Category Archives: Travelers

Kempinski’s Bangkok and Bali Properties Lead GHA Awards for Loyalty Performance and Green Initiatives

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(IN SHORT) Kempinski Hotels swept three major prizes at the 2025 Global Hotel Alliance Awards in Brussels. Recognized for outstanding loyalty-programme engagement, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok claimed Top Property of the Year by achieving the most DISCOVERY room-night bookings, while The Apurva Kempinski Bali received the Green Collection Spotlight for its sustainability leadership. These awards… Read the full news article

Travelport+ Integrates EVA Air NDC Content for Enhanced Agency Booking and Servicing

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(IN SHORT) Travelport has added EVA Air’s NDC content to its Travelport+ platform, allowing travel agencies in select markets to shop and service personalized fares and ancillaries within the GDS. The integration supports end-to-end NDC workflows—booking, modifications, and cancellations—enhancing efficiency and traveler experience. EVA Air’s digital planning lead, Eric Chiu, highlighted the partnership’s role in… Read the full news article

Marriott and Polaris Launch Four City Express Hotels to Meet El Salvador’s Growing Demand for Midscale Lodging

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(IN SHORT) Marriott International has partnered with Corporación Polaris and Cardedeu to open four City Express by Marriott hotels in El Salvador, delivering 440 new rooms to the country’s midscale market. The properties—City Centro in downtown San Salvador, an airport-adjacent hotel, a highway-front location in Santa Elena, and a City Express Plus in San Benito—will… Read the full news article

New Premium Flagship® Lounge and Admirals Club® Expansion Elevate Miami International Airport Experience

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(IN SHORT) American Airlines will nearly double lounge capacity at Miami International Airport by constructing a new Flagship® lounge and expanding Admirals Club® facilities. The current 2017 Flagship® space will convert into an enlarged Admirals Club®, while the new Flagship® location will offer luxury perks like champagne welcomes and chef-crafted menus. Following the successful PHL… Read the full news article

New American Airlines Partnership Elevates PGA Travel and Supports Veterans Through PGA HOPE

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(IN SHORT) American Airlines has become the Official Airline for the PGA of America, PGA HOPE, the PGA Championship, and Ryder Cup USA through 2027. AAdvantage® members will enjoy dedicated hospitality areas and miles-based rewards at these events. American will also present the Secretary’s Cup, PGA HOPE’s veteran-focused 9-hole match held during PGA Championship week,… Read the full news article

American Airlines Adds Year-Round Flights to Sun Valley and Santa Maria, Plus Expanded Winter Service

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(IN SHORT) American Airlines is rolling out three permanent domestic routes—to Sun Valley (SUN) and Santa Maria (SMX)—and enhancing winter-season service to Fort Myers (RSW), Missoula (MSO), and Santa Fe (SAF). New SUN flights from Chicago and Phoenix begin December 18 on dual-class regional jets. Aspen gains nonstop service from Charlotte, and Missoula receives exclusive… Read the full news article

Phuket’s Layan Life Blends Thai Healing and High-Tech Medicine in AHEAD Asia Awards Shortlist

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(IN SHORT) Layan Life by Anantara at Anantara Layan Phuket has been named a finalist in the 2025 AHEAD Asia Awards, which honor excellence in hotel design and guest innovation. The retreat’s design fuses modern medical technologies with ancient Thai healing, realized through biophilic architecture by Martin Palleros and Tierra Design and interiors by P49… Read the full news article

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Winter 2026–2027 Itineraries Open: Evrima Debuts in Polynesia and Hawaii While Luminara Adds Ten Asia-Pacific Destinations

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(IN SHORT) The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced 32 new winter 2026–2027 voyages aboard Evrima and Luminara, including the first South Pacific and Hawaiian sailings. Evrima’s debut in French Polynesia and Hawaii will feature island-hopping itineraries from seven to twelve nights, leveraging its Marina for direct access to secluded lagoons and coral reefs alongside immersive… Read the full news article

IHG and Palm Holdings Launch Garner Hotel Haymarket to Energise Edinburgh’s West End

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(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled Garner Hotel Edinburgh – Haymarket, its 195-room midscale flagship in partnership with Palm Holdings. Located opposite Haymarket Station and close to major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Murrayfield Stadium, the hotel offers reliable, essential comforts—including plush beds, blackout blinds, parking and round-the-clock snacks—alongside grab-and-go breakfasts. Ahead of… Read the full news article

The Marcus Portrush Opens as Tapestry Collection’s Debut Hotel in Portrush, Blending History and Adventure

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(IN SHORT) The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has opened in a meticulously restored Victorian building on Northern Ireland’s Portrush coast, marking the brand’s regional debut. The 80-room hotel brings to life the adventures of “Marcus,” a fictional explorer whose narrative and artwork infuse public areas and guest rooms. An £11 million renovation preserves… Read the full news article

