Travel & Tourism
Oxygen Hospitality’s Welwood Hotel Draws Inspiration from Palm Springs’ History and Design
Rebranding reveal with name and logo taps into pioneering spirit of city’s founding father and first hotelier, Dr. Welwood Murray
Palm Springs, CA (June 3, 2019) – Oxygen Hospitality’s new vision for the Ivy Palm Resort near downtown Palm Springs today began to emerge as property renovations officially commenced. Repositioning of the 100-room hotel also took a step forward with the announcement of the hotel’s new name, logo and identity: Welwood Hotel. Its name, Welwood Hotel, taps the rich history of this iconic city and from Palm Springs’ first hotelier and important philanthropic founders, Dr. Welwood Murray. The words ‘Wel’ also suggests wellness, an ever-growing lifestyle choice and ‘Wood’ describing the natural design elements within the hotel.
Renovations at the four building, two-story, 3-acre hotel include new guest rooms and suites, relocation of lobby and redesign of entrance with exterior circular entry, two remodeled pools with cabanas and new restaurant/bar concept. Guests will enter the newly designed hotel lobby and sit down to check-in with front desk associates at conversational tables. Reservations open November 2019. Renovations are scheduled for completion winter 2019.
Inspired by the pioneering spirit and vision that led Dr. Welwood Murray to plan an oasis and open the Palm Spring’s first hotel in 1886, Oxygen Hospitality presented the hotel concept to the Murray family.
Dr. Murray’s great grandson Philip Welwood Murray II said, “Our family was amazed when asked to have the Welwood name associated with a new generation hotel recognizing our great grandfather. Welwood Murray roots run deep in this area, especially Palm Springs, a city near and dear to our hearts. I personally have always dreamed of opening up a restaurant, and now, Oxygen Hospitality is opening up a hotel in our family’s honor.”
‘Powered by Oxygen’ brand. The rebranding heralds in the next step in Oxygen Hospitality’s strategic growth, building a brand of mid- to-upper scale hotels in excellent U.S. Sunbelt locations that embrace the local spirit of the city. Branded and independent hotels owned and managed within Oxygen Hospitality’s portfolio, such the Welwood Hotel, will earn the distinction and brand standard ‘Powered by Oxygen’. ‘Powered by Oxygen’ instills warmth and amenities of American hospitality and celebrate local influences for a first-class guest experience.
“The elevated rebranding of this Palm Springs hotel is our entre’ into the local hotel scene where guests will experience our brand of service and how we differentiate for loyalty and operational success,” said Yaron Ashkenazi, chief executive officer of Oxygen Hospitality.
Mid-century modern architecture redesign. The Welwood Hotel redesign is inspired by mid-twentieth century modernism architecture. Redesign is described as angular and artistic with colorful motif for the outside pool area ranging from royal blues, white and yellow. Guest room design offers a palette of clean, neutral white and cream colors — paired with shades of aqua and complemented with sleek, rich modern wood furnishings for a desert climate.
The architecture firm for the Welwood Hotel is MDR Architects, Inc. Hotel designer is Amsterdam-based SZ Design.
Visit www.welwoodhotel.com for renderings and to sign up for updates on the Welwood Hotel.
About Dr. Welwood Murray
Dr. Welwood Murray, a Scottish pioneer, horticulturist, philanthropist, and a founding father of Palm Springs. In 1876, Murray moved from Scotland to Banning, California in order to improve his health with the dry desert air. Ten years later in 1886, he purchased five acres of land in nearby Palm Valley (which would later become Palm Springs), and built the city’s first hotel, the Palm Springs Hotel. Murray planted 22 varieties of fruit trees and shrubs surrounding the hotel, creating a veritable oasis. Today, Dr. Murray’s name graces the city’s first cemetery, the Welwood Murray Library and Murray Canyon.
