Trends we spotted | Week 28

14-7-2025

At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:

• Nazuna Inc. which operates friendly, luxurious machiya inns in Kyoto, has launched a new experienced-based recruitment model: ‘Stay first, then interview’. An inspiring approach?
• Wouldn’t it be great to have a cookies ATM at your favourite bakery? In Darwin, Australia The Cookie Lab has just that: its very own Cookies ATM.
• The Lobby in Amsterdam has once again affirmed its status as a top wine destination, earning two Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards and they start Cork-Free Mondays.
•  Using local events in your marketing strategy is a classic tactic. The Ivy Collection gives us with a great example with their Centre Court Melting Bombe during Wimbledon.
• As of July 1st, McDonald’s Switzerland has introduced a new twist on their iconic McRaclette burger: a chicken version.
• The Aussie Jawssie cocktail and the Sharky Temple mocktail are back at Outback Steakhouse locations across the US. We love the names and the presentation!
• Check out this interesting on QSR Magazine about KFC’s bold new brand: Saucy by KFC is shaking up the fast food world.
• At International Hotel Capital Partners (IHCP), employees can save for personal dreams through their innovative Bucketlist Programme. Here is a great example of how it works.
• On Thursday, July 17, the terrace of WOLF Food Market in Antwerp will once again transform into an open-air cinema. Expect a screening of the movie Pulp Fiction, a Campari Spritz and an exclusive live BBQ by Rambo.

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Trends we spotted | Week 27

4-7-2025

At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:

• It’s a Dutch tradition, herring parties to celebrate ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’! This year for the for the 30th time, the Hilton Amsterdam received the first keg by fishmonger Jan van As.
• Chef René Redzepi and the team behind restaurant Noma are heading to Los Angeles in 2026.
• Airbnb is official partner of the Tour de France till 2027 and will offer unique experiences to enjoy the Grande Boucle and the communities surrounding the route.
• Dutch hostel chain Stayokay has launched a playful new campaign: ‘This is not a hostel!’
• With rising temperatures, cooling becomes increasingly important. Skycooler provides a refreshing solution for terraces, sports facilities, events, and smaller indoor spaces.
• Hotel brand ibis continues its European expansion, with recent openings in Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Germany, and upcoming locations in Poland and Hungary. The brand now boasts over 2,500 hotels worldwide.
• Thai street food brand Kaimug is the first restaurant in Germany to introduce a robot chef: the Omni by Botinkit.
• At their recent Leadership Experience event, Starbucks announced their first generative-AI powered solution, Green Dot Assist. This system will support their baristas and other green apron partners.
• Accor’s newest luxury brand, Emblems Collection, blends a storied legacy with a visionary redesign. Fiftheen hotels are in the pipeline, including Rimrock Banff, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa near Bath in the UK and the Elatos Resort in Greece.

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Trends we spotted | Week 26

27-6-2025

At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:

•  Spotted on Instagram: a bitterballen claw machine! Our ‘bitterballen’ would probably be cold by the time we manage to grab one.😉 Found at DUS in Utrecht.
• Also spotted on Instagram: a fun way to serve ice cream – Zoo Ice Cream by BoBa in Barcelona!
• Also via Instagram: the Tuna Fight Club – a spectacular dining experience at Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop.
• Accor Netherlands has been named the official hotel partner of WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam, taking place from July 25 to August 8, 2025.
• LuminAir, the bar above Amsterdam launches The Menu of Colors, a new cocktail menu inspired by prismatic colors. Artist Lynn Spoor created a matching artwork.
• Starting July 1, fans in the U.S. can take home a tiny piece of McDonald’s with one of 21 mini toys from the Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal.
• J Hotel Shanghai Tower is located at the top of China’s tallest skyscraper and the third-highest in the world.
• The Ruby Group will open its first Greek hotel in 2027, right in the heart of Athens, near Omonia Square.
• Redbrick is known for its iconic Safety Sneakers: sturdy work shoes with the look of casual sneakers. A completely renewed collection is now available.

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Hyatt opens first Secrets resort in Aruba | Secrets Baby Beach Aruba

17-6-2025

Hyatt is expanding its Inclusive Collection with the launch of Secrets Baby Beach Aruba – an adults-only, all-inclusive resort featuring 304 suites on the serene southeastern coast of Aruba. This is the first Inclusive Collection property on the island, located along the tranquil Baby Beach, known for its white coral sands and clear turquoise waters. Its proximity to the colorful town of San Nicolas – famous for its street murals – makes it ideal for travelers seeking both luxury and local culture. Other Hyatt hotels on Aruba are Hyatt Place Aruba Airport and Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino.

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Spotlighting wellness on Global Wellness Day | Best practices from leading brands

13-6-2025

Wellness tourism is booming, with more and more people seeking treatments that help them feel healthier, look better, and live well—both physically and mentally. Tomorrow, June 14th, marks Global Wellness Day, and it’s the perfect opportunity for destinations and hospitality brands to shine a light on their wellness offerings.

These examples show how destinations and hotel brands can use Global Wellness Day 2026 as a platform to promote meaningful, holistic wellness experiences.

