IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands MLS Partnerships, Enhances Fan Experiences

More Choice, More Rewards and More Experiences for IHG One Rewards Members (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts strengthens its ties with Major League Soccer (MLS) by announcing new partnerships with four prominent clubs: Atlanta United, D.C. United, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), and New York City Football Club (NYCFC), while continuing its role as… Read the full press release

Emirates Group Elevates 19 Executives, Signifying Strong Emphasis on UAE Talent and Gender Diversity

19 executives promoted, including 8 UAE nationals, demonstrating the bench strength of UAE talent and internally developed talent at the Emirates Group 6 women added to the Group’s senior executive ranks (IN SHORT) The Emirates Group announces the promotion of 19 executives, reflecting its commitment to nurturing UAE talent and fostering gender diversity within its… Read the full press release

Emirates A380 Resumes Vienna Operations, Enhancing Connectivity and Passenger Experience

(IN SHORT) The Emirates A380 returns to Vienna International Airport after nearly four years, marking a significant milestone for both Emirates and the Austrian capital. Carrying over 400 passengers, Emirates becomes the sole airline to operate the double-decker aircraft at Vienna Airport, reaffirming the strong partnership between the two entities. Elisabeth Zauner, Country Manager Emirates… Read the full press release

Avani Hotels & Resorts to Make Grand Debut in China’s Ecotourism Haven

Avani Hotels & Resorts to open two new properties in Guangdong Province in 2024 (IN SHORT) Minor Hotels, in collaboration with Funyard Minor JV Co., announces the forthcoming launch of Avani Hotels & Resorts in China with the unveiling of Avani Huajian Xinyi Guangdong Resort and Avani+ Xinyi Guangdong Resort. Situated in the picturesque Guangdong… Read the full press release

Minor Hotels Appoints Ammarawadee Cheowit as General Manager of NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort, Thailand’s First NH Hotel Brand in Asia

(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels announces the appointment of Ammarawadee Cheowit as the General Manager of NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort, marking a significant milestone as the first NH Hotel brand in Thailand and Asia. With over 13 years of hotel management experience, including leadership roles in various tourist destinations across Thailand, Amma brings a wealth… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Enhances Culinary Experience with New Executive Chef and Pastry Chef Appointments

The five-star Hotel welcomes a new Executive Chef and Pastry Chef to continue delivering world-class culinary experiences (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Nashville elevates its culinary offerings with the appointment of Chef Francesco Greco as Executive Chef and Chef Hector Llompart as Pastry Chef. With extensive international experience, Chef Greco brings his expertise to oversee… Read the full press release

ARK Holdings CEO, Azim Saju, Honored as 2023 Franchisee of the Year by IFA

Owner of various Choice Hotels’ properties across Florida was recognized at IFA’s Annual Conference (IN SHORT) Azim Saju, CEO of ARK Holdings, has been named the 2023 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) at their 64th Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Recognized for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the franchise… Read the full press release

Spirit Airlines Receives FAA’s Prestigious Diamond Award of Excellence for Sixth Consecutive Year

(IN SHORT) Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) has once again secured the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) highest honor for aviation maintenance technician safety, marking the sixth consecutive year of achieving the “Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence.” This recognition underscores Spirit’s unwavering commitment to safety and continuous investment in training programs aimed at ensuring the… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Group and Our Habitas Unveil Luxurious Desert Resort ‘Our Habitas Ras Abrouq’ on Qatar’s West Coast

Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, along with VIP guests, media, designers and artists were present at an opening ceremony to showcase the unique hospitality project Located at the edge of the UNESCO protected Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve, famous for its lunar landscape and Richard Serra sculpture, the… Read the full press release

Cathay Cargo Expands Digital Connectivity with DB Schenker Through New API Integration and Developer Portal

Cathay Cargo also launches a portal making it easier for freight forwarder developer teams to connect with the Click & Ship booking platform (IN SHORT) Cathay Cargo announces the launch of an application programming interface (API) that grants DB Schenker access to its Click & Ship booking platform, facilitating real-time inventory checks, bookings, and confirmations…. Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Earns Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for Ninth Consecutive Year

