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1 of 3 | Ciara will present an award Sunday at the MTV Video Music Awards. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Sept. 2 (UPI) — MTV has announced a star-studded lineup of presenters for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Ashlee Simpson Ross, Brittany Snow, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, Ice Spice, Jessica Simpson, Latto, Livvy Dunne, Malin Ackerman, Meg Stalter, Nikki Glaser and Paris Hilton will present awards Sunday at the VMAs. Ejae, Rae Ami and Audrey Nuna, who provide the singing voices for Huntr/x in the hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, are also presenters. LL Cool J will host the ceremony Sunday at UBS Arena in New York. The show airs at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS and MTV, and will also stream on Paramount+. Performers include Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter and Sombr. Mariah Carey will be honored with the Video Vanguard Award and also perform. Lady Gaga leads this year’s nominees with 12 nominations, followed by Bruno Mars with 11. MTV will also air a VMAs pre-show at 7 p.m. EDT on MTV, BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1. Nessa and Kevan Kenney will host the event, with Katseye to perform their songs “Gnarley” and “Gabriela.” Ciara performs on NBC’s “Today” in New York City on July 11, 2025. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Read More

1 of 9 | A worker from the Israel Antiquities Authority work at an unearthed expansive Samaritan agricultural estate,1,600 years old, on Tuesday, in the Arab town of Kafr Qasim in central Israel. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo Sept. 2 (UPI) — A large Samaritan estate has been unearthed by archaeologists in Israel, uncovering a wealth of treasures including mosaics, baths and an ancient oil press. The dig is in Kafr Qasim, an Arab city about 12 miles east of Tel Aviv. It is on the Israeli side of the border with the West Bank. It was financed by the Israeli Ministry of Construction and Housing before constructing a new neighborhood. The site is within the boundaries of the Kafr Hatta archaelogical site. The estate is an agricultural site that existed about 400 years ago, from the fourth through seventh centuries, which was between the Roman and the Byzantine periods. The site of Kafr Hatta is described in historical sources as the birthplace of Menander, the Samaritan magician and successor of Simon Magus, who was considered the father of the Gnostic sects and one of Christianity’s first converts. The dig was in preparation for building housing on the site. The Ministry of Construction and Housing is cooperating with Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists in the field and helping with conservation operations, parallel to promoting the neighborhood’s development in other areas, a press release said. “The size and splendor of the buildings discovered, the quality of their mosaic floors and the impressive agricultural installations, all point to the great wealth and prosperity of the local Samaritan community over the years,” said Alla Nagorsky and Dr. Daniel Leahy Griswold, Israel Antiquities Authority excavation directors. In one of the buildings, a mosaic floor was preserved, decorated with a dense geometric pattern and vegetal images. Alongside its central medallion are acanthus leaves combined with rare decorations of fruits and vegetables — such as grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes and asparagus. In the entrance to this room was a partially preserved Greek inscription wishing the building’s owner “Good Luck!” The owner’s first name, Rabia, was common in Samaritan communities. In the northern part of the estate, archaeologists found an olive press, a large warehouse building and a public purification bath called a miqveh. The proximity of the oil press to the miqveh probably was used to produce olive oil in purity. The large olive press had two wings; the northern wing contained the main production areas, while auxiliary rooms were erected in the southern wing. In the production areas, two screw presses were found, as well as a large olive crushing basin. “This type of olive press is more typical of the Jerusalem region and the Judean Shephelah and is less common in Samaria” Nagorsky said. Over the years, the estate saw dramatic changes. “The wealth and luxury of the buildings were replaced by oil production and agricultural installations. New walls damaged the mosaic floors, and the magnificent capitals and columns were integrated within the new walls,” she said. Nagorsky suggested that these changes are related to the Samaritan Revolts under the Byzantine rule — a series of fifth- through sixth-century uprisings against the Byzantine emperors, who enforced restrictive laws on members of other religions. “What makes this site particularly interesting is that unlike some of the other Samaritan sites that were destroyed in these revolts, the agricultural estate in Kafr Qasim actually continued in use, and even preserved its Samaritan identity — as evidenced by the Samaritan ceramic oil-lamps uncovered in our excavation,” she said. “This is a fascinating site, which displays the historical gamut between the days of prosperity and the decline of the Samaritan community,” Nagorsky said. “Its long-term existence and impressive findings will allow us to reconstruct its history over centuries and will enrich our knowledge about this population in ancient times.” Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, Israeli minister of heritage, explained the connection between ancient Jews and Samaritans. “These two ancient communities led their lives based on the Torah and shared common roots, and also experienced similar hardships during periods of antagonistic rule,” he said. “The impressive findings indicate the prosperity of a community closely related to Judaism, who lived in the Land of Israel for many centuries. These physical remains are another reminder that our heritage in this land is deep and multi-faceted.” Archeologist Adam William Asper of the Israel Antiquities Authority sits in a large miqveh — a public purification bath — unearthed in an expansive Samaritan agricultural estate in the town of Kafr Qasim in central Israel on September 2, 2025. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo Read More

WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania—Officials of Palette Hotels announced that it has taken over management of the Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown Lehigh Valley in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania. Palette plans to add efficiency to yield higher profitability and increase total team alignment. “We continue to seek best-in-class partners who understand the value of well-executed operations that focus equally on both guest and associate satisfaction and realize the positive impact this has on the bottom line,” said Richard Lou, chief executive officer, Palette. “The Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown Lehigh Valley marks our seventh Marriott-branded hotel, our third in Pa., and our 26th hotel nationwide.  We remain on track to double our portfolio within the next three to five years due to our focus on innovation in team engagement and owner satisfaction.” The full-service hotel offers a range of amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, filtered water hydration stations, a 24/7 fitness center, on-site laundry, and an outdoor pool. The on-site restaurant offers locally-sourced cuisine, with both al fresco and private dining options. The hotel is the largest in the area with the most meeting space at 11,000 square feet for group events. “When we met the staff, we were most impressed by their passion for the community and drive to be the best,” said Justin Rodgers, regional director of operations, Palette. “Through their numerous, locally hosted events and their volunteer work with the local ACS chapter, the associates have demonstrated many times over their commitment to the community.  We are looking to expound upon their previous successes and continue to grow with the Lehigh Valley community.” Read More

I began my career when putting “big data” in your bio was enough to get you invited to keynote industry events. There was a sense that the more data you had, the better you were. Today, as you read this, I’m sure you have a desk piled high with reports and an inbox full of data, yet still have tough challenges to solve—so the promise that data can solve everything clearly hasn’t turned out to be true. However, I’m sure you’ve also seen cases where data has unlocked performance and profitability. So, how do you determine if data is working against you or for you? Here are key things to watch out for: You’re not seeing the whole picture. Data works against you when you aren’t collecting it the right way. Completeness and recency matter. Flawed or biased data sets need to be identified early, such as guest satisfaction scores from surveys that only capture the opinions of happy guests, or staffing models built on pre-pandemic demand patterns. Without fixing this, data creates false confidence. Remember: Garbage in, garbage out. Your numbers look good until you see what’s possible. On stage at the NYU IHIF conference, one of the top hotel asset managers told me what keeps him up at night: a hotel outperforming last year’s results or its current compset, yet still falling short of its full potential because of recent renovations that significantly enhanced the guest experience and should justify higher rates. Context and depth of data help avoid this. A number in context can tell a story, drive action, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. You’re winning a game that doesn’t matter. Vanity metrics exist in every industry, but especially in hospitality. I see this in departments across properties and company types around the world. Placing too much stock in social media followers and website visits. Celebrating high occupancy without considering rates, guest spend, and profitability.  Your teams are working hard, but in different directions. Data works against you when it pulls you in a different direction than other teams you need to be collaborating with. This is related to the point above, but potentially an even bigger problem because it’s sometimes harder to see. The hotel industry has been plagued for years by misaligned incentives. One team optimizes for top-line revenue, while another focuses on bottom-line profits. Fortunately, we’re seeing more alignment across our industry on profitability, but this is still something to watch out for. If marketing campaigns, room pricing, and staffing decisions aren’t built around common goals like profitability, you won’t achieve the results you could. You have more reports than results. Data works against you when you spend too much time interacting with the data and not acting on the insights it provides. Hotel leaders today are tracking dozens of KPIs, from sales and revenue to energy usage to labor scheduling to guest satisfaction scores. Without a good way to process it all and act on what matters most, this can lead to analysis paralysis. Data is a means to an end, not the end itself.  From leading data projects over the past 15 years with hotel teams around the world, I’ve seen that data really can deliver on the promise of saving time and driving profitability. But you need to avoid these common pitfalls to get there. Take a fresh look at how your data is collected, analyzed, and used. Make sure the data behind your hotel business is set up in a way that helps you make decisions, align your teams, and drive profits. Read More

