Travel Industry News Page 579
Redesigned American Airlines app focuses on making the journey as enjoyable as the destination
Customers traveling with American Airlines will start to enjoy the airline’s redesigned mobile app as it rolls out through the end of May. The airline is revamping the app to fulfill customers’ most-requested features. A redesigned look and feel on a new platform sets the foundation for future app upgrades and new features that will only further enhance the customer experience.
Donate to the Emirates Airline Foundation
Emirates is doubling down efforts to support children in need and build on the gains it has made over the last two decades to bolster support for 13 community-based organisations and grassroots NGOs that safeguard the health and wellbeing of children. For every dollar, dirham or any currency donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates will fully match every contribution made up to US $10,000, helping double the impact of every customer as part of its long-standing commitment to build a better future for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children the Foundation supports.
Singapore Airlines Elevates Customer Experience With $45 Million Investment In Changi Airport
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will transform its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 over the next two years, investing S$45 million to elevate the on-ground customer experience at its main hub. Renovations began on 15 April 2025, progressing in phases, with completion expected around mid-2027. The revamped lounges will boast 50% more space and seating capacity, and feature upgraded facilities, signature elements from SIA’s flagship lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3, and an enhanced variety of food and beverage options.
Minor Hotels Announces the First Avani Branded Resort to be Built in India
Minor Hotels announces the arrival of the Avani Hotels & Resorts brand in India with Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnam Resort, an exclusive new-build resort and branded residences development set along the scenic Sunray Beach in Visakhapatnam, India. The project will feature 117 hotel rooms and 58 branded residential villas, alongside a suite of premium amenities designed to set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. The announcement comes as Minor Hotels significantly accelerates its expansion strategy in India, targeting 50 new openings in the country over the next decade.
ENNISMORE ACCELERATES GROWTH IN THE AMERICAS
Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, announces the addition of six all-inclusive resorts in the Americas with over 1600 rooms and 900 keys across two properties in the pipeline. This strategic expansion further strengthens Ennismore’s leadership in the high-growth, high-margin luxury all-inclusive segment.
FlyExclusive has added its fifth Challenger super-midsize private jet to its fleet.
FlyExclusive has added its fifth Challenger super-midsize private jet to its fleet. The Kinston, North Carolina-based company is North America’s fifth-largest charter/fractional operator.
Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario, Officially Opens Its Doors
Canada's first Hard Rock Hotel is officially open for business. Located within 100 Kellogg Lane, Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario is part of Canada's largest indoor entertainment complex and sits in the heart of London's Old East Village, just minutes from the Western Fair District and a short drive from downtown.
Electra Raises $115 Million to Pioneer the World's First Ultra Short Aircraft
Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) has announced it has secured $115 million in Series B funding to enter the pre-production and certification phase of the EL9, the first-ever Ultra Short aircraft, which can take off and land in 150 feet – roughly 10% of the footprint required for similarly-sized legacy airplanes. The round was led by Prysm Capital, and Jay Park, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Prysm, has joined Electra's Board of Directors.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Debuts New Brand Campaign
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection reaffirms its position as the leader in ultra-luxury yachting experiences with the unveiling of its new global brand campaign, “Unlike the Rest.” This distinguished campaign celebrates the transformative power of travel while inviting discerning travelers to discover a new standard of unparalleled hospitality and bespoke offerings at sea.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL GROUP ANNOUNCES RENOVATIONS IN HONG KONG AND BANGKOK
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has long been defined by its dual Asian heritage that is deeply rooted in the Group’s founding flagship hotels: The Mandarin in Hong Kong and The Oriental in Bangkok. The spirit of both hotels has been instrumental in creating the Mandarin Oriental brand, from the pioneering, innovative spirit of Hong Kong since 1963 to the graceful Asian style and service famously delivered by the Thai property over the past 150 years.
IDeaS Announces Spotlight, Delivering a New Edge in Demand Generation for Hotel Marketing
IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of hospitality revenue management software, today announced the launch of IDeaS Spotlight, a first of its kind demand intelligence solution that empowers marketers to generate the right demand at the right time. Spotlight helps both single properties and portfolios to identify and act on high-value opportunities for deploying impactful, demand-generating marketing tactics informed by advanced analytics and AI. The solution brings IDeaS’ robust demand forecast and price sensitivity capabilities together to help hoteliers allocate marketing spend for the greatest impact on incremental revenue.
Key Opportunities for Middle East Hospitality Market
Mabrian’s latest hospitality market report concludes that strengthening mid-range offerings and realigning hotel experiences with global standards, particularly among upscale and luxury accommodation, is essential for boosting competitiveness in Middle East hotel market. The ultimate goal is to foster increased international arrivals and sustainable tourism growth in the region, as well as attracting global hospitality brands and enhancing profitability across hotel segments.