Strategic Partnership Forged Between PATA and Sanya Tourism Board to Boost Tropical Coastal Tourism

Upcoming PATA Event — the 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event in Sanya, China Announced (IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Sanya Tourism Board have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on enhancing tourism in Sanya and other tropical islands in the Asia Pacific. The partnership aims to promote… Read the full press release

Royal Caribbean Expands Icon Class Fleet with New Agreement for Fourth Ship

(IN SHORT) Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku to build a fourth Icon Class ship, set for delivery in 2027, with options for two additional ships in the same class. This expansion follows the successful launch of Icon of the Seas and anticipates continued growth in Royal Caribbean’s fleet…. Read the full press release

Hyatt Place Rouen Opens Its Doors, Blending Historic Charm with Modern Comfort

The 85-room Hyatt Place hotel is now open in the vibrant centre of Rouen, in Northern France (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the official opening of Hyatt Place Rouen, a new 85-room hotel located in the heart of Rouen, Northern France. The hotel combines modern design with the city’s rich history, offering amenities… Read the full press release

Swissport Secures Ground Handling License at Frankfurt Airport, Enhancing Its Market Presence in Germany

(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG has secured a seven-year license to provide ground handling services at Frankfurt Airport, starting in February 2025. This expansion strengthens Swissport’s presence in Germany, making Frankfurt one of its largest operations in Europe. The company will invest in electric ground support equipment to align with its environmental goals and complement… Read the full press release

Qantas and Australian Red Cross Launch Major Partnership to Boost National Emergency Response Capabilities

(IN SHORT) Qantas has announced a new three-year partnership with the Australian Red Cross, providing multi-million dollar support to enhance the organization’s emergency response across Australia. The partnership will facilitate quicker and more cost-effective deployment of Red Cross personnel during crises and support the recruitment and training of 750 new volunteers. Qantas will also support… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Expands Flight Offerings with New International Routes and Enhanced Service for 2025

Airline adds nonstop international service between Nashville and both Punta Cana and Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos and between Sacramento and Puerto Vallarta beginning March 8, 2025* Increases flights to support fans traveling for fall football matchups Continues strengthening network with new seasonal and redeye service (IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has extended its flight schedule through… Read the full press release

Hilton Munich Park Set for Major Redevelopment as Part of Tucherpark’s Circular City Project

Following agreement with Commerz Real AG and Hines, Hilton will continue to manage hotel after significant redevelopment as part of mixed‑use Circular City Tucherpark (IN SHORT) Hilton Munich Park hotel will undergo a major redevelopment as part of the Tucherpark Circular City project in Munich, following a new long-term agreement between Hilton and a joint… Read the full press release

Minor Hotels Expands Indian Ocean Portfolio with Opening of NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort

(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has announced the opening of NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort on September 1, 2024, marking the debut of the NH Hotels & Resorts brand in the Indian Ocean. Located in South Ari Atoll, Maldives, the resort offers 51 deluxe suites and villas, providing guests with access to world-class diving and snorkeling… Read the full press release

Air Astana and Japan Airlines Partner to Enhance Connectivity Between Kazakhstan and Japan

(IN SHORT) Air Astana and Japan Airlines (JAL) have signed a codeshare agreement to enhance connectivity between Kazakhstan and Japan. The partnership will allow passengers to book flights on both airlines for a seamless travel experience, particularly with the launch of a new Almaty-Tokyo route in spring 2026. This agreement marks a significant expansion for… Read the full press release

Enhanced Travel Experience to the Maldives with New Qatar Airways and Maldivian Partnership

Passengers can now book one ticket encompassing both Qatar Airways and Maldivian flights A plethora of new benefits include increased booking choices, competitive fares, and co-ordinated flight schedules (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has partnered with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, to offer a more seamless travel experience for passengers. This new interline agreement… Read the full press release

Fiji Airways Announces First-Ever Non-Stop Flights Between Nadi and Dallas

Fiji Airways’ new route will connect travellers with an additional 247 destinations through one of the busiest travel hubs in the world (IN SHORT) Fiji Airways has announced a new non-stop route connecting Nadi, Fiji, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, commencing in December 2024. This route will operate three times a week using Airbus… Read the full press release

Cathay Invests HK$100 Billion to Elevate Hong Kong’s Aviation Hub Status

(IN SHORT) Cathay Group is investing over HK$100 billion to strengthen Hong Kong’s international aviation hub, focusing on fleet expansion, enhanced customer experience, and upgraded lounges. The investment supports Cathay’s growth strategy and commitment to sustainability, aiming to achieve carbon net-zero by 2050. The Group is also on track to restore its pre-pandemic flight capacity… Read the full press release

Grand Hyatt Kunming Debuts in China’s ‘Spring City’

The 331-room hotel offers a distinctive luxury retreat in the heart of Kunming, blending elegance and opulence with the essence of Yunnan culture (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Grand Hyatt Kunming in Yunnan province’s Spring City 66 plaza, offering 331 luxurious rooms and a variety of dining, wellness, and event spaces. This new… Read the full press release

Hilton Expands Presence in Portugal with Three New Hotels

Canopy by Hilton Vilamoura Marina, Santo André Beach Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Airport will join Hilton’s rapidly growing Southern European portfolio. (IN SHORT) Hilton is set to open three new hotels in Portugal under the Canopy by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands by 2026…. Read the full press release

Marriott International Announces W Hotels Expansion to Hangzhou

(IN SHORT) Marriott International has partnered with Zhong An Commercial Group to open W Hangzhou in 2031. Located in Hangzhou’s new CBD, the hotel will feature 270 guest rooms, including river-view options, and a range of luxury amenities. This expansion reinforces Marriott’s growing luxury footprint in Greater China, with over 70 luxury hotels now in… Read the full press release

InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Sets New Standard for Luxury in Texas

(IN SHORT) InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has opened the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, a 390-room luxury hotel with over 18,000 square feet of meeting space and four dining options. Located near the River Walk and major attractions, the hotel features a rooftop pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and high-end amenities. A special promotion is available until… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts Partners with Action Against Hunger to Combat Food Insecurity

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Action Against Hunger to combat global food insecurity. The partnership will fund child malnutrition programs and allow guests to donate rewards points to support these initiatives, as part of IHG’s broader commitment to improving global food security. (PRESS RELEASE) London, UK, 2024-Aug-2 — /Travel PR News/… Read the full press release

JAL and ENEOS Partner to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Use in Japan

Promoting the Construction of a Domestic SAF Supply Chain (IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) and ENEOS Corporation have signed an agreement to accelerate the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Japan. ENEOS will be the first Japanese energy company to import and supply SAF to JAL. This partnership aims to establish a domestic SAF… Read the full press release

Hyatt to Open First Branded Hotel in Belize with The Placencia Resort by 2025

The first Hyatt-branded hotel in Belize enters the Hyatt portfolio as an affiliated hotel, with plans to officially join the Destination by Hyatt brand and World of Hyatt loyalty program in late 2025 (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation, in collaboration with Maya Rio Development, announced plans to open its first Hyatt-branded hotel in Belize. The… Read the full press release

Emirates to Introduce Second Daily A380 Service to Bali for Peak Season

(IN SHORT) Emirates will introduce a second daily Airbus A380 service between Dubai and Bali from 1 September to 26 October 2024 to accommodate increased travel demand during the peak season. This upgrade replaces the current Boeing 777 service on flight EK398/399, providing over 2,600 additional weekly seats. The move builds on the success of… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Tamarindo Announces New Direct Flights from Atlanta and Los Angeles, Simplifying Travel to Luxury Mexican Resort

Planning an escape to this corner of the world in Mexico has never been easier thanks to two new direct flight paths operated in partnership with Delta and Aeromexico (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo has announced new direct flights to Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport, enhancing travel convenience to the luxury destination in Mexico. Starting November… Read the full press release

Choice Hotels Expands Cambria Brand with Four New Upscale Properties in Popular U.S. Destinations

Located in cities and sought-after vacation destinations, Cambria Hotels offers guests an upscale stay and award-winning satisfaction perfect for a summer getaway (IN SHORT) Choice Hotels International has opened four new Cambria Hotels in popular U.S. destinations: Niagara Falls, NY; Rehoboth, DE; North Conway, NH; and Denver, CO. These openings increase the Cambria Hotels portfolio… Read the full press release

Marriott Hotels Launches First All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun, Marking a New Era in Luxury Hospitality

Building on the brand’s legacy of wonderful hospitality, guests of Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort will step into a world of unparalleled hospitality and enriching experiences (IN SHORT) Marriott Hotels has launched its first all-inclusive resort, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, marking a significant expansion into the all-inclusive market. Located in Cancun’s Golden Zone, the… Read the full press release

Marriott International Launches HotelHelp Program to Support Human Trafficking Survivors

New initiative furthers company’s commitment to anti-trafficking and survivor empowerment (IN SHORT) Marriott International has launched HotelHelp, a program donating short-term emergency hotel stays to human trafficking survivors. Piloted in five U.S. cities and set to expand to 25 cities by January 2025, the initiative partners with care providers to offer safe accommodations. Modeled after… Read the full press release

InterContinental Hotels Returns to the Philippines with New Luxury Property in Clark by 2031

250-key InterContinental Clark to open in 2031 (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with Hann Philippines Inc. to open InterContinental Clark in New Clark City by 2031. The 250-key luxury hotel will be part of the 450-hectare Hann Reserve estate, featuring championship golf courses, luxury residences, and various amenities. This project… Read the full press release

AirAsia Rewards Partners with MiL.k and The Sandbox to Launch Web3.0 Member Experience in the Metaverse

(IN SHORT) AirAsia Rewards is partnering with MiL.k and The Sandbox to introduce a Web3.0 member experience on the metaverse platform. This collaboration aims to leverage the blockchain-based loyalty integration platform MiL.k and The Sandbox’s metaverse to create unique marketing opportunities and exclusive events for global users. The partnership seeks to engage AirAsia Rewards’ 33… Read the full press release

SITA to Enhance Passenger Experience at Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Advanced Check-in Solutions

(IN SHORT) SITA has partnered with Shanghai Pudong International Airport to enhance the travel experience by installing advanced passenger verification and check-in solutions. The initiative includes deploying 52 self-service kiosks and 14 self-service bag drops, aimed at reducing queues and congestion for international travelers. As the airport expects a rise in international flights post-pandemic, these… Read the full press release

UN Tourism Launches Collaborative Academies to Enhance Skills Development in African Tourism

(IN SHORT) UN Tourism has taken a significant step to enhance education and skills development in Africa by establishing the first collaborative Academies in the region. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Ministry of Tourism of Zambia to create the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality, aimed at equipping students and… Read the full press release

UN Tourism Hosts First African Gastronomy Forum in Zimbabwe, Launches New Culinary Academy

(IN SHORT) UN Tourism hosted its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, with support from the Basque Culinary Center and the patronage of the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa. The event gathered 200 delegates from 33 countries to discuss leveraging gastronomy for sustainable tourism. Key discussions… Read the full press release

Emirates Enhances Business Class Dining with Pre-Order Meal Service in Germany

(IN SHORT) Emirates has expanded its Business Class pre-order meal service to all four of its German gateways: Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, and Duesseldorf. This service, allowing passengers to choose their hot main meal between 14 days and 24 hours before departure, is now available on over 100 routes worldwide. Since its launch, more than 135,000… Read the full press release