Phetchaburi Prepares to Host PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024, Showcasing Cultural and Culinary Tourism

Phetchaburi Province, TCEB, DASTA, TAT, Dusit Thani Hua Hin and PATA held a press conference on the preparation of the forum. (IN SHORT) Phetchaburi Province is set to host the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 (PDMF 2024) from November 12 to 14, 2024. A press conference on October 30 highlighted the partnership between the Pacific… Read the full press release

PATA Renews Partnership with OAG to Enhance Aviation Data Accessibility for Members

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has renewed its partnership with OAG, designating the company as its Preferred Partner and exclusive aviation data provider for the next three years. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid emphasized the importance of this collaboration, which will provide members with vital aviation data to monitor flight capacity and… Read the full press release

UN Tourism and Qatar Tourism Celebrate Excellence and Innovation at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2024

(IN SHORT) On October 30, 2024, UN Tourism and Qatar Tourism celebrated the second annual Qatar Tourism Awards, recognizing innovation and excellence in the tourism sector. The event received approximately 1,200 applications, showcasing the rapid growth of Qatar’s tourism industry, which has seen a 147% increase in international arrivals from 2019 to 2024. The awards… Read the full press release

UN Tourism and ILO Unveil New Employment Dataset to Enhance Sustainable Development Goals Monitoring

(IN SHORT) On October 30, 2024, UN Tourism launched a new dataset focused on tourism employment in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), aimed at enhancing the monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative addresses a critical gap in assessing tourism’s impact, specifically regarding its role in job creation and economic growth,… Read the full press release

British Airways Celebrates the Resumption of Flights to Bangkok

(IN SHORT) British Airways has announced its return to Bangkok, resuming flights to Thailand for the first time in over four years. The inaugural flight departed London Gatwick on October 28, 2024, landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport the following day, where passengers were welcomed with traditional dancers and local gifts. Initially, the route will operate three… Read the full press release

Accor Unveils Plans for Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, Marking a New Era in Luxury Hospitality

(IN SHORT) Accor has announced the signing of Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, set to open in January 2025, marking the brand’s fourth hotel in Egypt and its 500th property in the Caribbean and Latin America region. This luxury hotel will infuse Cairo’s downtown with French elegance and is strategically located near iconic landmarks such as… Read the full press release

Marriott International Celebrates Milestone Opening of 500th Property in CALA with Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres

(IN SHORT) Marriott International has celebrated the opening of its 500th property in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region with the debut of Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive. This marks Marriott’s first luxury all-inclusive resort in Mexico, enhancing its presence in the sought-after Isla Mujeres market. The resort features 109… Read the full press release

Tru by Hilton Expands into Colombia with the Launch of Tru by Hilton Cali Sur, Elevating Local Hospitality

(IN SHORT) Tru by Hilton has officially opened its first hotel in Colombia, Tru by Hilton Cali Sur, located in a vibrant area of Cali. Managed by Hoteles MS, this new hotel features 98 modern rooms, a fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a 24/7 market for guests’ convenience. The hotel aims to enhance the local… Read the full press release

Regent Shanghai Unveils New Culinary and Artistic Experience at Regent Taste Studio

Guests are invited to Elevate Above the Noise, unfolding new inspirations for art and food at Regent Shanghai on The Bund (IN SHORT) Regent Hotels & Resorts has launched the second season of Regent Taste Studio at Regent Shanghai on The Bund, featuring the theme “The Magic of Beauty of Contrast” from October 28 to… Read the full press release

IHG to Open InterContinental Phang-Nga Bay Resort, Expanding Luxury Footprint in Thailand’s Scenic Phang-Nga Bay

150-key InterContinental Phang-Nga Bay Resort to open in 2028 (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its luxury portfolio in Thailand with the planned InterContinental Phang-Nga Bay Resort, set to open in 2028. Located in the scenic Samet Nangshe area, the 150-key resort will offer travelers stunning views of Phang-Nga Bay along with luxury… Read the full press release

Qantas Expands Southeast Asia Reach with New Direct Brisbane-Manila Route, Strengthening Tourism and Trade Links

