Plans whiplash for the MSG Sphere in London, adventure travel companies are tailoring offerings to their 50-something customers, and Europe becomes a popular destination for holiday movies. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Plans for an MSG Sphere in east London remain in limbo
The Las Vegas Sphere features architecture by Populus and interiors from ICRAVE; photo courtesy of Sphere Entertainment
Last week, Dezeen reported that London mayor Sadiq Khan had rejected a planning application for a Populous-designed MSG Sphere London, following the debut of the Sphere’s Vegas location this fall. Khan, in his directive to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), determined that the plan would cause “unacceptable harm” to residents of the east London town of Stratford. Now, the UK’s levelling up secretary Michael Gove, is reportedly considering overruling that order. Gove’s department has written a letter to the LLDC requesting that the application be referred to him for a decision. If the proposal ends up accepted, the MSG Sphere would be built on a site near the Olympic Park in Stratford and measure nearly 300 feet tall and 400 feet wide.
Holiday movies venture to Europe
Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, France; photo by Boby Allin
If you’re a sucker for a cheesy holiday movie, you may have noticed that more of the films found on the Hallmark and Lifetime channels are set in Europe these days. “Europe,” writes Claire Moses for The New York Times, “with its cobblestoned streets (a nightmare in heels), old buildings (no central heating) and Christmas markets (those can be as good as they look onscreen), provides the perfect setting for a magical holiday adventure.” Viewers might find an American woman escaping the city for the countryside, for example, only to find an eligible bachelor prince or duke to fall for. The European trend appears poised to continue, according to Hallmark Media’s director of programming Lisa Hamilton Daly, and don’t expect any changes to the feel-good format. “The formula exists for a very good reason,” Daly said. “It makes people happy.”
Adventure travel companies bet on older customers
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
The travel industry is witnessing a shift in the desires of the 50-plus customer set, writes Skift. In fact, G Adventures, a company known for its active trips that connect its customers (typically young travelers) to local communities and experiences, has launched the Geluxe Collection. The new line eschews the leisurely walking tour or cruise itinerary often associated with older travelers, opting for the same active, culture-seeking, sustainable options the younger demographic wants. “As a brand, we’ve evolved. We’ve gotten older. And our customers are growing with us,” pointed out G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip. “They’re staying more active for longer, so they want something that meets their needs.” With the global population aging (the United Nations reports that people over 65 are the fastest-growing age group) and a growing lifestyle focus on wellness and longevity, “the travel industry [will need] to adapt and cater to the needs of older travelers.”
OTG to introduce gate delivery options at North American airports
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
The scramble of trying to grab something to eat at the airport amidst a tight flight connection (or drawn-out wait in the security line) may soon be a thing of the past for some travelers, reports Forbes. Airport concessionaire OTG has developed a mobile app called flo Xgen for use in its own outlets, from which passengers can order a meal for pickup or gate delivery up to 24 hours in advance. Slated to launch Q1 2024 in the 11 North American airports where OTG operates, don’t expect the offerings to be limited to a cellophane-wrapped sandwich, either. A focus on “fresh ingredients and local food, aka farm-to-terminal dining,” according to OTG CEO Rick Blatstein means that Denver International Airport travelers will have access to steak and eggs with locally sourced ribeye, or trout salad made with local fish and produce.
Is a sustainable design standard achievable for the hospitality industry?
Clockwise from top left: Malisa Maynard, Mohawk Group; Gina Joyce, Gensler; David Breeding, Aimbridge Hospitality; and Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, Hospitality Design
Sustainable design has become a top priority in hotel building, construction, and interiors. Join HD editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen next Thursday, December 7th for a webinar, sponsored by Durkan, that will explore why it’s important for hotel brands to work sustainable solutions into their project build or renovation. She’ll be joined by industry leaders from Aimbridge Hospitality, Gensler, and Mohawk Group, who will share their insights and case studies from their vast experience spanning all types of commercial projects. Register for the free webinar today!
