(IN SHORT) At the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in İstanbul, the Pacific Asia Travel Association unveiled a new Vision and Mission to guide its future direction. The new Vision, “A meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy,” reflects a deeper commitment to long-term, inclusive outcomes that benefit communities, cultures, economies, and the environment. The new Mission highlights… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has elected three new Executive Board members during its 74th Annual General Meeting in Istanbul: Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob of Thailand’s DASTA, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor of Malaysia’s Sarawak Tourism Board, and Raki Phillips of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in the UAE. Each brings… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Emirates has opened its newly reimagined Travel Store in Jakarta, offering customers an immersive and personalized booking experience that blends modern technology with signature hospitality. Located in Sequis Tower, the 221-square-meter space includes a lounge-style atmosphere, voice-activated selfie station, and curated merchandise, alongside four dedicated service counters for travel consultations. It also features… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) EGL Tours, one of Hong Kong’s largest travel sellers, has entered a strategic partnership with Amadeus to support its growth and digital transformation. The collaboration includes a suite of advanced solutions like Amadeus Master Pricer, Ticket Changer, B2B Wallet, and Agency Insight—helping EGL streamline operations, optimize payments, and gain actionable analytics for strategic… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) AEGEAN Airlines is expanding its digital capabilities through a new long-term IT partnership with Amadeus, aimed at ushering in the next era of airline retailing. The agreement includes advanced tools such as Amadeus Digital Commerce and Anytime Merchandising for personalized and real-time sales strategies, along with Outpayce’s Pay-by-Link and Xchange Payment Platform for… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo have announced plans to establish a Global Cargo Joint Business to boost connectivity, reduce transit times, and improve service for air freight customers worldwide. The strategic partnership will unify operations, standardize safety procedures, and deliver streamlined logistics solutions by combining their networks and expertise. Subject to… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) In 2024, Radisson Hotel Group’s Club Commercial achieved record success by uniting Revenue, Sales, M&E, Voice, and Web into one global, integrated service. With tools like GEMS and Pulse revolutionizing operations and revenue optimization, the Club maintained top RGI scores, launched AI-driven event platforms, and pioneered data-powered decision-making tools. Now covering 400+ hotels… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) ANA has become the first Japanese airline to offer cargo space booking through WiseTech Global’s CargoWise platform, launching the service on April 11, 2025. Initially available through a partnership with DHL Global Forwarding, the integration allows freight forwarders to book ANA Cargo services directly through the system they already use. This 24/7 digital… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Marriott Hotels has entered the “City of Lakes” with the launch of Udaipur Marriott Hotel, a 226-room luxury property overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravalli Hills. Merging the region’s regal Mewar heritage with contemporary sophistication, the hotel features rich architectural design, world-class dining, and extensive wellness and leisure amenities. With over 65,000… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia with the signing of Holiday Inn Jeddah Al Naseem, a 222-key hotel scheduled to open in June 2026. Strategically located in Jeddah’s evolving Al Naseem district, the hotel will feature the brand’s signature Open Lobby concept, offering seamless spaces for work and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Gauri Resort & Banquet Services to launch Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hapur by 2027. The new 120-room property will be part of a larger development that includes over 75,000 square feet of MICE and social event space. Strategically located along NH 9… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS company, has signed a new five-year agreement to handle Emirates SkyCargo’s freight operations at Frankfurt Airport. This move bolsters the longstanding alliance between WFS and Emirates, with the group now serving the airline at 21 stations globally. As a major hub in Emirates’ European network, Frankfurt supports… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo Inc., and NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. will serve as platinum sponsors for the Pharma Logistics Masterclass 2025, which will be held in Osaka and Kyoto from September 16–19. Organized by Pharma.Aero and the University of Antwerp, the event is a premier educational program aimed at advancing logistics practices in… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) ANA HOLDINGS has invested in RLWRLD Inc., a South Korean startup developing Robotics Foundation Model (RFM) AI, through its ANA Future Frontier Fund. RLWRLD’s RFM technology offers next-generation AI solutions tailored to physical environments, making it ideal for addressing workforce challenges in aviation and other industries. Led by AI entrepreneur Jung-hee Ryu and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been named the world’s busiest cargo airport for 2024 by Airports Council International (ACI) World, having handled 4.9 million tonnes of cargo over the year. This marks the 14th time HKIA has held the top position since 2010. Vivian Cheung, CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong, credited… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Zurich Airport anticipates around 100,000 passengers per day over the Easter weekend, prompting the