IHG Restaurants Shine in 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide with Multiple New Listings and Awards

(IN SHORT) The 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide has honored seven IHG Hotels & Resorts restaurants in Greater China, with three earning the “One-Diamond Restaurant” award for the first time. These newly recognized restaurants include The Grove at Kimpton Bamboo Grove Suzhou, Riva Mediterranean Steakhouse at InterContinental Suzhou, and Wu Yue No.1 Chinese Restaurant at… Read the full news article

Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu Opens as First Hyatt Centric Hotel in Nepal

(IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation, in partnership with City Hotel Limited, has transformed Hyatt Place Kathmandu into the first Hyatt Centric-branded hotel in Nepal, now named Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu. The hotel offers a modern blend of comfort and cultural heritage, featuring vibrant design, local art, and curated culinary experiences. The newly renovated space includes… Read the full news article

Ethiopian Airlines Inaugurates Wako Gutu Airport Terminal to Boost Domestic Travel and Tourism

(IN SHORT) Ethiopian Airlines Group has inaugurated the Wako Gutu Airport Terminal at Bale Robe, enhancing domestic and regional air travel. The new terminal is designed to improve socio-economic and cultural connections and provides a modern and efficient travel experience for passengers. Ethiopian Airlines continues to strengthen regional connectivity, serving over 22 destinations across the… Read the full news article

Cathay Pacific Partners with Michelin-Starred Yat Tung Heen to Offer Premium Cantonese Dining Inflight

The new ‘Hong Kong Flavours’ menu presents a range of authentic local fare for Premium Economy and Economy class customers on selected flights (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific has partnered with Yat Tung Heen, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, to offer its Premium Economy and Economy class passengers a taste of Hong Kong with a new “Hong… Read the full news article

How Does Southwest Cancellation Policy Work?

Southwest cancellation fee

Got a change in travel plans and want to cancel the flight booked with Southwest Airlines? There is nothing to worry about as the airline provides the most flexible and easy-to-follow cancellation policy. With the Southwest cancellation policy, you can make a flight cancellation without any hassle. However, you might have to pay the standard… Read the full news article

Qatar Airways and Marriott Bonvoy Enhance Partnership, Allowing Avios Conversion to Bonvoy Points

Privilege Club members can now convert their Avios to Marriott Bonvoy points at a two to one ratio (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and Marriott Bonvoy have expanded their partnership, allowing Privilege Club members to convert their Avios into Marriott Bonvoy points at a two-to-one ratio. This new feature, available starting today, offers members… Read the full news article

W Hotels Unveils ‘Hotel Tales’ Series, Showcasing Unforgettable Guest Experiences

(IN SHORT) W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has launched a new global series titled Hotel Tales, showcasing the unique and unforgettable experiences of guests staying at their hotels. The series, written by comedian Pat Regan, features personalities such as Chloë Sevigny, Miranda Makaroff, and Ziwe, sharing their extraordinary moments at W Hotels. From… Read the full news article

IHG and Ant Foundation Empower Rural Women Through ‘Cyber Mulan’ Homestay Manager Training

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has renewed its partnership with the Ant Foundation to support the “Cyber Mulan” Homestay Manager Training Project, aimed at providing career opportunities for rural women in China’s hospitality industry. Launched on December 6 at Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Science City, the program offers training in guest experience, service processes, and… Read the full news article

ANA Crowne Plaza Returns to Okinawa with New Resort Partnership Between IHG and Berjaya

Collaboration will return ANA Crowne Plaza brand to Okinawa in 2025 (IN SHORT) IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan has entered into a management agreement with BHR Okinawa Management GK, a subsidiary of Berjaya Land Berhad, to bring the ANA Crowne Plaza brand back to Okinawa. The 123-room ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Okinawa Uruma Hills, set… Read the full news article

Oakland International Airport Gears Up for Busy Holiday Travel Season with Festive Offerings and Tips for Passengers

Live music, gift-wrapping station, holiday décor, and more happening at OAK (IN SHORT) Oakland International Airport (OAK) expects over 500,000 passengers during the holiday travel season from December 20 to January 6, with peak travel days on December 20 and 27. Travelers can enjoy festive activities, including a free gift-wrapping station available on December 19,… Read the full news article

