Loyalty Program doubles the number of college sports experiences redeemable for 2024 season after 24 football experiences sold out in 12 hours after launch (IN SHORT) Choice Privileges, the loyalty program of Choice Hotels International, is expanding its popular college sports gameday experiences to include basketball and hockey. In collaboration with Learfield, a media and… Read the full press release
Company’s Expertise and Experience in Integrating Hotel Brands Results in Rapid Onboarding of Hundreds of Radisson Properties (IN SHORT) Choice Hotels has achieved a significant milestone by completing the integration of the Radisson Hotels Americas brands, just 16 months after acquiring them in August 2022. The integration involved migrating hundreds of Radisson Americas hotels onto… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Marriott International’s EDITION brand has opened its second Tokyo location, The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, in collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. This boutique hotel offers a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional Japanese culture in the vibrant Ginza district. The hotel features a Japanese-tinged modern brasserie, innovative bar concepts, including Japan’s… Read the full press release
Marriott Bonvoy and KrisFlyer members can enjoy more ways to earn rewards and accelerate to higher membership statuses (IN SHORT) Marriott International and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have announced an expansion of their strategic partnership, providing members of Marriott Bonvoy and KrisFlyer with more ways to maximize their loyalty program benefits. Eligible members of both programs… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay, the latest addition to IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Holiday Inn brand, has officially opened its doors in the heart of Dubai’s business and recreation hub. The hotel offers 275 modern guest rooms and suites equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and some with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. One… Read the full press release
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
(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
(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
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 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
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
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
(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
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
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
(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
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
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
The low-cost carrier becomes the largest operator to roll out Collins GlobalConnectSM (IN SHORT) Low-cost carrier easyJet is partnering with Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, to implement GlobalConnectSM connected aircraft services on over 330 Airbus aircraft in its fleet. This collaboration enhances safety oversight, pilot training, and operational efficiencies for easyJet. GlobalConnect enables insights into… Read the full press release
Airline’s new Lapland postal service launches for young flyers easyJet’s ‘Letters to Santa’ post boxes will be at airports for children flying this festive season The airline’s pilots and crew will fly children’s letters on its flights to Rovaniemi in Lapland, the home of Santa Claus A special letter collection service for schools across the… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Airlink is upgrading its aircraft at Richards Bay Airport in KwaZulu-Natal due to increased demand for passenger and cargo services. The regional airline will transition from the 29-seater British Aerospace Jetstream 41 to the 75-seater Embraer ERJ 170. This upgrade is prompted by the growing demand for services at Richards Bay Airport, which… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Rocco Forte Hotels has announced that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a significant minority stake in the group, with the Forte family retaining majority ownership and control. The Italian entity CDPE Investimenti (CDPEI) is selling its entire stake as part of this arrangement. PIF’s investment… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has extended its partnership with Captain Cause, a mission-driven organization that supports socially and environmentally impactful initiatives. This partnership allows members of Accor’s loyalty program, ALL, to easily utilize their Reward points to support causes aligned with Accor’s focus on Nature, Society, and humanitarian disaster relief. Accor guarantees… Read the full press release
Combined company to maintain Alaska Airlines’ and Hawaiian Airlines’ strong, high-quality brands, supported by a single, compelling loyalty offering. Expands fifth largest U.S. airline to a fleet of 365 narrow and wide body airplanes enabling guests to reach 138 destinations through our combined networks and more than 1,200 destinations through the oneworld Alliance. Honolulu to become… Read the full press release
British Airways is partnering with SigncodeUK, an organisation dedicated to ensuring equal access to information, products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community The partnership will mean customers can access key travel information in signed video form, including the airline’s onboard safety briefing via a unique QR code It is estimated that more than 150,000 people… Read the full press release
Mercure has partnered with Munchies and TOPJAW to inspire the palates of world travelers with 50 amazing food & drink experiences around the globe. (IN SHORT) To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Mercure has introduced its own ‘Bucket List’ featuring 50 carefully curated food and drink experiences from around the world. This list is aimed at… Read the full press release
The first airline in Asia-Pacific to bring Disney+ Original titles to the skies (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, is set to become the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to offer Disney+ Original titles as part of its inflight entertainment experience. Starting from December 1, 2023, passengers on Cathay Pacific flights will… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The Brussels Airport Stargate project, in collaboration with a consortium of 21 partners, has marked its two-year milestone in pursuing sustainability within aviation. This European Green Deal initiative focuses on practical solutions, such as electric ground handling equipment, the Digital Green Lane for cargo, and encouraging alternative transportation methods for staff. With further… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG and Saudi ASYAD Holding have entered into binding agreements for the sale of a 49 percent stake in Swissport Saudi Arabia to ASYAD. This partnership aims to drive the development and growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ground services sector in alignment with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. Swissport plans to… Read the full press release
British Airways Executive Club Members can now collect Avios when spending at London Heathrow’s World Duty Free shops Customers who are members of both British Airways’ and World Duty Free’s respective loyalty programmes can collect one Avios per £1 spend at the airport The partnership includes a bonus of 250 Avios on their first purchase (IN… Read the full press release