Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Achieves Record-Breaking Year, Doubling Flights and Passengers in 2023

UAE’s national airline and the second-largest carrier in Abu Dhabi, launched eight exciting destinations and further expanded convenient and affordable travel for all in 2023 (IN SHORT) Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the UAE, has reported remarkable operational results for 2023. The airline, established as a joint venture between ADQ and… Read the full news article

Skellefteå City Airport Joins SAS Corporate Sustainability Program for Fossil-Free Business Travel

(IN SHORT) Skellefteå City Airport in Sweden has become the first individual airport in the country to participate in the SAS Corporate Sustainability Program. Under this initiative, the airport will exclusively use environmentally friendly aviation fuel for all its business trips with SAS during 2023/2024. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation… Read the full news article

Michelin-Starred Caprice in Hong Kong Celebrates Chef’s 20th Anniversary with Culinary Extravaganza

(IN SHORT) Caprice, the renowned three-Michelin-starred French restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong, is hosting a culinary extravaganza to celebrate Executive Chef Guillaume Galliot’s 20th anniversary in Asia. From January 17 to 20, 2024, Chef Guillaume will be joined by 26 world-renowned chefs, boasting over 30 Michelin stars combined, to curate a… Read the full news article

Emirates Reveals Top In-Flight Entertainment Picks of 2023

(IN SHORT) Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has unveiled the most popular in-flight entertainment choices among its passengers for the year 2023. From blockbuster movies like “Avatar: The Way of Water” to beloved TV series like “Friends” and a diverse range of music, travelers on Emirates flights enjoyed a wide array of entertainment options…. Read the full news article

Choice Privileges Expands College Sports Gameday Experiences to Basketball and Hockey

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 news article

Choice Hotels Completes Rapid Integration of Radisson Hotels Americas Brands

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 news article

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza: A Fusion of Luxury and Tradition in the Heart of Tokyo

(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 news article

Marriott International and Singapore Airlines Strengthen Partnership, Offering Enhanced Benefits to Loyalty Program Members

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 news article

Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay Opens with Innovative Open Lobby Concept

(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 news article

RAK Properties and IHG Expand Partnership with Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah

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 news article

IHG Expands voco Hotel Brand in India with New Property in Amritsar

(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 news article

Swissport Extends Operational License for Skyview Lounge at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse with ASPIRE Upgrade

(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 news article

British Airways Expands Route Network with New Flights to Agadir, Stansted, and Dubai

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 news article

Qatar Airways and Iberia Expand Partnership with Daily Madrid-Doha Flights and World’s Largest Airline Joint Business

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 news article

Qatar Airways CEO Engr. Badr Al-Meer Elected to IATA Board of Governors and Joins AACO Executive Committee

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 news article

Qatar Duty Free Unveils Souq Al Matar: A Unique Retail and Dining Experience at Hamad International Airport

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 news article

Southwest Airlines Surprises Passengers with ‘Trolls Band Together’ Treats on NYC Flight

(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 news article

Marriott International Opens 500th Luxury Hotel, Expanding Its Global Presence in the Luxury Travel Segment

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 news article

The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai Redefines Luxury on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast

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 news article

IHG Hotels & Resorts Celebrates 150th Hotel Indigo with Debut in Malaysia

(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 news article

Cathay Cargo Orders Airbus A350F Freighters to Expand Fleet and Boost Cargo Connectivity

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 news article

SFO’s Wag Brigade Marks a Decade of Comforting Travelers with Therapy Animals

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 news article

easyJet Teams Up with Collins Aerospace to Enhance Aircraft Operations and Reduce Carbon Emissions

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 news article

easyJet Launches ‘Letters to Santa’ Postal Service to Ensure Magical Christmas for Young Travelers

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 news article

Airlink Boosts Capacity at Richards Bay Airport in Response to Growing Demand

(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 news article

Public Investment Fund (PIF) Acquires Significant Minority Stake in Rocco Forte Hotels, Accelerating Brand Expansion

(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 news article

Accor Launches Global Partnership with Captain Cause, Enabling ALL Members to Donate Loyalty Points to Social and Environmental Causes

(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 news article

Alaska Airlines to Acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 Billion, Expanding Air Travel Options Across the Pacific

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 news article

British Airways Enhances Accessibility with Signed Video Content for Deaf Travelers

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 news article

Mercure Launches ‘Bucket List’ of 50 Unique Food & Drink Experiences Globally for Its 50th Anniversary

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 news article