Travel Industry News Page 417
Accor appoints Ranju Alex as Chief Executive Officer for South Asia
Accor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ranju Alex as its CEO for South Asia (covering India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka). Accor is a leading hospitality player and operates over 70 hotels in the region with over 30 hotels in the pipeline. Ranju is a highly accomplished hospitality professional who has until recently been the Regional Vice President for South Asia for Marriott International, running over 170 hotels across the region. Ranju began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and has been in several leadership positions with Marriott International in a highly successful career which spans three decades. She was recently conferred with the Bharat Gaurav award, a prestigious honor, recognizing her several achievements in the industry.
10 Years of Mandapa: A Living Legacy of Heritage and Culture Through the Land of Ubud
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve celebrates 10 years of crafting rare journeys in the spiritual heart of Ubud, on 28th August 2025. In commemoration of this milestone, the resort also unveils a collection of limited-time experiences around gastronomy, wellness, and sustainability from July 2025 to July 2026, centered on the well-preserved culture of Bali.
Radisson Individuals expands in Germany with the opening of HARBR. Hotel Ludwigsburg
Radisson Individuals continues to grow in Germany with the addition of HARBR. Hotel Ludwigsburg, a member of Radisson Individuals, a centrally located property featuring 111 guestrooms, one restaurant and three modern meeting rooms. The property, located in Ludwigsburg, combines local character with the brand’s hallmark of international quality and service, creating a distinctive destination for both business and leisure travelers. A hotel with character Guests can choose from five room categories from smart, functional layouts to spacious Studio+ options. Clean lines, subtle nautical details, and high-quality materials create a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere. Each room features a walk-in shower, high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a smart TV, complemented by attentive, reliable service.
Step Into a Fairytale at London Hilton on Park Lane's Disney Princess Afternoon Tea
This week is World Princess Week and to celebrate, London Hilton on Park Lane unveils its Disney Princess Afternoon Tea, live from the 26th September. Guests will enjoy a selection of carefully curated desserts and sandwiches inspired by the beloved Disney Princess stories and take a seat at the royal table where the wondrous experience will come to life.
A Tropical Nutcracker-Inspired Festive Season at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
This festive season, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island invites guests to immerse themselves in a tropical celebration inspired by the timeless magic of The Nutcracker. From sparkling Christmas lights to sun-soaked beach lunches and vibrant New Year’s Eve festivities, the island transforms into a paradise of holiday cheer. Families are in for a treat as Kids For All Seasons brings a full schedule of engaging activities for children. From Christmas DIY crafts, sandman building, and gingerbread house decorating to obstacle courses, beach games, and even a visit from Santa’s elves, young guests can enjoy a week of festive fun in a safe and imaginative environment.
Red Sea Global and Riyadh Air launch strategic alliance to elevate Saudi tourism worldwide
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, is collaborating with Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, on a new strategic partnership. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two travel and tourism powerhouses was signed during a ceremony at Red Sea International Airport (RSI), attended by John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group offers ‘Unparalleled Experience’ of the Night Race
Pan Pacific Hotels Group has announced its partnership with The LEGO® Group in Singapore. This collaboration will enable travellers and fans to immerse themselves in the high-energy spirit of Singapore’s iconic night race. From prime trackside locations with panoramic skyline views to themed in-room experiences, this partnership brings the excitement of race weekend into the heart of six participating properties through a range of thoughtfully curated hotel packages blending the creative world of LEGO bricks, the comfort of Pan Pacific’s hospitality, and the adrenaline of the city’s most thrilling annual event.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues to grow essentials portfolio
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Dutta Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. for the development of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gwalior, marking the debut of the brand in the historic city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Slated to open in early 2029, the new-build hotel will further strengthen IHG’s presence in high-potential secondary markets across India. Holiday Inn Express, IHG’s largest and fastest-growing brand with over 3,200 hotels globally, delivers more where it matters most—offering travellers simple, smart hospitality designed to balance efficiency with comfort. There are 17 operating Holiday Inn Express hotels in India with another 21 in the pipeline.
Asheville marks a milestone fall: brilliant color, bold comebacks and a year of renewal
Experts predict a vibrant and long-lasting fall color season, setting the stage for Asheville's milestone autumn. With more than 100 tree species spanning 5,000 feet of elevation, the Blue Ridge Mountains are home to one of the longest fall color seasons in the world — now paired with a U.S. art premier, major reopenings and community-wide celebrations in the year following Hurricane Helene. The tropical storm struck during last year's peak travel season, disrupting one of the region's most critical economic drivers. This fall, the Asheville area returns with resilience: a region alive with festivals, artistic debuts, culinary openings and neighborhood gatherings — all against a kaleidoscope of red maples, golden poplars and scarlet sourwoods.
IHG Debuts New Lifestyle Brand Atwell in Greater China with First Hotel Opening in Shanghai
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) debuts its new lifestyle brand, Atwell, in Greater China, with the official opening of its first property in Shanghai. Centered on an exquisite lifestyle philosophy, the brand is dedicated to delivering high-quality stays for life-loving experience maximizer. Atwell features open-space layouts enhanced with vibrant color accents, curated artwork decoration, and thoughtfully designed daily essentials. Together, these elements shape a residential atmosphere that blends artistry with comfort, immersing guests in an aesthetic lifestyle. Each stay is designed to let guests not only feel the familiarity and comfort of home but also enjoy the surprise and pleasure beyond home.
Türkiye Emerges as a Global Leader in Digital Tourism Promotion
If you have recently come across one of Türkiye's striking travel videos on your social media feed, it is no coincidence. Türkiye has established itself as a leader in destination marketing, with GoTürkiye – Türkiye's official global tourism portal – becoming one of the most followed national tourism accounts worldwide. The platform now has a combined total of 20.8 million followers across eight major social media channels.
Two Fifths of Brits Make Life-Changing Choices on Holiday
From career changes to starting families, Brits are making their most life-changing decisions whilst away on holiday, new research from loveholidays reveals. Research from the online travel agent has unveiled the extent to which holidays serve as a force for change, with two fifths (40 per cent) of Brits confessing that they’ve made a life-changing decision while away from home. Even more striking, over three fifths (64 per cent) of holidaymakers agree that a getaway can be ‘transformative’ when it comes to making important life choices.