(IN SHORT) Qantas has launched nonstop flights from Brisbane to Manila, providing a direct link for travelers between Queensland and the Philippines. Operating four times a week, the new route will add over 100,000 seats annually and enhance connectivity for passengers traveling from New Zealand. The service reflects Qantas’ commitment to expanding in Southeast Asia… Read the full press release

Hyatt and Grupo Piñero Form Joint Venture to Expand Bahia Principe’s All-Inclusive Reach and Strengthen Market Presence

Strategic joint venture will strengthen Hyatt’s position as a global leader in the all-inclusive space and boost the growth of Grupo Piñero’s hotel division and its ability to reach new clients in key markets (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Grupo Piñero have announced a joint venture to manage Bahia Principe hotels and resorts, adding… Read the full press release

Hyatt Centric Cairo West Opens as Egypt’s First Art-Centered Lifestyle Hotel, Blending Culture with Contemporary Design

A unique fusion of Egyptian culture, heritage, and contemporary art awaits at Cairo West’s first art-centered lifestyle hotel (IN SHORT) Hyatt Centric Cairo West has opened as Cairo West’s first art-focused lifestyle hotel, merging Egypt’s cultural heritage with modern design. Located near major sites like the Grand Egyptian Museum, the hotel features curated artworks by… Read the full press release

Qantas and Skytrans Partner to Ensure Continuity of Lord Howe Island Flights

(IN SHORT) Qantas has partnered with Skytrans to ensure continued air service between Sydney and Lord Howe Island as Qantas retires its Q200 aircraft. Skytrans will take over the route exclusively from February 26, 2026, under a licence from the New South Wales Government. A codeshare agreement will allow passengers to book Skytrans-operated flights on… Read the full press release

Hyatt Centric Makes Caribbean Debut with New Santo Domingo Hotel, Offering Culture and Convenience

Hyatt Centric Brand Continues to Expand its Strong Global Footprint with First Hotel in the Caribbean (IN SHORT) Hyatt has opened Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo, marking the brand’s debut in the Caribbean. Located in Santo Domingo’s Piantini district, the hotel features 130 rooms with local art-inspired decor and four dining venues, including a rooftop bar…. Read the full press release

Emirates Unveils Exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne Pairing Experience in Dubai Lounge

(IN SHORT) Emirates has introduced a new champagne and canapés pairing experience at its Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge in Dubai’s Concourse B Business Class Lounge. Featuring four select Moët & Chandon champagnes, each paired with meticulously crafted canapés, the menu is designed to enhance the unique flavors of each champagne. This complimentary lounge experience… Read the full press release

PMG and Hilton Unveil Waldorf Astoria Residences in Denver’s Cherry Creek, Bringing New Luxury Living to Colorado

The 37 timeless residences located in Denver’s sought after Cherry Creek North neighborhood will rise as Colorado’s first Waldorf Astoria‑branded property (IN SHORT) PMG and Hilton are set to debut Colorado’s first Waldorf Astoria Residences in Denver’s Cherry Creek North, featuring 37 luxury residences starting at $1.2 million. Designed by SAR+ and Carlos Ott, with… Read the full press release

Atwell Suites by IHG Expands with Three New Hotels in Key U.S. Markets

Hotels in Kansas City, Mo., Henderson, Nev., and Fort Worth, Texas will debut by end of 2024 (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its Atwell Suites brand with three new properties set to open by the end of 2024 in Kansas City, Henderson, and Fort Worth. These all-suite hotels are designed for extended… Read the full press release

voco Hotels Launches Birdie Bean: A Fresh, Sustainable Coffee Experience for Young Travelers

(IN SHORT) voco Hotels has introduced Birdie Bean, a sustainable coffee brand featuring organic beans from Yunnan and local flavors like Pu’er tea. The first Birdie Bean café debuted at voco Suites Shanghai Hongqiao CBD, with a second location planned for voco Guangzhou Shifu. Aligned with voco’s commitment to sustainability, the brand creates a unique… Read the full press release

Waldorf Astoria Debuts in Denver with Exclusive Cherry Creek Residences by PMG and Hilton

The 37 timeless residences located in Denver’s sought after Cherry Creek North neighborhood will rise as Colorado’s first Waldorf Astoria‑branded property (IN SHORT) PMG and Hilton have introduced Colorado’s first Waldorf Astoria-branded residences in Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood. The Waldorf Astoria Residences Denver Cherry Creek will feature 37 luxury condominiums, blending elegance with exclusive… Read the full press release

