PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair 2024 Connects Future Tourism Leaders with Industry Experts

(IN SHORT) The PATA Youth Symposium and Career Fair 2024, hosted by Dusit Thani College, welcomed over 200 students and industry delegates from 12 destinations. Organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the event featured presentations on the future of tourism, the role of AI, and the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)… Read the full news article

PATA and MGM Launch Sustainable MICE Training Programme to Strengthen Macao’s Event Industry

(IN SHORT) PATA and MGM are launching a capacity-building programme in Macao from September 24-26, 2024, aimed at enhancing the skills of local MICE professionals. The programme, “Macao MICE Forward: Innovate, Sustain, Excel,” focuses on sustainable practices, digital marketing, and the integration of AI in event management. With expert-led sessions and workshops, the initiative aims… Read the full news article

Qatar Airways Adds Four Weekly Flights from Amsterdam to Meet Winter Demand

The four additional weekly flights will begin from 12 November 2024 until 29 March 2025, following increased demand from passengers travelling from the Dutch capital to sun-soaked destinations (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways is increasing its flights from Amsterdam to Doha with four additional weekly flights from November 12, 2024, to March 29, 2025, bringing the… Read the full news article

Frankfurt Airport Unveils Revolutionary Real-Time Cargo Dashboard to Enhance Efficiency and Transparency

New service developed by allivate joint venture to expand digital Cargo Community System Real-time dashboard to show incoming cargo consignments at CargoCity South World-first system for entire cargo process chain at FRA (IN SHORT) Frankfurt Airport has launched a new ‘Cargo Dashboard’ service, developed in partnership with allivate GmbH, to provide real-time data on cargo… Read the full news article

İstanbul to Host PATA Annual Summit 2025, Highlighting Türkiye’s Role in Sustainable Tourism

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced that its Annual Summit for 2025 will be hosted in İstanbul, Türkiye, by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). Scheduled for March 2025, the summit will bring together global tourism leaders to discuss sustainable practices and industry advancements. The city of İstanbul, known… Read the full news article

Montevideo Launches UN’s First Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean, Enhancing Regional Tourism Regulation

(IN SHORT) The United Nations Tourism Organization has inaugurated the Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean in Montevideo, Uruguay. This is the first thematic office of the UN Tourism dedicated to legal issues in the region. The observatory, a collaborative effort with the Inter-American Development Bank, will feature a digital platform called… Read the full news article

VisitScotland Appoints Jill Walker as New Director of Marketing and Digital

(IN SHORT) VisitScotland has announced Jill Walker as the new Director of Marketing and Digital, effective 21 October 2024. Walker, currently Head of Marketing at the Scottish Government, will succeed Vicki Miller, who will become the CEO of VisitScotland next month. With a strong background in both public and private sector marketing, Walker is praised… Read the full news article

Qatar Airways Launches Groundbreaking AI-Powered Campaign, Making Customers the Star

(IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has launched an innovative global campaign called “AI Adventure,” which allows customers to star in the airline’s commercial using advanced AI technology. The campaign personalizes the experience by adapting characters in the film to match the viewer’s facial features and skin tones. This industry-first initiative reflects Qatar Airways’ commitment to creating… Read the full news article

Accor Strengthens Global Brand Leadership with Key Appointments for Premium, Midscale & Economy Divisions

New Brand Presidents join the Group reinforcing its Premium, Midscale & Economy Brand Strategy (IN SHORT) Accor has appointed two new Global Brand Presidents to strengthen its Premium, Midscale, and Economy brand divisions. Benoît Racle will lead Accor’s Premium brands, including Pullman, Swissôtel, and Mövenpick, while Jean-Yves Minet will oversee Midscale & Economy brands, such… Read the full news article

