Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Wins Forbes Five-Star Awar

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 24, 2025

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass continues to shine in the luxury hospitality scene, with both Kai Restaurant and Aji Spa receiving Forbes Travel Guide’s prestigious Five-Star rating in the 2025 Star Awards. The resort itself maintains its Recommended status, reaffirming its excellence in service and cultural authenticity.

This marks the 17th consecutive Five-Star win for Kai, solidifying its place as the only restaurant in Arizona with this distinction. Additionally, Aji Spa earns its sixth Five-Star rating, recognizing its commitment to providing a unique Native American-inspired wellness experience.

A Legacy of Excellence

Located on the Gila River Indian Community in Phoenix, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is renowned for its deep connection to indigenous heritage. The resort’s recent multi-million-dollar renovation has further elevated its luxurious offerings, while maintaining its commitment to cultural authenticity.

Expressing his pride, Bunty Ahamed, General Manager, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, shared:
"Receiving Five-Star recognition from Forbes Travel Guide once again for Aji Spa, and for the seventeenth consecutive year for Kai, is an incredible honor. Our commitment to providing every guest with a personalized and exceptional experience is unwavering, and these accolades are a testament to our team’s outstanding efforts."

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

With only 79 restaurants worldwide receiving a Five-Star rating this year, Kai’s achievement is particularly remarkable. A James Beard 2025 semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category, Kai merges contemporary flavors with time-honored Native American culinary traditions, featuring locally farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community.

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

Aji Spa, meaning "sanctuary" in the Pima language, provides a holistic wellness experience deeply rooted in the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Offering signature Indigenous treatments curated by Cultural Caretakers, the spa reflects the area’s rich history through art, architecture, and storytelling.

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is more than a luxury resort—it is a living representation of Native American culture, offering:

36 holes of championship golf at Whirlwind Golf Club
Guided equestrian experiences through the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center
Four swimming pools and a waterslide inspired by ancient ruins
Water activities along the scenic Gila River

Maintaining its Recommended status in 2025, the resort meets Forbes’ rigorous 900-point evaluation, ensuring world-class service and hospitality.

As Forbes Travel Guide’s esteemed Five-Star list continues to set the global benchmark for luxury, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass proudly represents Arizona with its unparalleled culinary, wellness, and cultural experiences.

World Turns Its Sights to US–Iran Ceasefire: What It Means for Global Hospitality and Aviation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 17, 2026

The recently announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran has brought a sense of relief to the global travel industry, with hospitality and aviation stakeholders closely watching its potential impact. While the long-term outcome will depend on the durability of the agreement, the development is already being viewed as a positive step towards restoring stability in key travel and trade corridors.

One of the biggest benefits for the aviation sector is the improved access to air routes connected to the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding regions. During periods of conflict, airlines were forced to adjust flight paths, resulting in longer travel times, higher fuel consumption, and increased operating costs. A stable environment could help carriers gradually restore efficient routes, improve connectivity between Europe and Asia, and reduce some operational pressures.

The ceasefire is also expected to improve market confidence. Airline stocks and travel-related companies often respond positively to signs of geopolitical stability, giving businesses greater confidence to invest, expand schedules, and strengthen operations. Airlines may also find it easier to restore frequencies and bring back suspended services as travel demand improves.

Fuel remains one of the largest expenses for airlines, and the easing of tensions could support more predictable oil and jet fuel supplies over time. While experts caution that fuel prices may not return to pre-conflict levels immediately, a stable supply environment could help reduce price volatility and improve cost planning for carriers worldwide.

The hospitality industry is also likely to benefit from the improved outlook. Travel confidence typically rises when major geopolitical tensions ease, encouraging tourists to resume travel plans and businesses to restart corporate travel. Destinations across the Middle East, as well as markets that depend heavily on international visitors, could see a gradual increase in bookings and visitor arrivals.

Hotels and tourism operators may also gain greater flexibility in planning promotional campaigns, reopening seasonal services, and strengthening staffing levels. As travellers feel more comfortable making advance bookings, hospitality businesses can begin rebuilding momentum that may have slowed during periods of uncertainty.

Another positive outcome could be felt across tourism-dependent economies, particularly in Asia. Improved shipping and air connectivity, combined with reduced pressure on fuel and logistics costs, can support affordability for travellers and help stimulate inbound tourism demand.

In the short term, the industry may witness encouraging signs such as stronger forward bookings, improved investor sentiment, and cautious expansion of airline schedules. However, experts note that a full recovery will take time. Consumer confidence, corporate travel budgets, and international tourism flows typically recover gradually, especially after periods of geopolitical uncertainty.

