Travel Industry News Page 568
Premier Inn and The Digital Hotelier sign Strategic Sustainability-Focused Digital Partnership
In alignment with the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and shared sustainability goals, Premier Inn Middle East and The Digital Hotelier have signed a strategic digital partnership across the GCC. The agreement, announced during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, marks a major step forward in promoting environmentally responsible innovation in the hospitality industry. This partnership supports Premier Inn Middle East - a joint venture between the Emirates Group and Whitbread, known for its high-quality, high-value accommodation - in its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. By joining forces with The Digital Hotelier - one of the region’s leading pioneers in guest experience and hospitality technology - Premier Inn aims to digitise key guest services and back-end operations, reduce paper use, and enhance resource efficiency across its hotels in the Middle East.
TAT promotes Thailand as a Muslim-friendly destination at Arabian Travel Market 2025
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is highlighting Thailand’s position as a premier Muslim-friendly destination at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, aligning with the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 initiative. At the event, TAT announced new partnerships with key GCC-based airlines, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, to enhance connectivity and offer co-branded campaigns that showcase Thailand’s wellness and luxury experiences. These initiatives aim to help TAT reach its 2025 target of over 1 million visitors from the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
Diriyah Co. Awards $1.13B Contract to Relocate KSU Utilities & Offices
Diriyah Company has awarded a $1.13 billion (SAR 4.225 billion) construction contract to relocate the existing utilities and administration offices of King Saud University (KSU) within the Diriyah masterplan.
LAWineFest Celebrates 20 Years of Bringing Wine Exploration to Los Angeles County
LAWineFest rings in two decades of celebrating all things wine in Los Angeles County, with two days of waterfront wine education, exploration and fun, May 31 and June 1, at Harry Bridges Memorial Park in Long Beach. As the County's largest, most wine-focused event, LAWineFest brings wine producers from around the globe to LA, gathering people together to sip what they like, and like what they sip. To celebrate 20 years, there will also be celebrity chefs, incredibly exclusive wine tasting opportunities, a chance to win high-end prizes, and more!
APT Solara joins fleet in Rotterdam.
APT has officially christened its brand-new luxury river ship, the APT Solara, in an elegant ceremony held in Rotterdam. The event marked a major milestone in the company’s 98-year history and signals a bold new chapter in European river cruising.
Disneyland Paris Launches First-Ever Disney Music Festival – Running Now Until 7th September 2025
Disneyland Paris has officially launched its first-ever Disney Music Festival – a live celebration of iconic songs from Disney Animation and Pixar films, brought to life across all five lands of Disneyland Park. Part of the resort's latest entertainment offering, the festival is included in the price of admission and runs for a limited time only, until 7th September 2025.
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Dubai becomes first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere
Dubai has officially gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere – a designation which underscores a citywide effort to make the tourism proposition more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors. This achievement aligns with key priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, by championing talent development, social inclusion, and quality of life, as well as the UAE Year of Community, which includes the goal of creating inclusive spaces that encourage collaboration, a sense of belonging, and shared experiences.
La Quinta by Wyndham Opens its Doors in Beautiful Batumi, Georgia
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts introduced its highly anticipated La Quinta by Wyndham brand to the Georgian market, opening the beachside La Quinta® by Wyndham Batumi, in one of the fastest-growing travel destinations on the Black Sea coast. Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Black Sea", Batumi is renowned for its vibrant blend of modern and historical architecture, beautiful beaches, subtropical climate and rich culinary scene.
Four Seasons Announces Expansion in the United Arab Emirates with Luxury Resort in Al Zorah, Ajman,
Four Seasons and Al Zorah Development Company, a joint venture between the Government of Ajman and Solidere International, announce plans for the leading luxury hospitality company to assume management of a luxury beachfront resort in Al Zorah, Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Disney On Ice Presents an Unforgettable Journey Through Your Favorite Disney Stories
Feld Entertainment Inc., the worldwide leader in live touring family entertainment, announced its newest production of Disney On Ice! This tour will launch in Orlando, FL at Kia Center, playing August 29-31, 2025. During the 2025-26 season, the tour will play 36 cities, including Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, Newark, Philadelphia, Chicago, Montreal, Dallas, and Houston. The magical adventure begins with a tap on the Magical MousePad, ushering you and your family on an unforgettable journey through Disney stories featuring over 50 of your favorite characters. Disney On Ice showcases world-class figure skating, high-flying aerial acrobatics, dazzling special effects, engaging interactive moments, and enchanting music, leaving the audience awestruck and sparking new memories that will last with guests long after the final bow.
Emirates and Kuwait Airways ink interline agreement to strengthen travel options
Kuwait Airways and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an interline agreement, offering passengers increased flight options to Dubai and beyond. The MoU was signed at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, reflecting a step forward in strengthening cooperation between the two carriers. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, and Emirates’ Deputy President, and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group; and the President of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Kuwait, Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. The signing ceremony was also attended by other officials of each airline’s executive management and partnership teams.
DATE NIGHT JUST GOT AN UPGRADE ON CELEBRITY XCEL
When it comes to couples' escapes, Celebrity Cruises has it covered. Celebrity Xcel®, the cruise line's newest elevated vacation experience, will give date night an upgrade by offering more variety than ever before to make couples getaways even more unforgettable. From Celebrity's first ever brunch offering at new al fresco restaurant, Bora; to the most expansive entertainment offering across Celebrity's fleet including new theatre and club shows, dance parties, and endless activities in between; guests can look forward to endless ways to keep date night going all day long on Celebrity Xcel.