(IN SHORT) Korean Air has celebrated 30 years of service between Seoul and Washington, D.C., with a special event at Dulles International Airport, where gifts were distributed to passengers and a complimentary round-trip ticket to Seoul was awarded to the 30th check-in passenger. The airline began operating the route in 1995, initially with a stopover… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Malaysia Airlines will boost its Kuala Lumpur–Trivandrum service to five weekly flights from 12 September 2025, with daily operations launching on 1 December 2025. This move responds to strong demand and impressive load factors since the route’s debut in November 2023. The increase is part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen connectivity… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has appointed Michael Robinson as General Manager of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, effective 30 June 2025. A hospitality veteran with over 15 years of global experience, Michael brings a strong track record of leadership across the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. He most recently led Anantara Riverside Bangkok… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with KGA International Trades Private Limited to open Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery in Kerala by early 2027. It will be the city’s first internationally branded hotel and part of the under-construction KGA Mall. The hotel will offer 90 rooms and an array of facilities… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Austrian Airlines and Miles & More have chosen Erste Bank und Sparkasse to manage their Austrian credit card portfolio starting in 2026, with Mastercard continuing as payment provider. The new credit cards will be linked to the George digital banking platform and will introduce expanded benefits such as cashback on foreign currency payments,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Changi Airport has kicked off its SG60 celebrations with a Charity Walk and the ‘60 Years of Homecoming’ Airport Boulevard light-up, raising over $220,000 for Community Chest initiatives supporting youth-at-risk and children with special needs. The launch event featured over 1,200 participants and was attended by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow. Highlights… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Swissport has launched its new air cargo operations at Auckland Airport, unveiling a cutting-edge facility that expands the company’s logistics network in New Zealand and throughout Asia-Pacific. With direct airside access, advanced cargo screening systems, cold storage for perishables, and digital infrastructure for real-time monitoring, the 8,500-square-metre terminal aims to set a new… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Shannon Airport has retained its status as Ireland’s number one airport brand for the third consecutive year in the 2025 RED C Brand Reaction Index, which assesses emotional brand connection among Irish consumers. The airport rose three places from last year, ranking 48th out of 176 brands and remaining the top-performing airport brand… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) TUI Care Foundation has launched new TUI Futureshapers programmes in Portugal and North Africa to foster sustainable tourism entrepreneurship. In Portugal, the initiative is returning for a second round in collaboration with IRIS to provide training and mentoring to up to 60 entrepreneurs, with the top three teams receiving funding and six months… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) TUI River Cruises has announced the onboard experiences of its newest ship, TUI Bahareya, which will launch on the River Nile in November 2025. The ship, decorated with modern Arabic influences, offers guests a rich cultural journey through Egypt with a host of new venues. Among the highlights are Hetep, the fleet’s first… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) TUI Group and Bentour Reisen have finalized a mutual shareholding agreement following antitrust clearance, enabling both parties to take a 20% stake in each other’s business. With Nazar Nordic representing TUI in Northern Europe and Bentour Reisen operating in the German-speaking markets, the partnership enhances their collective ability to deliver high-quality, all-inclusive holiday… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Lufthansa, Fraport AG, and tech subsidiary zeroG are rolling out “seer,” an AI-powered camera system designed to enhance aircraft turnaround efficiency at Frankfurt Airport. After a successful pilot program, “seer” is being implemented at more aircraft positions, with plans for widespread deployment. The system captures and timestamps key ground handling steps in real… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) American Airlines will introduce Premium Economy service on its flagship transcontinental route between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) starting October 5. Passengers opting for Premium Economy will enjoy priority airport services, wider seating with extra legroom, premium amenities including an Ostrichpillow® and skincare products, and a full hot meal served with… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) ARDA‑Hawaii has donated $4,000 to the University of Hawaii Foundation to enhance UH Hilo’s Adopt‑a‑Beehive program, reinforcing its commitment to agriculture, sustainability, and education. The grant will fund the College of Agriculture’s Beekeeping Program, offering apiculture coursework, certification, and experiential learning at the Pana‘ewa farm apiaries. Spearheaded by Chef Alan Wong, Adopt‑a‑Beehive raises awareness… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) MSC Cruises will launch MSC World Asia in December 2026 as the third ship in its World Class lineup, featuring an array of entertainment and leisure offerings inspired by Asian art and design. New venues include The Clubhouse for family gaming and socializing, an expanded Luna Park arena for interactive shows and nightlife, and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) ICE! is returning to six Gaylord and JW Marriott resorts this holiday season, presenting a colossal ice-carving exhibit with over two million pounds of ice sculpted into classic Christmas scenes. Kept at a crisp nine degrees Fahrenheit and spanning some 20,000 square feet per venue, the walk-through attraction includes two-story ice slides, thermal parkas,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Golden Group Holding to launch voco Al Mouj Muscat, a 251‑key beachfront resort set to open in Q4 2025—the first voco property in Oman. Located in the upscale Al Mouj Muscat waterfront district, the resort offers easy airport access and proximity to cultural landmarks. As IHG’s fastest‑growing premium brand,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Royal Buildspace LLP to launch Garner Kutch in Gujarat in early 2026, marking the third Garner brand signing in India since its IMEA debut. Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion offering, focuses on reliable comfort, flexible spaces, and local touches for value-driven travellers. The 40‑room… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Holiday Inn Express’s new research identifies two concert‑goer personas—“Fresh” (Gen Z) and “Fried” (Millennials)—highlighting how each generation preps for, endures, and recovers from live music events. While Millennials dive deep into nostalgia-fueled nights and wake up feeling “fried,” Gen Z balances excitement with self‑care to stay “fresh.” To support both styles, Holiday Inn Express and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the first in Japan, showcases architect André Fu’s innovative fusion of Art Deco heritage and Japanese craftsmanship. The design integrates Osaka’s historical and modern elements—from a pavilion‑style arrival and monumental art installations to a sky‑high Pavilion lounge and a lantern‑lit rotunda. Dining venues—including Peacock Alley, Canes & Tales, and Jolie… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Norwegian Cruise Line’s spring/summer 2027 program spans April to October and includes more than 500 voyages from 20 ships across nearly 30 global homeports. Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries uniformly feature the private islands Great Stirrup Cay (soon with expanded pier, tram, heated pool, and new leisure areas) and Harvest Caye. Bermuda cruises sail… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) From July 25 through August 8, 2025, Santa Monica will host Dine LA restaurant week, featuring special multi‑course menus at 50 local restaurants. The event highlights the city’s diverse dining scene—ranging from Mediterranean and tapas concepts to Michelin‑starred fine dining and California cuisine—while emphasizing farm‑to‑table ingredients. Misti Kerns of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism underscores the week… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Austrian Airlines has refreshed its Business Class service on long‑haul routes with a newly structured menu card that lets passengers tick off breakfast items—reintroducing the Kreuzerlfrühstück for personalized trays. The airline has also replaced several international spirits with Austrian‑made selections: Gin X1 by Wolfgang Achs Apetlon, Gurktaler herbal liqueur, Roggenhof Whisky Single Malt from… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) EVA Air has introduced a new co‑branded prepaid UATP card for corporate clients, in partnership with UATP’s dedicated air‑travel payment network. Unlike traditional credit cards, businesses preload funds and unlock tiered benefits—ranging from free Economy tickets to Royal Laurel Class upgrades—according to deposit levels. The card can be used with any UATP‑accepting airline… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has partnered with acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer to craft a dedicated sonic identity for the airline, reinforcing its focus on emotionally engaging travel experiences. The score—set to feature across onboard and brand touchpoints—will also be released as a full album on streaming platforms and the airline’s channels. CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Fiji Airways is overhauling its onboard offering with a Pacific Rim–inspired menu and a new Dine on Demand service in Business Class, initially on select long-haul flights. The program lets passengers choose dishes and timing, elevating personalisation and comfort. Signature items—such as Grilled Mahi Mahi with Prawn Chilli Oil, Hamachi Crudo with Octopus… Read the full news article
New collaboration reshapes cargo payments and boosts efficiency for freight forwarders and cargo players across the UAE (IN SHORT) PayCargo has launched its digital cargo payment platform in the UAE, with Emirates SkyCargo as the first regional carrier to adopt the system. The integration allows freight forwarders and other stakeholders to make instant payments via… Read the full news article
Luxury hospitality brand showcases marquee 2025 events—and exactly where to check in for front‑row memories (IN SHORT) Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is capitalizing on a surge in event-driven travel—60% of travellers plan to build 2025 trips around entertainment and sports, according to American Express. The brand highlights five global experiences and corresponding properties designed for… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a 15th‑century palazzo in Venice’s Cannaregio district, is now accepting reservations for 47 accommodations—29 rooms, 16 suites (six Signature) and two Orient Express Apartments—ranging from 30 to 148 square meters. Built in 1436 under architect Filippo Calendario and once on the original Orient Express route to Constantinople, the… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Air Canada Cargo has launched a redesigned eBooking platform that streamlines online cargo reservations and introduces a suite of self-serve tools. The new system features a modern interface, a shipment-tracking dashboard, dynamic booking fields, real-time feedback to cut errors, and auto-confirmation for general cargo under 50 kg (0.3 m³). Customers can quickly replicate… Read the full news article