Challenges also remain. Any temporary or conditional ceasefire may limit the scale of recovery if tensions resurface. In addition, infrastructure disruptions and supply chain pressures could continue to affect fuel availability and operating costs for some time.

Despite these uncertainties, the ceasefire is widely viewed as a positive development for global hospitality and aviation. If stability is maintained, it could create favourable conditions for stronger travel demand, improved airline operations, and renewed growth opportunities across the tourism ecosystem in the months ahead.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights and Canada's Growing Tourism Momentum

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 16, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver exciting action on the field while generating growing optimism across the hospitality and tourism sectors in Canada and North America.

One of the most entertaining matches of the day saw Iran and New Zealand play out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Los Angeles. New Zealand twice took the lead through Elijah Just, with Chris Wood providing assists for both goals. However, Iran responded on each occasion through Mohammad Mohebbi and Rezaeian Ramin to earn a share of the points in a fast-paced encounter.

Elsewhere, Group H saw Spain and Cape Verde battle to a goalless draw at Atlanta Stadium. In Group G, Belgium and Egypt finished level at 1-1 in Seattle, while Saudi Arabia and Uruguay also shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Miami Stadium.

While football remains the centre of attention, the tournament's influence is extending far beyond the stadiums. Canada's hospitality industry is increasingly viewing FIFA World Cup 2026 as a long-term tourism opportunity that could strengthen the country's global profile and attract future visitors well beyond the tournament period.

Industry leaders believe that while higher airfares, accommodation rates, and travel costs may influence some fans' plans to travel between multiple host cities, the overall tourism outlook remains highly positive. Hotel demand in Toronto continues to be supported by major events including Blue Jays games, concerts, and Pride celebrations alongside FIFA-related travel.

To support the expected visitor influx, public transportation networks have been expanded significantly, with additional buses and train services improving connectivity across the region. Visitors are also being encouraged to consider accommodation options beyond Toronto's downtown area, including destinations such as Mississauga, Vaughan, and Markham, all of which offer convenient transit access to the city centre.

Hospitality stakeholders believe the tournament's most significant economic impact may come after the final whistle. Increased global exposure is expected to encourage future leisure travel, international conventions, business events, and repeat visits, helping Canada strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination.

The scale of FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to create substantial growth across hotels, airlines, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses. Millions of football fans from Europe, South America, Asia, Oceania, and other regions are expected to travel across North America, contributing to tourism spending and cultural exchange.

Industry analysts suggest that the tournament could become one of the most influential tourism events in recent history, helping transform North America into a major global travel hub. Canada, in particular, is expected to benefit from increased international visibility, stronger visitor demand, and long-term tourism growth opportunities.

As the tournament progresses, hospitality leaders remain optimistic that FIFA World Cup 2026 will not only deliver memorable sporting moments but also leave behind a lasting tourism and economic legacy across Canada and the wider North American region.

Emirates to Stream FIFA World Cup 26™ Live Onboard via Sport 24

By Hariharan U

Published on June 16, 2026

Emirates has announced that it will broadcast every match of the FIFA World Cup 26™ live onboard its flights through its dedicated live sports channel, Sport 24, available on the airline’s ice entertainment system.

From the opening ceremony in Mexico on June 12, 2026, to the final match in the United States on July 19, 2026, passengers will be able to follow the entire tournament in real time while flying. The initiative ensures that travellers do not miss any key moment of one of the world’s most widely watched sporting events, even at 40,000 feet.

The live coverage will be available via Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, part of the airline’s onboard entertainment ecosystem. The service is designed to bring global fans together in the air, allowing passengers from different nations to experience the excitement of the tournament simultaneously while travelling.

To further enhance accessibility, the full match schedule has been featured in the June edition of the ice magazine, enabling passengers to plan their journeys around key fixtures and stay updated throughout the competition. Availability of live TV services may vary depending on aircraft type and route.

Select matches of the FIFA World Cup 26™ will also be screened in Emirates Lounges Dubai, where possible, extending the viewing experience beyond the aircraft.

Alongside football, Emirates’ onboard entertainment platform will also feature additional global sporting events. From June 4 to 20, Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra will air the NBA Finals. Other scheduled broadcasts include the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, the Formula 1® Moët & Chandon Belgian Grand Prix on July 19, and the Formula 1® AWS Hungarian Grand Prix on July 26.

Through this expanded live sports offering, Emirates continues to position its in-flight experience as a global entertainment hub, bringing passengers closer to major international sporting moments regardless of their destination.

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Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

A Legacy of Excellence

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

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World Turns Its Sights to US–Iran Ceasefire: What It Means for Global Hospitality and Aviation

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights and Canada's Growing Tourism Momentum

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Emirates to Stream FIFA World Cup 26™ Live Onboard via Sport 24

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