SAS Extends Long-Term Charter Flight Agreement with Sunweb and Airtours, Increasing Contract Value

(IN SHORT) SAS has signed a new long-term charter flight agreement with Sunweb Group, extending the partnership through summer 2027 and increasing the contract value to 740 million SEK. The agreement includes flights from Denmark and Sweden to destinations like Corfu and Bodrum, with Sunweb’s recent acquisition of Airtours in Sweden now part of the… Read the full press release

UN Tourism Launches Global AI Challenge to Revolutionize the Future of Sustainable Tourism

UN Tourism is looking for start-ups and scale-ups that are revolutionizing the tourism sector through cutting-edge solutions. (IN SHORT) UN Tourism is launching the Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge, inviting innovative start-ups and scale-ups to submit solutions that enhance tourism, sustainability, and economic growth. The challenge encourages projects in areas such as smart destinations, digital transformation,… Read the full press release

British Airways Expands Italian Routes with New Services to Rimini, Salerno, and Olbia for Summer 2025

British Airways adds Rimini and Salerno to its route network, alongside an additional service to Olbia, Sardinia from London City  The additions bring the number of Italian destinations served by the flag carrier to 19, more than any other European country (IN SHORT) British Airways is expanding its Italian network for summer 2025 with new… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways and Novak Djokovic Announce Multi-Year Partnership to Promote Wellness and Excellence

The World’s Best Airline teams up with 24-time Grand Slam and 2024 Olympic Gold Medallist champion in multi-year partnership (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has announced a multi-year partnership with tennis champion Novak Djokovic, naming him as their Global Brand Ambassador and Wellness Advisor. This collaboration celebrates Djokovic’s career achievements and aligns with the airline’s commitment… Read the full press release

Cathay Cargo Terminal Leads the Way in AI-Driven Safety and Security Innovation

Pioneering new standards in cargo terminal safety and security (IN SHORT) Cathay Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong has become the first air cargo terminal in the region to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) with its CCTV system to enhance safety and security. In partnership with Intenseye, the terminal uses AI to monitor safety hazards in real-time,… Read the full press release

IHG Unveils Revamped CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 for a Multi-Sensory Dining Experience in Greater China

An immersive dining experience presents “new five senses” in an alluring urban social space (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a refreshed concept for its CHAR Bar & Grill brand in Greater China, introducing CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0. The new dining experience focuses on a multi-sensory journey, combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with… Read the full press release

TRIBE Celebrates Milestone with 20 Hotels Worldwide, Unveils Expanding Global Network

TRIBE invites travellers to explore its expanding network of hotels across the globe, with new addresses recently debuting in Düsseldorf, Manchester and beyond. (IN SHORT) TRIBE, Accor’s design-focused hotel brand, has reached a milestone with 20 properties now open worldwide and over 40 more under development. The brand’s bold, modern approach prioritizes intelligent design, social… Read the full press release

Emirates A350 to Begin Daily Service to Edinburgh from January 2025, Expanding UK Connectivity

(IN SHORT) Emirates has announced the early launch of its Airbus A350 daily service to Edinburgh, starting January 3, 2025. The addition highlights Emirates’ commitment to offering enhanced travel experiences with its latest aircraft. The Edinburgh service, part of a broader A350 rollout to eight other destinations including Mumbai, Lyon, and Colombo, complements the airline’s… Read the full press release

Emirates Showcases Its First Airbus A350, Setting the Stage for Fleet Growth and Enhanced Travel Experiences

Delivery milestone celebrated today at a special event and showcase in Dubai  Airline reveals latest interiors, industry-first technologies and innovations onboard Addition of A350 to Emirates fleet primes airline for growth amid robust travel demand (IN SHORT) Emirates has unveiled its first Airbus A350-900 at a showcase event in Dubai, marking the addition of a… Read the full press release

dnata Travel Unveils Eid and Winter Travel Trends for UAE Residents: Thailand, Maldives, and Sri Lanka Lead

