PATA Forecasts Strong Growth in Asia Pacific International Visitor Arrivals Amid Post-COVID Recovery

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) unveils its Executive Summary report detailing forecasts for international visitor arrivals (IVAs) across the Asia Pacific region from 2024 to 2026. Despite potential scenarios ranging from mild to severe, the report predicts robust annual growth, with pre-COVID arrival levels anticipated to be surpassed by 2024. PATA CEO… Read the full press release

PATA Travel Mart 2024: Uniting Asia Pacific’s Tourism Industry in Bangkok

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is gearing up to host the 47th edition of PATA Travel Mart (PTM) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 27-29. With Thailand serving as the backdrop for this significant event, PATA Chair Peter Semone highlights the enduring partnership between PATA… Read the full press release

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Celebrates 109 Member Hotels Recognized in Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards

(IN SHORT) Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, proudly acknowledges the recognition of 109 of its member hotels in the prestigious 66th annual Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards. These awards, earned through an impartial and thorough evaluation process, signify the highest standard of luxury, service, and hospitality in the industry. With… Read the full press release

IHG Partners with Rakuten Travel for Enhanced Loyalty Program Integration

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rakuten Group Inc.’s travel reservation service Rakuten Travel, marking the first collaboration of its kind between IHG and a Japanese travel reservation service. The partnership aims to enhance the travel booking experience by linking IHG’s loyalty program, IHG One… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts Forges Ahead with Ambitious Expansion Plans in Greater China

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts announces its ambitious plans for 2024, buoyed by the revival of Greater China’s cultural and tourism industry. Under the vision of “True Hospitality for Good,” IHG is poised to explore both established and emerging destinations, anticipating strong market confidence and energy consumption in the region. The company aims to… Read the full press release

Emirates Upgrades Osaka Services with A380 Deployment Featuring Premium Economy

(IN SHORT) Emirates announces the enhancement of its services to Osaka by introducing the A380 aircraft, retrofitted with Premium Economy, effective from June 1, 2024. This upgrade aims to meet the rising demand for air travel between Dubai and Osaka, offering travelers increased seat capacity and the highly anticipated Premium Economy Class. The four-class A380… Read the full press release

Emirates and Moët Hennessy Offer Elite Skywards Members Exclusive Trip to France

The award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai has partnered with LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) to offer elite members a chance to visit the exquisite vineyards in France. Members can now bid Miles with Skywards Exclusives to win a four-day luxurious trip to Champagne and Paris. (IN SHORT) Emirates and Moët Hennessy collaborate to… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Prague Welcomes Culinary Maestro Helmut Roessler for Unforgettable Valentine’s Day Celebrations

(IN SHORT) Helmut Roessler, a seasoned expert in the culinary world, joins Four Seasons Hotel Prague to infuse Valentine’s Day celebrations with his global expertise and passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences. Roessler emphasizes the importance of culinary experiences in evoking emotions and fostering quality time between guests, aiming to craft moments where diners can… Read the full press release

Hyatt Hotels in the Americas Region Garner Multiple Prestigious Awards in 2023

Hyatt hotels in the Americas recognized among a prestigious group of consumer and industry publications and organizations (IN SHORT) Hyatt celebrates a multitude of accolades across its properties in the Americas region for the year 2023, with recognitions ranging from esteemed publications and organizations such as Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, and Men’s Health. These awards… Read the full press release

Accor Earns Coveted ‘A-List’ Recognition from CDP for Environmental Leadership

(IN SHORT) Accor, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, has secured a position on the prestigious ‘A-list’ of global environmental non-profit CDP, marking its first inclusion and positioning it among the leading companies for transparency and climate change management. Among 21,000 scored companies, Accor stands out as one of the 141 European companies awarded… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Wins Dual Honors at 2024 International Brilliance Awards for HR Excellence

