(IN SHORT) Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, the only hotel in Bangkok featured in Season 3 of The White Lotus, is inviting guests to experience its timeless charm and storied heritage through an immersive stay package called The Lotus Unfolds. Highlighting its role as an integral setting in the hit series, the hotel blends mystery, elegance, and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Marriott International has announced plans to double its affordable midscale brand, Four Points Flex by Sheraton, across Europe by the end of 2026, aiming to reach over 50 properties in the region. Launched in the EMEA region in September 2023, the brand now includes 25 hotels and more than 2,700 rooms in countries… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) ITA Airways has been approved by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board to start its integration into the global airline alliance, with an official membership expected in early 2026. This decision comes after ITA Airways’ recent induction into the Lufthansa Group and will see the carrier contribute 360 daily flights to the Alliance,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) At the Nepal-India-China Expo 2025 held in Pokhara, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) reinforced its commitment to fostering regional tourism collaboration. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid met with key tourism leaders from Nepal and the surrounding region, including ministers and senior officials, to discuss the significant opportunities presented by Nepal’s location between… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Finavia is significantly expanding its international air network for the summer season, with direct flights now serving 116 destinations globally. This expansion includes both new route launches and increased weekly frequencies on existing routes, with a strong focus on connecting Finland to major European cities and popular Mediterranean tourist hotspots. Finnish Lapland continues… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Green Key Global, a sustainability certification leader co-owned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC), has launched Green Key Ready, an introductory program marking the one-year milestone of their partnership. Aimed at hotels new to sustainability or with limited resources, this initiative offers a cost-effective… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Auckland Airport is set to discount its airline passenger charges over the next two years following the Commerce Commission’s final report on Price Setting Event 4 (PSE4). The discounts will adjust charges to approximately $9.00 for regional travel, $12.80 for domestic jet travel, and $38.90 for international travel, reflecting a revised targeted return… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) is set to reopen the Sakura Lounge for international travelers at Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport on March 31, 2025. The lounge, which originally opened in 2005 and was closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19, has been completely renovated with a new interior design and updated culinary offerings. Notable… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Radisson Hotel Group has opened Radisson Hotel & Spa Gyumri in Armenia, marking the brand’s debut in the country and its 17th property in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Located in Gyumri, a cultural hub, the hotel features 64 chic, Scandinavian-style rooms near the main square, alongside access to the historic Alexandra Spa… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Princes Gates Hotel Limited Partnership have announced that Hotel X Toronto will join the Destination by Hyatt brand, marking its Canadian debut and enhancing Hyatt’s Classics portfolio. Located by Lake Ontario, the hotel offers a year-round heated rooftop pool, Canada’s first Guerlain Spa, a 90,000-square-foot athletic club (10XTO), an… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) SAS has announced an expansion of its partnership with Delta Air Lines, effective April 2, 2025, enhancing travel options between Scandinavia and North America. This deepened SkyTeam codeshare agreement increases destination choices and flight frequencies, streamlining the travel process. Copenhagen Airport will offer 21 weekly flights to New York and 10 to Minneapolis… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), working with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre, has released the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027, analyzing tourism recovery for 39 regional destinations. The medium scenario projects international visitor arrivals (IVAs) rising to 813.7 million by 2027 from 648.1 million in 2024, driven… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Cathay and Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) have launched a strategic partnership titled “Cathay x Zurich partnership – Protect daily lives, Earn Miles,” aimed at enhancing the lives of Cathay members with diverse insurance options. This collaboration extends Cathay’s insurance offerings beyond health and travel to include Zurich’s home, motor, personal accident, and domestic… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels is set to launch the NH Collection Asunción in Paraguay, a new landmark hotel that will be the centerpiece of a mixed-use development on Avenida Santa Teresa in Asunción. Opening in 2029, this upper-upscale property will offer 80 luxury guest rooms alongside top-tier amenities such as a spa, pool, dining facilities,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Hotel Bellevue Cortina d’Ampezzo, Emblems Collection is set to become Italy’s first property under the Emblems brand, marking a new milestone in Accor’s global luxury portfolio. Developed in partnership with Invel Real Estate and Prodea Investments, the hotel will open at the end of 2026 in the renowned Cortina d’Ampezzo. Designed