(IN SHORT) As the Eid Al Etihad long weekend approaches, dnata Travel has named Thailand, Maldives, UK, Sri Lanka, and Turkey as the top international destinations for UAE travelers in 2024. Thailand continues to lead, while Sri Lanka has seen a surge in popularity with nearly double the bookings compared to last year. While 85%… Read the full press release

Air India Launches ‘Fly Prior’ Service for Flexible Same-Day Travel Adjustments

(IN SHORT) Air India has introduced the ‘Fly Prior’ service, allowing passengers to switch to an earlier flight on the same day of their original booking, subject to seat availability. This service is available for a nominal fee—INR 2,199 for metro routes and INR 1,499 for other domestic routes—and is complimentary for Maharaja Club Platinum… Read the full press release

Air India Enhances Metro-to-Metro Routes with Premium Cabin Options and Optimised Schedules

All flights on five key metro-to-metro routes to be operated by erstwhile Vistara A320neo Choice of three cabin classes to be consistently available on the five routes Optimised frequency and departure times to offer maximum choice and flexibility (IN SHORT) Air India has upgraded its domestic network, introducing premium cabin options on five key metro-to-metro… Read the full press release

Marriott International and Sotheby’s Continue Exclusive Partnership with New Luxury Experiences

The groundbreaking collaboration between two storied luxury brands continues to blend the artistry of collectible treasures with the pinnacle of experiential travel (IN SHORT) Marriott International’s Luxury Group and Sotheby’s have expanded their exclusive partnership with new luxury experiences to be auctioned at Sotheby’s Luxury Sales in New York this December. The offerings include “Geneva… Read the full press release

Hilton Announces International Debut of Signia by Hilton in Amman, Jordan

Signia by Hilton Amman will open in Jordan in 2025, marking the brand’s international debut and making it the first Signia property outside the U.S. (IN SHORT) Hilton has announced the opening of Signia by Hilton Amman in Jordan, set to debut in 2025. This will be the first international property for the Signia brand… Read the full press release

IHG Expands Co-Brand Credit Card Partnerships in the US with New Agreements

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed new agreements with JPMorgan Chase and other financial partners to continue offering co-branded IHG One Rewards credit cards in the US, effective immediately through 2036. These agreements aim to strengthen loyalty, drive membership growth, and generate increased revenue streams for IHG. The partnerships are expected to significantly… Read the full press release

IHG Signs Management Agreement for Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre to Meet Growing MICE Demand

283-key conversion property will meet MICE demand when it opens later this year (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement for Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre in Vietnam, set to open later this year. The 283-key hotel will cater to the growing demand for meetings and events in Danang, offering a… Read the full press release

HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts Offers Global Travelers a Unique Experience of Chinese Hospitality and Culture

(IN SHORT) HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, is enhancing the travel experience for global visitors by offering a unique blend of Chinese hospitality and culture. With properties in key Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xi’an, the brand showcases Chinese aesthetics through design, food, and cultural activities. HUALUXE’s… Read the full press release

Star Alliance Wins World’s Leading Airline Alliance Award for Fifth Consecutive Year

(IN SHORT) Star Alliance has been named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance for the fifth consecutive year at the 31st annual World Travel Awards, held in Madeira, Portugal. This accolade highlights its commitment to seamless travel experiences and collaboration across its member airlines. Earlier in 2024, its Los Angeles Airport Lounge was also recognized as… Read the full press release

Bristol Airport Unveils Masterplan for Growth to 2040, Launches Public Consultation

Proposals announced to meet future demand for air travel in the region. Plans to connect people with more destinations, including east coast America and the Middle East. Future development would provide a boost to the local economy and create more jobs for local people. (IN SHORT) Bristol Airport has launched a public consultation on its… Read the full press release

Aspire Executive Lounges Expands to Morocco with Eleven New Lounges Across Nine Airports

(IN SHORT) Aspire Executive Lounges, operated by Swissport International, has won a 10-year contract to manage 11 lounges across nine Moroccan airports, starting in April 2025. These lounges will blend Aspire’s premium hospitality standards with Moroccan-inspired designs, offering enhanced experiences for travelers. Swissport, active in Morocco since 2012, has strengthened its role in the region’s… Read the full press release

