flydubai Expands African Network with Inaugural Flights to Mombasa, Kenya

The Dubai-based carrier touched down in Mombasa, becoming the first carrier from the UAE to operate direct flights to the city with a four-times weekly service flydubai grows its network in Africa to 12 destinations in 11 countries (IN SHORT) On January 17th, flydubai launched its operations to Mombasa, Kenya, marking its 12th destination in… Read the full press release

Hyatt Opens Secrets Tides Punta Cana Resort as Part of Expanding Caribbean Portfolio

The 688-room adults-only resort blends modern luxury with a romantic atmosphere offering an ideal escape for couples (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Secrets Tides Punta Cana, an adults-only resort in the Dominican Republic, adding to their growing leisure portfolio in the Caribbean. With 688 rooms, this beachfront resort offers a… Read the full press release

Hyatt Launches ‘Be More Here’ Brand Platform Focusing on Wellbeing and Meaningful Travel Experiences

“Be More Here” complements the reimagined World of Hyatt loyalty program that offers more awards and more ways to experience wellbeing in more destinations – including an exclusive hospitality collaboration with MasterClass (IN SHORT) Hyatt has introduced its new brand platform, “Be More Here,” which encourages guests, members, and customers to embrace the transformative power… Read the full press release

Marriott Bonvoy and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Announce Exclusive Partnership with U.S. Soccer to Elevate Fan Experiences

Exclusive four-year partnership will enhance fan experiences, unlock new benefits, and celebrate the unifying power of travel across communities (IN SHORT) Marriott Bonvoy and SpringHill Suites by Marriott have entered a multiyear agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation, securing exclusivity in the hotel lodging, accommodations, and hotel loyalty category. This strategic partnership aims to enhance… Read the full press release

Marriott Breaks Ground on Its First StudioRes Hotel in Fort Myers, Florida, Introducing Affordable Extended Stay Accommodations

Ceremony marks milestone for Marriott’s new affordable midscale extended stay brand in U.S. and Canada (IN SHORT) Marriott International celebrated the groundbreaking of its inaugural StudioRes brand hotel in Fort Myers, Florida, marking the brand’s entry into the affordable midscale extended stay segment in the U.S. & Canada. Developed by Concord Hospitality and Whitman Peterson,… Read the full press release

Marriott Opens Nagasaki Marriott Hotel, Its Flagship Debut in Kyushu, Japan

Modern design and enriching experiences underscore the brand’s promise of ‘Wonderful Hospitality. Always’ in the historic city of Nagasaki (IN SHORT) Marriott Hotels has announced the opening of Nagasaki Marriott Hotel, its first property in Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, and the ninth Marriott Hotel in the country. Located adjacent to JR Nagasaki Station, the… Read the full press release

Moxy Hotels Makes Its Vibrant Debut in India with Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud

Marking the 17th brand to join the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in South Asia, the hotel brings Moxy’s boundary-breaking experience into the vibrant metropolis of Bengaluru (IN SHORT) Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy, has opened its first hotel in India, Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud. Located near Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, the hotel… Read the full press release

Leanne Harwood Appointed to Lead IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle Americas Division

Company, Industry Veteran to Begin New Role as SVP, Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas in March (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has named Leanne Harwood as Senior Vice President (SVP), Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas (LLA). Harwood, an industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, will oversee the daily operations of… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Luxury & Lifestyle Portfolio with Strategic Growth Initiatives

Expansion, expertise and enterprise investment propel momentum in the Americas across six renowned brands (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts highlights its substantial growth in the Luxury & Lifestyle segment, boasting one of the world’s largest portfolios in the category, which now represents 22% of its global pipeline. IHG achieved this through strategic expansion, acquisitions… Read the full press release

Emirates Showcases Upgraded A380 Aircraft with Premium Economy on Tokyo Narita Route

(IN SHORT) Emirates hosted an exclusive tour of its upgraded four-class A380 aircraft at Tokyo Narita International Airport, featuring its popular Premium Economy product introduced on the Tokyo Narita-Dubai route in December 2023. The tour allowed trade partners and media guests to experience Emirates’ latest product, enhanced First and Business Class cabins, and refurbished interiors…. Read the full press release

