World of Hyatt Expands Luxury Portfolio with 700+ Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels

A global collection of carefully curated hotels provides members with authentic local experiences for earning and redeeming valuable World of Hyatt points (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation unveils the integration of more than 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas from Mr & Mrs Smith into its World of Hyatt loyalty program, providing members with… Read the full press release

Hyatt and KultureCity’s Survey Paves the Way for Neurodiversity-Inclusive Hospitality

Hyatt collaborates with KultureCity for a survey of more than 1,000 neurodivergent individuals and caregivers to drive research-supported action (IN SHORT) A recent survey conducted by Hyatt in collaboration with KultureCity sheds light on the needs of neurodivergent travelers and caregivers in the United States, revealing opportunities for the hospitality industry to enhance inclusivity. With… Read the full press release

Marriott International Announces New Ritz-Carlton Reserve in NEOM’s Trojena, Saudi Arabia

(IN SHORT) Marriott International, Inc. has revealed plans for its second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia through a partnership with NEOM. Set to debut in Trojena, a picturesque mountain retreat in the northwest, the resort promises an exclusive luxury experience tailored for discerning travelers. With 60 opulent villas and a host of amenities including a… Read the full press release

New Concessions Bring Culinary and Retail Diversity to O’Hare International Airport

Half Moon Empanadas, ChiBoys and Hudson Nonstop are Now Open (IN SHORT) The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and its concessions partners have inaugurated three new establishments in O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 3: Half Moon Empanadas, ChiBoys, and Hudson Nonstop. These additions offer travelers diverse dining and shopping experiences, aligning with Chicago’s vibrant culture and… Read the full press release

UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague Forge Partnership for Hospitality Innovation

(IN SHORT) The UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on pioneering projects in the hospitality industry, aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship while enhancing education. With a focus on stimulating fresh ventures within the hospitality sector and promoting sustainability, the partnership seeks to provide valuable… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific Partners with Siobhan Haughey to Inspire Every Move

Sharing the belief that “Every Move Counts” with all of Hong Kong (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific proudly announces its collaboration with Olympic swimmer Siobhan Haughey as its new brand ambassador, embodying their shared belief that “Every Move Counts.” The partnership is showcased in Cathay’s latest advertisement series, highlighting Siobhan’s rigorous training routine and dedication to… Read the full press release

Global Travel Leaders Unite to Combat Biodiversity Loss

WTTC, UN Tourism and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance join forces to support Nature Positive Tourism (IN SHORT) On Earth Day 2024, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unveiled “Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action,” a groundbreaking joint report aimed at halting and… Read the full press release

British Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Abu Dhabi, Strengthening UAE-UK Connections

(IN SHORT) British Airways has resumed its daily flights to Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone after a four-year hiatus. Operating a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, the airline now offers year-round service from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi, bolstering connections between the UAE and the UK. The daily flight schedule promises enhanced connectivity for travelers, whether… Read the full press release

British Airways Partners with Amadeus for Aviation Retailing Transformation

(IN SHORT) British Airways has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Amadeus, selecting their next-generation technology, Amadeus Nevio, to revolutionize the airline’s retailing strategy. This collaboration aims to enhance customer experiences through dynamic offers and streamlined booking processes. The adoption of Amadeus Nevio’s modular solutions, powered by AI and open technology, marks a significant milestone… Read the full press release

IHG Partners with Felix Capital to Bring Holiday Inn & Suites to Sunshine Coast

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts announces a strategic partnership with Felix Capital to introduce the Holiday Inn & Suites brand to the Sunshine Coast with the opening of Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra Sunshine Coast in early 2028. Located in the heart of Caloundra overlooking pristine beaches, this 160-room hotel, including 33 suites, will… Read the full press release

IHG and NOVUM Hospitality Forge Strategic Partnership, Doubling Presence in Germany

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with NOVUM Hospitality, announces a landmark agreement poised to double IHG’s footprint in Germany, a pivotal market for hospitality. This partnership, spanning 30 years with the option for renewal, will see up to 108 NOVUM Hospitality hotels, along with 11 under development, integrated into IHG’s system by… Read the full press release

IHG Expands Garner Brand Across EMEAA, Eyes 500 Hotels in 10 Years

Brand now available in more key international markets (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts is rapidly expanding its midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, across the Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa (EMEAA) region, signaling a significant stride towards its goal of achieving more than 500 hotels in the next decade. Following strategic agreements and successful… Read the full press release

FlixBus Expands Partnership with Cymru Coaches, Introduces Bristol Airport Route

(IN SHORT) FlixBus, the UK’s fastest-growing coach network, is broadening its collaboration with Cymru Coaches by launching a new route to Bristol Airport from April. With tickets starting at £2.99, the service will connect Bristol Airport with Newport, Cardiff city center, Bridgend, Swansea University, and Swansea city center, offering sustainable and affordable travel options. Andreas… Read the full press release

UN Tourism and European Committee of the Regions Unite to Boost Rural Development Through Tourism

(IN SHORT) UN Tourism and the European Committee of the Regions have collaborated on a comprehensive study highlighting the transformative potential of rural tourism in fostering socio-economic development across Europe. The report emphasizes the resilience of rural tourism in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and its capacity to stimulate economic diversification, preserve… Read the full press release

British Airways Unveils £1 Flight Option with Avios Part Payment for Executive Club Members

Executive Club Members can save even more cash, with the option to discount every flight to just £1 using Avios part payment (IN SHORT) British Airways announces a significant enhancement to its Executive Club loyalty program, allowing members to reduce the cost of any flight to just £1 by using Avios part payment. This initiative… Read the full press release

British Airways Expands Speedbird Pilot Academy Initiative Amidst Overwhelming Response