Photo Credit: Choice Hotels International Inc. NORTH BETHESDA, Maryland—Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced the appointment of Joshua Sloser as chief commercial officer. In this role, Sloser will develop and implement the company’s commercial strategy, overseeing the digital channels, including Choice Hotels’ website and mobile app, revenue management, third-party distribution, and customer service to drive business growth and market share. “Choice Hotels continues to capitalize on diversified growth avenues and strong international momentum, as demonstrated in our recent Q2 performance,” said Pat Pacious, president and chief executive officer at Choice Hotels. “As we accelerate our global expansion and deepen customer engagement, Joshua’s proven ability to drive innovation, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable commercial outcomes will be instrumental. His strong franchising experience, paired with expertise in digital, commercial, and customer experience, makes him an excellent fit for the Chief Commercial Officer role.” Sloser brings more than two decades of leadership experience to Choice Hotels. Most recently, he served as global senior vice president, customer and commercial Innovation at McDonald’s. Before joining McDonald’s, he spent nearly a decade at Hilton, holding several senior roles in digital and e-commerce. He has also held several leadership positions for airline and travel companies, including America West Airlines, Cendant, Ciber Consulting, and Travelocity. “I’m honored to join Choice Hotels at such a pivotal time in its growth journey,” said Sloser. “The company’s legacy of innovation, focus on delivering strong value to franchisees, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences deeply resonate with me. I’m excited to work alongside this talented team to build on that momentum and help shape the next chapter of commercial success.” Read More

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Hotel industry groups, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD), and the Latino Hotel Association, joined together to recognize hotel employees nationwide on National Hotel Employee Day on September 1. More than half of hotel general managers in the U.S. started in entry-level positions; employees in more than 200 different career pathways advance from service roles to supervisory and executive-level positions through on-the-job training and certification courses, professional development, and academic programs in hospitality. “There is no greater industry than hospitality, and today we come together to recognize the millions of employees around the country who lead with heart and service to ensure guests have an unmatched experience each and every time they stay in a hotel,” said AHLA President and Chief Executive Officer Rosanna Maietta. “This is still one of the few industries where the American dream is alive and well, where you can go from an entry-level role to running the property. Today we celebrate all employees, everywhere.” “At its core, the hospitality industry is about people – their aspirations, their potential, and their dedication to serving others,” said Kevin Carey, president and chief executive officer of the AHLA Foundation. “Through the AHLA Foundation, we’ve impacted thousands of individuals who’ve discovered meaningful careers that allow them to build better lives for themselves and their families. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to experience the unique rewards of a hospitality career, to grow professionally, and to achieve their dreams.” “Hotel employees are truly the backbone of our industry, and for AAHOA Members, they are more than just staff—they are like family,” said Kamalesh (KP) Patel, chair, AAHOA. “On National Hotel Employee Day, we take pride in recognizing their hard work, professionalism, and care that touch the lives of guests every single day. Our hotels could not thrive, nor could our communities, without their dedication. Today, we celebrate them, and we remain committed to supporting their success in every way we can.” “Hospitality has a heartbeat—and it is powered by hotel employees. From the warmest welcome with a smile, to the finest details covering a guest’s stay, these professionals deliver excellence day in and day out,” said Laura Lee Blake, president and chief executive officer, AAHOA. “On National Hotel Employee Day, AAHOA proudly honors the millions of individuals whose dedication transforms hotels into homes away from home. Their work fuels our industry and drives our economy. We are profoundly grateful for all they do to make hospitality shine.” “The hotel industry offers one of the most dynamic paths for career advancement,” said Andy Ingraham, president, chief executive officer, and founder of NABHOOD. “Whether someone is just starting out or looking to grow into leadership, this field rewards hard work, dedication, and a passion for hospitality. On National Hotel Employee Day, we celebrate the individuals who turn opportunity into achievement and help drive our industry forward.” “People are the foundation of hospitality, and we are honored to represent so many dedicated professionals who have devoted their careers to this industry,” said Latino Hotel Association President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette Montoya. “On National Hotel Employee Day, we take this opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude for the commitment and hard work demonstrated by hotel employees each day.” Read More