The airline’s Employee Experience team receives two International Brilliance Awards: ‘Brilliance Award for Employee Engagement’ and ‘Gold Award for Use of Technology in Internal Communications’ (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has clinched two prestigious Human Resources (HR) accolades, the “Brilliance Award for Employee Engagement” and the “Gold Award for Use of Technology in Internal Communications,” at the… Read the full press release

Brussels Airport Successfully Implements Airport Operations Plan Enhancing Passenger Experience and Efficiency

(IN SHORT) Over the past five years, Brussels Airport led a European project aimed at developing and optimizing an Airport Operations Plan (AOP) to enhance processes and the passenger experience using data-driven predictability. The AOP, defined by SESAR, is a vital tool for optimizing airport operations by integrating data from various systems, prediction models, and… Read the full press release

Bristol Airport to Host Jobs Fair, Offering Over 100 Vacancies for Summer Season

(IN SHORT) Bristol Airport is organizing its first Jobs Fair of 2024, featuring over 100 vacancies as the airport gears up for a busy summer season. The fair, scheduled for February 20th, will include a range of permanent and seasonal roles in customer service, hospitality, retail, airline handling, and security. Over 50 employers based at… Read the full press release

Swissport Achieves Strong Volume Growth in Post-Pandemic Travel Surge

(IN SHORT) In 2023, Swissport International AG reported significant volume growth in response to the recovery in global air traffic and trade. The group handled 3.9 million flights, a 15.3% increase, and served 232 million airline passengers, marking a 24.6% growth. Despite labor shortages and global challenges, Swissport provided reliable ground operations at nearly 300… Read the full press release

Hyatt Partners with Local Giants for Hotel Expansion in China

Achieving win-win, the collaboration can expand Hyatt’s brand footprint in China and foster the strategic development of The Dragon Group and visibility for its boutique hotel brands (IN SHORT) Hangzhou Trade and Tourism Group (HTTG), Zhejiang Dragon Hotel Management Group (The Dragon Group), and Hyatt Hotels Corporation have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement to… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Unveils Redesigned Aircraft Cabin, New Seats, and Employee Uniform Refresh

Redesigned aircraft cabin interior featuring RECARO aircraft seats to debut in early 2025 Existing Boeing 737 MAX 8 and -800s to include onboard power ports and larger overhead bins Uniform refresh process underway to bring newly-designed apparel to Employees (IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has announced plans for a comprehensive makeover, including redesigned aircraft cabin interiors,… Read the full press release

Emirates Celebrates Remarkable Success in Winter Baggage Handling

(IN SHORT) Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced its busiest winter season for baggage handling in the last three years. From September 2023 to January 2024, Emirates maintained a 99.9% success rate in handling an average of 2.7 million bags per month traveling from Dubai to 140 global destinations. The airline’s excellent record… Read the full press release

British Airways Celebrates Lunar New Year with Festive Flights and Ground Surprises

Customers in all cabins can enjoy festive menus on flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore this Lunar New Year Colleagues will gift traditional treats in symbolic red envelopes to customers travelling through London Heathrow Terminal 5, with some lucky customers enjoying a surprise upgrade (IN SHORT) British Airways is welcoming the Year of… Read the full press release

MGallery Unveils Hotel Sosei Sapporo: A Japanese Heritage Retreat

A new addition to the MGallery hotel collection (IN SHORT) Hotel Sosei Sapporo, the latest addition to Accor Group’s MGallery Collection, has opened its doors in the historic Sosei East neighborhood of Sapporo, Japan. The hotel, situated on the island of Hokkaido, offers guests an immersive experience that celebrates Japanese tradition while incorporating modern elements…. Read the full press release

Hyatt Unveils Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres Resort in Mexico

The 507-room adults-only resort, situated along a secluded strip of idyllic oceanfront coast, expands the Secrets Resorts & Spas brand presence in Mexico (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has officially opened the Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres resort in Mexico, marking a significant addition to its leisure portfolio in the Mexican Caribbean. The adults-only, 507-room… Read the full press release

