(IN SHORT) APTRA announces the addition of 11 new members, enhancing its influence and network across Asia Pacific. The association also highlights its upcoming APTRA Networking Lunch in Singapore on 11 May 2024, an event offering travel retail professionals a chance to connect and discuss industry developments. Tickets for the lunch are available for US$120,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) BGS Group and Wizz Air have renewed their successful partnership by signing a new fuel supply agreement at Vilnius, Kaunas, Riga, and Tallinn airports. This continued collaboration celebrates 14 years of working together and will include all Wizz Air divisions, ensuring smooth operations across its expanding European network. Wizz Air’s new flight from… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Emirates and AEGEAN have strengthened their partnership by offering reciprocal loyalty benefits. Emirates Skywards members can now earn and redeem Miles on all AEGEAN flights, while from May 21, Miles+Bonus members can earn and redeem Miles on Emirates flights. The collaboration provides connectivity to 14 Greek cities, 200 global destinations, and exclusive benefits… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Radisson Hotel Group opens Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa, marking the brand’s 11th hotel in Rajasthan. Situated in the scenic Jawai area, the resort offers a blend of luxury and nature with premium accommodations, event spaces, and activities like wildlife safaris and cultural tours. The opening enhances Rajasthan’s appeal as a top destination… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Andaz Miami Beach, Hyatt’s first Florida location for the Andaz brand, opens to offer a Mediterranean-inspired escape with luxurious amenities, stunning views, and dining by José Andrés Group. Located on Miami’s Mid-Beach, the hotel features spacious guestrooms, pools, a beach club, and a spa, providing a serene retreat close to South Beach. (PRESS… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Finnair has appointed Pia Aaltonen-Forsell as its new CFO, effective August 2025. She joins from Northvolt, bringing extensive financial expertise and leadership experience. Aaltonen-Forsell’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to further strengthen Finnair’s financial position and competitiveness in the aviation industry. (PRESS RELEASE) VANTAA, 2025-May-5 — /Travel PR News/ — Finnair has… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Jumeirah announces three new high-end properties in Dubai, including the Jumeirah Asora Bay hotel and residences and Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, part of the brand’s Mission 2030 strategy to expand its portfolio. These additions reflect Jumeirah’s focus on boutique-style hotels and branded residences, designed to offer exceptional luxury and elevated living experiences. With… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has deployed an AI-powered sensor system to enhance traffic flow and support sustainable infrastructure development. The new technology, developed by MistyWest, will classify 13 vehicle types and provide data to inform future infrastructure projects, including the Moray Bridge replacement. This initiative, in collaboration with Innovate B.C., reflects YVR’s commitment… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Hilton announces the signing of a franchise agreement for Tempo by Hilton Toronto Airport, marking the brand’s debut in Canada. Scheduled to open in 2028, this 193-room lifestyle hotel will feature wellness-focused amenities, innovative guest rooms, and a range of dining and meeting spaces. The new property will serve as a hub for… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) ANA HOLDINGS Inc., through its ANA Future Frontier Fund L.P., has invested in Otetsutabi, a platform that connects travelers with short-term, part-time work opportunities in rural areas. With over 1,900 workplaces and 70,000 registered users, Otetsutabi is revitalizing local economies and fostering connections between communities and travelers. ANA HD’s investment will support Otetsutabi’s… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Preferred Hotels & Resorts has added 19 new properties to its global portfolio, expanding its presence in 12 countries. The new properties offer unique, luxury experiences, including transformative resorts, wellness retreats, and historically significant hotels. I Prefer Hotel Rewards members can earn 2,500 bonus points on eligible stays at these new properties for… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Minami Nijo Operations and Goldman Sachs to open the Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park in late 2025. The 195-room hotel will be located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido, and will feature renovated rooms, a new gym, a lobby café, and meeting spaces. The… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Luxora Hotels to bring the Holiday Inn brand back to Townsville in 2026. The Holiday Inn Townsville will feature 93 rooms, a modern dining experience, extensive conference facilities, and the brand’s Open Lobby concept. Located in the heart of the city, the new hotel is perfectly… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean with nearly 400 properties in operation or planned for the region. This growth includes significant additions such as Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada, Kimpton Mas Olas Resort and Spa in Baja California, Mexico, and the SOUMA Hotel Lima,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Samco Holding for Development to open Holiday Inn Express Cairo New Capital in 2030. Located in the rapidly developing New Administrative Capital, the hotel will feature 125 guest rooms and will cater to both business and leisure travelers. This expansion continues IHG’s strategy… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a management agreement with API Hotels & Resorts to open the first Kimpton hotel in the UAE in Q1 2026. Located along the Business Bay Canal in Dubai, Kimpton Dubai will feature 280 luxurious rooms, innovative dining