Canopy by Hilton Unveils First South African Hotel in Cape Town’s Historic Longkloof District

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(IN SHORT) Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof has officially opened, marking the lifestyle brand’s debut in South Africa. Situated in the rejuvenated Longkloof district, the 154-room hotel combines historic architecture with contemporary design and is ideally located near major attractions like Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and Clifton beaches. Its signature dining venue, Ongetem—helmed… Read the full news article

Halifax Stanfield Debuts Fifth CT-Equipped Security Lane and Phases Out YHZ Express for Faster Screening

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(IN SHORT) Halifax Stanfield International Airport has opened a new fifth security lane featuring CATSA’s CT X-ray technology, allowing passengers to keep liquids, gels, and electronics in their bags while passing through screening. This upgrade—part of a phased plan—boosts efficiency and will lead to the discontinuation of the YHZ Express reservation-only service after June 30,… Read the full news article

ANA Expands NDC Partnership with Trip.com to Offer Full Fare Access Beyond Japan

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(IN SHORT) All Nippon Airways has broadened its NDC-powered ticket distribution with Trip.com from Japan to eleven additional markets—Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines—effective June 24, 2025. Customers booking ANA flights on Trip.com in these regions will be able to purchase the same fare classes and… Read the full news article

Spirit Airlines Renames Fare Bundles to Spirit First, Premium Economy, and Value for Greater Clarity

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(IN SHORT) On June 24, 2025, Spirit Airlines announced new names for its fare bundles to enhance clarity and simplify booking choices. The carrier’s premium offerings are now Spirit First (formerly Go Big) and Premium Economy (formerly Go Comfy), while its budget-focused option is Value (formerly Go). Spirit First includes Big Front Seat®, complimentary baggage,… Read the full news article

Qatar Airways Debuts AI-Driven Converix In-Flight Entertainment on 777-9 Jets at Paris Air Show

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(IN SHORT) During the 55th International Paris Air Show, Qatar Airways, recently named World’s Best Airline 2025 by Skytrax for a record ninth time, revealed its new in-flight entertainment system on Boeing 777-9 jets. Developed in partnership with Panasonic Avionics’ Converix platform, the IFE harnesses AI to deliver a single, integrated interface for entertainment, cabin… Read the full news article

From Adaptive Trails to Cultural Tours Travel Oregon’s Competitive Grants Drive Inclusive Visitor Experiences

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(IN SHORT) On June 23, 2025, Travel Oregon announced $6.2 million in grants for 65 projects aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusivity across Oregon’s tourism offerings. The funding—distributed through the 2024–25 Competitive Grants Program—supports eligible applicants such as local governments, Tribes, and nonprofits. Projects will add adaptive trails, inclusive outdoor activities, and cultural heritage experiences,… Read the full news article

New A320neo Boosts Bristol’s easyJet Network to 83 Routes with 44 New UK Summer Connections

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(IN SHORT) easyJet has stationed a new Airbus A320neo—the 19th at Bristol Airport—supporting 400 jobs and adding £27 million in GVA. The quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft helps the airline operate 83 routes from Bristol, including new twice-weekly services to Almeria (from 24 June) and Palermo (from 26 June). Winter routes to Munich, Vienna, Zurich, and… Read the full news article

Snap Up Budget-Friendly July Getaways: Return Flights from Manchester Under £80

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(IN SHORT) Shoulder-season travel from Manchester Airport unlocks affordable sun escapes under £80 pp return. Featuring eight destinations—Mallorca, Naples, Beziers, Brindisi, Jerez, Pula, Rhodes, and Paphos—these deals capitalize on lower prices before the school holidays. Flights operate via Ryanair and Jet2.com in July (and late June), connecting passengers to beach resorts, historical sites, and cultural… Read the full news article

Arriva Unveils £9.7 Million Busway Upgrade with 30 Low-Emission Buses for 24/7 Luton Airport Links

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(IN SHORT) Arriva is deploying 30 new low-emission, Euro VI buses on its £9.7 million Busway network upgrade to enhance connections to London Luton Airport. The update delivers services every 7–8 minutes on key corridors and introduces 24/7 operations on routes A and Z, with additional lines (H, L, X2/X3) running early morning to past… Read the full news article

Korean Air’s SKYPASS Members to Transform Seoul’s Mullae Park with Second Green SKYPASS Initiative

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(IN SHORT) Korean Air’s second Green SKYPASS initiative will convert Mullae Park in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, into a landscaped public space by October 2025. SKYPASS members can support the project by redeeming miles for award flights or buying Korean Air merchandise through Mileage Mall’s KE Design Store. The program builds on the 2022 Omok Park transformation,… Read the full news article

New 182-Room Radisson RED on Leman Street Brings Bold Design and Sustainability to London’s East End

