Emirates and flydubai Achieve 36% Growth in Joint Passengers, Expanding Global Connectivity

(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

Emirates Expands Global Tourism Efforts with Eight New Partnerships at Arabian Travel Market

(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

Anantara Resort to Bring Luxury and Wellness to Soma Bay, Egypt, in Partnership with Minor Hotels

(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has entered into a partnership with Soma Bay Hotel Company SAE to develop a luxury resort under the Anantara brand in Soma Bay, Egypt. The resort, scheduled to open in the coming years, will feature a range of luxury accommodations and wellness facilities, including a renowned thalassotherapy center. Located along the… Read the full news article

Four Seasons Announces New Luxury Resort in Al Zorah, Ajman, Set to Open in 2026

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons has partnered with Al Zorah Development Company to manage the upcoming Four Seasons Resort Ajman at Al Zorah, scheduled to open in 2026. The resort will feature 23 villas and 74 rooms and suites, offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. With world-class amenities, including a luxury spa, private beach, and… Read the full news article

Belfast City Airport Celebrates Graduation of Three Apprentices Now Joining the Fire and Rescue Service

(IN SHORT) Three apprentices from Belfast City Airport’s High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme—Aoibh Caroll, Jay Sempey, and Nicole Dallot—have completed their training and are now joining the Airport Fire and Rescue Service. The trio underwent a thorough training process in both academic and practical aspects of fire safety and emergency response. Their achievements were recognized at… Read the full news article

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Recognized in Travel + Leisure’s Prestigious T+L 500 List

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai has been named to Travel + Leisure’s 2025 T+L 500 list, recognized for its exceptional service, cultural immersion, and world-class wellness and culinary offerings. Situated in the Mae Rim Valley, the resort offers a luxurious escape with a blend of traditional Lanna heritage and modern amenities. The resort’s… Read the full news article

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Recognized for Excellence and Environmental Sustainability

(IN SHORT) Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been recognized for its excellence in service and environmental sustainability, winning “Best Airport in China” at the 2025 TTG China Travel Awards for the second consecutive year. Additionally, the airport’s “Renewable Diesel Pilot Project” earned the Gold Award in the ACI Green Airports Recognition 2025 for its… Read the full news article

Finavia Hosts Event at Helsinki Airport to Help Passengers Manage Fear of Flying

(IN SHORT) Finavia, in collaboration with Airport Chaplain Hanna SimilĂ€, hosted an event at Helsinki Airport to help passengers manage their fear of flying. The event, which included lectures from experts and a tour of the airport, provided valuable tools and insights for overcoming flight anxiety. Participants praised the event for its supportive and confidential… Read the full news article

Finavia to Invest €3 Million in Rovaniemi Airport Terminal Extension to Enhance Passenger Experience

(IN SHORT) Finavia has announced a €3 million investment to extend Rovaniemi Airport’s terminal, which is set to be completed by winter 2025–2026. The extension will enhance the airport’s capacity to handle the growing number of international passengers visiting Lapland. This is part of Finavia’s ongoing efforts to support the region’s tourism growth, which has… Read the full news article

Niclas Köhler Appointed CEO of AVIA Real Estate as Finavia Takes Full Ownership

(IN SHORT) Finavia has appointed Niclas Köhler, its CFO, as the new CEO of AVIA Real Estate, following the airline’s acquisition of 100% ownership in the company. Köhler will transition to his new role by the end of April 2025, taking over from Ilkka PitkĂ€nen, who is stepping down to pursue new opportunities. Finavia also… Read the full news article

flydubai Partners with Dubai Chambers to Enhance Global Reach of Local Businesses

(IN SHORT) flydubai has partnered with Dubai Chambers to offer preferential air freight rates to members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, helping local businesses expand globally. The partnership aims to facilitate imports and exports, reduce operational costs, and create new opportunities for Dubai-based companies in international markets. This collaboration supports Dubai’s position as a… Read the full news article

Singapore Airlines Partners with OpenAI to Implement Advanced Generative AI Solutions