by pconp… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism’s leadership recently wrapped up a significant visit to China, during which Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili engaged with top government and industry figures to reinforce strategic partnerships and promote sustainable tourism initiatives. The visit highlighted China’s role in digital transformation and sustainable development within the tourism sector, while also supporting China’s Global Development… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort has unveiled The Mekong Explorer Tent, a unique, luxurious hillside retreat offering panoramic views of Northern Thailand’s scenic landscapes. Located near the Golden Triangle and set in a 160-acre bamboo forest, the two-bedroom tent provides guests with sweeping vistas of jungles, the Mekong River, and even… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA and Travel Unity have entered into a formal two-year partnership, as outlined in an MOU finalized in January 2025. This collaboration aims to foster a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region. The partnership will facilitate joint initiatives such as cross-promotion of events, reciprocal speaking engagements, and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Emirates has announced plans to introduce refurbished Boeing 777s on additional daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh, making Riyadh the first Middle Eastern and GCC city served entirely by these modernized aircraft. The new services will begin on 30 March 2025 for flights EK815 and EK816, with a third service commencing on 7… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) dnata has won three long-term contracts to provide inflight catering services to Hainan Airlines, Tianjin Air, and Beijing Capital Airlines (formerly part of HNA Group) at Melbourne International Airport and Sydney International Airport. The contracts will see dnata produce approximately 380,000 meals per year for flights operating between Melbourne and China, which serve… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines, Airbus, Nippon Paper Industries, Sumitomo Corporation, and Green Earth Institute have signed an MOU to collaborate on producing sustainable aviation fuel from bioethanol derived from domestic wood. This project builds on the MORISORA Project, initiated in 2023 by Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation, and GEI, with a joint venture established in 2025… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Six Senses, as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has signed a hotel management agreement with VIC Properties to develop the new Pinheirinho coastal estate near Comporta, Portugal. This 400-hectare property, long held privately and largely preserved as a pinewood reserve, will now be transformed into a destination featuring… Read the full news article
Emirates becomes first Middle Eastern carrier to operate daily to Shenzhen from 1 July, extending its presence to four Chinese mainland gateways including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou New linked service between Da Nang and Siem Reap via Bangkok offers multiple, convenient weekly services to both leisure destinations (IN SHORT) Emirates is expanding its network in Asia… Read the full news article
NH Bangkok Asoke follows the brand’s debut in the Thai capital with the opening of NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard in October 2024 (IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has expanded its NH Hotels & Resorts brand with the opening of NH Bangkok Asoke on March 1, 2025. This new property follows the launch of NH Bangkok Sukhumvit… Read the full news article
With the introduction of a third Boeing 767 freighter, JAL plans to expand its operations as follows to further meet customer demand: New Route to Hanoi: Commencing March 30, JAL will launch a new cargo service to Hanoi, a city experiencing significant growth in high-tech industries. This marks the first regular Southeast Asian route since… Read the full news article
In conjunction with the Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan, the “JAL GUNDAM JET” commenced domestic flights from March 3 (IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) has partnered with Bandai Namco to launch the “JAL×GUNDAM FLY TO THE FUTURE PROJECT” in celebration of Expo 2025, Osaka. The centerpiece of the collaboration is the “JAL GUNDAM JET,” a… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr offers an immersive Ramadan experience that blends authentic Moroccan traditions with exceptional hospitality. Guests can enjoy a special Ftour buffet at Flamme restaurant, featuring a variety of Moroccan and international dishes. Extended evenings at Laila Lounge, a serene stay package, and an Eid brunch mark… Read the full news article
114-room hotel to undergo refurbishment and reopen in Q3 this year Expands the brand footprint to 12 open and pipeline hotels in the country (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with FET SYSTEM INC. to launch the ANA Holiday Inn Iwate Kitakami in Japan by Q3 2025. The property, currently known as Hotel… Read the full news article
IHG’s midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, has rapidly expanded since launching in 2023 with more than 117 hotels now open or in the pipeline (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, into the UK with the opening of Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury. The hotel, part of IHG’s partnership… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Qantas has upgraded its regional flights in South Australia by introducing larger Q400 aircraft, offering more seats, faster travel, and improved reliability for routes connecting Adelaide to Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Mount Gambier, and Kangaroo Island. The airline is also enhancing its in-flight beverage offerings with South Australian wines, supporting both tourism and the… Read the full news article