Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts is expanding its kimchi business in international markets, with distribution now covering the US and Australia. After its first US shipment in September 2025, the company expanded nationwide and entered Australia in early 2026. Overseas exports reached about 82 tons by August, putting Walkerhill on track for its 100-ton annual target. The company has also introduced its premium SUPEX Kimchi range to the US, with three varieties shipped in July. Walkerhill has adapted its products and packaging for overseas markets, including fermentation-control valves and a US recipe that uses mushroom and vegetable stock. Read more

1 Hotel Austin, the first Texas property from 1 Hotels, has opened inside the 74-story Waterline tower in downtown Austin. The 252-room hotel combines natural materials, more than 4,000 plants, local artwork, wellness facilities, and views of Lady Bird Lake. It features three food and beverage venues, including the new Alteño restaurant from chef Johnny Curiel. Guests also have access to a Bamford spa, fitness center, yoga studio, run club, and rooftop pool. The property is pursuing LEED Gold certification and includes several waste-reduction and responsible design measures. Read more.

US hotel companies and brands are set to operate 6,365 of Ras Al Khaimah's 12,811 hotel rooms, giving them almost half of the emirate's hotel inventory. The expansion builds on long-running partnerships with brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria. Fourteen international brands are now signed or operating across Al Marjan Island, Marjan Beach, and RAK Central. Among the upcoming projects is Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is scheduled to open in 2027 with 1,530 rooms. Ras Al Khaimah recorded 1.35 million overnight arrivals in 2025 and is targeting 3.5 million visitors a year by 2030. Read more.

Tu Tu' Tun Lodge in Southern Oregon has received One MICHELIN Key as part of the 2026 Michelin hotel selection. The retreat sits along the Rogue River near the California border and combines secluded surroundings with upscale accommodations, including glass cabins, lodge rooms, and larger houses. Michelin's 2026 selection recognizes 2,832 hotels worldwide, with 470 new additions across 79 destinations. In the US, 65 hotels received new Keys or upgrades. Other recognized properties include the Waldorf Astoria New York, Faena New York, The Parker Palm Springs, and Solage in Napa Valley. Read more.

Loews Hotels & Co has launched Active Stays, a new wellness program across its US properties. The program includes equipment-free workouts available through guest-room TVs, destination walking and running routes, fitness classes, and recovery options. Individual hotels will also offer programs tied to their locations, from Central Park running packages in New York to Route 66-inspired routes in Chicago. The program also adds hydration-focused and protein-forward food options at participating properties. Loews says Active Stays is designed to give business and leisure travelers flexible ways to maintain their wellness routines while traveling. Read more.

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