Emirates Launches First-Ever Madagascar Route, Boosting Tourism and Connectivity

Linked flight via the Seychelles will be four-weekly, boosting international travel to and from Madagascar Launch of Antananarivo marks airline’s fifth destination in the Indian Ocean (IN SHORT) Emirates has launched its first-ever flight to Antananarivo, Madagascar, establishing a four-weekly service that connects Dubai, the Seychelles, and Madagascar. The inaugural flight was celebrated with a… Read the full news article

Japan Launches World’s First Scope 3 Environmental Value Trading Initiative to Promote SAF and Decarbonize Aviation

Scope 3 Environmental Value Trading Demonstration Test to be Conducted at Narita Airport (IN SHORT) Japan has launched the world’s first initiative to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and reduce CO₂ emissions in the aviation industry through Scope 3 environmental value trading. This project, involving seven major companies like Japan Airlines and Narita International Airport,… Read the full news article

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle Earns Prestigious Spot in Robb Report’s 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle has been named one of Robb Report’s “50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth” for 2024, recognized for its unique glamping experience and blend of luxury and adventure. Located in northern Thailand, the camp offers 15 luxurious tents and an Explorer’s Lodge, providing guests with activities like nature… Read the full news article

Balinese Heritage Meets Luxury: I Ketut Sena Named Resort Manager at Four Seasons Bali

Balinese cultural custodian steps into coveted role at the award-winning luxury resort (IN SHORT) I Ketut Sena has been appointed as the new Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, becoming the first native Balinese to hold this position. With over 33 years of hospitality experience, Sena has been part of the Four… Read the full news article

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto Shines as a Hub for Glamour and Events During 2024 Toronto International Film Festival

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Toronto has been named an official partner for the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The hotel will host several high-profile events, including a VIP kick-off at d|bar by Chef Daniel Boulud, a Road to the Golden Globes party, and a Vanity Fair and Netflix gathering. Guests can also enjoy… Read the full news article

Ilma Superyacht Redefines Luxury Travel at Sea, Expanding The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

(IN SHORT) The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has launched its second superyacht, Ilma, offering a new level of luxury cruising. Ilma features 224 ocean-view suites, world-class dining by MICHELIN-starred chefs, and luxurious amenities such as a spa, fitness center, and expansive pool deck. The yacht will sail to exclusive destinations across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern… Read the full news article

Luxury Meets Nature at Oman’s New Mountain Retreat: Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa Opens

(IN SHORT) Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa has opened in Oman’s Green Mountain, marking the brand’s first resort in the Middle East. Located 2,000 meters above sea level, the resort features 173 rooms, suites, and chalets with stunning mountain views. Guests can enjoy a blend of luxury and Omani traditions, including wellness experiences… Read the full news article

Qantas Expands US Network with New Melbourne to Honolulu Flights, Launches Major Seat Sale

(IN SHORT) Qantas is launching new direct flights from Melbourne to Honolulu in May 2025, adding over 40,000 seats annually to its U.S. routes. This new service, operating three times per week on an Airbus A330, will replace Jetstar’s current Melbourne-Honolulu route, which will end in April 2025. To celebrate, Qantas is running a 7-day… Read the full news article

Cathay Pacific Graduates 300 Students from ‘I Can Fly’ Programme, Inspiring Future Aviation Careers

Cathay upholds its commitment to fostering youth development and nurturing future leaders for the Hong Kong aviation industry (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific celebrated the graduation of 300 students from its “I Can Fly” programme, which returned after a five-year hiatus. The six-month programme provides young people with insights into the aviation industry through tours, training,… Read the full news article

Celebrating Excellence: PATA Recognizes Chapters and Student Leaders for Outstanding Contributions to Travel and Tourism

PATA Face of the Future 2024 Honoured for Outstanding Achievements (IN SHORT) PATA recognized the achievements of its Chapters and Student Chapters during the PATA Power of Networking session in Bangkok. Awards were given to various chapters for their leadership, engagement with young tourism professionals, and sustainability initiatives. The PATA India Chapter received the Spirit… Read the full news article

Tourism Seasonality Summit and PATA Join Forces to Address Seasonal Tourism Challenges in Asia Pacific

