Gloria Fluxà Appointed Vice-Chair of WTTC and Chair of Sustainability Committee, Taking the Helm from Darrell Wade

(IN SHORT) The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has named Gloria Fluxà, Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar Group, as its new Vice-Chair and Chair of the Sustainability Committee, succeeding Darrell Wade, Intrepid Group Co-founder and Chairman. Gloria Fluxà, who has held the position of Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar Group… Read the full press release

Eve Air Mobility Partners with Kookiejar to Deploy Urban Air Traffic Management System in Dubai

Eve continues to expand its global vertiport customer base (IN SHORT) Eve Air Mobility (Eve) and Swedish-based vertiport developer Kookiejar have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for the deployment of Eve’s Urban ATM (Air Traffic Management) system to support vertiport operations in Dubai. This marks Eve’s first Urban ATM agreement in Dubai and adds… Read the full press release

flydubai Orders 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for Strategic Fleet Expansion

The Dubai-based carrier places its first wide-body order for 30 Boeing 787-9s at the Dubai Airshow, diversifying its current fleet of all-Boeing 737 aircraft This is the fourth aircraft order placed by the carrier since it was founded in 2008; building on the success of its business model (IN SHORT) Dubai-based airline flydubai has signed… Read the full press release

Torrens University and TFE Hotels Collaborate to Empower Hospitality Talent

(IN SHORT) Torrens University Australia and TFE Hotels have formed a strategic alliance to support talent development in the hospitality sector. The partnership introduces a custom short-course portal, enabling TFE team members to earn micro-qualifications alongside their university coursework. In return, Torrens University hospitality students gain access to real-world internships within TFE’s extensive Australian hotel… Read the full press release

Manchester Airport Hosts Autumn Leaves Lunch for Over-65s, Celebrating 85 Years

(IN SHORT) Manchester Airport recently brought back its beloved Autumn Leaves event, treating more than 170 individuals over the age of 65 to a delightful afternoon of entertainment and a sponsored three-course lunch. This annual event, initiated by the airport in 2011, is a gesture of goodwill for pensioners from Woodhouse Park and neighboring areas…. Read the full press release

South African Airways Unveils Premium Lounge Upgrade at OR Tambo International Airport

(IN SHORT) South African Airways (SAA) celebrates the opening of its new international lounge at OR Tambo International Airport, showcasing its commitment to delivering exceptional services to customers both in-flight and on the ground. The newly upgraded airport lounge, named “The Lounge,” is part of a broader renovation plan that will cover all lounges operated… Read the full press release

PATA and ICCA Forge Partnership to Boost Business Travel and Sustainability in Asia Pacific

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in promoting responsible and sustainable growth within the travel and tourism industry, both regionally and globally. The agreement, signed during the 62nd ICCA Congress hosted by the Thailand… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Brings First-Grade Classroom Flight Project to Life with Memorable Field Trip

(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines turned a first-grade teacher’s classroom flight simulation project into a real-life adventure by hosting her entire class for an educational day out. After capturing hearts online with her mock Southwest plane setup, Mrs. Sonja White’s students were treated to a tour of the Southwest Dallas Maintenance Hangar, a flight experience on… Read the full press release

Ryanair and Erasmus Student Network Renew Partnership for 7th Year, Offering Exclusive Travel Benefits

OVER 700,000 ESN BOOKINGS IN 7 YEARS (IN SHORT) Ryanair, Europe’s leading airline, and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) have extended their partnership for a seventh consecutive year. This collaboration continues to provide European students with discounted travel options during their educational exchange programs. Through the partnership, Erasmus students gain access to a dedicated booking… Read the full press release

Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas Returns to Latin America with Exciting Upgrades

The experiences on board are adapted to offer the Latin market the best vacations without leaving the region (IN SHORT) Royal Caribbean International’s iconic ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, is making a triumphant return to Latin America, arriving in Panama on December 2nd. The ship offers a seven-night adventure packed with entertainment, diverse dining options, and… Read the full press release