KrisFlyer Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Exciting Mile Promotions and Discounts

(IN SHORT) KrisFlyer, the lifestyle rewards program by the Singapore Airlines Group, is marking its 25th anniversary and the achievement of crossing eight million members in January 2024 with a series of promotions. From February 1 to 10, members can earn 50% more miles for SIA flights booked for travel between July and November 2024,… Read the full press release

Six Senses Kyoto: A Blend of Tradition and Luxury in Japan’s Cultural Heart

(IN SHORT) Six Senses Kyoto is set to open its doors in the historic Higashiyama district, marking the brand’s debut in Japan. Located in the cultural heart of Kyoto, the hotel offers guests a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern luxury. With 81 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, the hotel provides views of… Read the full press release

Emirates Expands Chauffeur-Drive Service for Business Class Passengers in Hong Kong

(IN SHORT) Emirates has extended its Chauffeur-drive service to Business Class passengers traveling to and from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as of February 1, 2024. This complimentary service enhances the airline’s premium offering in Hong Kong, providing a convenient door-to-door journey for Business Class travelers. Passengers can choose from a range of luxurious vehicles… Read the full press release

Emirates Unveils Newly Renovated Lounge at Brisbane Airport

The refreshed Emirates Lounge will cater for up to 183 travellers at a time Emirates now offers four lounges across Australian airports, and operates 30 lounges across its global network The re-opening follows the recent announcement that Emirates will be upgauging its second daily Brisbane service EK430/431 to an A380 starting from 1 October (IN… Read the full press release

Emirates Introduces Visa On Arrival Facility for Indian Passport Holders

New initiative enables eligible Emirates customers to skip the Visa-On-Arrival queue in Dubai Service exclusive to Indian passport holders who have booked their travel on Emirates with a valid six-month visa for US, EU or UK  Residency (IN SHORT) Emirates has partnered with VFS Global to offer a pre-approved visa on arrival service for Indian… Read the full press release

Anantara Expands Its Luxury Portfolio in Oman with New Resort in Bandar Al Khairan

New Anantara Resort in Bandar Al Khairan, Muscat to launch in 2026 (IN SHORT) Minor Hotels, the international hotel owner, operator, and investor, is set to expand its Anantara brand in Oman with a new luxury resort in Bandar Al Khairan, Muscat. The 121-key property, scheduled to open in 2026, will include guest rooms, chalets, and… Read the full press release

dnata Transitions to Electric Fleet at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as Part of Green Strategy

More than 65% of all dnata’s ground support equipment at Schiphol Airport is now electric dnata on track to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 globally (IN SHORT) dnata, a global air and travel services provider, is making strides toward its goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 by replacing all… Read the full press release

AHLA Survey: Americans Plan to Increase Hotel Stays in 2024 Despite Inflation

But inflation is preventing hotels and other travel-related businesses from reaching full potential (IN SHORT) A survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and conducted by Morning Consult has revealed that 72% of Americans intend to either maintain or increase their number of hotel stays in 2024 compared to 2023. Hotels remain the… Read the full press release

TFE Hotels Announces New Partnership Agreement in Western Australia with Serene Capital

(IN SHORT) TFE Hotels has entered into a partnership agreement with Serene Capital, a Boutique Fund Manager, for the Adina Apartment Hotel Barrack Plaza in Perth’s CBD. The hotel, consisting of 100 keys, now falls under the ownership of Serene Capital, expanding their portfolio to over A$850 million in assets. This partnership marks the third… Read the full press release

Japan Fair Trade Commission Approves Korean Air’s Merger with Asiana Airlines

(IN SHORT) The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has granted approval for the business combination of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, marking a significant step in their merger process. This approval follows engagements and discussions to address competition concerns raised by the JFTC, including divesting slots on certain routes and addressing competition in the cargo… Read the full press release