Travel Industry News Page 544
Gloria Guevara: Strong Leadership Needed for Tourism’s Future
Gloria Guevara, the leading candidate for Secretary-General of UN Tourism, has issued a renewed call for bold, decisive leadership rooted in substantial, real-world experience — urging member states to back a new era of stability, vision, and innovation for the global tourism sector.
New direct flights between Lisbon and Los Angeles with TAP Air Portugal
Hollywood Studios, Santa Monica Boulevard and Venice Beach are now closer to Portugal. On 16 May, TAP Air Portugal launched its direct route between Lisbon and Los Angeles, operated by an Airbus A330-900 with capacity for 298 passengers.
Etihad Airways offering luxury travel at exceptional prices
Etihad Airways has launched an exclusive Premium sale, with up to 30% off on Business fares, offering UK and Irish customers the chance to experience luxury travel at exceptional prices across its expanding global network. Available until Wednesday 21 May, the offer features business fares to popular destinations including Delhi, Phuket and Kuala Lumpur, with flights departing Manchester starting from £1699, £1949 and £1799 respectively. Fares for the same destinations departing Dublin start from €1799, €2199 and €2299. These special fares are valid for travel between 2 June 2025 and 30 Sep 2025.
St. Lucia to Host the 2025 Caribbean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards at Sandals Grande
On October 3rd, 2025, the world of travel and tourism will turn its eyes to one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting destinations — St. Lucia. The island will proudly host the Caribbean Gala Ceremony of the 2025 World Travel Awards, an iconic event celebrating the pinnacle of hospitality and excellence in the travel industry. The venue, the magnificent Sandals Grande St. Lucian, offers a fittingly luxurious setting for an evening that will spotlight the very best the Caribbean has to offer.
Candlewood Suites by IHG makes its European debut with hotel opening in Germany
IHG and NOVUM Hospitality continue to make strides in Germany with the opening of the first Candlewood Suites property outside of the Americas. Candlewood Suites Berlin Charlottenburg is part of a dual-brand project, sharing a building with the recently opened Holiday Inn – the niu Flash. Candlewood Suites is also due to open a further five hotels in Germany this year, in Fürth, Heidelberg, Düsseldorf, Augsburg and Berlin.
IHG Hotels & Resorts launches Middle East’s first EVEN Hotel with a signing in Saudi Arabia
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of EVEN Hotel Dammam, bringing its lifestyle wellness-focused brand to the Middle East for the first time. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Riyadh.
Hilton Announces Debut of Spark by Hilton in MEA
Hilton has announced the signing of Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah in partnership with Al Musbah Group, marking the debut of the premium economy brand in Saudi Arabia. Expected to open later this year, the new signing bolsters Hilton’s continued growth in the Kingdom and strengthens its presence in one of the region’s most dynamic markets. With this addition, Hilton remains on track to reach its milestone of 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline across Saudi Arabia this year.
Tru by Hilton Debuts in Asia Pacific with 14 New Hotels Opening in Vietnam in 2025
Leading global hospitality company Hilton has announced the opening of the first four of 14 Tru by Hilton properties in Vietnam, in partnership with ROX Group (formerly TNG Holdings Vietnam). The new hotels herald the entry of Tru by Hilton in Asia Pacific and build upon Hilton’s growth momentum in South East Asia. Slated to open before the end of 2025, the new Tru by Hilton properties will bring Hilton’s total pipeline of hotels under development in Vietnam to 29.
Hilton Drives Further Growth in Paris with Latest Lifestyle Addition
Hilton has announced the signing of Hotel Dali Val d’Europe, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, following a franchise agreement with Turenne Hôtellerie, the hospitality division of Turenne Group. The property will open this Summer and will be located close to popular theme park Disneyland® Paris.
Aldar Partners with Hilton to Develop Yas Island’s First Branded Residences Under Waldorf Astoria
Aldar has announced its partnership with Hilton (NYSE: HLT), the global hospitality company, to develop Abu Dhabi’s first Waldorf Astoria Residences and the first branded residences located on Yas Island. In the presence of Aldar’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Talal Al Dhiyebi, the partnership was signed by Jonathan Emery, chief executive officer, Aldar Development and Daniel Wakeling, vice president, Development, Luxury & Residences, EMEA, Hiton.
HOTEL MANAGEMENT JAPAN OFFERS NEW SERVICES TO OKINAWA ADVENTURERS
Hotel Management Japan Co. operates 24 hotels (total rooms 7,671) in Japan. In Okinawa, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, where new attractions are constantly emerging, we provide three accommodation options with new services and renovations, from a convenient city hotel to relaxing resort stays.
NABNI Developments opens sales for Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay
Following the 2024 signing of a milestone partnership between NABNI Developments and Hilton, sales have officially opened for the premium-luxury 146-unit Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay. Designed by celebrated international architect Carlos Ott and featuring interiors by world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the 65-storey Residences will be the second tallest residential tower in the Business Bay/Downtown Dubai district upon planned handover in Q4 2029.