Hyatt Announces Grand Hyatt Deer Valley Expansion in Park City, Utah for Late 2024

Expected to open late 2024, Grand Hyatt Deer Valley will expand Hyatt’s brand presence in a vibrant resort market (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation, in partnership with Extell Development Company, has unveiled plans for the expansion of the Grand Hyatt brand with the opening of Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, expected in… Read the full press release

Belfast City Airport Unveils Luxurious Aspire Lounge After £1.2m Renovation

(IN SHORT) Belfast City Airport has introduced its upgraded Aspire Lounge following a £1.2 million investment, and it was inaugurated at an exclusive event attended by prominent figures from Northern Ireland’s business community and the aviation industry. The revamped lounge, which reopened over the summer, now has the capacity to accommodate 178 passengers, a 70-passenger… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Marks 10th Year of Meals on Wheels Blitz Day with $10,000 Donation

(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines recently celebrated a decade of their Meals on Wheels Blitz Day in partnership with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) by hosting a special event in Dallas. Over 300 Southwest Airlines employees took part in the event, delivering meals along 140 different routes across the city to support the VNA and its… Read the full press release

Embark on an Unforgettable Kenyan Adventure in 2024 with Cruzeiro Safaris

(IN SHORT) Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya, a premier tour and safari company with over 20 years of experience, is offering a wide range of attractions, tours, and safaris in Kenya for 2024. Travelers can explore the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of Kenya through top-notch booking services. The company’s experienced guides ensure unforgettable experiences, whether it’s… Read the full press release

British Airways Adds Festive Flavors to Onboard Experience for Diwali and Thanksgiving

British Airways introduces a variety of special touches to its onboard experience, including sweet desserts for Diwali and Thanksgiving-inspired menus with traditional roast turkey and pumpkin pie The airline will also offer special treats and bespoke dishes in its lounges at London Heathrow  British Airways is making improvements in its World Traveller cabin, with new dishes… Read the full press release

Belfast City Airport Expands Sunshine Routes with New Alicante Flights in 2024

(IN SHORT) Belfast City Airport has announced plans to introduce new flights to Alicante in the summer of 2024, operated by easyJet. The service will commence on May 24, 2024, with flights scheduled for Thursdays and Sundays. The addition of this European summer destination marks significant growth for Belfast City Airport, which has been expanding… Read the full press release

Chicago Airports to Delight Travelers with ‘Chi on the Fly’ Entertainment This Holiday Season

Featured Artists to Shine a Spotlight on Chicago’s Entertainment Scene (IN SHORT) The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has announced the return of its popular “Chi on the Fly” entertainment series at O’Hare and Midway International Airports, starting on November 16, to spread holiday cheer among travelers. The program will feature a diverse lineup of… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways to Showcase State-of-the-Art Aircraft at Dubai Airshow 2023

The Best Airline in the Middle East will showcase its latest generation Boeing 787-9, Airbus A350-1000, and its Gulfstream G650ER aircraft (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways is gearing up to make a significant presence at the upcoming Dubai Airshow 2023, scheduled from November 13 to 17, 2023, at Dubai World Centre. The airline plans to reaffirm… Read the full press release

Royal Caribbean Unveils Spectacular Entertainment Lineup for Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship

The First-of-its-Kind Vacation Introduces Firsts, like “The Wizard of Oz” and Skateboarders, and More Live Music and Comedy Than Ever (IN SHORT) Royal Caribbean International is gearing up to debut its groundbreaking cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, in January 2024. The ship will offer an impressive array of entertainment options across its four signature stages:… Read the full press release

Maldives Promotes Sustainability and Atoll Diversity at Exclusive Media Meet During WTM London 2023

