(IN SHORT) SITA, a prominent provider of technology solutions for the travel, transport, and mobility sectors, has announced the appointments of two senior vice presidents to its leadership team. Stefan Schaffner, formerly the CEO of Touchless Biometric Systems AG (TBS), has been appointed as Senior Vice President of SITA AT AIRPORTS. In his role, Schaffner… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has extended its partnership with Captain Cause, a mission-driven organization that supports socially and environmentally impactful initiatives. This partnership allows members of Accor’s loyalty program, ALL, to easily utilize their Reward points to support causes aligned with Accor’s focus on Nature, Society, and humanitarian disaster relief. Accor guarantees… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Travelzoo, a global internet media company, has reported that within the first 72 hours of its #TravelforTomorrow initiative launch, over 10,000 people have publicly pledged to become conscious travelers. The initiative encourages travelers worldwide to make personal pledges for conscious travel, which can include supporting local businesses, reducing single-use plastic, opting for public… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is collaborating with Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) to identify entrepreneurs and startups at the forefront of reshaping the hotel industry and new business models. The UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models is open to global startups and entrepreneurs, focusing… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) hosted its inaugural legal seminar in Salamanca, Spain, focusing on the International Code for the Protection of Tourists. This landmark code, established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has garnered support from 22 countries and aims to provide legal certainty to the global tourism sector. During… Read the full press release
Combined company to maintain Alaska Airlines’ and Hawaiian Airlines’ strong, high-quality brands, supported by a single, compelling loyalty offering. Expands fifth largest U.S. airline to a fleet of 365 narrow and wide body airplanes enabling guests to reach 138 destinations through our combined networks and more than 1,200 destinations through the oneworld Alliance. Honolulu to become… Read the full press release
Cathay has bought back 50% of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s preference shares and plans to buy the remainder by the end of July 2024 (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific Group has achieved a significant milestone in its recovery plan by repurchasing 50% of the HK$19.5 billion preference shares issued to the Hong Kong Special Administrative… Read the full press release
British Airways is partnering with SigncodeUK, an organisation dedicated to ensuring equal access to information, products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community The partnership will mean customers can access key travel information in signed video form, including the airline’s onboard safety briefing via a unique QR code It is estimated that more than 150,000 people… Read the full press release
Mercure has partnered with Munchies and TOPJAW to inspire the palates of world travelers with 50 amazing food & drink experiences around the globe. (IN SHORT) To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Mercure has introduced its own ‘Bucket List’ featuring 50 carefully curated food and drink experiences from around the world. This list is aimed at… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Carina Malmgren Heander, the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at SAS, has decided to retire from her position effective February 1, 2024. However, she will continue to serve as a senior advisor to CEO Anko van der Werff until the summer of 2024 to ensure a smooth transition. In light of… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG, a global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has launched air cargo handling operations at Sydney Airport, Australia. This expansion into the cargo segment is part of Swissport’s growth strategy in the Asia Pacific region and complements its successful ground services business. Swissport has been actively pursuing… Read the full press release
One-off A380 flight, in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, celebrates the achievements of Dr Sultan AlNeyadi, Hazzaa AlMansoori, and the UAE’s bold National Space Strategy and Vision, just ahead of the UAE’s 52nd National Day (IN SHORT) Emirates has teamed up with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to celebrate the United Arab… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Spirit Airlines has received a Gold Award in the Airlines and Airports category for its “Giving Back Initiative” at the 2023 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. The recognition acknowledges the airline’s philanthropic efforts through the Spirit Charitable Foundation, which focuses on creating a positive social impact in areas such as children and families, service… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Belfast City Airport has marked the graduation of five young firefighters from its ‘High Flyers’ Apprenticeship program, securing them full-time employment within the airport’s fire service. This batch, the largest firefighting apprentice intake for the airport, excelled in training courses covering various firefighting skills, including hose running, pump operations, water rescue, boat handling,… Read the full press release
