Dutch hotel industry suffers from VAT increase, Sentosa's bold vision for Greater Sentosa in Singapore, Wizz Air returns to the UAE and more...

Dutch hotel industry suffers from VAT increase
Friday, 11th September 2026

The results of Dutch hotels are under significant pressure as a result of the VAT increase on accommodation, while there was still a slight increase in occupancy rates in 2025, demand for hotel stays is expected to decrease in 2026.

Furthermore, hoteliers expect a drop in net room rates of approximately 2.5% to 5.0%. However, because VAT has been increased from 9% to 21% as of January 1, 2026, the average price for the consumer will rise by approximately 8% >>

Sentosa's bold vision for Greater Sentosa in Singapore
11 Sep 2026 : Greater Sentosa Master Plan (GSMP) will bring Brani under Sentosa's fold, unlocking new spaces for next-generation experiences, attractions and hotels >>

Wizz Air announces return to Dubai and Abu Dhabi
10 Sep 2026 : Wizz Air has announced plans to return to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, less than a year after ending its locally based operations in the UAE capital >>

Minor Hotels partners with Checkout.com to power payments globally
10 Sep 2026 : Checkout-com will support Minor Hotels' global expansion through its global acquiring network, powering high performance payments across international markets >>

TUI BLUE Han River opens
10 Sep 2026 : Dewan Architects celebrates the opening of TUI BLUE Han River, a landmark collaboration demonstrating how international hospitality expertise, strong operator alignment and local understanding can create unique destinations with lasting value >>

HIGHLIGHT ARTICLE

What Google's Agentic Hotel Booking Means for Travel When AI Becomes the New Travel Intermediary
Friday, 11th September 2026

The Age of Invisible Distribution. For years, the travel industry has debated who 'owns' the customer; Hotels wanted travelers to book direct, OTAs built enormous businesses by aggregating demand and Google became the gateway to both. Now AI is beginning to redraw those lines again >>

I Burned the Symbols of Success
The ties were silk, the shoes were handmade and for many years, they represented achievement, authority and belonging >>

In case you've missed it: Global eNews of September 09, 2026
Southeast Asian travelers trade up during sale periods, Accor to develop another 4,000 keys in Saudi Arabia and more >>