Joint Release With OpenAI (IN SHORT) Singapore Airlines (SIA) has partnered with OpenAI to bring advanced Generative AI solutions to the airline’s customer service and operations. The collaboration will enhance SIA’s AI-powered virtual assistant, providing smarter, personalized support for customers and improving staff productivity. SIA will also leverage AI to optimize operational tasks like flight… Read the full news article

Wyndham Hotels Brings Super 8Âź Brand to Spain and Portugal in Partnership with Soliteight

(IN SHORT) Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has signed an exclusive development agreement with Soliteight Hotel Projects to bring its Super 8Âź brand to Spain and Portugal. Over the next decade, Soliteight will develop 40 Super 8 hotels, addressing the growing demand for affordable and high-quality accommodations in the region. The project capitalizes on the booming… Read the full news article

Edmonton International Airport Leads Hydrogen Adoption with Runway Snow Sweeper Conversion

(IN SHORT) Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is partnering with Diesel Tech Industries (DTI) to integrate hydrogen and diesel technology into its runway snow sweepers. This initiative, supported by Alberta Innovates, will reduce emissions from YEG’s operations, foster hydrogen adoption in transportation, and contribute to the global shift toward more sustainable aviation practices. The conversion of… Read the full news article

Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel, Vienna, Reopens Following Extensive Renovation

(IN SHORT) Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel in Vienna has reopened following a major renovation, blending historic charm with modern luxury. The 120-room hotel offers refined accommodations, a chic dining experience at Bistrot Bertarelli 1894, and the iconic Silver Bar. Located on Wiedner Hauptstraße, the hotel provides an ideal base to explore Vienna’s cultural treasures…. Read the full news article

EVA Air Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Partnerships with Global and Local Suppliers

(IN SHORT) EVA Air has expanded its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through new procurement agreements with AEG FUELS, COSMO, and Formosa Petrochemical Corporation. This initiative enhances the airline’s sustainability efforts and aims to reduce carbon emissions across its network. EVA Air has already begun using SAF on flights departing from Europe and plans… Read the full news article

Minor Hotels Brings Avani+ Brand to Fujairah with New Luxury Beachfront Resort Opening in 2028

(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has announced the signing of the Avani+ Fujairah Resort, a new beachfront destination set to open in 2028. Developed in collaboration with long-term partner Al Fahim Group, the resort will offer 232 rooms and 16 villas, some with private pools and lagoon access. Located on the Gulf of Oman, the resort… Read the full news article

Minor Hotels Taps Industry Veteran Shobhit Khattri to Lead South Asia Expansion

(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has appointed Shobhit Khattri as Associate Vice President of Development for India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, signaling its intention to fast-track expansion in the South Asian market. With over 17 years of experience in hotel development across India, the Middle East, and Africa, Khattri will lead the group’s development strategy from New… Read the full news article

PATA Launches Landmark Report on Tourism Workforce Challenges and Opportunities Across Asia Pacific

(IN SHORT) PATA has released a major new report at PAS 2025 in İstanbul, titled The Evolving Tourism Workforce: Human Capital Development in APAC, produced in collaboration with Pear Anderson. Drawing from a year of in-depth research, the report explores the region’s pressing workforce challenges—such as talent attraction, skills gaps, and disconnects between education and… Read the full news article

PATA Annual Summit 2025 Concludes in İstanbul with Renewed Purpose and Global Collaboration

(IN SHORT) The PATA Annual Summit 2025 in İstanbul united over 260 tourism leaders from 35 destinations under the theme “Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future.” The event saw the ratification of PATA’s new Vision and Mission, strategic governance updates, and the advancement of the PATA 2030 Strategy. With panels on climate change, innovation, aviation,… Read the full news article

PATA Adopts New Vision and Mission to Shape a Meaningful Future for Tourism in the Asia Pacific

(IN SHORT) At the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in İstanbul, the Pacific Asia Travel Association unveiled a new Vision and Mission to guide its future direction. The new Vision, “A meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy,” reflects a deeper commitment to long-term, inclusive outcomes that benefit communities, cultures, economies, and the environment. The new Mission highlights… Read the full news article

