News and notes from around the interweb:

• Marriott Bonvoy has supplemental terms and conditions that most people don’t know about. It covers their all-inclusive properties that are not part of a legacy brand. You actually earn points on taxes paid, and don’t pay resort fees on redemptions. No amenity choice, you get 1,000 points. It includes a weekly cocktail party for elites, and up to 20% off premium alcohol, plus a 25-minute massage for Ambassadors.

  But they appear to have quietly removed complimentary access to “exclusive areas” (club lounges, basically).

• China imposed its ‘national security law’ on Hong Kong during the depths of the pandemic. Many opposition politicians and protest leaders haven’t been seen in years. While China promised that the law wouldn’t be applied retroactively, 47 have just been convicted, including for participating in a legislative primary, prior to passage of the law. Joshua Wong received a 4 year 8 month sentence and shouted “I love Hong Kong!”

  “Do You hear the people sing,” of course, is banned in China:

  More than thousand HKers sing Les Miserables' 'Do you hear the people sing?' at HK international airport with their calls for free election and democracy. Here is the Ground Zero in the war against authoritarian rule. That's the reason for us never surrender. pic.twitter.com/1MkTp4BkVg

  — Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 (@joshuawongcf) August 10, 2019

• Timing of upcoming Marriott layoffs may cost it government subsidies.

• Air New Zealand’s new safety video

• British Airways CEO says latest IT outage is proof their IT investments are working

• Impressive:

  The Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel managed to get through the pandemic without closing. It was midway through a $100 million upgrade when COVID-19 struck. It was rough. Guests complained about safety outside the building, where the streets were filled with panhandlers or people sleeping outdoors. The hotel focused on finishing up when business dwindled.

  But during that down time, the hotel kept its full sales team, which would send wine to clients and do virtual wine tastings while making a sales pitch. It worked, said Tony Dunn, the Sheraton’s general manager. The hotel booked more events and visitors and he said occupancy rates are running “15 to 20 points higher than my competitors,” he said.

  While visitor spending is due to inflation and price increases, the amount of money guests are spending on food and beverages has gone up dramatically — “I’m terrified of sharing some of these numbers. Some people might find them offensive,” he said. “Since ’19 to today, they’ve doubled.”