Looking for bubbles before boarding? American Airlines is bringing its Flagship lounge to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), with spa suites, chef menus and, yes, champagne.
Booking international business trips like it’s 2019? You’re not alone—SAP Concur says global travel is up, with the U.S. leading in both bookings and spend.
Tired of banquet chicken? Hilton’s group dining is now Michelin-tasting menus in subway stations and beach barbecues with local fishermen.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.
American Airlines Announces New CLT Lounge
Charlotte travelers, rejoice. American Airlines is rolling out the (champagne) carpet at CLT. The carrier just announced plans to open its first Flagship lounge in Charlotte Douglas International Airport, along with a major expansion of its Admirals Club footprint, bringing even more luxe to the Queen City’s busiest hub.
Known for its signature bubbly greeting and chef-driven menus, the Flagship experience is American’s answer to high-touch travel, with spa-style shower suites and sleek design “neighborhoods.” “These improvements will introduce a premium experience for our Flagship customers and provide more space in our Admirals Club lounges,” said Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer.
The move underscores CLT’s importance to American’s network—it’s the airline’s second-largest hub, with more than 170 destinations and 15,500 team members. “We’re excited to continue to elevate [our customers’] experience when traveling with us,” added Ralph Lopez, senior vice president of CLT operations.
For now, the airline’s Provisions by Admirals Club grab-and-go lounge and existing Admirals Clubs in Concourses B and C/D will hold down the fort—but the Flagship experience is officially en route.
U.S., Canada and Germany Top the Charts for Business Travel in 2025
Business travel is officially back in motion—and racking up some serious miles. According to SAP Concur’s latest report, international business travel bookings rose 2.6% globally in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, with the U.S. leading as the top destination worldwide and the top origin market for airfare spend, averaging $2,718 per ticket in Q1.
For U.S.-based travelers, nearby markets like Canada, the U.K. and Mexico remain strong draws, while Canadian business travelers continue to overwhelmingly head south—78.6% of their trips landed in the U.S. in H1 2025. German cities also remained key business hubs globally, joined by perennial favorites like the U.K., France and China.
“Business travelers are back in motion,” said Charlie Sultan, president of Concur Travel at SAP Concur. “Encouragingly, 94% of them say business travel is either helpful or essential to succeed in their role.”
Airfare stayed steady across markets despite shifting volumes, and Q1 continues to anchor the majority of annual business travel activity. For planners, these patterns offer insight into strategic hubs, budget trends and when to expect the next big booking spike.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Debuts “Four Elements” Festive Season
This holiday season, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is trading tinsel for the four elements (earth, water, fire and air), offering a nature-inspired lineup of festivities that’s equal parts luxurious and luminous.
From Santa’s splashy arrival to cosmic cocktails on New Year’s Eve, the resort’s “Four Elements” celebration brings island magic to life through immersive experiences, such as beachfront feasts, gingerbread workshops and a gala countdown under the stars.
“Our festive calendar is all about creating moments that reconnect guests with nature, loved ones and themselves,” said a resort spokesperson. Offerings include a coral-aged wine dinner in the world’s only underwater wine cellar and sunset tastings on a private sandbank.
Martinique Cruises Toward Year-Round Momentum
Martinique is making waves in the Caribbean cruise scene. The French island posted a nearly 11% rise in cruise passengers this season, jumping from about 421,000 to over 465,000 travelers across more than 200 ship calls. That upward trend is poised to continue, thanks to MSC Cruises’ recent commitment to resume year-round operations in Martinique beginning in 2027.
“These numbers represent more than growth,” said Muriel Wiltord, director of the Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority. “They demonstrate how Martinique is evolving into a must-visit Caribbean destination.”
The island is pairing its record-breaking arrivals with meaningful infrastructure upgrades, including a new cruise village set to open in fall 2025 and improvements to the Pointe Simon terminal. With eight active ports and calls from more than 30 cruise lines, including boutique and ultra-luxury vessels, Martinique is strengthening its appeal as both a homeport and marquee port of call.
For planners and incentive groups, the destination offers a rare blend of French sophistication, natural beauty and authentic island culture. Now, with reliable air access and year-round cruising on the horizon, it’s a hot pick for incentives and meetings.
Hilton’s Culinary Experiences Raise the Bar for Group Dining
Why settle for banquet chicken when you can savor a nine-course tasting menu in a New York subway or swap stories with Nayarit fishermen before feasting on freshly grilled catch? Hilton is redefining group dining with a slate of immersive culinary experiences across the Americas, proving that meeting meals don’t have to be mundane.
At Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton, Michelin-starred Nōksu turns a subway entrance into a subterranean culinary temple, while Hilton Pilar’s Asado Libre in Argentina celebrates fire and flavor with tableside grilled meats and local wine pairings. Meanwhile, Conrad Punta de Mita’s Zarandeado Beach Barbeque puts guests face-to-face with local fishermen, turning fresh catch into a coastal culinary celebration.
“These aren’t just meals—they’re memories in the making,” said a Hilton spokesperson. “We’re elevating the group dining experience through storytelling, local connection and a bit of theatrical flair.”
