10% projecting an increase of more than 7%. Similarly, more than half of members surveyed expect the majority of their hotels to beat budgeted projections for the full year.
3. Demand worries persist as World Cup nears
Speaking of the World Cup, NPR reports hoteliers are becoming increasingly vocal about how weak demand is around the event, with Kansas City in particular seeing forward bookings weaker than a typical June or July.
"Despite more than 5 million tickets sold (for World Cup matches), this demand has not yet translated into strong hotel bookings," reads a recent American Hotel & Lodging Association report cited by the news outlet.
4. Interest rates up in Australia
Persistent inflation worries have driven the Reserve Bank of Australia to increase its policy rate to 4.35%, CNBC reports. The increase was in line with economists' projections.
Central bank officials now expect inflation there to remain above their target range of 2% to 3% indefinitely, with risks of spikes from the war in Iran.
“As expected, developments in the Middle East are having an impact on inflation. Higher fuel prices are adding to inflation and there are indications that this is likely to have second-round effects on prices for goods and services more broadly,” an RBA statement read.
5. Cash-strapped developer weighs $2 billion Hong Kong hotel sale
Bloomberg reports property development firm New World Development Co. is weighing a sale of its 50% stake in three Hong Kong hotels valued at $2 billion.
The properties are the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel and the Hyatt Regency in Kowloon. The remaining 50% stake is owned by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
The news outlet notes New World is looking for long-term solutions to its lingering debt problems, and they are also seeking outside investment from firms such as Blackstone.