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Trends we spotted | Week 24

13-6-2025

At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:

• This weekend in New York City for the fans of the HBO MAX series ‘And just like that…”: a ‘Hot Fellas’ Bakery pop-up.
• An Instagram reel by 60 Seconds to Napoli about their ‘Pasta in a pizza bowl’.
• Celebrating 750 years of Amsterdam at Amsterdam Breakfast on 21 June. An initiative by Ron Gastrobar and Cees Holtkamp.
• Nobu Hospitality is expanding in Poland with the upcoming Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences in Kraków, located near the city’s historic Old Town.
• Carvel® Ice Cream, kicks off summer with the first-ever soft serve–dispensing billboard in NYC’s West Village on June 18.
• Chipotle is celebrating fans with a limited-edition collection of 13 temporary tattoos inspired by iconic brand elements, today on June 13.
• Marriott International’s Luxury Group brings back the Luxury Dining Series across Asia Pacific from July to September, featuring culinary events at seven top hotels.
• Pret A Manger is launching a new shop format that features a more spacious, family-friendly environment with made-to-order food and drink service suited to longer, more relaxed visits.
• Albron announced the successful completion of its acquisition of industry peer Hutten. Recently the new name of the new organization was unveiled: Hai – Hutten Albron Impactmakers.

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New 5-star hotel in historic school building in Haarlem | Hotel Palazzo

10-6-2025

At the Leidsevaart in Haarlem, the Cobraspen Groep will transform a former school building from 1883 into a luxurious 5-star hotel: Hotel Palazzo. The monumental building – originally a girls’ school and later used as offices – will be given a new purpose after a thorough renovation. The municipality has now granted permission for the destionation change to a hotel. Once completed, Hotel Palazzo will offer 47 rooms, wellness facilities including a rooftop pool, and food & beverage outlets. With all these facilities, Hotel Palazzo aims for an official 5-star classification — a first for Haarlem.

2 minutes read

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Trends we spotted | Week 21

27-5-2025

At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:

• Belgian winemakers are launching a new quality label for sparkling wines from Belgian soil: BelBul.
• Belgian poké bowl chain Hawaiian has reached a special milestone with the opening of their 50th outlet.
• British climate-positive vodka brand Sapling is now also available in the Netherlands.
• The Sandwich Series, an inspiration for hospitality companies.
• The ‘Press for Picnic’ pop-up from Blank Street in New York, nice idea for summer?
• Parmigiano Reggiano Gran Riserva 36 months with black summer truffle from Bonat Farm!
• Ahead of World Ocean Day (June 8), Novotel is celebrating one year of sustainable collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

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Trends we spotted | Week 19

12-5-2025

At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:

• Dominique Ansel, the creator of the Cronut®, is celebrating its 12th birthday with a special box of Cronut® Holes featuring a selection of flavours from over the years.
• We’re a bit late covering this, as the Za’co by &pizza was only available on May 5 — but we love the idea of the pizza and taco combination!
• the Pop-Up Playground in Amsterdam will be open every Thursday and Friday throughout May: Ping Pong Madness and much more!
• Buona in Chicago celebrates the tenth anniversary of its founding the ‘National Italian Beef Day’.
• Parkhotel De Wiemsel in Ootmarsum will continue as Fletcher Hotel starting June 1, 2025.
• Kamado Joe kicked off the BBQ season last Thursday with a clever and eye-catching response to breaking global news: the election of the new pope. Let’s start the BBQ season with this white smoke.
• The restaurant festival ‘Bite of Amsterdam’ is back! From June 13 to 15, the Amstelpark in Amsterdam transforms into a culinary paradise.
• As of early May, the organic bake-off bagels from Bagels & Beans are available in all 90 Ekoplaza stores across the Netherlands. #Bagellogical
• Asparagus season has officially begun, and Otomat is celebrating with one of their most beloved seasonal pizzas. The ‘Asparagus à la Flamande pizza’.
• This spring season, The Connaught is proud to be honouring Goodwoof, the ultimate dog’s day out at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, and introducing a brand new, limited-edition ‘paw-tisserie’ cake for the month of May.

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Trends we spotted | Week 18

2-5-2025

At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:

• We love the idea of making a wedding cake on the spot! Spotted in Italy.
• Marriott International has announced it is expanding its lifestyle portfolio by acquiring citizenM.
• The Maybourne Riviera hotel reopens for the 2025 season with new culinary, wellbeing and guest experiences.
• Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is set to host the iconic Gigi Rigolatto pop-up this summer.
• Spotted at Chin Chin labs: vanilla soft serve with French fries and a drizzle of potato peel sauce.
• The first 3D printed Starbucks store has opened in Brownsville, Texas.
• Designs have been revealed for Laheq, the first residential-led development at The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, developed by Red Sea Global (RSG) and designed by Foster + Partners.
• Starting May 5, McCrispy™ Strips and the all-new Creamy Chili Dip will be available nationwide at McDonald’s USA.
• Domino’s Pizza and Bicky launch spicy Bicky Mexicano® pizza in Belgium.
• Sensory Cooking by Homey’s Tools for Life elevates the cooking ritual with kitchen tools designed by Boey Wang of Studio Boey.

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