Travel Industry News Page 152
Creating a More Sustainable Stay: Hilton Properties Championing Travel with Purpose
Every time a Hilton hotel opens their doors to their guests, they’re also opening doors to their communities and destinations. While working to create a great stay for travelers around the world, Hilton team members are also working to advance responsible travel, support growth opportunities and remain good stewards of the destinations they call home.
Hilton Accelerates Sub‑Saharan Africa Growth with Record Deal Signings
Hilton have announced accelerated growth across Africa, signing a record 29 deals in 2025 across 15 countries. The global hospitality company is set to open more than 100 hotels across the continent, creating over 20,000 job opportunities and bringing Hilton’s total Africa footprint to more than 180 hotels trading and in the pipeline. The news coincides with the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa taking place in Nairobi this week. Driven by strong demand for trusted, high-quality hospitality, Hilton continues to expand its portfolio across both its full service and focused service brands. This includes Hilton’s debut in Gabon and re-entry into Chad with the signing of a Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in each country, alongside the continued expansion of the Hilton Garden Inn brand.
The Global Resilience Network Secures First Executive AI Immersion at Alibaba Headquarters, China
The Global Resilience Network (GRN) has announced the launch of its flagship Future-Proofing Series executive mission to China, securing unprecedented direct access to Alibaba’s headquarters and core digital ecosystem, with an invitation-only executive AI immersion programme for senior travel leaders. The programme marks the first time Alibaba has opened its headquarters and senior leadership to an international travel delegation in this format, offering direct insight into its integrated platforms across AI, payments, commerce and logistics; technologies increasingly shaping global digital, financial and consumer systems.
flydubai starts flights to Chattogram
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced the resumption of direct flights between Chattogram and Dubai. From 01 April 2026, the carrier will operate a daily service from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB), to Chattogram International Airport (CGP), offering passengers a convenient travel experience.
flynas Announces the Launch of Daily Direct Flights Between Riyadh and Qaisumah Starting April 20
flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, announced the launch of direct flights between Riyadh and Qaisumah, further expanding flynas’ domestic network, in line with the company's expansion plan and the national objectives in the aviation sector.
Qatar Airways Further Rebuilds Flight Schedules
Qatar Airways has published its latest revised schedule, reflecting the gradual increase in flights to, and from, Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, across the airline’s global network. All flights to, and from, Doha continue to operate through dedicated flight corridors established in close co-ordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
Emirates reinforces community commitment in Mauritius with upcycled bag donation to youth
Emirates has donated 100 limited-edition school backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection to students supported by APEIM (Association des Parents d’Enfants Inadaptés de l’Île Maurice), reinforcing the airline’s commitment to supporting education and community development in Mauritius. APEIM is one of Mauritius’ leading organisations supporting children and young people with intellectual disabilities. Through specialised education, therapy and vocational programmes, the organisation helps develop essential life skills and build confidence while promoting greater inclusion in society.
Voting is now officially underway for the 13th annual World Golf Awards 2026
Voting is now officially underway for the 13th annual World Golf Awards, one of the most prestigious programmes dedicated to recognising excellence across the international golf tourism industry. Part of the globally respected World Travel Awards portfolio, the World Golf Awards celebrate the finest golf destinations, courses, resorts, and industry leaders that continue to shape and elevate the sport worldwide.
United & Make-A-Wish to Host 'Make More Wishes' Events Across Nation
United Airlines and Make-A-Wish today announced the launch of "Make More Wishes," seven immersive events across the U.S. giving children fighting critical illnesses and their families behind-the-scenes access to all aspects of aviation. The immersive experiences at each of United's hubs may include opportunities to spend time in flight simulators, experience inflight training for United's Flight Attendants, visit the ramp and Station Operation Centers, meet with pilots and more.
Yas Waterworld Expansion is Now Open to Guests
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s leading waterpark, has officially unveiled its newest expansion today, introducing an unmissable collection of 11 new slides and attractions that take aquatic adventure to new heights. Building on the park’s immersive ‘Lost City’ theming - an extension of The Legend of The Lost Pearl - the new additions invite guests to dive into a world of discovery, where high-energy thrills and family-friendly experiences come together in a dynamic offering. The expansion introduces eight new slides, two jumping platforms and a lounging pool. Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi is a highly decorated attraction, most recently winning Middle East's Leading Water Park 2025 at the World Travel Awards, its eighth consecutive year holding this regional title (2018–2025).
UberJets Elevates Private Jet Charter Experience Through Technology and Exclusive Access
UberJets, a leader in private jet charter technology and private jet booking innovation, is proud to announce the continued success of its advertising campaign behind home plate at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. Marking half a decade of on-field presence alongside MLB teams—including the Boston Red Sox during Spring Training and the New York Yankees—UberJets, powered by Virtual Hangar®, is advancing private aviation through intelligent flight connectivity, real-time market visibility, and optimized aircraft booking solutions.
Sense Adventure Celebrates 26 Years of Offering Sunset World Group Members and Guests Experiences
On April 2nd, Sense Adventure celebrated 26 years of providing a profound sensory experience to Sunset World Group members and guests in Tres Ríos Natural Park. This experience invites an authentic reconnection where each participant awakens their intuition, explores new sensations, and finds a space of tranquility in contact with nature.