Travel News

Boutique Hotel Summit has confirmed Commune Hotels & Resorts chief executive Niki Leondakis will offer the keynote address at the 2013 event. The event is being held at the Montcalm Hotel, London. → Read More

Boutique Hotel Summit, an international b2b boutique and lifestyle hotel conference, is delighted to announce LivingSocial as a Silver Sponsor for the 2013 event, which is being held at the Montcalm Hotel, London, from today. Event organiser Piers Brown said: “We’re delighted to welcome LivingSocial as a sponsor. Its Escapes division, which specialises in inspirational marketing and customer acquisition for hospitality clients, is a great fit with the boutique and lifestyle hotel sector, which also endeavours to inspire travellers and give guests great memories.” → Read More

Marina Bay Sands president George Tanasijevich has been added to the roster of world-class speakers due to address the Jerusalem International Tourism Summit next week. The event will take place at the Jerusalem International Convention Centre on May 28th-29th, welcoming industry leaders from across the region. → Read More

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts has signed a new management contract with Shaanxi Puyu Industrial for a 350 room hotel in Xi’an. Scheduled for completion in 2016, Swissôtel Xi’an will be nestled in the core business area in the Xi’an National Civil Aerospace Industrial Base within proximity to two Metro lines. → Read More

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has placed an order for three A330-300s, growing its A330 family fleet to a total of ten Airbus aircraft. The aircraft will be operated on long haul routes and can comfortably seat close to 300 passengers. “The efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal of our in-service A330’s already make the pillar of Oman Air’s long haul operations,” said Wayne Pearce, chief executive, Oman Air. → Read More

Viceroy Hotel Group has announced three key appointments at the company’s global holdings. Tricia Warwick has joined Viceroy Hotel Group as regional vice president of sales & marketing, Europe, Middle East & Africa, based in the UAE, while Christophe Victor has been appointed as director of sales for Viceroy Maldives. → Read More

Hong Kong Tourism Board has appointed Sarah Roff as its new senior executive, trade development for UK & Northern Europe. In the role, Roff will be responsible for travel trade marketing, industry relations, and trade incentives and training, within the UK and the Netherlands markets. → Read More

Amadeus has announced the launch of Amadeus Cruise Shop, a locally developed business-to-business shopping application that builds on the long-standing success of Amadeus Cruise. According to industry figures, approximately 1.8 million Brits are expected to take an ocean cruise holiday in 2013. → Read More

A Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental has successfully completed its first test flight this week with a package of performance improvements including enhanced GE engines. The package is designed to improve the fuel efficiency of the popular jetliner. → Read More

Etihad Airways and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have entered the second phase of their strategic partnership following the launch of the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s flights to Amsterdam. The daily service, operated by a two cabin Airbus A330-200 and configured to carry 262 passengers with 22 in Pearl Business Class and 240 in Coral Economy Class, was launched earlier and carries KLM’s KL code. → Read More

&Beyond has announced that six translocated rhino have been officially released to roam free in the Okavango Delta. The entrance to the boma where the animals have been acclimatised for the past few weeks was opened and one or two rhino ventured out at a time, returning to feed. → Read More

Officials at the ministry of tourism and creative economy in Indonesia have appointed Hume Whitehead as its representation office in the UK, following a competitive five-way pitch. The appointment marks the very first time the destination has had an office based in the UK and demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to the market and recognition of its contribution to the country’s tourism economy. → Read More

Royal Caribbean has announced Brian Rice, vice chairman and chief financial officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, will transition his financial responsibilities to Jason Liberty as he prepares for his retirement in the spring of 2014. Rice will continue to serve as vice chairman until his retirement, overseeing Royal Caribbean’s finance, supply chain, strategy and information technology functions. → Read More

Austrian Airlines has added another North American destination to its flight schedule, with the departure of its first flight to Chicago. Flights will leave for Chicago five times a week on a Boeing 767, which will be equipped with the new long-haul cabin. → Read More