● Earlier this year, the St. Regis announced that it would be opening 10 new properties across the globe in the near future, and the first in this new line has finally opened in Florence. It’s an 81-room hotel housed in an historic 15th century building overlooking the Arno, and the second St. Regis property in Italy. If you don’t check it out, then consider our friendship over.

● British Airways subsidiary OpenSkies, which runs all-business class flights to and from Paris, is going through a revamp soon. As of October 29th, they will stop service from Washington-Dulles, leaving Newark-Orly the sole way to get to the City of Lights on BA from the US. See? Big changes! Airline Weekly broke the story, writing that the move is in anticipation of the new venture BA is launching with American Airlines and Iberia Air. Good for them!

● One of the largest providers of corporate meeting services in the world, the American Express Meetings & Events, is solidifying its foundation overseas by partnering with local companies. The latest partnership is with French firm Le Public Système, who will provide production, communications and creative services for on-site meetings in France. Amex is also looking for similar partnerships in the UK, and beyond. Onward!

● Hotel rates are skyrocketing, with a 3 to 4% rise in every major U.S. market aside from Washington D.C. Those booked through global distribution channels increased around 4.7%. But occupancy was also up by approximately the same percentage, which is good news for hotels, if not for travelers.