New research in the UK travel market indicates that young consumers are increasingly interested in travel agencies and professional advice. Especially short-term, more frequent, and last-minute holidays highlight the need for trust, time savings, and support when issues arise, in addition to price comparison. This change could affect distribution and packaging strategies for hotels as well as travel agencies.
Joe & The Juice sees the early hours of the day as an opportunity for growth. The model that combines coffee, shakes, juice, and practical food in a single order opens up space for the brand not only in lunch and daytime consumption but also in breakfast. This move demonstrates why 'daypart' management is becoming increasingly important in cafe operations.
The pressure for demand in the plant-based meat category is driving producers to explore new consumption occasions. Beyond Meat introduces its Phytosphere portfolio, which includes protein beverages, powders, and bars, while Daring Foods expands its full meal formats featuring plant-based chicken. This shift indicates that the industry is beginning to compete in a broader protein market rather than just focusing on 'imitating meat.'
Technical and administrative preparations are ongoing for the Gulf Cooperation Council's unified tourist visa project. With the implementation of this system, it is aimed to allow visits to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman with a single tourist visa. However, the application system, fees, validity period, and exact launch date have not yet been announced.
According to data from Advantage Travel Partnership, 35% of bookings in the UK are now made 15-30 days before travel; bookings made in the last week have increased by 20% annually. At the same time, young customers are increasingly turning to agencies. This trend shows that the travel agency has regained its advisory role during periods of uncertainty instead of disappearing due to digitalization.
The Gulf Cooperation Council's joint tourist visa application, covering the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait, is nearing launch. However, as of September 13, 2026, the exact start date, fee, validity period, and application criteria have not yet been announced. When the visa is implemented, the biggest change will be the ease of packaging the six countries within a single travel program.
Voskan Arzumanov, an expert from the Russian Tourism Industry Union and Commercial Director of Tez Tour, states that it is realistic for Turkey to end 2026 with approximately 7 million Russian visitors. Considering the volume of about 6.9 million in 2025, the expectation indicates maintaining the high level of the Russian market rather than significant growth.
Thailand's 2027 tourism strategy emphasizes income quality, spending, and the distribution of tourism across the country rather than just increasing visitor numbers. The goal is to increase tourism revenue by at least 5% compared to 2026 while directing 40% of foreign visitors to emerging destinations.
Trip.com Group has acquired the majority stake in e-hoi, a Germany-based cruise OTA and tour operator. While e-hoi operates in eight European markets, it maintains operational independence, and the deal gives Trip.com a direct position in European cruise distribution.
The Best Coffee Shops Turkey 2026 is preparing to evaluate coffee shops in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya in its first phase. The use of criteria such as coffee quality, barista expertise, service, atmosphere, sustainability, and consistency of experience shows that competition in the new generation of coffee is extending beyond the cup.
Elite World Hotels & Resorts is participating in GlobeMeets 2026, which will be held in Istanbul on September 10-11. The event, based on one-on-one B2B meetings, will provide the hotel group with the opportunity to establish new sales and collaboration connections with DMCs, travel agencies, and international tourism professionals.
According to a new study by HolidayCheck in Germany, about 30% of those who wrote online reviews in the last two years say at least one of their reviews has been removed. The prevalence of critical content in deleted reviews raises the question for hotels: "Should we delete the review or respond to it?"
COP31 will be held in Antalya from November 9-20, 2026. While official preparations focus on transportation, accommodation, and the EXPO area, the expectation of around 100,000 visitors turns the organization into a large-scale operational test for Antalya, not just a climate summit; it also impacts off-season accommodation, MICE, F&B, and the city economy.
Dull knives, inappropriate equipment, accumulated cleaning tasks, and a messy mise en place are not just details that chefs find bothersome. In a professional kitchen, these habits can directly affect workplace safety, service speed, hygiene, and employee workload.
In the US, the total amount of "swipe fees" collected from credit and debit card transactions reached $198.25 billion in 2025. The restaurant sector defines card processing costs as one of the largest expenses in most businesses, following food and labor. The Credit Card Competition Act, reintroduced to Congress in January 2026, proposes that large banks allow at least two independent payment networks for credit cards. The aim is to create competition in card transactions; however, the banking sector argues that this could have negative consequences on reward programs, security, and credit costs.
In Europe, charcuterie producers are trying to reduce nitrite usage while maintaining microbiological safety.