(IN SHORT) British Airways announces the launch of the second year of its fully funded Speedbird Pilot Academy cadet scheme, following an unprecedented response to its inaugural intake. With over 20,000 applications received for just 100 places in its first year, the initiative forms part of the airline’s £7 billion investment to democratize the path… Read the full press release

Caption by Hyatt Expands Globally with New Hotels Planned in U.S. and Asia Pacific

Caption by Hyatt Experiencing Momentum Globally with Hotels Planned in the U.S. and Asia Pacific (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation celebrates the groundbreaking of Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga in Tennessee, marking the brand’s continued expansion and innovation in the hospitality sector. Developed by 3H Group Inc., the hotel combines upscale design with the convenience of… Read the full press release

Celebrating 50 Years of Democratized Travel: The ibis Legacy

The world’s best known economy hotel brand celebrates 50 years of market leadership, democratised travel and the people who made it possible (IN SHORT) As ibis, the renowned economy hotel brand, commemorates its 50th anniversary, it reflects on its journey of democratizing travel and hospitality. Established in 1974 with core values of affordability, innovation, and… Read the full press release

Fairfield by Marriott Makes European Debut with Copenhagen Nordhavn Opening

Fairfield by Marriott expands its global footprint with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn, marking its first hotel opening within Europe (IN SHORT) Fairfield by Marriott, a trusted brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, celebrates its European debut with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn in Copenhagen’s vibrant North Harbour district. This… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts Partners with Google Cloud to Revolutionize Travel Planning Experience

New trip planner will bring personalized travel recommendations to mobile app users (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Google Cloud, announces an enhanced partnership aimed at revolutionizing the travel planning experience for guests through the IHG One Rewards mobile app. Leveraging Google Cloud’s generative AI technologies, IHG will introduce a dynamic travel… Read the full press release

Hilton Set to Transform Canadian Hospitality Landscape with Rapid Expansion Plans

With 180 hotels open and nearly 90 hotels in the pipeline, Hilton is on track to expand its portfolio of hotels by 50% over the next 5 years (IN SHORT) Hilton, a global hospitality giant, is poised to revolutionize the Canadian hospitality scene with ambitious growth strategies. With 180 hotels currently open and nearly 90 in… Read the full press release

Minor Hotels Enters South African Market with NH Collection Sandton Partnership

NH Collection Sandton to be launched in Africa’s richest square mile (IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has inked a significant deal with The Cavaleros Group to manage a hotel in Johannesburg’s Sandton district, marking the introduction of the NH Collection brand to Africa. Scheduled to commence operations on July 1st, 2024, the 329-key property will undergo… Read the full press release

UN Tourism Commission Unites European Authorities to Propel Post-Pandemic Tourism Recovery

(IN SHORT) Europe’s national tourism authorities convened in Albania for the 70th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Europe, focusing on collaborative solutions to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in the post-pandemic tourism landscape. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili lauded Albania’s exemplary leadership in tourism recovery and discussed sustainable tourism development with… Read the full press release

Belfast City Airport Partners with Air Ambulance NI to Support Critical Medical Services

(IN SHORT) Belfast City Airport has named Air Ambulance NI as its Charity Partner of the Year for 2024 and 2025, aiming to raise essential funds to sustain the organization’s helicopter-based emergency medical services in Northern Ireland. The partnership underscores the airport’s dedication to community welfare, with Anna McKelvey, Head of Marketing, emphasizing the airport’s… Read the full press release

ITA Airways Launches Direct Route Connecting Chicago and Rome

O’Hare is serving its largest number of Italian destinations ever in 2024 amid an increase in international air service this summer (IN SHORT) The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) collaborated with ITA Airways and the Consul General of Italy in Chicago to celebrate the inauguration of ITA Airways’ new nonstop flight service from O’Hare International… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Expands African Network with New Route to Kinshasa, DRC

The award-winning airline extends its frequency to Luanda, Angola to include the new route to Kinshasa, DRC (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has announced the expansion of its network to include Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in a strategic move to enhance connectivity within Africa and beyond. Commencing from June 1, 2024, the airline will… Read the full press release

Hilton Expands into Luxury Lifestyle Market with Acquisition of Sydell Group’s NoMad Brand

(IN SHORT) Hilton has acquired a majority controlling interest in Sydell Group to expand its NoMad Hotels brand globally, marking its entry into the luxury lifestyle hotel market. Led by founder Andrew Zobler, Sydell has created dynamic lifestyle brands, including NoMad, known for exceptional food and beverage offerings, interior design, and service. With plans for… Read the full press release

IHG Expands Presence in South Korea with voco Seoul Myeongdong Signing

voco Seoul Myeongdong to welcome guests by the middle of this year (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to rebrand a 576-room property in Seoul’s vibrant Myeongdong district as voco Seoul Myeongdong, marking the brand’s second venture in South Korea after voco Seoul Gangnam. Partnering with Gravity Asset Management’s Seoul South… Read the full press release

Kimpton Expands into the Caribbean with Boutique Luxury Hotel in Santo Domingo

(IN SHORT) Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, is set to open its first property in the Dominican Republic with Kimpton Las Mercedes, located in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City neighborhood. Owned by Megeve Investment Office S.A.S and operated by Iberostar Group, this boutique luxury hotel will feature 130 guest rooms,… Read the full press release

Emirates to Boost Regional Flights for Eid Al Fitr; Unveils Special Menu and Entertainment

Additional flights to regional destinations driven by high demand (IN SHORT) Emirates Airlines is set to increase its flight schedules across the region with 19 additional flights during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday period, anticipating more than 150,000 customers to fly with the airline. Extra flights will be added from Jeddah, Kuwait, Beirut, and… Read the full press release