How Trump’s tariffs could impact travel, hotels are going above and beyond for pets, and Gelephu International Airport celebrates Bhutanese culture. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Hotels extend the luxury experience to pets
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
As demand for pet-friendly travel options grows, luxury hotels are rolling out the red carpet for four-legged guests, reports The New York Times. From custom bedding and gourmet meals to dog-sitting services and wilderness hikes, properties like the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue and Pan Pacific London cater to pets’ needs, offering unique activities including guided hikes at Mountain View Grand Resort in New Hampshire or custom-made robes and luxury packages at Manhattan’s iconic Plaza Hotel. With travel statistics showing more pet owners hitting the road, the hospitality industry is increasingly prioritizing tailored, upscale experiences for both guests and their canine companions.
BIG crafts Bhutan’s airport with locally, sustainably sourced timber
Rendering courtesy of BIG
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has revealed its design for the Gelephu International Airport in Bhutan. Part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) masterplan, the airport will span nearly 732,000 square feet and handle 123 daily flights. Bhutan’s second international airport, set against a backdrop of the Himalayas, will feature a modular diagrid structure made of locally sourced glulam timber adorned with painted carvings. “We wanted to create an experience that feels deeply Bhutanese—calm, welcoming, and connected to nature,” says BIG partner Frederik Lyng. “The design not only honors Bhutan’s rich culture but also sets a new standard for mindful, adaptable architecture that will grow with the country’s future while being rooted in its past.” Gelephu International Airport is set to open in 2029.
Should fine-dining restaurants be child-free?
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
The debate over children in fine dining establishments is intensifying, with opinions divided among restaurateurs and patrons, writes Bon Appétit. Some chefs, like Michael Muser of Chicago’s two-Michelin-starred Ever, actively welcome families, offering amenities such as private spaces and engaging activities to ensure a memorable experience for both children and adults. In contrast, others like Dave Beran of Seline in Santa Monica, maintain an adult-centric ambiance, subtly discouraging young children by not providing high chairs or stroller access. This divergence highlights the industry’s evolving approach to balancing upscale dining experiences with family inclusivity.
How Trump’s tariffs could affect travelers
Photo courtesy of Chris Allan/Adobe Stock
President Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China could have longterm effects on the travel industry. While business travel is expected to experience an immediate decline, the tariffs could also lead to fewer group trips and conventions, which would impact hotel bookings and flight demand, according to USA Today. Although airfares and hotel prices won’t see immediate changes, increased costs from tariffs on aircraft parts may eventually drive prices up. The U.S. dollar’s strength could benefit American travelers, but international visitors may find U.S. travel even more expensive. Additionally, the tariffs could create a psychological divide, making some American tourists feel less welcome abroad.
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AvroKO partners William Harris, Greg Bradshaw, Kristina O’Neal, and Adam Farmerie are among the keynote speakers coming to HD Expo 2025; photo by Jade and David
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