(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines proudly announces its ninth consecutive perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI), highlighting the airline’s unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Joining 545 major U.S. businesses with top marks, Southwest’s dedication to inclusivity is underscored by its comprehensive policies and practices. The CEI’s record-breaking… Read the full press release

Swissport’s Aspire Executive Lounges Partners with oneworld for New Lounge Experience at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

(IN SHORT) Swissport’s Aspire Executive Lounges, in collaboration with oneworld, has inaugurated the second alliance lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, following the successful launch of the first in Korea. The lounge offers modern amenities, including ergonomic seating, meeting booths, and a botanical room, catering to travelers’ comfort and productivity. With a focus on sustainability, the… Read the full press release

Bangkok Flight Services (BFS) Achieves Pharma Handling Certification at Suvarnabhumi Airport

(IN SHORT) Bangkok Flight Services (BFS), a joint venture between Bangkok Airways and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), has obtained Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification for its dedicated pharmaceutical handling facility at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. This certification, granted by independent audit body Escem/TüV Rheinland, attests to BFS’s adherence to international standards for the safe… Read the full press release

Expedia Group Elevates Long-Time Veterans to Lead New Operating Divisions

Following the succession from Peter Kern to Ariane Gorin, Expedia Group taps two long-time Expedia veterans to lead newly formed operating divisions (IN SHORT) Expedia Group has appointed Alfonso Paredes as President of Private Label Solutions and Greg Schulze as President of Travel Partners and Media, establishing two new operating divisions within the company. With… Read the full press release

Singapore Aviation Industry Eyes Hydrogen Fuel for Decarbonization

(IN SHORT) The Singapore Hydrogen Cooperation Committee, comprising Airbus, Changi Airport Group, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and Linde, is spearheading efforts to integrate hydrogen fuel into the nation’s aviation decarbonization strategy. Through a comprehensive study, the committee explores the feasibility of using liquid hydrogen to power future aircraft, emphasizing the need for infrastructure… Read the full press release

Changi Airports International Partners with Cam Ranh International for Terminal 2 Management

(IN SHORT) Changi Airports International (CAI) and Cam Ranh International Joint Stock Company (CRTC) have sealed a groundbreaking agreement at the Singapore Airshow, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s aviation industry. Under this partnership, CAI will leverage its global expertise to manage Cam Ranh International Airport’s Terminal 2’s non-aeronautical businesses and support international route development…. Read the full press release

Changi Airports International and Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Angolan Airports

(IN SHORT) On February 18, 2024, Changi Airports International (CAI) and Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos (SGA) inked a pivotal 2-year technical partnership agreement aimed at optimizing the operational efficiency and traffic potential of 16 regional airports managed by SGA in Angola. As part of the collaboration, CAI, renowned for its airport management expertise, will assist… Read the full press release

Radisson RED Launches Its Vibrant Style in Southeast Europe with Radisson RED Belgrade

(IN SHORT) Radisson Hotel Group introduces its dynamic Radisson RED brand to Southeast Europe with the opening of Radisson RED Belgrade, a stylish lifestyle hotel located in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. Boasting a fusion of modern design and traditional charm, the hotel offers 88 contemporary accommodation units and features vibrant communal spaces including a… Read the full press release

Days Inn Offers $10,000 Solar Sun-ternship to Capture 2024 Solar Eclipse

World’s sunniest hotel brand offers two Solar Sun-terns a shared $10,000 payday (IN SHORT) Days Inn by Wyndham is offering a unique opportunity for two adventurous friends to become Solar Sun-terns and witness the 2024 total solar eclipse from a private helicopter. The selected duo will capture their experience through photo and video content to… Read the full press release

MSC Cruises Introduces Winter 2024-25 Canary Islands Itinerary with MSC Opera

7-night itinerary with MSC Opera to some of the most sought-after winter sun destinations in the Canary Islands and Madeira – sales now open (IN SHORT) MSC Cruises has unveiled its plans to deploy the MSC Opera to the Canary Islands for the winter 2024-25 season, with bookings now available. The ship will embark on… Read the full press release