ABERDEEN, South Dakota—My Place Hotels of America announced the opening of the My Place Hotel-Augusta, GA, which marked the third property to result from My Place Hotels’ franchise and development agreement with Rimrock Companies. As part of the agreement, 10 properties are planned across Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia by 2029. My Place Hotel-Augusta, GA offers access to shopping, restaurants, and the Augusta Riverwalk, as well as market drivers including hospitals and health care institutions, manufacturing plants, and Fort Eisenhauer. The property is situated 10 minutes from Augusta National Golf Club.  Designed by The Richardson Design Partnership, My Place Hotel-Augusta, GA, offers the standard My Place amenities, such as 24-hour on-site laundry, a Grab-and-Go My Store, business center, and grilling pavilion. Each room includes a fully equipped kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, and stovetop. The hotel is pet-friendly and offers free Wi-Fi. TGC Group will manage the property. “It is very exciting to be opening our third My Place hotel in partnership with Rimrock Companies. Augusta is an ideal location for one of our hotels, offering strong tourism and transient travel coupled with a dynamic and growing local economy,” said Ryan Rivett, co-founder and chief executive officer of My Place Hotels. “Rimrock’s track record of development expertise positions this property for success, and we look forward to continuing to grow our portfolio with this excellent organization.” Read More

Founder’s Briefs: An occasional series where Mongabay founder Rhett Ayers Butler shares analysis, perspectives and story summaries. Ecuador’s Antisana páramo, southeast of Quito, offers a striking example of ecological restoration, turning back the clock on centuries of degradation caused by livestock grazing, reports contributor Ana Cristina Alvarado for Mongabay. Once dominated by sprawling cattle ranches, the area’s delicate high-altitude ecosystem has slowly recovered since 2010, when the Quito Water Conservation Fund (FONAG) and the city’s water utility bought land from former sheep ranchers. By removing nonnative livestock and restoring wetlands, native vegetation has flourished, alongside a resurgence of wildlife like white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and even pumas (Puma concolor). The páramo, an ecosystem found in the Andes, had been heavily impacted by the draining of wetlands and soil compaction caused by centuries of livestock grazing. As the sheep were removed, the landscape began to heal: plant life regained a foothold, water quality improved, and species once driven out by the degradation, such as deer and foxes, returned. “This could serve as a case study for how food chains rebuild and slowly reshape the landscape,” said Evelyn Araujo, a biologist with the Andean Condor Foundation. The conservation effort was funded through a model that ties water use to ecosystem preservation. FONAG, established in 2000, draws its funding from 2% of the revenue generated by Quito’s water utility, which is contributed by city residents. This funding supports conservation initiatives that safeguard Quito’s water supply by restoring and protecting vital water sources in the surrounding páramo and other key areas. The restoration of the Antisana páramo has yielded benefits for both the environment and the city, writes Alvarado. Once thought to be beyond repair, the land has rebounded, with wetlands restored and a diverse range of species returning. However, the process has been far from simple. Livestock and feral animals had to be removed, and environmental restoration efforts included building small dams to raise the water table and reduce soil erosion. The outcome has been notable. Species like the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), which once relied on cattle carcasses for food, now feed on deer that have returned to the area. The project offers an example of how heavily degraded landscapes can recover through a mix of habitat management, community participation and sustained funding. Read the full story by Ana Cristina Alvarado here. Banner image: A puma in the highlands of the Antisana páramos. Image courtesy of Andean Condor Foundation. Credits Topics Read More