PATA Honours Dr Chris Bottrill and SanJeet with Prestigious Awards at Annual Summit in İstanbul

(IN SHORT) During the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in İstanbul, the Pacific Asia Travel Association honoured two key leaders for their exceptional contributions to the tourism industry. Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President at Capilano University, received the PATA Life Membership Award for his leadership in sustainability, youth engagement, and Indigenous tourism. SanJeet, Director of… Read the full news article

PATA Welcomes New Executive Board Members from Thailand, Malaysia, and the UAE to Advance Responsible Tourism

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has elected three new Executive Board members during its 74th Annual General Meeting in Istanbul: Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob of Thailand’s DASTA, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor of Malaysia’s Sarawak Tourism Board, and Raki Phillips of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in the UAE. Each brings… Read the full news article

Emirates Unveils Reimagined Travel Store in Jakarta, Elevating Personalized Travel Experiences in Indonesia

(IN SHORT) Emirates has opened its newly reimagined Travel Store in Jakarta, offering customers an immersive and personalized booking experience that blends modern technology with signature hospitality. Located in Sequis Tower, the 221-square-meter space includes a lounge-style atmosphere, voice-activated selfie station, and curated merchandise, alongside four dedicated service counters for travel consultations. It also features… Read the full news article

Emirates Expands Autism-Focused Initiatives Globally and Becomes the World’s First Autism Certified Airlineℱ

(IN SHORT) Emirates has officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airlineℱ, with over 30,000 staff trained in autism and sensory awareness. As part of Autism Awareness Month, the airline also announced the expansion of its pioneering ‘Travel Rehearsal’ programme to 17 international cities, giving children with autism the opportunity to experience and practice air… Read the full news article

Emirates Launches Matching Donations Drive to Amplify Global Support for Vulnerable Children

(IN SHORT) Emirates has launched a donation-matching initiative through the Emirates Airline Foundation, pledging to match every contribution up to $10,000 to support 13 grassroots NGOs working with disadvantaged children in nine countries. The initiative aims to strengthen access to food, housing, education, and healthcare, aligning with the UAE’s Year of Community 2025. Projects span… Read the full news article

Travel Tech Upgrade: EGL Tours Embraces Amadeus Tools to Power Growth and Efficiency

(IN SHORT) EGL Tours, one of Hong Kong’s largest travel sellers, has entered a strategic partnership with Amadeus to support its growth and digital transformation. The collaboration includes a suite of advanced solutions like Amadeus Master Pricer, Ticket Changer, B2B Wallet, and Agency Insight—helping EGL streamline operations, optimize payments, and gain actionable analytics for strategic… Read the full news article

Next-Gen Tech Powers AEGEAN’s Leap Toward Personalized, Digital Air Travel

(IN SHORT) AEGEAN Airlines is expanding its digital capabilities through a new long-term IT partnership with Amadeus, aimed at ushering in the next era of airline retailing. The agreement includes advanced tools such as Amadeus Digital Commerce and Anytime Merchandising for personalized and real-time sales strategies, along with Outpayce’s Pay-by-Link and Xchange Payment Platform for… Read the full news article

New UN Tourism-WTA Report Urges Inclusive Tourism Policies to Accelerate Shared Prosperity and SDG Progress

(IN SHORT) UN Tourism and the World Tourism Alliance have released a joint report stressing the importance of inclusive tourism planning and governance in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10 on reducing inequalities. The report outlines how tourism can drive shared prosperity if policies prioritize social equity, community development, and reinvestment… Read the full news article

Radisson’s Club Commercial Sets New Standard in Hospitality Growth and Integration in 2024

(IN SHORT) In 2024, Radisson Hotel Group’s Club Commercial achieved record success by uniting Revenue, Sales, M&E, Voice, and Web into one global, integrated service. With tools like GEMS and Pulse revolutionizing operations and revenue optimization, the Club maintained top RGI scores, launched AI-driven event platforms, and pioneered data-powered decision-making tools. Now covering 400+ hotels… Read the full news article