RAK Properties and IHG Expand Partnership with Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah

Located on Hayat Island, the developement will be designed to meet the needs of extended-stay business and leisure travellers. (IN SHORT) RAK Properties PJSC, a leading property developer in Ras Al Khaimah, has announced an expansion of its partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts with the introduction of “Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab” on Hayat… Read the full press release

IHG Expands voco Hotel Brand in India with New Property in Amritsar

(IN SHORT) IHG® Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company, has signed a management agreement with A.R Resorts & Hotels Pvt Ltd to develop voco Amritsar Airport, a new 139-key hotel in Amritsar, India. Set to open in December 2024, this marks the brand’s fifth voco hotel in India and its first in the… Read the full press release

KLM Appoints Bas Brouns as CFO and Managing Director, Succeeding Erik Swelheim

(IN SHORT) KLM has announced its intention to appoint Bas Brouns as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Managing Director, effective April 24, 2024. He will take over from Erik Swelheim, who will step down as KLM’s CFO after serving for 12 years. Bas Brouns, currently the Senior Vice President Corporate Controller at KLM, brings nearly… Read the full press release

Swissport Extends Operational License for Skyview Lounge at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse with ASPIRE Upgrade

(IN SHORT) Swissport has secured an extension of its operational license for the prestigious Skyview Lounge at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse, valid until 2030. In a competitive tender, Swissport presented an investment and refurbishment plan, elevating the lounge experience with its renowned ASPIRE brand. The comprehensive renovation will introduce distinct lounge segments, including Skycafé for a cozy… Read the full press release

UNWTO Concludes Gastronomy Tourism Project in Ubud, Indonesia, Aiming for Sustainable Culinary Excellence

(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has successfully completed the Gastronomy Tourism Project in Ubud, Indonesia. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, seeks to establish Ubud as a global center for sustainable gastronomy tourism. The project, initiated in 2018 but paused during the pandemic, resumed… Read the full press release

British Airways Expands Route Network with New Flights to Agadir, Stansted, and Dubai

Agadir joins British Airways’ short-haul network from London Gatwick (IN SHORT) In an effort to enhance its route network, British Airways is set to introduce several exciting additions. The airline is returning to Agadir, Morocco, offering a four-times weekly service from London Gatwick starting March 31, 2024, after more than a decade’s absence. Additionally, British… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Announces Generous Benefits Package for Qatari Retirees, Including Flight Discounts and More

From January 2024, Qatari retirement card holders will be entitled to discounts of 25 per cent for First and Business class tickets, and 50 per cent for Economy class tickets on all Qatar Airways flights, along with other benefits Qatar Airways Group GCEO described the announcement as a way to give back to the community… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways and Iberia Expand Partnership with Daily Madrid-Doha Flights and World’s Largest Airline Joint Business

Qatar Airways and Iberia now jointly offer three daily flights between the Spanish and Qatari capital cities, further strengthening the long-standing cooperation between IAG, Iberia’s parent company, and the Qatar Airways Group. Iberia will also join and significantly expand the existing strategic alliance between British Airways and Qatar Airways, with the three carriers operating the… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways CEO Engr. Badr Al-Meer Elected to IATA Board of Governors and Joins AACO Executive Committee

Engr. Badr Al-Meer is also announced as a member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO) (IN SHORT) Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, has been elected to the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA represents approximately 320 airlines worldwide,… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Group’s Fuwairit Kite Beach and Ras Abrouq Hotels Earn Prestigious Sustainability Ratings from GORD

The upcoming Ras Abrouq has already achieved a remarkable 4 Stars rating under GSAS Design & Build certification and a Class B rating under GSAS Construction Management certification by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development The tranquil Fuwairit Kite Beach resort has received a 3 Stars rating under the GSAS Design & Build certification… Read the full press release

Qatar Duty Free Unveils Souq Al Matar: A Unique Retail and Dining Experience at Hamad International Airport

Souq Al Matar combines two dining options from renowned local restaurants and seven shops which deliver a true ‘Sense of Place’ The grand unveiling of Souq Al Matar took place with a spectacular Kabuki drop and a compelling projection show telling a story of time     (IN SHORT) Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has introduced Souq… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Surprises Passengers with ‘Trolls Band Together’ Treats on NYC Flight

(IN SHORT) In a heartwarming gesture, Southwest Airlines delighted passengers aboard Flight #663 en route from Dallas to New York by gifting over 140 customers with Fandango movie codes for DreamWorks Animation’s latest release, “Trolls Band Together.” This surprise giveaway, featuring in-flight trivia and the chance to win Trolls-themed merchandise, was the result of a… Read the full press release

FlightsChannel Urges Early Booking for Stress-Free and Affordable Christmas Flights

christmas flight deals

(IN SHORT) FlightsChannel, an Online Travel Agency, advises travelers to book their Christmas flights early to avoid last-minute price increases and ensure availability. The company offers tips such as choosing less popular destinations, considering flights to minor airports, and being flexible with travel dates to find cheaper options. (PRESS RELEASE) Las Vegas, USA, 2023-Dec-12 —… Read the full press release

Heathrow Airport Transforms into a Christmas Wonderland for Travelers

(IN SHORT) Heathrow Airport has ushered in the holiday season with a festive extravaganza for travelers. From live ballet performances to enchanting Christmas decorations, visits from Santa, and a range of entertainment options, the airport is spreading Christmas cheer. Passengers can enjoy performances, games, arts and crafts, and even a chance to win prizes. With… Read the full press release

Marriott International Opens 500th Luxury Hotel, Expanding Its Global Presence in the Luxury Travel Segment