options, and top-tier amenities, including a rooftop pool, spa, fitness… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Frontier Airlines has signed an enhanced distribution partnership with Amadeus, introducing New Distribution Capability (NDC) content via a Global Distribution System (GDS) for the first time. This move is a significant part of Frontier’s New Frontier transformation, allowing the airline to offer a more personalized and seamless booking experience, along with improved pricing… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Marriott International has announced the acquisition of citizenM, a leading lifestyle brand known for its innovative approach to select-service hotels. This acquisition will strengthen Marriott’s global portfolio and provide additional lodging options for Marriott Bonvoy members. With a strong pipeline and plans for continued expansion, citizenM will benefit from Marriott’s development network, while… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have met at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai to discuss expanding their partnership with a potential reciprocal codeshare agreement. The agreement would enhance connectivity between Dubai and the Philippines, offering passengers a more convenient travel experience with a single ticket, competitive fares, and unified baggage policies. Additionally,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Emirates has expanded its global reach with the activation of a reciprocal codeshare partnership with Condor and a new agreement with Air Seychelles. These partnerships enhance connectivity for Emirates customers, providing greater access to destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, and the Seychelles. The agreements also offer passengers convenient booking options, seamless travel experiences,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) dnata and Jetstar have agreed to extend their partnership for another four years, expanding the agreement to include Jetstar Asia operations based in Singapore. dnata will continue providing inflight retail products across Jetstar’s extensive Asia Pacific network, offering a range of pre-order and buy-on-board options for millions of customers. The partnership is supported… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Auckland Airport has released its updated Master Plan, setting out a long-term vision for the airport’s development into the 2040s. The draft plan covers key priorities such as terminal integration, a second runway, and a future mass rapid transport corridor. The updated timeline for the second runway, now expected later than initially planned,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA and the European Travel Commission (ETC) have entered into a strategic partnership to advance sustainable tourism practices and promote greater connectivity between Asia Pacific and Europe. The collaboration, announced during the PATA Annual Summit 2025, will focus on a range of initiatives including supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promoting balanced tourism… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has partnered with CrescentRating to launch the Halal Travel Trends 2025 report, developed in collaboration with Mastercard. The report provides crucial insights into the preferences and behaviors of Muslim travelers, helping destinations and travel businesses better cater to this growing market. The launch was celebrated at the… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) ACI World’s latest report highlights a continued disparity between the recovery of passenger traffic and total airport revenues. While passenger traffic nearly reached pre-pandemic levels in 2023, airport revenues still lagged by 11.4%. The report shows that while total airport revenues increased by 21.4% to US$146 billion in 2023, they remain below 2019… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Kuwait Airways and Emirates have signed an MoU at the Arabian Travel Market to develop an interline agreement that will provide passengers with enhanced connectivity to Dubai and other destinations in Emirates’ global network. This partnership aims to offer more flight options and convenient schedules for Kuwait Airways customers. The agreement was signed… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Emirates and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have partnered to offer exclusive luxury air-sea packages starting in the 2026/2027 season. This collaboration will create seamless travel experiences for cruise passengers, with special fares and synchronized itineraries to enhance connectivity between Emirates flights and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury ships. The partnership will focus on offering exceptional service, integrating… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Emirates will roll out its upgraded Boeing 777s, Airbus A380s, and the first long-range Airbus A350 to eight additional cities by the end of 2025, enhancing customer experiences with modernized cabins and more Premium Economy seats. The airline’s retrofit programme, with a US $5 billion investment, will refurbish 219 aircraft, serving over 70… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Emirates and flydubai have announced a major milestone, carrying 5 million passengers in the past year, representing a 36% growth in joint passenger numbers. The partnership, which started in 2017, has expanded to 240 destinations across more than 100 countries, offering seamless travel experiences, enhanced connectivity, and an integrated loyalty programme. Both carriers… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Emirates has signed eight new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with tourism boards from Sharjah, The Philippines, Maldives, Visit Britain, Thailand, Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO), Uganda, and Hungary during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). These partnerships will focus on boosting inbound tourism to these destinations through joint marketing initiatives, promotional campaigns, and familiarization… Read the full news article