Image Credit 10 Minutes Hotels    Visit A new infographic titled “Global Hotel Brands Infographic” has been released by 10 Minutes Hotels, offering a detailed map of major hotel groups and their brands worldwide. The infographic aims to simplify the complex landscape of the hotel industry by organizing brands into eight distinct categories: Luxury, Premium, Upscale, Boutique & Lifestyle, Midscale, Economy, Extended Stay, and All-Inclusive. The development of this infographic involved extensive research into major hotel brands and their holding companies. Brands were classified into eight categories based on their market positioning; however, the chart does not strictly adhere to these categories due to the varied operations of holding companies. The infographic is designed to visually represent a flow from high-end brands at the center to budget and long-stay options at the edges, with delimiter lines serving as reference points rather than strict boundaries. This resource is made available free of charge to the hospitality industry. It can be shared across various platforms, including newsletters, websites, presentations, and social media, provided that the source is correctly attributed. Alterations to the infographic are not permitted without permission from 10 Minutes Hotels. The infographic is intended to be a living document, with regular updates planned to reflect changes in the hotel industry. This includes the introduction of new brands, acquisitions, and the consolidation of independent groups into larger systems. The creators invite feedback from users to ensure the infographic remains comprehensive and accurate. Suggestions for improvements or additions should include details such as the brand’s name, the number of hotels, ownership information, and affiliation with the holding company. A high-resolution PDF version of the infographic is available for download and can be used for various purposes, including training and research. The creators aim for this resource to assist hoteliers, students, consultants, and others interested in understanding the global hotel brand landscape. Read More

WTTC’s Global Summit to Host Top Italian Travel & Tourism Leaders – Image Credit WTTC    The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) upcoming 25th Global Summit  will feature some of Italy’s most prominent Travel & Tourism leaders, including the global body’s Chair-Elect, Manfredi Lefebvre, one of the most recognised names in the industry. The Summit will take place in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT S.p.A (the Italian National Tourist Board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, in the Eternal City from September 28 to 30. Business leaders from some of Italy’s biggest brands set to join Lefebvre on stage include, Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio, CEO – Sole Founder; Massimo Caputi, President & Owner Terme & Spa Italia; Paolo Barletta, CEO Arsenale Spa; and Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman of Cruise. Among the other distinguished Italian speakers who will address delegates are Alessandra Necci, Director & Writer, Estense Galleries; Elisabetta Fabri, President & CEO, Starhotels Group; Gabriele Burgio, CEO, Alpitour World; Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Executive Chairman, Italo; and Nerio Alessandri, Founder & CEO, Technogym. Leaders from both the public and private sectors will convene at the Auditorium Parco della Musica to forge a path forward for a sector that has proven its strength in creating jobs, strengthening economies, and fostering connections between diverse cultures. Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises, and WTTC President-Elect, said: “As we gather in this beautiful city, which happens to be my city of birth, I am optimistic about the future of our industry. “With Italy’s incredible lineup of iconic destinations, rich cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality, we hold the potential to shape the future of Travel & Tourism for generations to come, enhancing the travel experience overall.” Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, who will also be addressing delegates at this year’s Global Summit, added: “Italy has returned to a central role in the global tourism landscape. The fact that the most prestigious event in the sector is taking place in our Nation is a clear testament to its internationally recognized centrality.  “This Summit not only represents an opportunity to highlight our wonderful destinations but also an unmissable chance to attract significant investments. Tourism is a fundamental economic, social, and cultural engine, which concerns all of us and has the power to enrich our lives and our communities.” Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT S.p.A., said: “Our country is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Thanks to our territorial uniqueness, we are able to attract different groups of tourists, offering them unique experiences. Made in Italy is a value appreciated globally and ENIT’s task is to make its full potential known. From art to nature, from food and wine to trade fairs and sporting events, Italy is competitive on all fronts, as evidenced by the fact that at the end of the month we will host an event of global appeal such as the WTTC Summit”. From destination stewardship to artificial intelligence and sustainable aviation, the WTTC’s 2025 Global Summit will explore the most critical and compelling advancements shaping the future of Travel & Tourism. According to the global tourism body’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), the Travel & Tourism sector in Italy is poised for a record-breaking year, with international visitor spending forecast to hit an all-time high of €60.4BN in 2025. The sector, according to the WTTC’s study data, is estimated to support 3.2MN jobs this year — 100,000 more than last year — and contribute €237.4BN to the Italian economy. Read More