Five key leaders are elevated to vice president positions as we work to deliver on the value of our combination with Hawaiian Airlines. (IN SHORT) Alaska Airlines has appointed five new executives to key vice president roles, enhancing its leadership team to support growth and elevate customer experiences following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines. The… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, in partnership with UN Tourism, hosted the Women in Tourism Regional Congress, gathering over 500 participants from across Africa to discuss gender-responsive policies, access to education, finance, and innovation in the tourism sector. The Congress featured panels, workshops, and cultural sessions, with leaders… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism has recognized five innovative community tourism projects in Colombia as part of the “Innovation Challenge: Community Tourism: Colombia,” held during its 122nd Executive Council session in Cartagena. The winning initiatives, selected across various categories, spotlight efforts in gamified tourism, conservation, cultural journeys, social empowerment, and sustainable travel. These projects reflect UN… Read the full press release
Voted by the 28 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, Anantara Hotels & Resorts and The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara both received prestigious awards. (IN SHORT) Anantara Hotels & Resorts was honored at the 18th Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (ULTRAs) in London, winning “Best Hotel Brand of the… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has named renowned Canadian chef Shaun Anthony as its new Executive Chef. With over two decades of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels worldwide, Chef Anthony brings a creative, nature-inspired culinary approach to the hotel’s nine dining outlets. His focus will be on enhancing guest experiences through locally… Read the full press release
New leadership roles in 2024 underscore the travel and hospitality company’s commitment to advancing brand development and strategic growth (IN SHORT) Preferred Travel Group has announced four strategic promotions within its leadership team, enhancing its global operations and expanding its influence in key regions. Christopher Ahlgrim, Renee Haddad, Stephanie Calhoun, and Priscilla Haryadi have each… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Hilton has been recognized as the No. 2 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, marking its eighth consecutive year as the top hospitality company on the list. This achievement reflects Hilton’s commitment to a people-first workplace culture, emphasizing inclusivity, wellness, and career growth through its “Thrive at Hilton” program…. Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Thibaut Drege has returned to Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris as General Manager, after a successful two-year tenure at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest. Drege, who began his career with Four Seasons at the George V in 2018, has nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality. His return marks… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The Best Chef Awards debuted in Dubai, honoring culinary excellence and innovation. Among the awardees was Chef Pedro Pena Bastos of CURA in Lisbon, who received the prestigious Two-Knives Award. The event, gathering over 800 professionals, showcased emerging trends in gastronomy and emphasized collaboration and creativity in shaping the future of food. (PRESS… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) In honor of the 25th anniversary of Delaware North’s GreenPath® program, the company is highlighting Chef Jarrett from STATE Grill and Bar, who is known for her commitment to sustainable practices. At the Empire State Building’s iconic restaurant, Jarrett prioritizes local, eco-friendly ingredients, such as mushrooms from Afterlife Mushrooms and honey from on-site… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has appointed Rakesh Gangwal as the new independent Chair of its Board of Directors and assigned new Chairs for its Board Committees. Gangwal aims to work closely with CEO Bob Jordan and the leadership team to strengthen the airline’s financial performance. CEO Jordan also acknowledged the dedication of Southwest employees, emphasizing… Read the full press release
Romero is the latest addition to the hospitality group’s senior leadership team as it accelerates its global expansion plans (IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has appointed Omar Romero as Chief Development and Luxury Officer to drive its global expansion and luxury brand curation efforts. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Romero will spearhead Minor’s strategy… Read the full press release
Louisiana native and Four Seasons veteran returns home to lead marketing for celebrated hotel (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans has appointed Louisiana native Natalie Placer as Director of Marketing. With over 20 years in luxury hospitality and a strong background with Four Seasons properties nationwide, Placer will lead marketing for New Orleans’ only… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) KLM has been awarded the APEX World Class Award for the fourth consecutive year, recognizing its outstanding achievements in customer experience, sustainability, and safety. This prestigious honor, presented by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), is based on global audits and consumer feedback. Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, accepted the award in… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has been awarded a Five Star rating in the 2025 APEX global customer rankings, reflecting the airline’s commitment to exceptional passenger experiences. This recognition is based on nearly one million passenger reviews of 600 airlines worldwide and places SAS among the top 30 airlines globally, representing the top 7% in… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) For the tenth consecutive year, dnata has been awarded ‘Ground Handler of the Year’ at the 2024 Air Cargo News Awards, recognizing its excellence in cargo services. The accolade highlights dnata’s dedication to safety, quality, and innovation, as seen in recent initiatives such as integrating drones and AI-powered solutions in its global operations,… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza has appointed Chef Gao Chunlong as Chef de Cuisine at its celebrated 8 Restaurant. With over 20 years of experience, including time at the Michelin-starred Cai Yi Xuan at Four Seasons Beijing, Chef Gao brings a refined approach to traditional Chinese cuisine, blending authentic flavors with… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Hilton has been ranked as the No. 1 Best Workplace for Women in the U.S. by Fortune and Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year, recognizing its commitment to an inclusive culture that empowers women through career development, mentorship programs, and well-being initiatives. Hilton’s focus on growth, wellness, and support for… Read the full press release
New General Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, and Director of Marketing appointed to executive team of Wyoming’s only Forbes Five Star resort (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole has welcomed three new executives to its leadership team: Jane Kim as General Manager, Jose Vargas as Director of Food and Beverage, and… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Emirates has been named the ‘World’s Best Airline’ in a comprehensive study by Telegraph Travel, which evaluated 90 airlines based on over 30 criteria, including punctuality, fleet quality, inflight services, and route network. The airline was praised for its extensive fleet of Airbus A380s, luxurious Premium Economy, and award-winning First and Business Class… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan has appointed Kiyohito Iimuma as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), in addition to his current role as Director of Operations for Japan. Iimuma, who brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, started his career with ANA Hotels and has held various leadership roles across… Read the full press release
Chopra joins the hospitality group as it accelerates its growth in the market, targeting 50 new openings within the next decade (IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has appointed Rohit Chopra as its new Area Commercial Director for India as the company aims to expand its presence in the country. With over 26 years of experience in… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Diego Stembert has been appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, bringing a wealth of international hospitality experience to his new role. A native of Spain, Stembert has held key leadership positions at several prestigious properties and is dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences in Anguilla. Fluent in multiple languages,… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) SAS has appointed Peter Cabello Holmberg as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective November 1, 2024. In this role, Peter will lead the airline’s digital transformation initiatives, focusing on advancing digital solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering innovation. Recognized as Denmark’s CIO of the Year, he brings a wealth of experience from… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has appointed Robert “Bob” Fornaro to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Fornaro, a seasoned airline executive with over 40 years of experience, previously served as CEO of Spirit Airlines and AirTran Holdings, where he led both through significant growth. He has also consulted for Southwest after its acquisition of AirTran…. Read the full press release
Ian Morgan named Alaska Airlines Vice President of Cargo; Jason Berry named Alaska Air Group’s Executive Vice President of Cargo The Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines combination offers a unique opportunity to pair complimentary cargo networks that can strengthen both brands globally and domestically. (IN SHORT) Alaska Airlines has appointed Ian Morgan as Vice President… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Choice Hotels International has won two Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards for its Data Discovery training program. The online initiative, launched in August 2023, aims to improve data fluency among corporate staff by making data analysis more accessible. The program received recognition for Best Custom Content and Best Learning Program Supporting a… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Delaware North has welcomed 15 emerging culinarians into the fourth cohort of its Culinary & Hospitality Excellence for Future Success (CHEFS)® program. The 12-month initiative prepares high-potential sous chefs for the Culinary Institute of America’s ProChef® certification, focusing on culinary, managerial, and financial skills. Executive chef mentors, trained through the program, guide participants… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) VisitScotland has announced Jill Walker as the new Director of Marketing and Digital, effective 21 October 2024. Walker, currently Head of Marketing at the Scottish Government, will succeed Vicki Miller, who will become the CEO of VisitScotland next month. With a strong background in both public and private sector marketing, Walker is praised… Read the full press release
New Brand Presidents join the Group reinforcing its Premium, Midscale & Economy Brand Strategy (IN SHORT) Accor has appointed two new Global Brand Presidents to strengthen its Premium, Midscale, and Economy brand divisions. Benoît Racle will lead Accor’s Premium brands, including Pullman, Swissôtel, and Mövenpick, while Jean-Yves Minet will oversee Midscale & Economy brands, such… Read the full press release