Heathrow Expands Winter Travel Routes with New Destinations from Arctic Adventures to Asian Escapes

As the clocks go back and the season changes, Heathrow announces nine new airline routes and expanded services for passengers  Those looking for winter sun or a festive break can choose from a range of destinations including Tromsø, Sälen, and Delhi  The new and additional routes enhance Heathrow’s status as ‘most connected airport in the world’,… Read the full press release

Emirates Launches Exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne Pairing Experience in Dubai Lounge

(IN SHORT) Emirates has launched an exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge in its Concourse B Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport. As part of this new experience, guests can enjoy a carefully curated champagne and canapés pairing menu, featuring four premium Moët & Chandon champagnes—Moët Impérial, Rosé Impérial, Nectar Impérial, and Grand Vintage… Read the full press release

Alaska Airlines Pilots Reusable r.Cups in Sustainability Push on National Reuse Day

Alaska Airlines offered guests the chance to be among the first to try reusable r.Cups in the air. This feasibility study with r.Cups will help us explore new ways to reduce onboard waste, aiming to bring sustainable innovations to our fleet and the broader travel industry. (IN SHORT) Alaska Airlines partnered with r.World on National… Read the full press release

Emirates Orders Additional Boeing 777 Freighters, Expanding Cargo Fleet to Meet Growing Demand

Latest order adds capacity to meet strong customer demand amidst Dubai’s growing prominence as a preferred global logistics hub (IN SHORT) Emirates has ordered five additional Boeing 777 freighters, increasing its freighter fleet to 21 units by the end of 2026. The airline has also extended the lease for four of its existing freighters and… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines and Hoshino Resorts Launch Campaign to Showcase Hidden Gems and Promote Sustainable Tourism

Mitigating Overtourism and Promoting Regional Revitalization (IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) and Hoshino Resorts have launched the “All-time Favorite vs. Hidden Gems” campaign, which aims to promote sustainable tourism by encouraging travelers to explore lesser-known areas of Japan. The initiative seeks to mitigate over tourism in popular regions like Tokyo and Kyoto, while revitalizing underexplored… Read the full press release

British Airways Adds Third Daily Flight Between Washington Dulles and London for 2025 Travel Season

(IN SHORT) British Airways will increase its daily flights between Washington Dulles International Airport and London Heathrow from 14 to 21 per week starting on March 30, 2025, for the spring and summer season. The new flight will use a Boeing 787-8, complementing existing services operated by Boeing 777-200ER and Airbus A380 aircraft. This expansion… Read the full press release

Hilton and Universal Pictures Create ‘Stay Like’ Wicked Suite to Bring the Magic of Oz to Life in New York

An immersive stay experience awaits at New York Hilton Midtown in celebration of the global cinematic event Universal Pictures’ Wicked arrives in theaters November 22, 2024  (IN SHORT) Hilton and Universal Pictures have teamed up to create a unique Wicked-themed suite at the New York Hilton Midtown, celebrating the upcoming release of the film Wicked, arriving… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Secures Illinois’ Largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel Deal for Chicago Midway Operations

Supply from Valero is expected to deliver the highest volume of SAF announced to date in Illinois (IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has signed a significant sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) agreement with Valero Marketing and Supply Company to bring SAF to Chicago Midway International Airport. The deal, the largest of its kind in Illinois, includes an… Read the full press release

Emirates Unveils NBA-Themed A380 Livery and Special In-Flight Services Ahead of 2024-25 NBA Season

Airline unveils unique nose-to-tail A380 livery and unique inflight services to mark the tip-off of the 2024-25 NBA season (IN SHORT) Emirates has unveiled a bold new NBA-themed livery on its A380 aircraft to mark the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season and celebrate its role as the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and title… Read the full press release

Six Senses Expands Italian Presence with New Luxury Hotels in Milan and Lake Como

A modern take on historical charm in iconic Italian destinations (IN SHORT) Six Senses has partnered with Gruppo Statuto to expand its presence in Italy by opening two new luxury properties: Six Senses Milan in 2025 and Six Senses Lake Como in 2028. These new additions will follow the successful launch of Six Senses Rome… Read the full press release