Antalya hosted 11 million 23 thousand 586 foreign visitors from January to August 2026; this number decreased by 5.8% compared to the same period last year. Although the decline in August slowed to 1.7%, Germany lost 5.5%, the UK nearly 12%, and Poland 6%. Russia remained stable with 2.67 million visitors and grew by 8% in August. The data shows that demand in Antalya has not completely collapsed, but rather indicates a season that is weakening in most major source markets and increasingly concentrating on the Russia-Germany axis.
According to TÜİK's 2025 International Service Trade data, Turkey's service exports reached 124.9 billion dollars, with 48.1% coming from travel services. In the Ministry of Trade's TCMB-based service trade table, travel income is approximately 60 billion dollars, accounting for 48.9% of total service income. Although the two data sets use different methodological frameworks, the common message is clear: tourism is Turkey's largest service export item. This weight transforms hotel and restaurant businesses into not just domestic market players but direct currency-earning exporters.
The UK government's planned new working rights for zero-hours and low-hour contracts could create direct costs for employers ranging from £350 million to £2.9 billion annually. The reform includes guaranteed hours offered to regularly employed staff, reasonable notice for shifts, and compensation for last-minute cancellations. The hospitality sector is expected to be one of the most affected due to variable demand. However, the government sees the reform as necessary for employees to predict their income and work schedule.
In the first seven months of 2026, Spain welcomed over 58.1 million international tourists, with visitor numbers increasing by 4.6% and tourist spending rising by 7.8%, reaching 82.05 billion euros. The faster growth of revenue compared to the number of visitors indicates an increase in economic value per tourist. For Turkey, the directly comparable seven-month tourism revenue for the same period has not yet been published. Therefore, the thesis that "Spain plays for value, Turkey plays for volume" should be read as a sectoral framework that opens up discussions about Turkey's capacity, cost, price, and profitability issues rather than a definitive statistical conclusion.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels announced the 51–100 section of its 2026 rankings. Maçakızı Bodrum, which entered the list from Turkey, rose from 96th place last year to 76th place this year. The ranking, prepared with the votes of over 800 international industry experts, shows that the facility's 20-place rise indicates that independent and locally strong businesses can also create visibility in Bodrum's intensifying international luxury hotel competition. However, the 1–50 ranking has not yet been announced; the results will be revealed on September 15, 2026, in Paris.
The Bloomberg Agriculture Spot Index rose by more than 13% in August, marking the strongest monthly increase since July 2012. Wheat approached three-year highs, while the rise in sugar and cocoa reached nearly 20%. As war-related logistics issues, high energy costs, and weather conditions push prices up simultaneously, the risk for HORECA businesses is not just that the spot commodity price reflects on menu costs the next day; it is that if high prices persist for several months, supply contracts and recipe costs may rise again.
POYD executives state that Turkey should not be a "cheap destination" again in the 2026 season, but the rapidly rising TL costs and the gap between foreign currency revenues are challenging the price-benefit balance. TÜİK data also indicates vulnerability: in the second quarter of the year, the number of visitors decreased by 5.1%, tourism revenue fell by 2.6%, while overnight spending rose to $113. The central debate is no longer whether hotel prices are high, but whether the guest feels they are getting value for the amount they paid.
Menu movements at the end of August in the U.S. fast food market reveal three different innovation models. McDonald’s is bringing back the previously known Spicy Chicken McNuggets, while Burger King is completely revamping its nugget recipe based on customer feedback. Sonic is spreading banana flavor across four different drink and dessert formats. The common strategy is to use limited-time offers of single products as a means to drive traffic, encourage repeat visits, and test operations.
According to Italy’s 2025 data, 46.4% of adults are overweight or obese; the obesity rate corresponds to approximately 5.75 million people at 11.6%. The situation is also striking among children: 26% of those aged 3-17 are overweight. The data calls for a reconsideration of portion sizes, product composition, and offers aimed at children in the food sector, from restaurants to school and mass catering systems.
The European Travel Trends Survey conducted by DERTOUR Group with 8,000 participants shows that vacations are increasingly associated with relaxation, disconnecting from the digital world, and fewer but meaningful experiences rather than "more activities." 75.8% of participants see vacation as an opportunity to step away from being constantly connected. The JOMO trend emphasizes the need for hotels to offer guests time, silence, and freedom of choice rather than multiplying programs.