Port of Oakland Appeals Court Order on OAK Airport’s New Name, Defends Competition and Local Identity

(IN SHORT) The Port of Oakland has filed an appeal against a court order temporarily barring Oakland International Airport (OAK) from using its new name, arguing that the restriction undermines fair competition and travel options for Bay Area residents. The court dismissed most of San Francisco’s claims, including allegations of consumer confusion, but expressed concern… Read the full news article

Wyndham Hotels Launches Humorous Holiday Campaign Encouraging Travelers to “Stay Close” with Extra Comfort

For a limited time, stay two nights and earn 7,500 Wyndham Rewards points, enough for a free night at thousands of Hotels by Wyndham (IN SHORT) Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched its holiday campaign, “Stay Close,” humorously highlighting the benefits of staying at a hotel rather than enduring the challenges of family gatherings, such… Read the full news article

Marriott International and Delonix Group Expand Tribute Portfolio Brand in Mainland China with Eight New Projects

Since launching a long-term cooperation agreement in January, the two companies announce a total of eight signings and two hotel openings in Mainland China (IN SHORT) Marriott International and Delonix Group have expanded their partnership, resulting in eight hotel signings and two openings under the Tribute Portfolio brand in Mainland China. The new properties include… Read the full news article

Westin Hotels & Resorts Partners with Tennis Star Li Na to Launch Wellness Campaign in Greater China

(IN SHORT) Westin Hotels & Resorts has launched the ‘Find Wellness at Westin’ campaign in Greater China, with tennis icon Li Na as its Wellness Ambassador. The campaign highlights Westin’s Six Pillars of Well-Being, focusing on Sleep Well and Move Well, through a brand video showcasing Li Na’s wellness journey. Signature experiences like the Heavenly®… Read the full news article

Hotel Indigo Debuts in Kyushu with the Opening of Nagasaki Glover Street Property

The fifth Hotel Indigo in Japan and the first Hotel Indigo branded hotel in Kyushu opens 13 December 2024 (IN SHORT) Hotel Indigo has opened its fifth property in Japan and first in Kyushu with Hotel Indigo Nagasaki Glover Street on December 13, 2024. Located in Nagasaki’s historic Minamiyamate area, the hotel revives a 19th-century… Read the full news article

Shilpa Ranganathan Returns to Expedia Group as Chief Product Officer to Lead Innovation

(IN SHORT) Expedia Group has appointed Shilpa Ranganathan as Chief Product Officer, marking her return to the company. With over 25 years of experience in customer-centric product development, including leadership roles at Microsoft, Ranganathan will oversee Expedia’s product and design teams to enhance traveler experiences. She will join the Travel Leadership Team in January, reporting… Read the full news article

Blue Islands Launches Direct Flights Linking Channel Islands and Newcastle for Summer 2025

(IN SHORT) Blue Islands has announced new direct flights between Guernsey, Jersey, and Newcastle, starting May 3, 2025, and running through the summer season. With up to three weekly flights, the routes eliminate the need for lengthy road or rail travel to Newcastle and offer convenient, seamless access. The service, which extends through November to… Read the full news article

Hilton Expands Grubhub Partnership to Over 2,600 Hotels for Enhanced Guest Convenience

Guests at Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, and Spark by Hilton can satisfy their cravings and order essentials from the Grubhub Marketplace (IN SHORT) Grubhub and Hilton have expanded their partnership to include on-demand delivery services at over 2,600 Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, and Spark by Hilton properties. Guests can access Grubhub’s Marketplace… Read the full news article

Radisson RED Debuts in Ireland with Bold and Vibrant Galway Property

(IN SHORT) Radisson Hotel Group has opened its first Radisson RED property in Ireland, located in Galway’s Crown Square neighborhood near the city center. Combining bold design with a relaxed atmosphere, the hotel features 177 stylish rooms, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant dining options, including Lena’s Rooftop Bar with panoramic views of Galway Bay. With over… Read the full news article

Caribbean Airlines and TTALPA Reach Agreement on Wage Negotiations for 2015-2020

(IN SHORT) Caribbean Airlines has finalized an agreement with the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA), concluding outstanding wage negotiations for 2015-2020. This resolution highlights the strong collaboration between the airline and TTALPA, reflecting their mutual dedication to the airline’s success and the well-being of employees and customers. The airline expressed gratitude to TTALPA,… Read the full news article