About Oxygen Hospitality Group
Oxygen Hospitality Group, Inc., is an owner-operator hospitality company that acquires, renovates and manages a portfolio of mid- to upper scale branded and independent hotel assets in the U.S. Sunbelt and other advantageous destinations. The Company works with accredited investors, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and family offices looking to direct invest in capital appreciation and income-producing hotel real estate projects. These assets undergo a ‘Revive and Thrive’ value creation turnaround strategy that includes proprietary software technology to drive bottom-line results and gain positive guest experience reviews for proven return-to-profitability management. Founded in 2017, Oxygen Hospitality is privately held and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, please visit: http://www.oxygenhospitality.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Offers to sell or the solicitations of offers to buy securities may only be made through official offering documents that contain important information about risks, fees and expenses. Renderings, reservations and booking dates subject to change.
Travel & Tourism
Ontario International Airport expects 2.2 million passengers during summer travel season
Ontario International Airport officials expect 2.22 million passengers this summer, 1.7% more than last year, as airlines add flights to 12 popular U.S. and international destinations.
“As Southern California’s gateway to the world, ONT is ready to welcome another record-setting summer travel season,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “Our airport continues to earn the trust of both passengers and airline partners by delivering a world-class, stress-free experience that reflects the spirit of our community. With more flights, more destinations, and more options than ever before, ONT is strengthening its role as a key player in the region’s air travel landscape.
The summer travel season begins Friday, May 23, before the Memorial Day weekend and extends through Labor Day, Monday, September 1.
Summer 2025 EstimatedPassengers Versus2024 Estimated Seats Versus 2024 Totals 2,221,061 +1.7% 2,854,687 3.4%
The estimated passenger volumes include:
- 663,959 in June
- 672,034 in July
- 671,274 in August
ONT airlines will begin new service, restore previous flights or increase service this summer to 12 popular domestic and international destinations.
Domestic Destinations Air Carrier Frequency/Start Date Baltimore/Washington (BWI) Southwest Airlines Daily service starts June 5 Chicago/O’Hare (ORD) United Airlines Daily service starts May 22 Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) American Airlines 7 daily (up from 6) Frontier Airlines 6-times weekly New York (JFK) JetBlue Daily service resumes April 30 Sacramento (SMF) Southwest Airlines 7 daily (up from 5) Salt Lake City (SLC) Delta Air Lines 4 daily (up from 3) Seattle (SEA) Alaska Airlines 5 daily (up from 4) Delta Air Lines 4 daily Frontier Airlines 1 daily International Destinations Air Carrier Frequency/Start Date Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL) Volaris 2 daily (up from 1) León, Mexico (BJX) Volaris 3-times weekly service starts July 4 Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) Volaris Daily service starts July 4 Morelia, Mexico (MLM) Volaris 4-times weekly service starts July 5 Taipei (TPE) STARLUX Airlines 4-times weekly service starts June 2
Airlines are offering more than 2.8 million seats in and out of ONT this summer, with 77.8% expected to be occupied. The number of seats available this year is 3.4% higher than last summer.
Elkadi noted other customer-friendly aspects of the ONT experience such as curbside access for ride-share services; access to premium Aspire Lounges; 3Sixty Duty-Free shopping; competitively priced hourly, daily and valet parking near passenger terminals and discounts on-airport parking when reservations are pre-booked.
Officials reminded domestic travelers the deadline for Real ID-enabled driver’s licenses is May 7, 2025. Motorists can get driving, parking and terminal information 24/7 by listening to ONT Radio at 620AM and streaming here.
“Southern California shines in the summer, and Ontario International Airport is the perfect starting point for any adventure. From our world-famous beaches to stunning mountain escapes, desert resorts, and vibrant cultural attractions, ONT offers travelers easy access to everything that makes this region a top global destination.” Elkadi added
Travel & Tourism
Ontario International Airport passenger count increased in February as cargo tonnage continues upward trend
Ontario International Airport (ONT) saw a slight increase in passengers in February compared with the same month in the prior year, despite one fewer day due to Leap Year in 2024. Adjusting for the shorter month in 2025, ONT passenger volume was 3.6% higher than February 2024.
According to ONT officials, 450,093 air travelers chose the Southern California gateway last month versus 449,893 last year. Ontario’s domestic passenger count totaled 414,286, a 0.2% increase, while international volume decreased by 1.8% to 35,807.