Southampton, Civitavecchia, Barcelona, Hamburg, Kiel, Piraeus, and Copenhagen are among Europe’s strong cruise hubs. However, the economic value of ports is not measured solely by the total number of passengers. The homeport traffic, where the journey begins or ends, can generate more spending than transit stops for hotels, restaurants, transfers, airports, and supply chains. In Europe, 8.9 million people embarked on cruise journeys in 2025.
Bloomberg's analysis of Turkish tourism reveals that high inflation and currency fluctuations have weakened the country's former price advantage for foreign tourists. Official data also shows that the number of visitors declined by 5.1% and tourism revenue decreased by 2.6% in the second quarter. Nevertheless, Turkey is still cheaper than the European average; the main issue for the sector is no longer being the 'cheapest destination', but justifying prices with sustainable profitability and strong service.
According to Virtuoso data, fall 2026 bookings increased by 59%, and sales rose by 69%, with a 37% growth in reservations for hotels priced over $1,500 per night. The findings indicate that high prices alone do not stop demand in the luxury segment; guests continue to pay for longer, personalized, and meaningful experiences.
In the U.S., restaurant visits declined year-over-year in six of the first seven months of 2026, while retail traffic remained positive. In contrast, fast-casual, specialty coffee, and some full-service brands continue to grow. Data from Placer.ai shows that as we head into 2027, restaurants will have to compete not only on low prices but also on perceived value, service, staff, and experience.
Global ecotourism market forecasts for 2026 indicate a range of 320–355 billion dollars. At the International Ecotourism Conference held in Tashkent, it was emphasized that Turkey could spread tourism across 81 provinces and throughout the 12 months with its nature, gastronomy, and rural tourism products. However, to convert this potential into economic value, not only new routes are needed, but also transport capacity, local income sharing, and a sustainable business model.
Foodist İstanbul 2026 will bring together producers, exporters, HORECA, and international buyers at Tüyap from September 1–4. The program aims to attract over 2,000 decision-makers from 60 countries, focusing on export, digitalization, and sustainability.
The dark-colored spruce honeydew from the Casentino forests in Tuscany is produced not from flower nectar but from tree sap, a complex relationship between aphids and bees. According to beekeeper Roberto Zuccari, production that was once more predictable is now increasingly unpredictable. Official park and scientific sources also indicate that the product is strongly linked to seasonal climate conditions.
Château de Mazan in Provence has been transformed from the historic residence of the Marquis de Sade family into a 31-room hotel. At La Cour du Château, chef Enzo Ciccarelli interprets Vaucluse products with Italian touches; according to Gambero Rosso, the three-course menu is 39 euros. This example shows how cultural heritage can be transformed into an accessible gastronomic product, not just decor.
One of the most visible food trends on social media for the summer of 2026 was the "Magnum Croissant," where chocolate-covered ice cream bars are placed inside a croissant.
According to eSky reservation data, Turkey ranks fourth with a 6.5% share in September travel. The 57% annual growth in September bookings strengthens the opportunity for hotels to extend the season into September and beyond.
Lockhart Catering Equipment has launched a new mobile app for visitors ahead of the second Catering Innovation Show, which will take place in London on October 5, 2026. The app consolidates event schedules, travel information, fast entry, and the ability to connect with suppliers in one place. The more significant aspect of this move for foodservice exhibitions is the networking function. Attendees can connect with suppliers before the event day and plan their meetings. This way, the one-day event transforms from just booth visits into a continuous business contact channel before and after the event.
According to Bank of America card data, restaurant spending in the U.S. increased by 3.3% year-on-year in July 2026, while the number of transactions rose by 1.1%. However, the growth was not evenly distributed across all types of businesses. Sales growth in fast food, casual dining, and fast-casual chains remained at 1% or below, while independent and regional restaurants grew by about 4%. The most striking aspect of the data is that in the last three months, restaurant spending among low-income and young consumers has increased more strongly. This situation makes the chains' explanation of "no customer budget" insufficient on its own. The real competition focuses on which business the consumer allocates their limited budget to and what value, uniqueness, and experience they perceive in return.
Approximately three-quarters of restaurants, cafes, and canteens in the UK achieve the highest food hygiene rating of 5. According to a 2026 analysis by High Speed Training using data from the Food Standards Agency, 74.84% of these businesses received a 5 rating, while 89.44% received a rating of 4 or 5. While the overall picture is strong, there are notable differences between types of businesses. 19.5% of takeaway and sandwich shop businesses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland remained at a rating of 3 or lower. The study also shows that a total of 501 businesses received a rating of 0. This result reminds us that food safety is assessed not only through the physical cleanliness of the kitchen but also through processes, employee training, and management's confidence in the system.
