Travel Industry News Page 506
North Phuket Unveils Strategic Destination Rebrand to Go Above and Beyond
In a bold move to redefine tourism in Thailand's most visited island, a coalition of top-tier hotels have come together to unveil a new destination branding initiative for North Phuket. While Southern Phuket has long monopolised the spotlight with its neon nightlife and polished resorts, a quieter, more deliberate movement has begun in the island's northern reaches.
Island Shangri-La, Kowloon Shangri-La and Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong Recognised with 5-Crescent Rating
Island Shangri-La, Kowloon Shangri-La and Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong have been recognised with a “Crescent Rating “of 5 signifying a certified standard level of Muslim-friendly hospitality, by globally renowned Muslim travellers. This rating is a standardised and independent accreditation system and acts as global recognition for Halal or Muslim-friendly standards. This certification meets international standards for accommodation services and Halal dining experiences for Muslim guests.
Vietnam Airlines Launches Direct Ho Chi Minh City to Copenhagen Route
Vietnam Airlines is set to launch the first-ever direct flight connecting Vietnam and Denmark, with a nonstop service between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen commencing on 15 December 2025. This marks the only nonstop route currently available between the two countries, representing a significant milestone in Vietnam Airlines' international expansion strategy and establishing a vital air bridge between Southeast Asia and Northern Europe.
Phocuswright Europe 2025 – AI agency takes center stage
Phocuswright Europe 2025 kicked off in Barcelona last week, welcoming over 600 attendees from 20+ countries to discuss the future of travel. The event highlighted the booming travel industry, tempered by geopolitical and economic concerns. A key theme was the disruption in travel distribution, with technology reshaping customer loyalty and content control. Speakers emphasized AI’s growing role, with insights from TripAdvisor, Expedia, Accor, Booking, and Google. The conference also featured startup pitches, investment trends, and exclusive research on traveler behavior, AI adoption, and sustainability. Sustainability and AI remain top priorities Sustainability remained a priority, with Trip.com Group sponsoring carbon offset initiatives for the event. Attendees engaged in interactive polls and networking, reinforcing Phocuswright’s commitment to industry collaboration. Research presentations covered AI-driven consumer trends, startup funding, and ski travel insights.
Global Travel Provider, Luxury Escapes Announces 25-day European Private Charter Tour
Luxury Escapes, one of the world's fastest growing luxury travel companies has expanded its offering by launching a new high-flying tour: Ultimate Europe by Private Charter Flight – with capacity for up to 140 travellers. Departing in April 2026, the trip will take-off between nine 'bucket list' cities including Prague and Porto, on Luxury Escapes' privately chartered A320 aircraft, enabling travellers to bypass the chaos of flying commercial.
Marriott International Expands Its Footprint in South Asia
Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, makes its debut in South Asia with the opening of The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection in Nepal. This will be Marriott Bonvoy’s 19th brand in the South Asia region (India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). Located in the heart of the city, The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection, boasts 285 rooms including suites, each narrating a unique story - a hallmark of Autograph Collection hotels. The hotel exemplifies the brand’s ethos, beautifully showcasing Kathmandu's rich history through a refined and sophisticated perspective. Guests will be treated to an authentic sense of place with panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan range, the sacred Swoyambhunath Stupa, and the hotel’s serene, lush gardens.
La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico, Joins Autograph Collection
La Concha Resort, one of San Juan’s most iconic beachfront destinations, proudly announces its official transition to the prestigious Autograph Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands, marking a transformative new chapter for the resort as La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico, an Autograph Collection Hotel. This milestone coincides with the completion of an extensive property-wide renovation, highlighted by the unveiling of the fully reimagined Suite Tower featuring 238 newly redesigned rooms and indulging suites.
Cunard partners with Abbey Road Studios for iconic music collaboration
Cunard has come together with Abbey Road Studios to bring a new and exclusive Listening Lounge experience to music lovers on board Queen Elizabeth. The luxury cruise line has partnered with the iconic recording studio to create a series of curated playlists packed with iconic recordings, each specially handpicked by the Abbey Road team.
Hudini launches digital check-in solution for Pestana Hotel Group in 30+ hotels across Portugal
Hudini, a leader in digital hospitality transformation solutions, has implemented a digital arrival experience at Pestana Hotel Group, the largest multinational company of Portuguese origin in the tourism industry. Initially, Hudini's Staff Connect is being deployed across 30+ Pestana Hotels in Portugal.
Fourth Annual Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, October 22-26, 2025
Baha Mar, the Caribbean's leading integrated luxury resort in The Bahamas, officially reveals its highly-anticipated five-day lineup of spectacular events and special guest appearances taking place at the fourth-annual The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar on October 22-26, 2025. Hosted by world-renowned culinary talents including Marcus Samuelsson of Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House, Dario Cecchini of Carna, and Daniel Boulud of Café Boulud, alongside John Cox, Executive Director of Art & Culture at Baha Mar, The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival is truly a one-of-a-kind immersive culinary and art experience.
Disneyland Resort Announces 2025 Fall Fun: A Disney Halloween Party
Disneyland Resort revealed the festive entertainment and experiences guests can look forward to during the return of its beloved fall celebrations beginning Aug. 22, 2025. With limited-time entertainment, food and beverages, merchandise and more, this season brings family and friends together to delight in silly scares and honored traditions.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Unveils The Largest All-Inclusive, Ultra Luxury Cruise Ship Suite
Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world's leading ultra luxury cruise line, has once again raised the bar with the reveal of the Skyview Regent Suite — the largest all-inclusive, ultra luxury cruise ship suite in history. Stunning renderings and an immersive fly-through video showcase this extraordinary two-level suite, which will sit atop the brand's newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige™.