HSMAI Celebrates 2024 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds for Outstanding Leadership in Hospitality

(IN SHORT) The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has announced its 2024 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds, recognizing leaders in hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue optimization for their exceptional achievements over the past 18 months. These honorees, selected by a panel of industry experts, will be celebrated at the HSMAI Adrian Awards on February… Read the full news article

ANA Launches Pokémon Kids’ Lounge at Haneda Airport to Enhance Family Travel Experience

The ANA Lounge’s kids’ area at Haneda Airport (Domestic Terminal, Main Building South) will feature the “ANA Pokémon Kids TV Lounge” in December 2024. The redesigned space will feature Pokémon-themed décor inspired by the Pikachu Jet NH and Eevee Jet NH. (IN SHORT) All Nippon Airways (ANA) will open the Pokémon-themed “ANA Pokémon Kids’ TV… Read the full news article

Destination Toronto Joins ELX Community, Strengthening Global Leadership in Corporate Events

As the only Canadian DMO, Destination Toronto joins this invitation-only community of international senior event leaders (IN SHORT) Destination Toronto has joined the exclusive Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) community, becoming the only Canadian destination marketing organization in this global network for senior event leaders. The membership reflects Toronto’s innovative and multicultural approach to corporate events, aligning… Read the full news article

IHG Expands Presence in Spiritual Tourism Hub with New Holiday Inn Express in Ayodhya

The 125-key hotel will be a standout addition to IHG’s portfolio and strengthen presence in key spiritual destinations in India. (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement to open a Holiday Inn Express hotel in Ayodhya, India, scheduled for mid-2028. The new 125-room hotel will cater to the growing influx of… Read the full news article

IHG Hotels & Resorts Announces the Signing of voco Bandung Setiabudi in Collaboration with PT Sun Land Investama and Nova Chandra

Landmark signing of voco Bandung Setiabudi with long-term partner PT Sun Land Investama and new partner Nova Chandra (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to introduce its voco brand to Bandung, Indonesia, in partnership with PT Sun Land Investama and Nova Chandra. The 162-room voco Bandung Setiabudi is set to open… Read the full news article

IHG Hotels & Resorts Unveils Year-End Celebration Packages for the 2024 Festive Season

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its year-end promotion, “Every Gathering Moment Counts at IHG,” offering a variety of curated packages for the holiday season. These include three themes—Gathering Everywhere, Vibrant Meets, and Seasonal Party—designed for diverse gatherings ranging from family reunions to corporate meetings and festive celebrations. IHG has also embraced digital… Read the full news article

Emirates Urges Passengers to Plan Ahead for Increased Holiday Travel Demand in December

(IN SHORT) Emirates is advising passengers to plan ahead for December travel, with an expected 20% increase in departures compared to last year. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport up to three hours before their flight and to use Emirates’ various check-in options, including online check-in, the Emirates City Check-In & Travel Store,… Read the full news article

Emirates Expands Service Between Dubai and Melbourne with New Daily Non-Stop Flight

Retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft debuts on Dubai-Melbourne route from 30 March 2025 Latest development means all Melbourne services offer airline’s latest generation products Airline restores pre-pandemic capacity and offers an unbeatable schedule of 77 weekly services between Dubai and Australia with the resumption of second daily Perth service on 1 December (IN SHORT) Emirates is… Read the full news article

Emirates and Collingwood Extend Premier Partnership Through 2029

The airline will remain the Premier Partner of the Collingwood Football Club until 2029 (IN SHORT) Emirates and Collingwood Football Club have renewed their Premier Partnership for another five years, continuing the collaboration until 2029. This extension emphasizes the shared commitment of both organizations to community engagement through sport. Emirates will remain a prominent sponsor,… Read the full news article

dnata to Serve 18 Million Festive Meals for Airline Passengers Worldwide This December

Favourite traditional roast turkey meals to be served to airline customers Special dietary dishes make up 45% of all meals delivered Desserts biggest difference between passengers in celebrating countries (IN SHORT) dnata, a global leader in air services, will prepare 18 million festive meals for its airline partners this December, including traditional roast turkey with… Read the full news article