Travel Industry News Page 156
ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP ENHANCES TRAVEL LOYALTY
Today, Royal Caribbean Group and Bank of America announced the upcoming launch of the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® and Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® credit cards — the industry's first tri-branded cards that simplify how travelers earn and redeem rewards across the company's brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. The Royal ONE cards continue Royal Caribbean Group's multi‑year journey to reimagine loyalty and unlock more value for guests to maximize their vacation experiences. The cards will be available in the coming weeks.
STAYPINEAPPLE LAUNCHES BRAND NEW TAGLINE "WHERE STAYS BECOME STORIES"
Staypineapple, the national boutique hotel brand, is proud to unveil its brand new tagline: "Where Stays Become Stories." The tagline reflects the brand's mission to create unique, memorable stays that go beyond comfort, leaving guests with experiences they will treasure and stories they will want to tell long after checkout.
WTTC: HONG KONG HAS POTENTIAL TO RE-EMERGE AS A LEADING DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS
Hong Kong SAR, China can re-establish itself as a go-to destination for international travellers by investing in key source markets, new World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) research reveals. The WTTC report ‘Travel & Tourism in Hong Kong SAR, China: Recovery, Gaps, and the Road Ahead’ recommends that the city expand its reach into higher-yield segments and new geographies, specifically targeting mainland cities beyond Guangdong, as well as fast-growing markets in ASEAN, the Middle East, and India. Hong Kong dominated several categories at the World Travel Awards 2025, securing major global and regional titles. The city’s aviation and hospitality sectors were particularly successful, with Hong Kong International Airport winning the prestigious World's Leading Airport for Customer Experience.
Oceania Cruises® Announces the Industry's First Floating Pastry Academy
Oceania Cruises®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, today revealed The Floating Pastry Academy, a new multi-year training program for its onboard chefs, and first of its kind for the cruise industry, created in partnership with revered digital training platform, The Butter Book®. Through the new training partnership, more than 200 Oceania Cruises pastry and bakery chefs will complete the three-year program which will mix theory with practical assessments, both online and in person on board its vessels.
DYLAN'S CANDY BAR NOW OPEN AT ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND IN THE BAHAMAS
Dylan's Candy Bar, the world-renowned candy and lifestyle destination founded by Dylan Lauren, is now open at Atlantis Paradise Island, the iconic oceanfront resort in the Bahamas. Located in Marina Village, Atlantis' premier shopping and dining destination, the new Dylan's Candy Bar outpost offers guests and locals a one-of-a-kind experience filled with whimsical design, candy-inspired gifts, and an unparalleled selection of sweets from around the world.
Series by Marriott Debuts in Japan with the Opening of Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Series by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of 256-room Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi, Series by Marriott in Shinsaibashi district, one of Osaka's most dynamic commercial and lifestyle neighbourhoods. The opening marks the debut of Series by Marriott in Japan, a collection brand that connects travelers to the character of each destination through distinctive design, intuitive comfort and curated experiences rooted in local culture.
Aviation Capital Group Delivers First of Six New Boeing 737-8 MAX Aircraft to Royal Air Maroc
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, today announced the delivery of the first Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Compagnie Nationale Royal Air Maroc (Royal Air Maroc). The new aircraft, equipped with CFM LEAP-1B engines, is the first ACG 737-8 MAX to be placed on lease with Royal Air Maroc as part of a six-aircraft transaction, with the remaining five scheduled for delivery through 2026 from its orderbook.
Hostaway Launches Booking Website Pro to Strengthen Direct Booking Strategies for Property Managers
Leading vacation rental software Hostaway has today launched Booking Website Pro, upgrading its website capabilities with AI-driven marketing and SEO tools to help professional property managers diversify their channel mix, increase direct bookings, and build stronger independent brands.
Zannier Bãi San Hô to reopen on 1st April 2026 following major restauration after typhoon Kalmaegi
After several months of intensive restoration, Zannier Bãi San Hô will once again open doors to welcome guests today, 1 April 2026. The reopening follows the devastating impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which forced the property – widely regarded as one of Vietnam's most acclaimed luxury coastal destinations – to close late last year.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin Invites Runners to Experience Wellness in Motion at the 2026 Hua Hin Marathon
Set along the tranquil Gulf of Thailand coastline, the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 is set to return on 10 May, offering runners the opportunity to combine athletic ambition with environmental purpose. Organised by the Preserve Hua Hin Group, which is led by globally acclaimed wellness destination Chiva-Som, the marathon attracts local and international runners who seek not only the exhilaration of the race but also the chance to support local conservation efforts, including the preservation of Krailart Niwate, Hua Hin's last remaining urban mangrove.
The Grenada Chocolate Festival Returns for 2026
Planting a cocoa sapling, making beauty products featuring cocoa and sea moss along with tasting, making and cooking with chocolate are just some of the experiences on offer in the 2026 Grenada Chocolate Festival, 22-27 May. The programme features tours, tastings and hands on workshops to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the 'tree to bar' journey to transform cocoa pods on the tree into delicious chocolate and much more.
Coconut Bay, Saint Lucia Launches New Wedding Package Exclusive to UK Travellers
From barefoot ceremonies on powder-soft white sand to elegant vows beneath an oceanfront gazebo, weddings at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa are designed to be truly unforgettable. Every couple benefits from the expertise of a dedicated pre-travel wedding planner, complemented by an on-site coordinator who seamlessly manages every detail — from décor and logistics to music and timing. The result is a flawlessly executed celebration, allowing couples to relax and savour every moment from arrival through to “I do.”