Cathay Inspires Youth with Community Flight 2024, Supporting Hong Kong’s Strive and Rise Programme

Cathay’s continued support for the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme culminates in a memorable flight over Hong Kong (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific hosted its Cathay Community Flight 2024, taking over 180 students and mentors on a 90-minute flight over Hong Kong as part of its support for the Hong Kong SAR Government’s… Read the full press release

St. Regis Debuts in Serbia with The St. Regis Belgrade, Blending Luxury and Local Heritage

(IN SHORT) St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has debuted in Serbia with the opening of The St. Regis Belgrade, a 42-story luxury property located at the Belgrade Waterfront. Blending local heritage with modern design, the hotel offers 119 guest rooms, including bespoke suites featuring collaborations with Serbian designers and artists. Guests can enjoy innovative dining… Read the full press release

Marriott Marks 100th Property in Japan with Launch of Four Points Flex Brand in Asia Pacific

Marking The Debut Of The Four Points Flex Brand In Asia Pacific, This Opening Underscores The Company’s Strategic Growth In The Affordable Midscale Segment (IN SHORT) Marriott International has opened its 100th property in Japan, the Four Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda, marking the debut of the Four Points Flex brand in Asia Pacific… Read the full press release

Marriott Bonvoy Unveils 2025 Travel Trends: Heritage Holidays, Bravecations, and AI-Driven Planning on the Rise

Research amongst over 20,000 travellers across the EMEA region shows that more than four in ten are planning to go on more holidays in 2025 Bravecations and Heritage Holidays identified as the new-for-2025 travel trends Savvy spenders are on the rise as travellers seek the best value from trips Use of artificial intelligence to plan… Read the full press release

Qantas and CAE Open State-of-the-Art Flight Training Centre in Sydney

(IN SHORT) Qantas and CAE have inaugurated a new state-of-the-art flight training centre in St Peters, Sydney, marking the return of Sydney-based flight training for Qantas and Jetstar pilots. The facility features advanced simulators, including models for the A380, A330, B787, and A320, with an Airbus A350 simulator arriving in 2025 to support Project Sunrise… Read the full press release

Airport Handling Secures Seven-Year License for Rome Fiumicino Operations, Launching in 2025

Aeroporti di Roma reaffirms tender results Ground services provider to invest over €20 million in ground support equipment and employ 1,800 aviation professionals at FCO (IN SHORT) Airport Handling S.p.A. has been awarded a seven-year ground handling license for Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) following the reaffirmation of the tender result by Aeroporti di Roma and… Read the full press release

Minor Hotels Introduces Anantara Brand to Zimbabwe with New Victoria Falls Boutique Hotel

(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels is set to debut its Anantara brand in Zimbabwe with the opening of Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel on December 1, 2024. Located near Victoria Falls in a picturesque conservation area, the boutique property features 16 all-suite accommodations, a gourmet restaurant, a lounge and bar, a garden pool, and… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines Celebrates 25 Years of Shochu “Mori-Izo” Inflight Sales with Exclusive Business Class Offering

Commemorating 25 Years of Inflight Sales of Shochu “Mori-Izo”; Limited-Time Offer Available on Japan Departing Flights on December 15, 2024 (IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) is celebrating 25 years of offering Shochu “Mori-Izo” on its flights. Traditionally exclusive to First Class, the premium shochu will be served in Business Class for the first time on… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Boston Partners with Canada Goose to Keep Guests Warm in Style This Winter

(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston has partnered with luxury outerwear brand Canada Goose to offer guests complimentary access to high-performance winter apparel during their stay. Through the Canada Goose Closet program, guests can borrow stylish parkas in various sizes and colors to explore Boston comfortably during the winter. Located in the… Read the full press release

Cathay Hackathon 2024 Expands to Shenzhen, Showcasing Young Innovators in Aviation Technology

Cathay’s flagship tech event provides a unique platform for young innovators to showcase their creative ideas and solutions to enhance the aviation industry in Hong Kong and beyond (IN SHORT) The seventh annual Cathay Hackathon concluded in Shenzhen, marking its first expansion into the Greater Bay Area. The event attracted over 1,500 applicants from Hong… Read the full press release