Emirates Aviation University Celebrates 33rd Graduation Ceremony with Diverse Cohort of Future Aviation Professionals

(IN SHORT) Emirates Aviation University (EAU) recently held its 33rd graduation ceremony, where 302 students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities were awarded degrees in various aviation disciplines. The ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, who conferred the graduates with their… Read the full press release

Choice Hotels Reports Strong Growth and Expansion Plans for 2024

Distinct Revenue-Intense Growth Strategy Delivers Strong Development Results (IN SHORT) Choice Hotels International, Inc. has achieved substantial growth in 2023, surpassing expectations. The company reported a 1.4% increase in the number of hotels within its domestic upscale, midscale, and extended stay brands, with an almost 2% growth in the number of domestic properties in revenue-intense… Read the full press release

Discover Airlines to Launch Frankfurt to Kittilä Flights, Enhancing Lapland’s International Connectivity

(IN SHORT) Discover Airlines, a German leisure airline under the Lufthansa Group, is set to improve Kittilä Airport’s international route options by introducing scheduled flights from Frankfurt, Germany, to Kittilä Airport starting from December 20, 2024, until March 28, 2025. These weekly Friday flights on Airbus A320-200 aircraft are a welcome addition to Lapland’s growing… Read the full press release

United Airlines Pilot Capt. Anne Worster Elected as MEC Chair by Air Line Pilots Association

(IN SHORT) The United Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) has elected Capt. Anne Worster as the new chair of the pilot group. Capt. Worster, a 27-year United Airlines pilot, Gulf War veteran, and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, currently serves as vice chair and first officer representative… Read the full press release

Wizz Air Achieves Record Low Carbon Emissions in 2023, Continuing Environmental Leadership

Carbon emisssions per passenger/km down by 6.8% YoY (IN SHORT) Wizz Air, recognized as Europe’s fastest-growing and most environmentally sustainable airline, announced that it achieved its lowest-ever average annual carbon intensity result in 2023, recording 51.5 grams of carbon emissions per passenger/kilometer, a 6.8% reduction from the previous year. The airline aims to reduce its… Read the full press release

Award-Winning Chef Nina Compton Named Godmother of Silversea’s Silver Nova Cruise Ship

A champion of cultural discovery and human connection, Chef Compton’s values align with those at the heart of Silversea’s immersive S.A.L.T. culinary program (IN SHORT) Silversea announced that acclaimed chef Nina Compton, known for her culinary expertise and TV appearances, will serve as the Godmother of their newest ship, Silver Nova. This announcement was made… Read the full press release

AirAsia Launches New Kuala Lumpur to Ahmedabad Route, Expanding India Connectivity

(IN SHORT) AirAsia has unveiled plans to add a new route connecting Kuala Lumpur to Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, starting on May 1, 2024. This marks AirAsia’s eleventh route to India and its third new route in 2024. The move not only strengthens AirAsia’s presence in South Asia but also introduces the… Read the full press release

San Francisco International Airport to Rename International Terminal in Honor of Dianne Feinstein

(IN SHORT) The San Francisco Airport Commission has approved a resolution to rename the International Terminal at SFO in honor of the late Senator and former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein. The decision comes after a nomination was submitted by The Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee, citing compelling reasons for the tribute. Feinstein’s significant contributions include… Read the full press release

Boeing Appoints Admiral Kirkland H. Donald as Special Advisor to Enhance Quality Management

Admiral Kirkland Donald to lead in-depth assessment of Boeing commercial quality management system (IN SHORT) Boeing has named Admiral Kirkland H. Donald, U.S. Navy (Ret.), as a special advisor to Boeing’s President and CEO, Dave Calhoun, to assess Boeing’s quality management system for commercial airplanes. Admiral Donald and a team of experts will review quality… Read the full press release

Hyatt Place Kathmandu to Transform into Nepal’s First Hyatt Centric Hotel

Hyatt Place Kathmandu to be fully transformed into a 153-room Hyatt Centric hotel centrally located in the lively city of Kathmandu (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced an agreement to rebrand Hyatt Place Kathmandu as the Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu, marking the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Nepal upon completion of renovations. The transformation… Read the full press release