The sixth edition of the Roma Bar Show will be held on September 14–15, 2026, at La Nuvola. This year, the program includes not only cocktail techniques and tasting sessions; topics such as bar systems, sales professionalism, brand development, and management will also be covered in the new Business Room area. The program also includes topics like the impact of artificial intelligence on hospitality, global cocktail menu standardization, modern bar cost management, and mentorship. This structure transforms the Roma Bar Show from a beverage fair that only showcases products into a broader professional development platform.
Restaurant Business has opened applications for the 2026 Top 100 Independent Restaurants ranking. To qualify for evaluation, a business must have achieved at least $11 million in gross food and beverage sales at a single location throughout 2025, operated all year, and have no more than five locations under the same name. Last year's number one on the list, MILA in Miami, had sales of $51.1 million, while Laser Wolf Brooklyn, in 100th place, reported $11.1 million. The total gross food and beverage sales of the top 100 restaurants reached approximately $1.96 billion. These figures indicate that high revenue in independent restaurants depends not only on price levels but also on the management of volume, average check, and operational capacity together.
The 28th edition of San Sebastián Gastronomika will focus on the 50th anniversary of New Basque Cuisine from October 5 to 7, 2026. Key figures of the movement such as Juan Mari Arzak, Pedro Subijana, Karlos Arguiñano, Martín Berasategui, and Hilario Arbelaitz will share the program with international chefs like Pierre Gagnaire, Michel Troisgros, and Gastón Acurio. This year's second major focus is bacalao. The organization plans to address the product not only through recipes but also through its historical, fishing, trade, labor, and cultural dimensions with examples from various cuisines such as Norway, Iceland, Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Cape Verde, and Nigeria.
Monika, which develops food safety and team management solutions, has updated its handheld terminal with the Android-based Google Pixel Smart PA device and paired it with the new Thermapen temperature probe produced by ETI. The new setup allows temperature measurements to be accurately taken from the probe via NFC and recorded in the central Monika panel; existing customers can upgrade their hardware gradually instead of replacing the entire system at once. The technical change is not just a new device launch for HORECA. Keeping temperature control, allergen information, and daily task lists in the same mobile workflow can particularly reduce issues related to paper records, manual data entry, and audit trails in multi-location operations. However, the guidelines from the Food Standards Agency also indicate that a digital system does not replace essential food safety procedures regarding accurate central temperature measurement, probe cleaning, and employee training.
Atelier des Lumières in Paris will introduce visitors to its new immersive production "Odyssée, immersion vers les profondeurs" starting from October 16, 2026, transporting them from the ocean surface to the dark depths of the oceans. The seven-part experience will utilize projections, 3D modeling, sound design, music, and physical effects together. From StaffMag's perspective, the main significance of this development lies not in the subject of the exhibition, but in its format. Centers like Atelier des Lumières, transformed from an old foundry, are turning cultural products into experiences that can be adapted for families and reprogrammed, spending about an hour being observed. This model could also make the cultural program a stronger part of travel packages for city hotels and surrounding F&B businesses.
According to a study conducted by DERTOUR Group with 8,000 participants across 13 European countries, 53.2% of respondents are interested in slow travel. Among these travelers, 58.5% cite experiencing the destination without rushing and 52% indicate reducing stress levels as one of their main motivations during vacations. The trend is broader than just the message of "longer vacations" for hotels. Fewer destinations, a desire for more contact with local culture, and a wish to disconnect from the digital world can create new product areas for boutique hotels, rural accommodations, gastronomy, local producer experiences, and low-season packages. However, the extent to which this interest translates into actual length of stay and spending should also be measured.
The number of foreign visitors to Turkey decreased by 2.29% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026, falling to 27.86 million. During the same period, Istanbul remained just above last year with 10.54 million foreign visitors, while according to Tourism Databank analysis, Antalya is at 7.76 million and down by 7.4%. This difference should not be interpreted solely as a change in destination preference. Istanbul receives demand year-round from business, culture, health, MICE, and transit travel, while Antalya operates much more intensively during the summer season, relying on package tours and specific source markets. Therefore, the same economic or geopolitical shock can affect the hotel performance of the two destinations differently.