(IN SHORT) MGallery Collection has opened V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection, marking the brand’s debut in the Maldives with a luxury all-villa retreat on the private island of Mirihi in the South Ari Atoll. Accessible by a 30-minute seaplane journey from Malé, the resort features 42 spacious beach and overwater villas, including… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Airport Authority Hong Kong has signed two Memoranda of Understanding with aviation partners in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to strengthen air connectivity between Hong Kong and Central Asia. The agreements were signed during a Central Asia visit by a Hong Kong delegation led by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee. In Kazakhstan, AAHK signed an… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) TAP Air Cargo, the cargo division of TAP Air Portugal, has joined Pharma.Aero’s global healthcare logistics community, strengthening the organization’s network across the air cargo sector and enhancing pharmaceutical supply chain connectivity between Europe, the Americas and Africa. Through its strategic Lisbon hub, TAP Air Cargo supports key pharmaceutical trade lanes and provides… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines are expanding their joint New Zealand-Singapore network for the Northern Winter 2026 season, running from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027. The expansion includes three new weekly Air New Zealand non-stop services between Singapore and Christchurch using Boeing 787 aircraft, complementing Singapore Airlines’ existing Christchurch operations… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Agoda has partnered with KakaoBank to integrate its hotel booking experience into the KakaoBank app, giving users of one of South Korea’s leading digital banks direct access to Agoda’s global accommodation inventory. The collaboration reflects the increasing overlap between travel services, financial technology and everyday digital platforms, allowing customers to browse and book… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association honoured long-standing member organisations during the PATA Executive Board & Board Member and PATA Awards Presentation Dinner on May 11, held as part of the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in Pohang, Korea. The recognition formed part of PATA’s 75th anniversary commemorations and celebrated organisations with more than 50,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Clearview, Sydney’s only glass boat cruising restaurant, has announced the return of its Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruise experiences for the 2026 festival season, running from 22 May to 13 June, offering guests a premium on-water perspective of the city’s popular lights festival. Designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and an almost entirely glass-wrapped structure, the… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Madrid has introduced a renewed selection of Natura Bissé treatments at its spa, strengthening its position as a leading luxury wellness destination in the Spanish capital. The new menu combines cosmetic science, expert techniques and a holistic approach to personal wellbeing, with facial and body rituals designed to deliver visible… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Swissport International has signed a binding agreement to acquire Swiftair Maroc, a Casablanca-based cargo handling company operating at Mohammed V Airport, Morocco’s main air freight hub. The deal marks Swissport’s entry into Morocco’s cargo market and gives the company access to a 3,700 sqm airside warehouse with temperature-controlled facilities for pharmaceuticals and perishable… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Centinel Public Partnerships and IHG Hotels & Resorts have been selected by the Department of the Air Force to modernize and manage on-base lodging across U.S. Air Force installations under a 50-year agreement. The phased programme, beginning with 23 installations, will transition lodging operations toward commercial ownership and management while aiming to improve… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Qatar Airways is expanding its African route network with resumed services, additional flight frequencies and a new destination launch for Summer 2026. The airline will restart flights to Seychelles, Kigali and Marrakesh while increasing operations to cities including Cairo, Cape Town and Dar es Salaam. Qatar Airways will also begin three weekly flights… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) voco Darwin Suites has officially opened in Darwin as the first voco-branded hotel in the Northern Territory and the first voco Suites property in Australia. Operated under IHG Hotels & Resorts, the 88-suite hotel combines apartment-style accommodation with premium hotel amenities and lifestyle-focused hospitality. The opening strengthens Darwin’s growing accommodation sector while expanding… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Manchester Airport and Virgin Atlantic are marking 30 years of the airline’s Manchester operations, celebrating three decades of long-haul connectivity from Northern England. The milestone includes the introduction of a new Airbus A330neo aircraft named “Champagne Supernova,” increased route capacity and new investment in premium passenger services at Manchester Airport. Virgin Atlantic continues… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Deutsche Lufthansa AG plans to increase its ownership stake in ITA Airways from 41 percent to 90 percent through the acquisition of an additional 49 percent shareholding valued at 325 million euros. The transaction, expected to close in the first quarter of 2027 pending regulatory approvals, represents a major step toward the full… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Qatar Airways will launch new services to Bogotá and Caracas from 22 July 2026, becoming the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela and the first airline to connect the Middle East directly with both cities. The twice-weekly route will operate via Doha, Bogotá, and Caracas, expanding Qatar Airways’ Americas network to 16 destinations…. Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Silversea has completed the revitalization of Silver Spirit, introducing upgraded public spaces, a new Mediterranean-inspired poolside concept called Riviera, and the debut of the brand’s S.A.L.T. culinary immersion programme onboard the ship. The refurbished vessel now features enhanced dining, wellness, and entertainment experiences designed around destination-focused luxury travel. Silver Spirit has returned to… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Airbnb has launched a new FIFA World Cup 2026™ community legacy initiative with the groundbreaking of a soccer mini-pitch at P.S. 112 Bronxwood in the Bronx. The project is part of a more than $1 million investment that will fund five mini-pitches across New York City and New Jersey to expand youth access… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Tourism Industry Aotearoa has welcomed the New Zealand Government’s proposed Conservation Amendment Bill, calling it the most significant reform of conservation legislation in around 40 years. TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram said the tourism sector has long pushed for modernisation of the current conservation framework, particularly around concession systems governing tourism activities on… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Qantas Group has extended its schedule adjustments into the first quarter of FY27 in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions, high fuel costs, and strong demand for European travel. The airline is increasing capacity on routes between Australia and Europe, including extending Perth to Rome services and maintaining key connections via Singapore, while reducing… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Worldwide Flight Services has been awarded a contract to handle Qatar Airways Cargo’s Boeing 777 freighter operations at Liège Airport, starting from 1 May 2026. The agreement includes ramp and warehouse services for cargo flights arriving from Doha and other international markets. The deal strengthens WFS’s position as the leading cargo handler at… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Korean Air has retained its 5-star airline rating from Skytrax for the sixth consecutive year, confirming its position among the world’s top carriers. The 2026 evaluation assessed over 550 service elements across the entire passenger journey, with the airline receiving strong marks for catering quality, cabin service, digital systems, and lounge facilities. Recent… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IATA has launched a pilot of its Billing & Settlement Plan in Somalia, with a full rollout expected by the end of May 2026. The system will streamline financial transactions between airlines and travel agents, improving efficiency, cost management, and financial control. The pilot includes participation from several airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Accor and Uber have announced a multi-market loyalty partnership that integrates Accor’s ALL Accor platform with Uber’s mobility and delivery services to create a more connected and rewarding customer experience. The collaboration enables account linking, allowing users to earn loyalty points through Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, while also accessing exclusive benefits… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) TUI Hotels & Resorts is set to introduce The Mora Singapore in September 2026, marking the brand’s first property in Asia and continuing its global expansion in the luxury hospitality segment. Located within the tranquil Labrador Nature Reserve, the boutique hotel will offer a small number of rooms and suites alongside premium amenities… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street Boston is hosting a Derby Day celebration at its Trifecta lounge, offering guests a themed afternoon tea experience paired with specialty bourbon cocktails and live race viewing. The event encourages attendees to embrace traditional Derby fashion while enjoying a curated menu featuring tea selections, pastries, and creative… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Chicago has introduced a refreshed leadership team across its catering and conference services divisions, reinforcing its position as a leading venue for luxury events in the city. The appointment of Sindi Stoeva as Director of Catering, alongside the addition of Lauren Heilman and the promotion of Alexandra Brewer, strengthens the… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Shannon Airport has launched a major promotional campaign offering 100 free flights to celebrate its new brand positioning as “The Best Place To Fly From.” The giveaway, run by The Shannon Airport Group, will see 50 winners receive pairs of flights to a wide range of destinations across Europe and the United States…. Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) A YouGov survey shows strong regional support for Bristol Airport’s proposed expansion, with nearly twice as many residents in favour as opposed. The plans aim to increase capacity to 15 million passengers annually and include a £500 million investment in infrastructure, new routes, and improved passenger facilities. The expansion is expected to enhance… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Marco Polo Plaza Cebu has launched a major transformation initiative under its Heritage, Reimagined campaign, aiming to modernize its spaces while preserving its long-standing identity. The redevelopment focuses on enhancing guest experiences through improved design, functionality, and usability, reflecting how travelers engage with hospitality spaces today. With over two decades of history, the… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Baltic Ground Services has extended and expanded its cooperation with LOT Polish Airlines across multiple airports in Central and Eastern Europe, reinforcing a long-standing partnership and supporting the airline’s regional operations. The agreement includes the continuation of fueling services in Riga and Ostrava, as well as the addition of Tallinn as a new… Read the full news article