Reaching its milestone 500th luxury hotel Marriott International’s unmatched global luxury footprint expands to the farthest reaches of the globe (IN SHORT) Marriott International, Inc. has achieved a significant milestone by opening its 500th luxury hotel, further solidifying its position as a leader in luxury hospitality. The company’s diverse portfolio includes renowned luxury brands such… Read the full press release

The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai Redefines Luxury on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast

Nestled within the new luxury resort community of Kanai and its natural mangroves, lagoons and beaches, EDITION’s newest gem marries its signature brand of hospitality with the Yucatan Peninsula’s modern and ancient cultures (IN SHORT) The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai, a new luxury resort created by Ian Schrager in partnership with Marriott International, has… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts Celebrates 150th Hotel Indigo with Debut in Malaysia

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has marked its 150th Hotel Indigo globally with the opening of Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park, the brand’s first property in Malaysia. The 180-room hotel is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, overlooking the Bukit Nanas and KL Forest Eco Park. The hotel’s design incorporates local… Read the full press release

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Unveils Culinary and Cocktail Trends for 2024

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants releases annual trend report, sharing what’s hot in food and beverage for the upcoming year (IN SHORT) Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has released its annual Culinary + Cocktail Trend Forecast for 2024. The forecast is based on insights from Kimpton’s global team of culinary… Read the full press release

Emirates Launches Premium Economy Service in Brazil with Enhanced A380 Aircraft

Airline to deploy Premium Economy on its daily flights from 11 December, following the launch of product in Brazil in November (IN SHORT) Emirates celebrated the launch of its Premium Economy service in Brazil with a tour of one of its upgraded four-class A380 aircraft. The event took place at Guarulhos Airport, Terminal 3, and… Read the full press release

Emirates Invests Over AED 186 Million in Fine Wines for In-Flight Experience

(IN SHORT) Emirates is enhancing its in-flight experience by introducing an array of exceptional wines onboard its global flights. The airline has invested more than AED 186 million into its wine and champagne offerings over the past year. Emirates boasts the most extensive wine cellar of any airline, housing around 6 million bottles of fine… Read the full press release

Diego Hermelo Vidal Appointed Spa Director at Four Seasons Resort Lanai

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort Lanai has named Diego Hermelo Vidal as the Spa Director, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Hawanawana Spa. With 20 years of experience in the spa industry and a background in wellness, Hermelo Vidal brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He previously served as Assistant Spa… Read the full press release

Cathay Cargo Orders Airbus A350F Freighters to Expand Fleet and Boost Cargo Connectivity

Strengthening Hong Kong as the world’s number one air cargo hub with Airbus A350F freighters (IN SHORT) Cathay Cargo, with a vision to become the world’s most customer-centric air cargo service brand, has placed an initial firm order for six Airbus A350F freighters and secured the option to acquire an additional 20 aircraft in the… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Nominates Lisa Atherton for Board of Directors

(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines Co. has announced that Lisa Atherton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell, a Textron Inc. company, is a candidate to join its Board of Directors. Atherton’s nomination, along with other Board nominees, will be voted on at the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for May 15, 2024. Lisa Atherton… Read the full press release

IATA Harnesses Advanced Data Analytics to Enhance Aviation Safety and Sustainability

(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled enhanced analytical capabilities within its Global Aviation Data Management (GADM) program, utilizing big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to drive improvements in aviation safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. GADM aggregates data from various sources, including the Incident Data Exchange (IDX) and Flight Data eXchange… Read the full press release

Royal Caribbean Unveils Star of the Seas, a Next-Generation Cruise Ship Set to Debut in 2025

The Latest in the Lineup of the World’s Best Vacations Debuts August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida (IN SHORT) Royal Caribbean International has unveiled its latest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, which will debut in August 2025 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. The ship will offer 7-night vacations to the Caribbean and the cruise… Read the full press release

Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences Elevates Luxury Living with Debut Residential Offering in Kuwait

The iconic Grand Hyatt brand expands presence into the luxury residential space in Kuwait (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences, marking the brand’s debut in the residential sector in Kuwait. Located in the Tamdeen Square residential community, the new property offers luxury-serviced living with meticulously designed living… Read the full press release

Hyatt Global President of Operations, Chuck Floyd, Announces Retirement After Four Decades with the Company

(IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the retirement of H. Charles “Chuck” Floyd, who currently serves as the Executive Vice President – Global President of Operations. Floyd will step down from his role on December 31, 2023, and transition to a Senior Advisor role to Hyatt’s President and CEO, Mark Hoplamazian, starting January 1,… Read the full press release

Arkansas Culinary Scene Takes Center Stage in New York Cinematic Showcase

(IN SHORT) Arkansas chefs and restaurants are set to be featured in a cinematic culinary experience called “A Southern Night at the Cinema” in New York on December 7. This event will showcase bite-sized stories highlighting Southern chefs and their favorite culinary spots, inviting filmgoers into the world of Southern cuisine. The film includes segments… Read the full press release

SFO’s Wag Brigade Marks a Decade of Comforting Travelers with Therapy Animals

Airport’s team of therapy animals has grown to include more than just dogs (IN SHORT) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its Wag Brigade, a team of certified stress-relief animals that provide comfort to travelers in the terminals. Launched in December 2013, the Wag Brigade originally consisted of dogs but… Read the full press release

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport Receives Back-to-Back Business Traveler Award for Best Airport in North America

ATL recognized as passenger favorite for the second consecutive year (IN SHORT) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has received the 2023 Business Traveler Award for “North America’s Best Airport” for the second consecutive year. These awards recognize excellence in the airline, airport, hotel, and travel service industries. ATL was nominated by industry experts and readers of… Read the full press release