Swissport Opens OP Lounge by Aspire at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Partnership with OP Financial Group

(IN SHORT) Aspire Executive Lounges, part of Swissport, has opened the “OP Lounge by Aspire” at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in collaboration with OP Financial Group. This new lounge, available to OP cardholders, features Finnish-inspired design and culinary offerings and provides a premium space for relaxation and business. It marks Aspire’s first lounge in Europe designed for… Read the full press release

Marriott International Welcomes Sean Tresvant to Board of Directors

(IN SHORT) Marriott International has appointed Sean Tresvant, CEO of Taco Bell, to its board of directors as an independent director, effective February 12, 2025. Tresvant’s leadership at Taco Bell has seen the brand expand internationally, enhance digital and in-store sales, and strengthen its loyalty programs. His career includes 15 years at Nike, where he… Read the full press release

Marriott to Open Largest Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Makkah as Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

The hotel is anticipated to feature more than 2,000 rooms and will be situated within the Holy City of Makkah (IN SHORT) Marriott International has signed an agreement with Al Qimmah Hospitality and Amwaj Real Estate to open the world’s largest Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2026. The hotel will feature… Read the full press release

IHG Expands Garner Hotels Brand with First Openings in Japan, Marking a Major Step in Asia Pacific Growth

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, with the opening of its first three properties in Osaka, Japan. The new hotels—Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Station, Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Midosuji, and Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba—represent a key milestone in the brand’s international growth. Designed to provide… Read the full press release

Holiday Inn Ratingen to Open in Late 2025 as IHG Expands in Germany

Holiday Inn Ratingen set to open in the second half of 2025 (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in Germany with the upcoming opening of Holiday Inn Ratingen in 2025, in collaboration with tristar GmbH. This new property will undergo a full renovation and become a prime example of the Holiday… Read the full press release

Hilton and Calm Partner to Enhance Wellness for Travelers with In-Room Mindfulness and Sleep Solutions

(IN SHORT) Hilton has partnered with Calm to integrate the company’s renowned mental wellness resources into Hilton’s Connected Room Experience. Starting in March 2025, guests will have access to guided meditations, Sleep Stories, calming soundscapes, and mindfulness exercises via the in-room TV, without requiring a subscription. This collaboration aligns with the booming global wellness industry,… Read the full press release

DFW Airport Ambassadors: Volunteers Offering Warm Texas Hospitality to Millions of Travelers

(IN SHORT) The DFW Airport Ambassadors program, consisting of over 300 volunteers in distinctive gray and orange uniforms, plays a crucial role in enhancing the travel experience at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. These volunteers assist passengers with gate navigation, ride directions, and emotional support, offering a warm Texas welcome. The program has recently been… Read the full press release

Qantas Launches Seasonal Direct Flights to Sapporo, Marking 100th Destination in Its Global Network

New seasonal route between Sydney and Sapporo 100th destination in the Qantas network Qantas to fly over 850,000 seats per year to Japan (IN SHORT) Qantas is launching a seasonal direct flight between Sydney and Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, marking the airline’s 100th destination. The new route, starting in December 2025, will operate three times… Read the full press release

Qantas Announces Major Enhancements to Loyalty Program, Expanding Rewards and Benefits for Frequent Flyers

(IN SHORT) Qantas has introduced several enhancements to its Frequent Flyer program, providing members with more opportunities to earn points and access premium rewards. The airline will increase the number of Classic Reward seats, including those in premium cabins, and introduce the lowest Economy reward seat fares in Australia. These changes follow the success of… Read the full press release

Qantas Continues On-Time Dominance, Leading Domestic Airline for Fifth Consecutive Year

(IN SHORT) Qantas has maintained its position as the most on-time major domestic airline in Australia for the fifth consecutive year, with 76.1% of its flights departing on time in 2024, outperforming its closest competitor. The airline saw improvements in its operational performance, including a slight reduction in its cancellation rate to 3.2%. December’s performance… Read the full press release