PATA Recognises Long-Term Member Organisations for Their Role in Advancing Asia Pacific Tourism Cooperation

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association honoured long-standing member organisations during the PATA Executive Board & Board Member and PATA Awards Presentation Dinner on May 11, held as part of the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in Pohang, Korea. The recognition formed part of PATA’s 75th anniversary commemorations and celebrated organisations with more than 50,… Read the full news article

New sponsorship extension strengthens American Airlines and Miami HEAT collaboration across sports and community initiatives

(IN SHORT) American Airlines and the Miami HEAT have signed a new multiyear sponsorship extension that will continue American’s role as the team’s Official Airline. The agreement includes expanded fan experiences, AAdvantage loyalty programme benefits and in-arena promotions at Kaseya Center while building on a partnership that has lasted more than 25 years. The collaboration… Read the full news article

Wyndham and Applebee’s launch integrated travel and dining experience across U.S. hotel network

(IN SHORT) Applebee’s and Wyndham Rewards have launched a new partnership allowing Wyndham hotel guests to order Applebee’s To Go delivery directly through the Wyndham mobile app while earning loyalty points. Members placing qualifying orders of $15 or more receive free delivery and earn 10 Wyndham Rewards points per dollar spent, with additional bonus points… Read the full news article

New voco Darwin Suites Marks Australia’s First Northern Territory Property for Fast-Growing IHG Brand

(IN SHORT) voco Darwin Suites has officially opened in Darwin as the first voco-branded hotel in the Northern Territory and the first voco Suites property in Australia. Operated under IHG Hotels & Resorts, the 88-suite hotel combines apartment-style accommodation with premium hotel amenities and lifestyle-focused hospitality. The opening strengthens Darwin’s growing accommodation sector while expanding… Read the full news article

Upgraded MSC Poesia Begins Alaska Sailings Featuring Luxury Enhancements and Regional Culinary Experiences

(IN SHORT) MSC Cruises has launched its first Alaska cruise season with MSC Poesia departing Seattle on the company’s inaugural voyage to the region. The upgraded cruise ship will operate weekly seven-night itineraries through September, visiting destinations including Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Victoria while offering scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier…. Read the full news article

Garner Hotel Jagdalpur Marks IHG’s Entry into India’s Growing Bastar Hospitality Market

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement for the development of Garner Hotel Jagdalpur, marking the Garner brand’s entry into Chhattisgarh and expanding IHG’s presence in India’s emerging hospitality markets. The 117-room hotel will be developed by Freedom Hospitality and managed by United Hospitality Management, with opening planned for 2029. IHG said… Read the full news article

Edmonton International Airport Welcomes Return of Flair Airlines Nonstop Cancun Service

(IN SHORT) Edmonton International Airport will see the return of nonstop seasonal flights to Cancun as Flair Airlines restores winter services from Edmonton, Calgary and Montreal beginning in December 2026. The Edmonton route will operate three times weekly through April 2027, while Calgary and Montreal will also receive regular nonstop Cancun service throughout the winter… Read the full news article

SAS Ranked World’s and Europe’s Most Punctual Airline in Cirium April 2026 Report

(IN SHORT) Scandinavian Airlines has been ranked both the world’s most punctual airline and Europe’s most punctual airline in Cirium’s April 2026 On-Time Performance report after achieving an on-time arrival rate of 89.53 percent. The recognition marks the second consecutive month SAS has led the global rankings and comes during a period of ongoing operational… Read the full news article

PATA Annual Summit 2026 to Spotlight Tourism Resilience and Industry Transformation in South Korea

(IN SHORT) Pacific Asia Travel Association has unveiled the full programme and speaker line-up for the PATA Annual Summit 2026, which will take place in South Korea from 11 to 13 May under the theme “Navigating Towards a Resilient Future.” The summit coincides with PATA’s 75th anniversary and will gather tourism leaders, economists, destination marketers,… Read the full news article

flydubai Strengthens Passenger Confidence With High NPS Performance and Continued Operations Amid Aviation Challenges

(IN SHORT) flydubai has reported a sharp increase in its Net Promoter Score, which more than doubled in March 2026, indicating strong customer confidence during a period of regional airspace disruptions. The airline operated over 3,800 flights during the month, maintaining service continuity through adaptive scheduling, alternative routing, and coordinated efforts with UAE authorities. Proactive… Read the full news article