airport to encourage travelers to prepare ahead with check-in, baggage, and security tips. To streamline departures, self-service check-in tools, baggage tag kiosks, and the ZRH Comfort lounge and fast-track options are available. Meanwhile, non-travelers can enjoy Easter-themed events, such… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Shannon Airport Group CEO Mary Considine described the first meeting of the re-established Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group as “positive,” following a productive gathering of 24 cross-party representatives from Clare, Limerick, Galway, and Tipperary. The group, chaired by Cathal Crowe TD, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Shannon Airport’s role in national policy and regional… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) dnata has announced three major cargo facility investments in Amsterdam, Erbil, and Dubai totaling over US$ 110 million, each designed to deliver scalable automation, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced operational efficiency. Launching in 2025, the facilities will expand dnata’s global cargo handling capabilities with features like AGVs, smart gates, ASRS, and cloud-based platforms… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Ryanair has expanded its reach by officially joining forces with Expedia Group, allowing travelers to book Ryanair’s low-fare flights directly on the Expedia platform. As part of Ryanair’s “Approved OTA” program, Expedia customers now gain access to over 230 destinations with transparent pricing and automatic syncing of their contact and payment details to… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Accor, in collaboration with Sukhani Ventures, has announced plans to launch two luxury properties in Rajasthan, India: Raffles Ranthambore, an exclusive 63-villa resort in Ranthambore National Park, and Sofitel Legend Sukh Bagh Jaipur, a 300+ room destination for upscale events and getaways in Jaipur’s Kukas Amer region. The Raffles resort will open in… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA, in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board, is launching three new training programmes in Sarawak, Malaysia to advance digital skills and AI literacy among tourism SMEs and destination management staff. Building on a successful AI training initiative from 2024, the sessions will take place in Miri and Kuching. They include an AI… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Cathay Cargo Terminal has conducted the first complete trial of Autonomous Electric Tractor (AET) operations at Hong Kong International Airport, successfully transporting cargo from within the terminal to the remote West Cargo Apron. The trial showcased seamless end-to-end automation, including precision docking and secure digital check-ins. Developed in partnership with Airport Authority Hong… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of voco Antalya Konyaaltı – the first voco hotel in Türkiye – as part of voco’s global vision to operate 200 properties by 2028. In collaboration with Pınarlar Kurumsal Hizmetler Turizm A.S, the hotel is expected to open in summer 2025, boosting IHG’s footprint in… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Kempinski Hotels has announced the appointment of Hoda Tahoun as the new Chief Talent Officer, effective from 14 April 2025. Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, Hoda will spearhead the global talent strategy aimed at attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier professionals, which is critical for the sustainable growth and continued transformation… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced a refreshed visual identity that blends its historic luxury heritage with modern design elements. The new identity features a modernized fan logo, a simplified wordmark, custom MO Exceptional typography, and an enriched color palette that now includes Celadon Green—a nod to the cultural significance of green-glazed ceramics… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Amadeus and lastminute.com have extended their long-term partnership, securing a comprehensive range of flight content via the Amadeus Travel Platform to further fuel lastminute.com’s strategy for developing personalized dynamic holiday packages and flight-only itineraries. This agreement guarantees lastminute.com continuous access to NDC-sourced airline content, which will enrich their offering and empower them to… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Amadeus and Viva have deepened their partnership by expanding their distribution agreement to include NDC-sourced offers and comprehensive merchandising content via EDIFACT. This development will provide Amadeus travel sellers with an increased variety of Viva’s offerings, such as bundled packages, ancillary services, and seat selection, thereby enhancing the overall booking experience. The collaboration… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Lufthansa City Airlines has received its first brand-new Airbus A320neo, registered as D-AIJP and named “Ingelheim am Rhein,” at Hamburg-Finkenwerder. This delivery marks a significant milestone in the airline’s strategy to revamp continental traffic within the Lufthansa Group, linking its current hub in Munich with the upcoming Frankfurt hub from 2026. The new… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) American Airlines is set to transform the pre-flight experience at Philadelphia International Airport by launching a new Flagship® lounge this summer that goes beyond being a mere waiting area. The revamped lounge is designed as a vibrant destination and exclusive gateway to Philadelphia, complementing American’s strong flight network, which saw over 19 million… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Vienna Airport has been named “Best Airport Staff in Europe 2025” by Skytrax, making it the top-rated airport team for the fifth time in its history. Awarded based on extensive passenger evaluations that highlighted high levels of friendliness, efficiency, and a strong team culture, the accolade was presented during the Passenger Terminal Expo… Read the full news article