Panda Diplomacy: Le Le Begins New Chapter in China’s Giant Panda Conservation Program

(IN SHORT) On January 16, 2024, Le Le safely arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, beginning his second round of quarantine as part of his journey from Singapore to China. The China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda (CCRCGP) will closely monitor Le Le during this period to determine his permanent residence post-quarantine. His… Read the full press release

FITUR 2024: UNWTO Highlights Tourism Investment, Sustainability, and Collaboration

(IN SHORT) The FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair, with Ecuador as the official partner country, is set to be a platform for tourism innovation and collaboration from January 23 to 26, 2024. The UNWTO will focus on fostering investment opportunities, strengthening international partnerships, and addressing sustainable development and climate action. Key highlights include investment forums,… Read the full press release

Emirates Launches Global Cabin Crew Recruitment Drive for 5,000 New Members in 2024

New joiners will boost existing cabin crew numbers by 25%  Airline invites graduates and young professionals worldwide to apply (IN SHORT) Emirates is embarking on a worldwide cabin crew recruitment initiative to hire 5,000 new team members as part of its commitment to providing an exceptional in-flight experience. This recruitment drive is targeted towards fresh… Read the full press release

Emirates Offers Wellness Tips for a Better Flying Experience in 2024

(IN SHORT) Emirates is sharing tips on how to have a healthier and less stressful flying experience in 2024. The airline suggests utilizing technology for stress reduction, keeping hand luggage light to avoid discomfort, enjoying wellness content on their inflight entertainment system, doing in-seat exercises to improve circulation, and savoring nutritious, locally sourced meals. They… Read the full press release

Mimo Restaurant and Bar in Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Announces Chef Collaboration Dinners and Nashville Restaurant Week Celebration

The flagship restaurant of Four Seasons Hotel Nashville to partner with Lyra on two chef collaboration dinners, as well as a prix-fixe menu offering for Nashville Restaurant Week as part of month-long food festival Dine Nashville: The Music City Way program (IN SHORT) Mimo Restaurant and Bar, located in the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, is set… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Appoints Culinary Stars to Reclaim Michelin Status at Yu Yuan Restaurant

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has made significant appointments in its culinary team, welcoming Head Chef Kwok Wai To and Dim Sum Chef Qingbing Wu to the renowned Yu Yuan restaurant. These appointments are part of a strategic initiative to regain Michelin-star status and strengthen the restaurant’s position as a world-class venue for authentic… Read the full press release

Finnair Launches Year-Round Service to Tartu, Estonia, Enhancing Connectivity

(IN SHORT) Finnair is set to commence a year-round service to Tartu in Southern Estonia, starting from March 31. This new route will connect the university city to Helsinki with two daily flights six days a week. The flights are scheduled to integrate seamlessly with Finnair’s extensive network, linking Tartu to various European, Asian, and… Read the full press release

Sofitel and French Bloom Partner to Offer Luxury Non-Alcoholic Experience at 120 Hotels Worldwide

(IN SHORT) Sofitel, the renowned international luxury hotel brand from France, and French Bloom, a sophisticated alcohol-free sparkling wine brand, have joined forces to provide guests at Sofitel’s 120 hotels worldwide with an elevated and inclusive beverage experience. Their collaboration aims to promote conviviality for non-drinkers and those moderating their alcohol intake. Together, they introduce… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Expands Global Network with New Flight Route to Medan, Indonesia

The award-winning airline continues its global expansion, introducing Medan as its third gateway in Indonesia The national carrier of the State of Qatar will operate three weekly flights to Medan onboard its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8 aircraft (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has inaugurated its new flight route from Doha to Medan, marking its third destination in… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Holidays Launches Fan Travel Packages for Inter Milan Matches at San Siro Stadium

The Official Global Airline Partner of FC Internazionale Milano is creating exceptional experiences for fans to visit the San Siro Stadium (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways Holidays is providing football fans worldwide with an opportunity to attend Inter Milan matches at the San Siro Stadium by offering comprehensive fan travel packages. As the Official Global Airline… Read the full press release