Travel Industry News Page 424

Marriott and Vinpearl sign landmark agreement for eight new Vietnam hotels
Marriott has announced a strategic agreement with Vinpearl to convert and develop 2,200 rooms across eight hotels in Vietnam. Planned openings include Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton and Autograph Collection Hotels.

Short-term surge in US travel but headwinds on horizon
The U.S. Travel Association projects that all segments of travel, in spite of rising inflation, will surge in the short term due to pent-up demand and consumer savings. However, this is not expected to last, leading to slower growth in the next four years of its biannual forecast.

Radisson plans major Asia Pacific expansion
Radisson's APAC expansion aims to unleash the power of its brands and partnerships to drive 400% growth across Asia Pacific. The number of hotels and resorts will rise from 400 to 2,000 by 2025.

Airbus completes helicopter flight powered by SAF
An Airbus H225 has performed the first ever helicopter flight with 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Tests are expected to continue on other types of helicopters with a view to reaching 100% SAF by 2030.

LATAM commits to eliminating all single-use plastics by 2023
LATAM has announced that it will eliminate 100% of single-use plastics used in its operations by 2023.

Airbus and CISPA establish digital innovation hub for cybersecurity and AI
Airbus and the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security have signed a MoU at ILA Berlin 2022 to open a centre of excellence for cybersecurity and trustworthy artificial intelligence in Saarland, Germany.

American Airlines launches mobile ID With TSA PreCheck
American Airlines customers with TSA PreCheck can now breeze through the airport with just their phone and their face, thanks to a collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration to test mobile identification.

Bali's Laguna Nusa Dua unveils extensive refurb ahead of G20 Summit
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua Bali has undergone an extensive renovation, in time for hosting the 2022 G20 Bali Summit.

Hilton Nottingham announces completion of refurb
Hilton Nottingham is placing the finishing touches on a £6.5 million hotel transformation project, which includes the redesign and comprehensive refurbishment of 176 guest rooms.

U.S. Travel Association appoints Geoff Freeman as President and CEO
The next chapter of the U.S. Travel Association will be led by Geoff Freeman, a proven association leader who has a track record of building talented teams and delivering game-changing results for varied industries.

Kiwi.com announces private placement of €100m as company’s growth accelerates
Kiwi.com, the travel technology company, has announced an investment of €100 million, one of the largest of its size in a Czech start-up. The capital will be used to support its position in the global travel industry.

P&O Cruises to launch first ever escape room at sea
P&O Cruises has released a brand new behind-the-scenes video showcasing Mission Control, the first ever escape room experience at sea. Available exclusively on P&O Cruises newest ship Arvia which launches in December 2022, Mission Control is a unique immersive experience, combining an escape game with multimedia simulation and a live-action story.