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tourism Seasonality Summit (TSS) to address tourism seasonality challenges in the Asia Pacific region. This partnership aims to develop strategies to manage and alleviate the impact of peak season tourism, which can lead to over-tourism. The agreement was… Read the full news article

UNWTO and FIA Expand Partnership to Promote Sustainable Sports Tourism Worldwide

UN Tourism and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), have partnered to advance Sports Tourism on a global scale. (IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have strengthened their partnership to promote sustainable sports tourism globally, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding during the Formula 1… Read the full news article

IATA Criticizes New Zealand’s Decision to Hike International Visitor Levy Amidst Lagging Tourism Recovery

(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed disappointment with New Zealand’s decision to increase the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) and visa fees, warning that these changes could make travel to New Zealand more expensive and delay tourism recovery beyond 2026. IATA’s Regional Vice President, Dr. Xie Xingquan, criticized the… Read the full news article

Accor Celebrates Future Design Leaders at 2024 Awards During Maison&Objet Fair

(IN SHORT) Accor announced the winners of the 2024 Accor Design Awards at the Maison&Objet Fair in Paris. The competition, focused on reimagining luxury hotel design for the Sofitel brand, attracted nearly 100 entries from students worldwide. The winning designs, selected by a panel chaired by designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, showcased innovative concepts that blend luxury,… Read the full news article

Emirates Debuts Special A380 Livery Celebrating 20 Years of Global Humanitarian Work for Children

(IN SHORT) Emirates has unveiled a new A380 livery to promote the Emirates Airline Foundation’s humanitarian efforts, which have positively impacted thousands of children worldwide. The foundation, operating for 20 years, supports over 50 projects in 12 countries, focusing on education, healthcare, housing, and more. The special livery, which carries the message “Help to support… Read the full news article

Emirates Expands Premium In-Flight Beverage Selection with New Spirits and Beers

(IN SHORT) Emirates has expanded its in-flight beverage selection with 10 new premium spirits and beers, further enhancing the luxury experience across all travel classes. First Class passengers can now enjoy exclusive options like Stoli Elit 18 Vodka and Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Whisky, while Business Class and Economy passengers also see upgrades. Emirates has… Read the full news article

Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii to Bring Island-Inspired Cuisine to New York at James Beard Foundation Event

Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea host weekend of culinary mastery showcasing signature menus from the islands (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii will host a weekend of exclusive dinners at Platform by the James Beard Foundation in New York City this November. The event will… Read the full news article

Hotel Indigo Opens First Middle East Resort in Oman’s Breathtaking Jabal Akhdar

Ancient Omani traditions blend with stylish surroundings 2,000 metres above sea level (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened the Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa in Oman’s Green Mountain range, marking the brand’s first resort in the Middle East. Located 2,000 meters above sea level, the resort offers 173 rooms, suites, and… Read the full news article

AirAsia Strengthens Presence in China with New Routes from Penang and Kota Kinabalu

(IN SHORT) AirAsia is expanding its operations in China by launching two new routes: Penang-Shenzhen and Kota Kinabalu-Shantou, solidifying its position as the largest foreign low-cost carrier in the region. The Penang to Shenzhen route will begin on 28 October 2024 with four weekly flights, while the Kota Kinabalu to Shantou route will commence on… Read the full news article

Strategic Partnership Forged Between PATA and Sanya Tourism Board to Boost Tropical Coastal Tourism

Upcoming PATA Event — the 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event in Sanya, China Announced (IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Sanya Tourism Board have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on enhancing tourism in Sanya and other tropical islands in the Asia Pacific. The partnership aims to promote… Read the full news article

Royal Caribbean Expands Icon Class Fleet with New Agreement for Fourth Ship

(IN SHORT) Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku to build a fourth Icon Class ship, set for delivery in 2027, with options for two additional ships in the same class. This expansion follows the successful launch of Icon of the Seas and anticipates continued growth in Royal Caribbean’s fleet…. Read the full news article