A single evening only brought in $1 billion at auction one other time, Paul Allen’s estate in 2022.

Christie’s May 18 evening sale was headlined by:

Obvious outliers, but the evening capped a spring auction season that totaled $2.5 billion (roughly 2x last year). This follows a Q1’26 that saw the postwar contemporary art market grow 23.1%.

Masterworks offers investors the opportunity to invest in blue-chip contemporary and post-war art. Since 2017, it has offered over 500 artworks and raised over $1 billion in total investments.

29 exits to-date have delivered net annualized returns like 16.5%, 17.6% and 17.8% on sold works held over 12 months.

Join 70,000+ members in adding art to their portfolios.

Skip the waitlist here.

Skip the waitlist here.

^{*According to Masterworks data. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Investing involves risk. See important disclosures at masterworks.com/cd}

A new study from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) shows that business travel generated $538.5 billion in spending and contributed $623.8 billion to U.S. GDP. The sector supports 6.7 million jobs and accounts for roughly 2.1% of the nation's economy. Meetings and events represented more than 40% of total business travel spending, highlighting the ongoing value of face-to-face business interactions. The findings reinforce the hospitality industry's dependence on corporate travel demand and large-scale events. Read more.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, luxury hotels across host cities are offering packages that combine accommodations with match access, transportation, concierge services, and exclusive experiences. Hospitality providers are positioning themselves to capture high-spending international travelers seeking convenience and premium service. Industry observers note that hospitality sales tied to the tournament have already surpassed previous World Cup records, reflecting strong demand for curated travel experiences around major sporting events. Read more.

Insights from the 2026 ARDA Spring Conference suggest the timeshare sector remains resilient despite changing traveler preferences. The industry generates approximately $10.7 billion in annual sales and maintains occupancy levels around 80%, outperforming traditional hotel averages. Industry leaders highlighted growing interest in flexible ownership models, technology adoption, and AI-driven customer engagement. Consolidation among major brands is also reshaping the vacation ownership market. Read more.

The historic Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe, Vermont, has been recognized by Historic Hotels of America as one of the nation's properties with the most magnificent gardens. The annual list highlights 25 historic hotels known for exceptional landscapes and horticultural design. The recognition brings additional attention to experiential travel, where gardens, outdoor spaces, and property aesthetics play a growing role in attracting guests seeking unique destinations. Read more.

Highgate has assumed management of the iconic Lotte New York Palace, adding another landmark luxury property to its growing portfolio. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the hotel is one of New York City's best-known luxury destinations. The move strengthens Highgate's presence in the upper-upscale and luxury segments while reflecting continued investor confidence in premium urban hospitality assets. The partnership is expected to support operational growth and long-term positioning for the property. Read more.

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