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(IN SHORT) Radisson Hotel Group and PPHE Hotel Group have signed an agreement for the first Radisson RED hotel in central London, located on Leman Street near Liverpool Street Station. The mixed-use development will replace two outdated office buildings with a 182-room lifestyle hotel featuring a restaurant, bar, gym, and office space. Scheduled to open… Read the full news article

AirAsia X Introduces Thrice-Weekly Kuala Lumpur to Tashkent Service with Seamless Fly-Thru Connections

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(IN SHORT) AirAsia X will inaugurate a thrice-weekly Kuala Lumpur–Tashkent service on 15 October 2025, enabling Singapore travellers to reach Uzbekistan through Fly-Thru connections in Kuala Lumpur. This new route follows the airline’s successful Almaty launch in early 2024 and seeks to deepen tourism, trade, and cultural links between Southeast Asia and Central Asia. CEO… Read the full news article

Cambria Anaheim and 274 Other Choice Hotels Win Top Honors in Tripadvisor’s Prestigious Travelers’ Choice Awards

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(IN SHORT) Choice Hotels International announced that close to 300 of its properties have been honored with Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025, placing them among the top 10% of hotels worldwide. The Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area achieved an elite Best of the Best award for Family-Friendly hotels, distinguishing itself with resort… Read the full news article

INEO at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Joins Michelin Guide in Celebration of Two Years of Culinary Innovation

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(IN SHORT) INEO, the fine dining restaurant at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome, has been newly included in the Michelin Guide for June, marking a significant recognition shortly after its second anniversary. Led by Chef Heros De Agostinis—whose 25-year Michelin-starred pedigree informs a menu blending Italian produce with global techniques—the restaurant offers dishes like Maccheroncini al… Read the full news article

Early Start for Cathay’s Hong Kong Route Boosts Christchurch Summer Connectivity

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(IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific will kick off its seasonal Hong Kong–Christchurch route on 3 November 2025—one month earlier than in previous years—with three weekly flights rising to four during peak months. The schedule extension, following Cathay’s Skytrax #3 global ranking, increases both passenger and cargo capacity, benefiting South Island tourism and perishable exports. Christchurch Airport… Read the full news article

New Zealand Prime Minister and Airport Chair Sign Deal in Shanghai to Strengthen Trade and Tourism Connectivity

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(IN SHORT) Christchurch Airport and Shanghai Airport Authority have signed an MOU in Shanghai—witnessed by Board Chair Sarah Ottrey and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon—to strengthen strategic ties, enhance direct air connectivity, and support growing trade and tourism between China and New Zealand’s South Island. Ottrey’s participation in the New Zealand Trade Mission highlights her dual… Read the full news article

From Luanda to Zanzibar: Hilton Unveils Major Expansion with 160 Hotels Planned in Africa

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(IN SHORT) At the 2025 Future Hospitality Summit Africa, Hilton announced plans to grow from 63 to over 160 hotels across Africa, including more than 100 in development. Key debuts span Angola (three properties), Benin (Hilton Cotonou), Madagascar (two Antananarivo hotels), Ghana (Hampton Accra Airport; Hilton Accra Cantonments later this year), Nigeria (Curio Abuja, Lagos… Read the full news article

From Luang Prabang to the Maldives: Minor Hotels Clinches Top Honours at 2025 Travel + Leisure Awards

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(IN SHORT) At the 2025 Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, Minor Hotels garnered 26 honours—highlighted by three top accolades—across its diverse portfolio in Laos, Vietnam, the Maldives, Thailand, and Cambodia. Standouts included Avani+ Luang Prabang (Best Pool, Best Hotel Spa, Best GM), Anantara Hoi An and Quy Nhon in Vietnam, and Anantara Kihavah… Read the full news article

Hotel Becomes Living Gallery as Jeff Robb’s Shifting Images Transform Avani Rio Novo Venice’s Social Areas

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(IN SHORT) Avani Rio Novo Venice and Cris Contini Contemporary present “Serenissima,” an exhibition of Jeff Robb’s pioneering lenticular works, on display in the hotel’s public spaces until 14 November 2025. The show features immersive installations—from classical still lifes at breakfast to shifting tulip forms in the corridors, haunting silhouettes in the restaurant, and a… Read the full news article

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Unveils “Beauty of the Moment” Voyages on EUROPA 2 and HANSEATIC inspiration

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(IN SHORT) Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ “The Beauty of the Moment” campaign, open for booking through 31 July 2025, features immersive voyages across the Americas and the Pacific on the 5-star EUROPA 2 and the luxury expedition vessel HANSEATIC inspiration. EUROPA 2’s luxury itineraries range from Caribbean-to-New York festive cruises to Hawaii–French Polynesia winter escapes. HANSEATIC inspiration… Read the full news article