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Food Industry Coalition Sues Texas Over Labeling Law
By Todd McElwee
The “Make Texas Healthy Again” law has left a sour taste in the mouths of four food industry associations.
The American Beverage Association, Consumer Brands Association, National Confectioners Association, and FMI the Food Industry Association, have sued Texas over Section 9 of Senate Bill 25, which was signed into law in June. The section requires warning labels on products containing any of 44 listed ingredients—and also requires those same warnings to be posted online.
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Industry Movers
Jenny Russell
Jenny Russell has become the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Le Méridien Indianapolis, a StepStone Hospitality managed property. She has worked with Marriott, Hyatt and Best Western. Russell is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in business management through Western Governors University and is an active member of MPI and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). She volunteers with community organizations supporting youth and families across Indiana.
Paul Peddle
Paul Peddle has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at the Marriott Marquis Houston. In this role, Peddle will oversee the hotel’s five signature dining outlets. Peddle brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience with a background in culinary operations, beverage innovation, and guest engagement. Most recently, he was director of food & beverage of Four Seasons Hotel Houston, overseeing multiple dining outlets.
Baris Agacbuken
Baris Agacbuken is the new General Manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City. Agacbuken was the hotel manager at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, where he oversaw an $80 million renovation. Before joining the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, he held various hotel leadership roles with Marriott International. Agacbuken volunteers with The LCC Foundation, which supports families affected by leukoencephalopathy with brain calcifications and cysts.
Shannon Gilbert
Shannon Gilbert is now General Manager of The Resort at Pelican Hill. The property is in Newport Beach, California, and is transitioning into a St. Regis flagship in 2027. Gilbert’s career in sales and marketing includes overseeing properties within The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott portfolios. Gilbert currently serves on the boards of Visit Greater Palm Springs and California State University San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus. She worked in Los Angeles.
J.T. Pedley
J.T. Pedley has been promoted to Director of Sales and Sponsorships of the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter in Kentucky. OVG made the announcement. Pedley was the senior sales manager. Events he has brought to Owensboro include Micro Wrestling, Kentucky Performance Volleyball Club Valentine Volleyball Tournament, WWA – Over the Top, Owensboro Comic and Toy Convention, and Western Kentucky Outdoor Expo. He graduated from the University of Louisville.
Ty Thaxton
Ty Thaxton has been named as Executive Chef of Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel, California. Thaxton will oversee all culinary operations including piloting the venue’s signature restaurant, Valley Kitchen. Thaxton has more than two decades of culinary experience in a variety of countries. His background includes Michelin-level staging, James Beard dinners, and executive chef posts at Ritz-Carlton properties in Washington, D.C. and Cancun. He attended Auburn University.
Association NEWS
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USTOA Tour Operator Survey Reveals Industry Growth and Optimism Heading into 2026… The United States Tour Operators Association’s (USTOA) has announced the findings of its annual travel trends and forecast survey, revealing steady business performance this year and a notably optimistic outlook amongst economic headwinds, geopolitical volatility, and shifting traveler behaviors.
According to the survey results announced at the 2025 USTOA Annual Conference and Marketplace in National Harbor, Maryland, earlier this month, 68% of tour operators reported a growth in sales in 2025 compared to 2024, with half of those companies seeing gains of 10% or higher.
In addition, 16% of members reported flat sales from the previous year, while the remaining 16% experienced declines, largely attributed to economic and political uncertainty, inflation, and hesitancy tied to safety concerns.
“In today’s unpredictable global climate, our members continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience,” said Terry Dale, President & CEO of USTOA. “The impact of ongoing instability was felt, yet the majority of our membership still reported growth amid uncertainty and higher operating costs, which stands out. Travelers remain motivated to explore, and our tour operators are positioned to guide them with the expertise, trust, insight, and security that elevate the way they experience the world.”
Passenger trends showed similar results: 58% of USTOA tour operator members saw an increase in travelers in 2025, with 52% of those reporting growth of 10% or higher. Another 22% said passenger numbers remained steady from 2024, with the remaining 20% seeing a decline in passengers in 2025.
Looking ahead to 2026, 78% of members are highly confident/confident that guest bookings will increase next year. Eighty-eight percent anticipate sales growth, and 84% expect growth in passengers in 2026.
The survey was conducted between September 9 and October 17, with a 92% participation rate.
Find more information at ustoa.org.
Hotel NEWS
Checking Inn
Hilton has partnered with Explora Journeys to bring Hilton Honors members a collection of luxury cruise line experiences through its new Hilton Honors Adventures, the hotel company announced on December 8.
Explora Journeys is a new luxury ocean travel from the MSC Group, with two ships currently sailing, and a fleet of six ships expected by 2028. By summer 2026, Hilton Honors members are expected to be able to redeem points on luxury ocean travel experiences with itineraries in the Mediterranean; Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America’s East Coast; the Caribbean and Central America; the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula; Alaska, Canada and the Pacific Coast; and Asia through the partnership.
“Explora Journeys defines the pinnacle of luxury ocean travel and unparalleled experiences,” said Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and commercial Services at Hilton. “This exciting new partnership creates the perfect moment to launch Hilton Honors Adventures, introducing new ways for our members to experience iconic destinations and hidden gems around the world.”
For more information, visit hilton.com/explora.
THE RITZ-CARLTON KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami debuted its $100 million transformation of the Atlantic Ocean coastline property on December 8.
The renovation was led by global luxury hospitality developers Gencom and design studios Hart Howerton, DesignAgency, and Chapi Chapo Design. The luxury hotel’s new design transformation “celebrates stylish and refined sophistication—clean architectural lines, natural materials, and a design sensibility that nods to the island’s storied past and natural charm.”
“As we reopen our doors, we are honored to welcome guests back to our iconic beachfront enclave that has been an integral part of Miami’s glamorous legacy for decades,” said Derek Flint, Market General Manager for Ritz-Carlton. “This next chapter of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami celebrates our expansive landscape, luxury oceanfront accommodations and vibrant setting designed for global travelers and locals alike. We’ve created a resort intended to transport our guests and inspire celebration, reconnection and rejuvenation.”
CVB Updates
Nashville’s Music City Center announced Jarvis Signs as the 2025 Vendor of Excellence at the annual MCC Purchasing Appreciation Breakfast on December 2.
The Vendor of Excellence designation is awarded to a business partner who displays outstanding achievements in service and commitment to MCC. Jarvis Signs is a locally owned, small business offering environmental graphics, wayfinding, planning, branding, consultation, design, fabrication, installation, and lighting services. Department and Project Manager Sarah Mangino and Project Manager Jennifer Sychareune accepted the award.
“We’re truly honored and grateful for your trust, partnership and support,” Mangino said. “We look forward to continuing to deliver quality and service you can count on.”
The annual award is traditionally presented at the invitation-only breakfast. The event is an opportunity to reflect on the previous year and preview the upcoming year as it relates to purchasing and business development, while thanking the facility’s contracted vendors and suppliers for their trusted partnerships.
“Jarvis Signs is more than a partner. They’ve been a trusted friend, neighbor, and resource since our building was constructed,” added MCC President & CEO Charles Starks. “It is our pleasure to honor them in this way and to show our appreciation for more than a decade of quality service.”
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