Qantas Group Unveils Airbus A220 Interiors and Expansion Plans

New interior of QantasLink A220s revealed; first flights now on sale. Order for 8 additional A321XLRs for Qantas Domestic. Acceleration of Wi-Fi on international flights from late 2024. Major digital investment to help streamline travel experience on the ground. Jetstar adding more than 400,000 seats to meet strong demand for low fare leisure travel[1]. New… Read the full press release

Qantas Group Reports $1.25 Billion Underlying Profit Before Tax in First Half of FY24

Underlying Profit Before Tax: $1.25 billion (down 13 per cent) Statutory Profit After Tax: $869 million (down 13 per cent) Statutory earnings per share: 52 cents (down 4 per cent) Net debt: $4.0 billion Additional on-market share buy-back of up to $400 million announced. Fares falling as capacity continues to normalise; restart costs unwinding. Significant… Read the full press release

Qantas Unveils Limited-Time Offer: Double Status Credits or Double Qantas Points for Frequent Flyers

(IN SHORT) Qantas introduces a highly anticipated promotion offering its Frequent Flyers the choice between double Status Credits or double Qantas Points for bookings made on any Qantas flight over the next seven days. Members can register through the Qantas App and book flights for travel between February 28, 2024, and February 14, 2025, seizing… Read the full press release

Qantas Announces New Board Members and Chairman Elect in Ongoing Renewal

(IN SHORT) Qantas reveals significant changes to its board as part of its continuous renewal process, appointing John Mullen as the Chairman Elect effective July 1, 2024, alongside Dr. Nora Scheinkestel as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee starting March 1, 2024. The selection of Mullen, with his extensive executive and directorial… Read the full press release

Qantas Applauds Reforms to Slot Management System at Sydney Airport

(IN SHORT) Qantas has welcomed the reforms to the slot management system at Sydney Airport announced by the Federal Government, highlighting the potential benefits for travelers and airports nationwide. The improvements aim to enhance efficiency, particularly during severe weather conditions, and increase transparency in slot allocation, countering misconceptions about slot hoarding by airlines. These reforms… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts to Open InterContinental Resort Portofino on The World Islands Dubai

The new 466-key InterContinental Resort Portofino, The Heart of Europe will open its doors in early 2026 on The World Islands Dubai, strengthening IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and leisure portfolio in the region (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the upcoming opening of the InterContinental Resort Portofino, The Heart of Europe, on… Read the full press release

IHG’s Garner Hotels Expands Globally with New Openings and Milestones

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ newest midscale conversion brand announces new openings and continues global expansion with a focus on reliable, relaxed stays (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces Garner Hotels, its latest midscale conversion brand focused on providing reliable and relaxed stays at an affordable price. Garner achieves significant growth with recent openings in… Read the full press release

Amadeus Joins IGLTA, Strengthening Support for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Organization works to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers Travel technology leader is an active ally of the LGBTQ+ community around the world (IN SHORT) Amadeus, a prominent travel technology company, has announced its membership in the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) as part of its ongoing commitment to being an active ally of… Read the full press release

Kempinski Hotels Enhances Regional Expertise with COO Switch

(IN SHORT) Kempinski Hotels announces a strategic switch of regions for two of its Chief Operations Officers (COOs), aimed at sharing best practices and bolstering regional growth. Xavier Destribats, previously overseeing operations in the Americas, moves to Geneva to take charge of Europe in addition to the Americas, while Timur Sentuerk relocates to Dubai to… Read the full press release

Moxy Hotels Makes a Splash in Bangkok with Debut of Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong

Infused with youthful energy and the upbeat spirit of the boundary-breaking brand, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong welcomes guests in the heart of downtown Bangkok (IN SHORT) Moxy Hotels, a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive portfolio, celebrates the opening of Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, its first property in Thailand, ushering in a new era of vibrant and social… Read the full press release