Emirates Rebuilds Global Network to Near Full Capacity as Travel Demand Drives Expansion Across Key International Routes

(IN SHORT) Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, resuming flights to 137 destinations across 72 countries and operating more than 1,300 weekly services, equivalent to 75% of its pre-disruption capacity. The airline carried 4.7 million passengers during the disruption period, highlighting continued demand for travel. Emirates is enhancing its passenger experience with extensive… Read the full news article

New Hilton incentive programme offers travel advisors opportunities to earn rewards through completed stays

(IN SHORT) Hilton has launched its 2026 Travel Advisor Appreciation Booking Incentive Contest, a global programme designed to reward travel advisors for their role in driving bookings and enhancing customer experiences. Running through August 31, 2026, the contest allows advisors to earn entries by completing eligible bookings, with multiple submissions encouraged. Monthly prizes include a… Read the full news article

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu launches Heritage Reimagined initiative to modernize spaces and enhance hospitality offering

(IN SHORT) Marco Polo Plaza Cebu has launched a major transformation initiative under its Heritage, Reimagined campaign, aiming to modernize its spaces while preserving its long-standing identity. The redevelopment focuses on enhancing guest experiences through improved design, functionality, and usability, reflecting how travelers engage with hospitality spaces today. With over two decades of history, the… Read the full news article

Munich Airport Completes Major Expansion with Launch of Modern Terminal 1 Pier Operations

(IN SHORT) Munich Airport has officially opened its new Terminal 1 pier, marking the completion of a seven-year construction project. The facility handled over 11,000 passengers and more than 70 flights on its first day, with notable arrivals and departures from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Cathay Pacific. Designed to improve efficiency and passenger… Read the full news article

Collette Joins World Travel and Tourism Council to Support Industry Collaboration and Responsible Travel

(IN SHORT) The World Travel & Tourism Council has welcomed Collette as a Global Member, expanding its network of leading travel organizations. With over a century of experience, Collette brings expertise in curated travel experiences and responsible tourism. The partnership will enable Collette to contribute to WTTC’s global initiatives focused on sustainability, resilience, and long-term… Read the full news article

New Direct Flights Between Shannon and Rome Strengthen Ryanair’s Summer Network in Europe

(IN SHORT) Ryanair has launched a new Summer 2026 route between Shannon Airport and Rome, operating four weekly flights. The new service expands the airline’s summer network and provides Irish passengers with more travel options at low fares. The route is expected to support tourism and strengthen connectivity between Ireland and Italy. (PRESS RELEASE) DUBLIN,… Read the full news article

New Ryanair Expansion in Tirana to Boost Routes Passenger Numbers and Jobs Across Albania

(IN SHORT) Ryanair has opened a new four-aircraft base at Tirana International Airport, investing $400 million to support major expansion in Albania. The airline will operate 44 routes, including 21 new destinations, and expects to grow passenger numbers to 4 million annually in 2026. The expansion is supported by favourable government policies and airport incentives… Read the full news article

Sofitel El Gouna Resort Set to Elevate Red Sea Hospitality with Major Renovation and Expansion Plans

(IN SHORT) Accor and Orascom Development Egypt have agreed to reposition Mövenpick El Gouna as the Sofitel El Gouna Resort through a major renovation starting in 2027. Located in the Red Sea destination of El Gouna, the project will create a flagship luxury resort featuring 420 rooms, premium dining, wellness facilities and event spaces. The… Read the full news article

Four Points by Sheraton debuts First African Resort as Marriott Expands Presence in Emerging Island Destinations

(IN SHORT) Marriott International has opened the Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort in Cape Verde, marking its debut in the country and its 500th select-service hotel in the EMEA region. Located in Mindelo on São Vicente Island, the 127-room resort offers a blend of leisure and business amenities, including beach access, dining venues,… Read the full news article

The Ritz-Carlton Expands China Portfolio with Opening of Luxury Landmark Hotel in Wuhan Financial District

(IN SHORT) The Ritz-Carlton has opened its first hotel in central China with the launch of The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan, located in the Yuexiu Global Financial Center Tower. The 204-room luxury property offers panoramic views, premium amenities, and a design inspired by local culture and the city’s river heritage. Featuring multiple dining venues, wellness facilities, and… Read the full news article

MSC Cruises Updates Global Deployment Plans Bringing MSC World Europa to French Antilles and Expanding Caribbean Offering

