Travel Industry News Page 35
VERSA HOSPITALITY LAUNCHES VERSA KEYS
Maldivian-owned group Versa Hospitality today announces the launch of Versa Keys: a tiered loyalty programme designed to reward guests for their curiosity, loyalty and time spent across the group’s growing collection of destinations worldwide.
dnata plates up full Air China Group portfolio in Singapore with Air Macau addition
dnata Catering & Retail Singapore has commenced inflight catering services for Air Macau at Singapore Changi Airport, further expanding its long-standing partnership with the Air China Group. Under the new agreement, dnata will support Air Macau’s daily operations in Singapore, producing an estimated 54,000 meals annually across business and economy cabins.
The RuMa Launches The Kuala Lumpur Escape, an Exclusive Offer for ASEAN Travellers
The RuMa Hotel and Residences, a one MICHELIN Key awarded five-star property, introduces “The Kuala Lumpur Escape,” a thoughtfully curated stay experience that invites residents of ASEAN countries to step away from the everyday and rediscover Kuala Lumpur through a lens of calm, comfort, and understated luxury.
THE UNBOUND COLLECTION BY HYATT WELCOMES ITS FIRST HOTEL IN THAILAND, THE BARAI HUA HIN
Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced the opening of THE BARAI HUA HIN, marking the debut of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Thailand. Set along the historic Khao Takiap coastline in Hua Hin, a favored seaside destination for generations of Thai royalty, the 98-room beachfront resort brings together standout wellness tradition, locally-inspired design and the spirit of Sanook (สนุก) – the Thai expression for the joy of living.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s Elephant Bar Is One of World’s Top 10 Hotel Bars: Food & Wine
The iconic Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been named one of the “Best Global Hotel Bars” by Food & Wine magazine—one of just 10 venues selected worldwide. Long regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved watering holes, Elephant Bar in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is celebrated for its timeless French colonial elegance, extensive gin collection and rich history. The recognition, which appears in the magazine’s May 2026 issue, further cements the bar’s status as a global destination for discerning drinkers.
THE WARBLER HOTEL, BOUTIQUE NEW ORLEANS PROPERTY OPENING LATE-2026
Opening in late 2026, The Warbler Hotel will debut as a 58-key boutique hotel that will house Mildred’s, a martini bar and restaurant, and Upstairs, a poolside lounge, overlooking the lush canopy of St. Charles Avenue’s famed oak trees. Designed as a welcoming gathering place for locals and travelers alike, The Warbler embodies the enduring spirit of Old World New Orleans. Located at 1923 St. Charles Avenue, along the city’s most iconic corridor, The Warbler is poised to become a signature destination for discerning travelers from around the world.
Jumeirah and Humantra launch exclusive hydration flavour for summer
Jumeirah, a global leader in hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, has partnered with Humantra to launch an exclusive and limited-edition summer electrolyte flavour, Pineapple - inspired by the places people travel to recharge and reset. The collaboration brings together two Dubai-born brands with global reach and a shared commitment to wellbeing, community and generosity, grounded in the belief that true luxury lies in feeling your best
Make the most of Tokyo’s dramatic summer fireworks festivals
Summer in Tokyo has its own set of rituals and events that mark the season, and one of the most popular is the annual fireworks – or hanabi - festivals that light up the night skies week after week throughout the summer.
Experience Dolce Far Niente: Summer at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
With its warm climate, long sun-filled evenings and lively calendar of cultural events, Rome is the perfect destination for a summer city break. Perched atop Monte Mario with panoramic views across The Eternal City, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, provides a peaceful retreat from which to explore the destination’s historic landmarks – striking the perfect balance between city exploration and resort-style relaxation.
TUI introduces ‘Last Minute, Holiday Check It’ service across retail network
TUI has launched a new in-store “Last Minute, Holiday Check It” service to support customers booking holidays closer to departure, as new research highlights the pressures many face when planning at short notice. The move comes as late booking demand continues to build across the market, with research from ABTA pointing to a strong late booking trend this summer. TUI’s study of 2,000 UK adults found that booking closer to departure is often associated with increased pressure, with nearly half (48%) agreeing it intensifies the need to “get it right”. Many also report feeling anxious (29%) and overwhelmed (21%) when making last-minute holiday decisions.
Travel Meet Asia 2026 Set to Open in Jakarta with 20% Increase in Net Exhibition Area
More than 100 exhibitors from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, alongside 500 qualified buyers and 60 speakers, gather in Jakarta for two days of business meetings, market insights and cross-border tourism collaboration. Brunei Darussalam joins as Official Partner Country to promote Visit Brunei 2027. Travel Meet Asia (TMA) 2026 will take place in Jakarta on 23 - 24 June 2026 with a 20% increase in exhibition space compared to the previous edition, reflecting growing participation from travel businesses across the region and reinforcing its position as a leading B2B travel trade event in Southeast Asia.
Costa Navarino brings Homer's epic “The Odyssey” to life
Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya and Anne Hathaway, is set to spotlight Greece’s pristine Messinia region this summer when it premieres on 17 July, as part of the filming took place in the region last year. Set along Greece’s unspoiled Messinia region, Costa Navarino is home to four luxury resorts, private residences, a world-class golf experience, award-winning wellness facilities, and a collection of sports and authentic cultural experiences. To celebrate the film’s release, the sustainably driven destination in the southwest Peloponnese has unveiled a collection of immersive Odyssey-inspired experiences, inviting guests to explore the landscapes, ancient sites and cultural traditions that inspired Homer’s epic.