Over the first two months of the year, ONT passenger traffic was 0.6% higher, with domestic volume up 1.3% while the number of international travelers was lower by 6.6%
“We continue to prove that we are the aviation gateway Southern California deserves. Even with a shorter month, we saw growth, an achievement that speaks to our resilience, strong demand, and the trust travelers and airlines place in us. With new service launching to Chicago and Baltimore/Washington as well as four international destinations in Mexico and Asia, ONT is not just keeping up; we are setting the stage for even greater success in 2025 and beyond,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA).
| PassengerTotals | Feb2025 | Feb2024 | Change | YTD2025 | YTD2024 | Change |
| Domestic | 414,286 | 413,413 | 0.2% | 849,205 | 837,990 | 1.3% |
| International | 35,807 | 36,480 | -1.8% | 76,127 | 81,492 | -6.6% |
| Total | 450,093 | 449,893 | 0.0% | 925,332 | 919,482 | 0.6% |
The air carriers with the greatest passenger shares in February were:
- Southwest Airlines (37.5%)
- American Airlines (16.1%)
- Frontier Airlines (10.7%)
- Delta Air Lines (9.1%)
- United Airlines (8.6%)
Air cargo increased by 6.8% in February, driven by shipments of mail which grew by more than 276%. Freight shipments for the month decreased 6.1%. For the year, freight and mail combined rose by 6.7%.
Air cargo(tonnage) Feb2025 Feb2024 Change YTD2025 YTD2024 Change Freight 50,606 53,922 -6.1% 103,029 110,691 -6.9% Mail 9,727 2,583 276.5% 20,630 5,244 293.4% Total 60,333 56,505 6.8% 123,659 115,935 6.7%
“Ontario prides itself on first rate cargo facilities and operational excellence which makes our Inland Empire airport a hub of choice for cargo shippers,” Elkadi said.
New Air Services and Strong Cargo Performance Propel ONT’s Growth in Early 2025
Ontario International Airport (ONT) has marked a significant achievement, recording its 47th straight month of passenger growth. In January 2025, passenger volume at ONT rose by 1.2%, with over 475,000 travelers compared to 469,000 in January 2024.
The airport saw an increase in domestic travelers, with nearly 435,000 passengers representing a 2.4% rise from the previous year. However, international traffic experienced a decrease, down 10% to just over 40,000 passengers.
Atif Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), expressed optimism about the future. “We’re kicking off the new year with incredible momentum, as more travelers continue to choose ONT. With several exciting new air service announcements from our airline partners, 2025 is set to be a year of substantial growth, opportunity, and enhanced connectivity for our community.”
Looking ahead, ONT is poised to introduce several new travel options. This summer, passengers will benefit from daily flights to Baltimore/Washington (BWI) and Chicago/O’Hare (ORD) via Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, respectively. Additionally, international service expansions include STARLUX Airlines commencing four-times weekly flights to Taipei (TPE) in June and Volaris launching routes to three more cities in Mexico in July, including a daily flight from ONT to Los Cabos (SJD).
Passenger Totals for January 2025 vs. January 2024:
- Domestic: 434,919 (2.4% increase)
- International: 40,320 (10.4% decrease)
- Total: 475,239 (1.2% increase)
Top carriers for passenger volume in January included Southwest Airlines (35.1%), American Airlines (15.3%), Frontier Airlines (11.6%), Delta Air Lines (9.3%), and United Airlines (8.8%).
In terms of cargo, ONT experienced a 6.6% overall increase in January 2025. This growth was driven largely by a more than 300% increase in mail shipments, although freight shipments saw a decline of 7.7%.
Air Cargo Performance for January 2025 vs. January 2024:
- Freight: 52,423 tons (-7.7%)
- Mail: 10,903 tons (309.8% increase)
- Total: 63,326 tons (6.6% increase)
Elkadi highlighted ONT’s expanding role in both passenger and cargo transport. “Ontario International Airport continues to solidify its position as one of the nation’s fastest-growing passenger airports and a top ten cargo hub, reinforcing our vital role in regional and global travel,” he said.
ONT remains committed to enhancing its facilities and services to support the region’s economic growth and meet the evolving needs of travelers and businesses alike.
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