(IN SHORT) MSC Cruises has revised its Winter 2026/2027 deployment, redeploying MSC World Europa from the Middle East to the Caribbean, where it will operate 7- and 14-night itineraries from ports including Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Barbados. The move strengthens the company’s presence in the French Antilles and offers guests access to a range of Caribbean… Read the full news article

Accor strengthens hospitality portfolio with rapid growth of collection brands across luxury lifestyle and conversion segments

(IN SHORT) Accor is rapidly expanding its collection brands portfolio, which now includes over 180 hotels globally with more than 125 additional properties in development, representing over 65% projected growth. These brands, including Emblems Collection, MGallery Collection, Handwritten Collection, and Ennismore’s lifestyle offerings, allow independent hotels to retain their unique identity while benefiting from Accor’s… Read the full news article

easyJet strengthens regional network with major Newcastle investment delivering new routes and increased capacity

(IN SHORT) easyJet has opened its 11th UK base at Newcastle Airport, marking a significant expansion of its regional operations and supporting around 1,200 jobs, including 140 direct roles. The airline will operate up to 86 weekly flights across 22 routes, representing an 85% increase from last summer and significantly expanding destination choices for customers… Read the full news article

Finavia Appoints Joni Nojonen as Ivalo Airport Manager to Support Growing Lapland Tourism and Expanding International Connectivity

(IN SHORT) Finavia has appointed Joni Nojonen as Airport Manager of Ivalo Airport, effective 11 May 2026, tasking him with overseeing operations and strengthening stakeholder collaboration as the airport continues to grow alongside Lapland’s expanding tourism industry. With 250,000 passengers recorded in 2025 and increasing international traffic supported by direct connections to major European cities,… Read the full news article

Visit Maldives Aligns with New Arabian Travel Market Dates to Strengthen Engagement Ahead of Peak Travel Season

(IN SHORT) Visit Maldives Corporation has confirmed that Arabian Travel Market 2026 has been postponed from May to August 17–20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Working in coordination with event organizer RX, the organization assured partners that all existing arrangements, including stand allocations and participation details, will remain unchanged. The rescheduling prioritizes the… Read the full news article

Heathrow Adds New International Connections Including First Direct UK Service to St Louis and Expanded Transatlantic Links

(IN SHORT) Heathrow Airport has announced a series of new airline routes for the spring and summer 2026 season, expanding its network across Europe, Asia, and North America. New and returning services include destinations such as Rome, Seattle, St. Louis, Seville, Tivat, Guernsey, Islamabad, and Lahore, offering greater travel options for passengers and improved connectivity… Read the full news article

Mauritius Rises as a Global Holiday Hotspot Thanks to Two Decades of Emirates Connectivity

(IN SHORT) Emirates has played a major role in supporting Mauritius’ tourism growth, carrying over one million visitors to the island between 2022 and 2025 and accounting for more than 20% of arrivals during that period. The airline’s global network and partnerships have helped expand Mauritius’ reach into traditional and emerging markets, contributing to record… Read the full news article

Marriott International brings City Express by Marriott to Japan with Osaka conversion, marking the brand’s Asia Pacific debut amid global expansion momentum

(NEWS) TOKYO, 2025-Nov-10 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International is bringing its fast-growing midscale brand City Express by Marriott to Japan, with two Osaka properties set to open in 2026 under a conversion and rebranding agreement with Pacifica Hotels G.K. The announcement marks the Asia Pacific debut of City Express by Marriott — a major… Read the full news article

United Airlines and Lyft Join Forces to Turn Airport Rides into Airline Miles for Travelers

(NEWS) SAN FRANCISCO / CHICAGO, 2025-Nov-5 — /Travel PR News/ — United Airlines is taking another step toward redefining the connected travel experience through a new partnership with Lyft, enabling MileagePlus® members across the U.S. to earn miles on everyday rides. The collaboration allows United’s loyal flyers to collect airline miles each time they book an… Read the full news article

WTM London 2025 Highlights Maldives’ Growing Popularity Among British Travelers

(NEWS) LONDON, 2025-Nov-5 — /Travel PR News/ — The Maldives has entered World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025 with strong momentum, underscoring another year of remarkable growth in the UK travel market. According to Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), the destination welcomed 159,615 visitors from the United Kingdom as of 21 October 2025 — an increase of… Read the full news article