The first airline in Asia-Pacific to bring Disney+ Original titles to the skies (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, is set to become the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to offer Disney+ Original titles as part of its inflight entertainment experience. Starting from December 1, 2023, passengers on Cathay Pacific flights will… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has unveiled executive leadership changes and organizational realignment aimed at supporting the company’s strategic priorities. The changes include elevating Justin Jones to Executive Vice President Operations, where he will lead efforts related to modernization and daily airline operations. Tony Roach will assume the role of Senior Vice President & Chief Customer… Read the full press release
From enchanting chalet experiences to a Michelin-starred New Year’s Eve speakeasy soiree, Four Seasons Napa Valley promised one-of-a-kind experiences in the food and wine capital of North America (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is set to create unforgettable holiday moments for guests this season. The luxury resort invites visitors to experience… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis is offering a magical holiday experience with its festively decorated Santa Suite. Located in one of the Hotel’s Riverfront Studio Suites, the Santa Suite is adorned with cozy seasonal bedding, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and other holiday decor. Families can enjoy the suite’s king bed,… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Malaysia Airlines has announced its Year-End Sale, offering travelers attractive ticket prices for planning holidays until the new year. The sale, which runs from November 28 to December 11, 2023, includes fares starting from RM79 for domestic destinations and RM229 for international destinations. Travelers can explore ASEAN countries with fares like RM229 from… Read the full press release
Scotland’s ‘crown jewels’ have returned to display at Edinburgh Castle after conservation (IN SHORT) The Honours of Scotland, which include the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State and are among the oldest crown jewels in Europe, have been put on display at Edinburgh Castle following extensive conservation work. Experts from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) meticulously… Read the full press release
Presented by the Federal Minister of Labour, awards recognizes airline’s commitment to employment equity and a diverse workforce (IN SHORT) Air Canada has been honored with two awards at the Employment Equity Achievement Awards, presented by Federal Minister of Labour and Seniors, The Honourable Seamus O’Regan. The airline was recognized for its exceptional commitment to… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The new Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart, located in Stuttgart’s tallest building, offers 168 meticulously designed rooms and suites on the upper floors of this iconic structure. The hotel combines contemporary aesthetics with harmonious color palettes, paying homage to the tower’s iconic design. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the… Read the full press release
A Celebration in Turku, Finland, Marks the Completion of 900 Days of Construction and the Start of Putting the Finishing Touches on the Ultimate Family Vacation (IN SHORT) Royal Caribbean International has officially welcomed the Icon of the Seas, a groundbreaking cruise ship, to its fleet after seven years of planning and 900 days of… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The Brussels Airport Stargate project, in collaboration with a consortium of 21 partners, has marked its two-year milestone in pursuing sustainability within aviation. This European Green Deal initiative focuses on practical solutions, such as electric ground handling equipment, the Digital Green Lane for cargo, and encouraging alternative transportation methods for staff. With further… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG and Saudi ASYAD Holding have entered into binding agreements for the sale of a 49 percent stake in Swissport Saudi Arabia to ASYAD. This partnership aims to drive the development and growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ground services sector in alignment with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. Swissport plans to… Read the full press release
British Airways Executive Club Members can now collect Avios when spending at London Heathrow’s World Duty Free shops Customers who are members of both British Airways’ and World Duty Free’s respective loyalty programmes can collect one Avios per £1 spend at the airport The partnership includes a bonus of 250 Avios on their first purchase (IN… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, is set to open its doors in early 2024 and will feature a luxurious signature spa that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of London life. Located in Hanover Square in the heart of Mayfair, the spa will include a 25-meter heated swimming pool, sauna, vitality… Read the full press release
In appreciation of the Malaysian government’s visa-free entry for travellers from China and India, AirAsia commits to a substantial expansion in capacity (IN SHORT) AirAsia has announced a significant increase in flights between Malaysia and China/India, totaling 230 weekly flights starting in the first quarter of 2024, with a capacity of up to 5.2 million… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Emirates is marking the 52nd UAE National Day on December 2nd with special celebrations onboard its flights and in its lounges. Passengers departing from Dubai will receive Emirati-inspired sweet treats, and the aircraft interior will be illuminated with the colors of the UAE flag. In First and Business Class, customers can enjoy traditional… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Bangkok-based hotel owner, operator, and investor, Minor Hotels, has appointed Sandie Johannessen as the Group Director of Spa and Wellness – Asia, effective from October 2023. In her new role, Sandie will oversee the spa and wellness operations, development, and brand standards across all of Minor Hotels’ brands in Asia. She will also… Read the full press release