Breaking Travel News

Travel Industry News Page 528

Turkish Airlines and THAI strike codeshare agreement

Turkish Airlines and THAI strike codeshare agreement

Turkish Airlines and Thai Airways (THAI) have announced a codeshare agreement to drive more passenger traffic between Türkiye and Thailand. The flag carriers signed a joint business agreement in Delhi at the IATA Annual General Meeting on 1 June 2025, extending an alliance that began in December 2023 when Thai Airways launched daily flights from Bangkok to Istanbul.

DCT and Rotana Unveil Summer Campaign to Drive Regional Tourism

DCT and Rotana Unveil Summer Campaign to Drive Regional Tourism

Building on the strategic collaboration announced at Arabian Travel Market 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Rotana, the Middle East’s leading hospitality company, have now unveiled the first phase of their joint initiative to boost summer tourism to the emirate. This partnership aims to address seasonal travel lulls and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a dynamic, year-round destination. With Rotana’s strong regional appeal and global loyalty network, the collaboration is primed to drive bookings across Abu Dhabi’s diverse source markets, particularly the GCC.

Mews' AI-Powered Smart Tips Top 5 Million Weekly Views, Revolutionizing Guest Personalization

Mews' AI-Powered Smart Tips Top 5 Million Weekly Views, Revolutionizing Guest Personalization

Mews, the industry-leading hospitality cloud, has announced a major milestone in broadening hospitality teams leveraging AI in their day-to-day. AI Smart Tips is reshaping guest interactions by giving hotel staff easy access to a centralized summary of each guest's key information and preferences, available at every point of contact throughout the guest's stay. Mews AI Smart Tips are now viewed over 5 million times a week by hoteliers around the world, helping them to personalize the experience for their guests.

First-Ever StudioRes Hotel in Fort Myers, Florida

First-Ever StudioRes Hotel in Fort Myers, Florida

Marriott International, Inc. announced the landmark opening of StudioRes Fort Myers, the first-ever StudioRes hotel and the company’s debut in the midscale extended stay segment. The all-studios hotel is now accepting reservations for stays, almost two years to the day since Marriott unveiled the concept. A newly created brand within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, StudioRes was thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide variety of travelers, including those on long-term work trips and assignments, construction projects, relocations, and more.

Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Ahmet Bolat Re-elected to the IATA Board of Directors

Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Ahmet Bolat Re-elected to the IATA Board of Directors

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, has been re-elected to the Board of Directors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for a second term during the IATA’s 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in New Delhi. During his three-year tenure, Prof. Bolat will continue to contribute to the global aviation vision and represent the industry among other leading aviation executives.

flynas Launches Direct Flights Between Riyadh and Damascus as of June 5th

flynas Launches Direct Flights Between Riyadh and Damascus as of June 5th

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, announced launching direct flights between Riyadh and Damascus as of June 5, adding the Syrian capital to its ever-growing network within the framework of the company's regional expansion, to meet travelers needs and to enhance air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the countries of the region, and in line with the national objectives in the aviation sector in the Kingdom.

Etihad brings its flagship A350 to Sydney with private Business Suites featuring sliding doors

Etihad brings its flagship A350 to Sydney with private Business Suites featuring sliding doors

Etihad Airways is set to elevate its Sydney to Abu Dhabi service with the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000, bringing enhanced comfort, more premium seating and innovation to its important Australian route. Beginning 1 October 2025, the A350 will join the Sydney schedule on select flights, complementing the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner currently serving the route, with both aircraft offering the latest Business Suites. From 31 January 2026, Etihad will fully transition its 10 weekly Sydney services to A350 operations, offering guests a next-generation travel experience, and Melbourne will be served daily by Etihad’s latest 787-9 aircraft featuring Business Suites and increased premium capacity.

Aer Lingus Launches Onboard Digital Donations in Support of UNICEF

Aer Lingus Launches Onboard Digital Donations in Support of UNICEF

Aer Lingus and UNICEF Ireland today announced the launch of a new onboard digital donation capability, offering customers new ways to contribute to UNICEF’s vital work for children around the world. Customers flying on Aer Lingus long-haul services can now scan a QR code or tap their bank card on cabin crew devices to make quick, secure donations directly to UNICEF during their flight, in addition to the traditional collection of cash donations.