Travel Industry News Page 424
Martinique Cruise Sector Surges with Record Numbers
Martinique has posted a nearly 11% jump in cruise arrivals for the 2024–2025 season, up from about 421,000 the previous year to more than 465,000 embarking and disembarking passengers across over 200 ship calls — a clear sign of the island’s rising appeal as both a homeport and transit destination. The French Caribbean island now ranks among the region’s fastest-growing cruise hubs, a momentum further boosted by MSC Cruises’ recent announcement to resume year-round operations in Martinique starting in 2027.
The RAK government has appointed Phillipa Harrison as the new CEO of RAKTDA
Harrison will lead Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority's efforts to position the emirate as a "Destination of the Future". She is expected to build on the emirate's ambitious growth targets, including attracting over 3.5 million tourists annually by 2030.
Continuing its expansion across Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality enters Makkah
Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, has signed a hotel management agreement with Diyar Al Khalidiyah Hotel Services Company for the Diyar Al Khalidiya hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Hilton Debuts in Pakistan with DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali
Hilton announces the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali, marking the company’s first hotel in Pakistan. Nestled in the heart of the scenic Galiyat region – one of Pakistan’s most iconic hill stations and just 85 kilometers from Islamabad – the newly opened property blends DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature warm hospitality with the area’s natural alpine landscapes, offering unforgettable stays for business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel is owned and managed by The Baron Pakistan (Pvt) Limited.
Zurich Airport and SWISS report a successful summer holiday season
For SWISS and Zurich Airport, the 2025 summer holiday period was one of the busiest in history, with more travelers passing through SWISS’s Zurich hub than ever before. Both the airport and the airline recorded their busiest day of the year at the end of July. But despite the high traffic volumes, Zurich Airport and SWISS worked successfully with their further airport partners to maintain stable flight and ground operations, and even raised their punctuality for the period from its prior-year levels.
The Shannon Airport Group shortlisted for prestigious national sustainability award
The Shannon Airport Group has been shortlisted in the ‘Environment & Biodiversity’ category of the national Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards, recognising its leadership in sustainability and groundbreaking work in biodiversity and conservation. The Group’s Biodiversity Enhancement and Conservation Grazing Project at Thady’s Hill is among the finalists in this category. This initiative, launched ahead of National Biodiversity Week 2025, is one of a number of projects the Group has brought forward under its five-year Biodiversity Action Plan, and is Ireland’s first conservation grazing project on airport-owned land.
Emirates returns as Official Airline Partner at US Open for 14th consecutive year
Emirates returns as the Official Airline of the US Open Grand Slam® tournament for the 14th consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to world-class tennis and exceptional fan experiences. This year, the airline will be enhancing fan experiences on and off the court with its premium hospitality experiences, interactive activations, curated onboard menus and entertainment, and community outreach via Emirates' 'Force for Good' initiative.
TUI strengthens presence in Asia
TUI Group continuous to expand in key Asian markets and announces its second hotel in Cambodia: TUI Blue Angkor Grace. The opening follows the launch of TUI Blue Sihanoukville in May 2025. In the current financial year, TUI has expanded its footprint in the region with the addition of seven hotels across China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia. This brings the group’s Asian portfolio to a total of 25 hotels in eight countries.
Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel Invites Guests to Experience Africa’s Icons
Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel invites guests to experience the majesty of Victoria Falls paired with the thrill of seeing Africa’s Big Five in their natural habitat. Tucked inside the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, the property spans 6,100 acres of protected wilderness, offering unparalleled access to Zimbabwe’s most iconic landscapes.
Avani Hotels & Resorts Celebrates International Dog Day Across Thailand
This International Dog Day, taking place on 26 August, Avani Hotels & Resorts is rolling out the red carpet for four-legged travellers with properties across Thailand offering special stays, playful perks and pet-friendly experiences. From riverside strolls in Bangkok and beachside escapes in Hua Hin, to island adventures in Koh Lanta and oceanfront retreats in Khao Lak, Avani ensures that no member of the family gets left behind.
The Wolseley Hospitality Group Joins The Global Hotel Alliance Loyalty Programme
The Wolseley Hospitality Group, owned by Minor Hotels' parent company Minor International, is the first restaurant group to partner with the alliance and its award-winning loyalty programme GHA DISCOVERY GHA DISCOVERY members will be rewarded for dining at some of London’s best-loved restaurants
EXPLORA JOURNEYS ANNOUNCES JANNIK SINNER AS GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, is delighted to announce its partnership with world-renowned tennis champion Jannik Sinner, who will serve as the brand's new ambassador. The announcement comes just ahead of the US Open, where Sinner will compete on one of tennis's most prestigious stages.