(IN SHORT) The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) hosted a highly-anticipated Maldives Media Meet at WTM London 2023. The event, led by CEO Thoyyib Mohamed, emphasized sustainability and the Maldives’ five-year marketing journey. Thoyyib highlighted the transformative shift in the country’s tourism sector and its alignment with the Maldives Fifth Tourism Master Plan… Read the full press release

Maldives Tourism Promotes Atoll Diversity with New Website Segment

(IN SHORT) The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has launched a new section on its Visit Maldives website dedicated to showcasing the diverse atolls of the Maldives. The segment, available at “atolls.visitmaldives.com,” offers detailed information about different regions, starting with Addu Atoll and Fuvahmulah Atoll. With 26 atolls in the Maldives, this initiative… Read the full press release

St. Regis Debuts Luxury Resort in Morocco’s Tamuda Bay

This esteemed opening marks the brand’s debut in Morocco (IN SHORT) St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy, has announced the opening of The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort, Tamuda Bay, marking its entry into Morocco. Developed by Eagle Hills and designed by Smallwood, the resort offers a luxurious retreat on Tamuda… Read the full press release

Marriott’s Luxury Collection Expands to Greece’s Dodecanese Islands with Patmos Aktis Renovation

Expected to open in summer 2024, Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Greece will bring The Luxury Collection to the peaceful island of Patmos (IN SHORT) Marriott International has signed an agreement to introduce The Luxury Collection to Greece’s Dodecanese Islands through the renovation of Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa. Expected to open… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts Achieves 58% Female Representation in Senior Management Roles in Malaysia, Outpacing National Average

Global hotel group is supporting female colleagues to thrive through empowering culture and diverse development opportunities (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts in Malaysia has exceeded the country’s average for female representation in senior management roles, with 58% of such positions held by women, surpassing the national average of 40%. IHG attributes this achievement to… Read the full press release

OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels Offers Up to 40% Off in 2023 Cyber Sale for Dream Beachfront Getaways

Up to 40% off premium resort stays across all of OUTRIGGER’s global beachfront properties and early cyber sale access for DISCOVERY loyalty members (IN SHORT) OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has launched its 2023 cyber sale, offering up to 40% off resort and hotel rates at its global beachfront properties in locations like the Maldives, Thailand,… Read the full press release

Emirates Flight Training Academy Celebrates Graduation of Over 120 New Pilots

(IN SHORT) Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates the graduation of over 120 cadets who are now embarking on careers as pilots for Emirates. EFTA, initially established to train UAE nationals, has expanded its world-class training program to aspiring pilots from various countries. The recent graduates, aged between… Read the full press release

Emirates Begins Operating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Flights in Dubai

(IN SHORT) Emirates has commenced the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied by Shell Aviation for its flights departing from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Shell has provided 315,000 gallons of blended SAF to Emirates, enabling the airline to power several flights using this eco-friendly fuel. The blended SAF consists of a 40% neat SAF… Read the full press release

Emirates Celebrates 10 Years of Connecting Sialkot, Pakistan, to the World

1.5 million passengers have travelled with Emirates on the route since operations began in 2013 Airline has facilitated trade between Sialkot and the rest of the world by uplifting over 41,000 tonnes of export cargo over the past ten years (IN SHORT) Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is commemorating a significant milestone in Pakistan… Read the full press release

Vistara Becomes First Indian Airline to Offer Complimentary Wi-Fi on International Flights for Club Vistara Members

(IN SHORT) Vistara, India’s premium full-service airline, has introduced complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity for its international flights operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo aircraft. This service is exclusively available to all members of Vistara’s loyalty program, Club Vistara, irrespective of their membership tier, points, or membership tenure. Club Vistara members can enjoy unlimited… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines Raises Over $132,000 for Maui Wildfire Relief Efforts

(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) has successfully raised more than $132,000 to support the relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui, which occurred in August 2023. The funds were generated through various fundraising initiatives, including mileage donations and collection boxes placed in Japan and across the U.S., including Hawaii… Read the full press release