Travel Industry News Page 331
Air Serbia and Loyalty Juggernaut Partner to Launch a Next-Generation Frequent Flyer Program
Air Serbia has signed a five-year strategic partnership with Loyalty Juggernaut Inc. (LJI) to launch a new-generation frequent flyer program, marking a significant milestone in customer engagement and digital innovation.
UN Tourism General Assembly 2025 Wrap-Up: Riyadh Charts a Bold AI-Powered Future for Global Tourism
Riyadh has concluded the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly — the largest and most transformative gathering in the organization’s 50-year history — setting a bold global agenda for the future of tourism powered by artificial intelligence, innovation, and sustainability. The assembly, held from 7–11 November 2025, brought together delegates from 148 Member States, including 90 Ministers of Tourism and 70 Ambassadors. Hosted at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel, it marked the first time the event was staged in the Gulf region and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s leadership in shaping the global tourism dialogue.
WTTC Congratulates Shaikha Al Nowais on Official Appointment as UN Tourism Secretary-General
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its Members wish to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Shaikha Al Nowais on her official appointment as the Secretary-General of UN Tourism. This appointment marks a significant moment for the global Travel & Tourism sector, and WTTC is confident that Shaikha Al Nowais’s leadership and vision will be instrumental in guiding the sector toward a prosperous future.
Adeera signs new deal to deploy Amadeus Digital Media in Saudi Arabia
Through advanced omni-channel advertising strategies, Adeera’s brands will be able to better target travellers at the moments they are most likely to book, across paid search, display, and social media
Korean Air expands direct system connection for cargo customers
Korean Air has launched a new Application Programming Interface (API)-based solution that enables direct integration between its cargo system and its customers' in-house systems. This initiative is part of the airline's response to rapid e-commerce growth and the increasing market demand for greater logistics transparency and efficiency. The new API solution allows for the real-time exchange of data. This integration enables customers to perform key tasks such as checking schedules, viewing rates, making reservations, and transmitting waybills directly from proprietary platforms without having to access a separate system.
RYANAIR ISSUES REMINDER TO PASSENGERS AHEAD OF MOVE TO 100% DIGITAL BOARDING PASSES
Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, reminded passengers that from Wed (12 Nov) it will move to 100% digital boarding passes. This means that from Wed (12 Nov) passengers will no longer be able to download and print a physical paper boarding pass but will instead need to use the digital boarding pass generated in their “myRyanair” app during check-in to board their Ryanair flight. This transition, already adopted by nearly 80% of Ryanair’s 207M+ annual passengers, will deliver a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience. It will also give passengers easier access to a range of innovative in-app features, including:
EASYJET CELEBRATES 30TH BIRTHDAY WITH MILESTONE FLIGHT OPERATED ENTIRELY BY 30-YEAR-OLDS
easyJet has marked the 30th anniversary of its first ever flight from London Luton to Glasgow by operating the very same flight today, staffed entirely by pilots and cabin crew who also turn 30 this November. Bringing together past and present, the crew were joined by retired Captain Fred Rivett who operated the very first easyJet flight on 10 November 1995. Fred and his crew made history three decades ago, when EZY121 to Glasgow took off with 122 passengers. Now 30 years to the day, new research commissioned by the airline has revealed the lasting cultural impact affordable flying has had on the nation, and how the democratisation of air travel has transformed not just the way we travel but also shaped our lives at home.
Icelandair celebrates inaugural flight to Miami
Icelandair has started scheduled service to Miami, Florida, marking an exciting milestone in the airline’s route network. Icelandair will operate three weekly flights to Miami—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—until 2 May 2026. The route is served by the airline’s new Airbus A321LR aircraft, with a flight time of approximately eight hours.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL DOWNTOWN, DUBAI IS NOW OPEN
Mandarin Oriental is delighted to announce the opening of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, the Group’s second property in the city. Located within Wasl Tower, an architectural masterpiece on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel brings Mandarin Oriental’s signature blend of Asian heritage and local character to the heart of Downtown Dubai, curating a vertical boulevard where hospitality, culture and commerce unite. The urban property features 259 elegant guestrooms and suites, 224 private residences and 10 dining venues, all crowned by a rooftop helipad designed for discreet VIP arrivals. Developed in partnership with Wasl Hospitality, the hotel sets a new benchmark for contemporary luxury in the city.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL PLANS TO STRENGTHEN FOOTPRINT IN MOROCCO
Marriott International, Inc. unveiled plans to diversify its presence in Morocco with the introduction of five brands in the market: Four Points by Sheraton, Moxy Hotels, Residence Inn by Marriott, Autograph Collection Hotels and AC Hotels by Marriott. The entry of the brands is a part of the company’s broader growth plans in the country, which includes the anticipated addition of seven properties and over 800 rooms by the end of 2027. Marriott’s expansion in Morocco further reinforces a commitment to diversifying its portfolio in the market and supporting the country’s growing tourism sector. The company’s current operations in the market comprises 10 properties with over 1,700 rooms across six brands and five cities - Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakesh, Fes and Tamuda Bay.
PhocusWire Unveils the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026
The next generation of travel innovators has arrived. PhocusWire today announced its Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026, highlighting the companies redefining how the world moves, books and experiences travel in an age of economic uncertainty and rapid artificial intelligence transformation. Despite two years of contracting venture funding, innovation in travel continues to surge. According to Phocuswright research, 95% of travel startups are either using AI or actively exploring its use, signaling a decisive shift toward AI-native business models. This wave of leaner, faster and more focused startups is transforming the competitive landscape, even as investors and incumbents recalibrate for a new era.
Orlando's Dazzling Holiday Celebrations Kick Off This November with 70 Days of Festivities
Orlando's holiday celebrations kick off this month, ushering in more than 70 days of festive experiences across the destination — from a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea at the ette Hotel and Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to more than one million lights illuminating a three-quarter-mile trail with snowball fights and dazzling chandeliers at Leu Gardens. Orlando offers endless ways to make a holiday getaway unforgettable. It's no wonder that Orlando made the No. 1 U.S. destination to travel to in 2025 by AAA.