Travel Industry News Page 637
British Airways’ new-look Seattle lounge becomes the latest to open its doors
British Airways’ Seattle lounge has opened its doors following an extensive refurbishment, becoming the latest to offer an improved pre-flight customer experience. It joins Singapore, Washington, Lagos and London Gatwick, which have all been given a new look and feel over the last nine months, following lounge refreshes in Edinburgh, London Heathrow Terminal 5B and Heathrow Terminal 3 in 2023.
Ramadan and Travel: What Travellers, Travel Companies and Employers Should Know
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of 28th February and end on the evening of Sunday 30th March. During this time, Muslims will take time out for spiritual reflection and fasting. As such, it does have implications for leisure and business travel. Here, Walid Haji of Rooh Travel shares his top five considerations for those holidaying during Ramadan, or organising holidays or business trips for those who observe Ramadan:
Marriott International Expands Luxury Safari Portfolio in Kenya
Marriott International, Inc. today unveiled plans to open two luxury tented safari camps in Kenya, following the signings of The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp with Lazizi Mara Limited and Lazizi Solio Limited, respectively, both part of the Lazizi Group of Companies. Underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its world-class luxury portfolio and offerings for unique travel experiences, the anticipated properties aim to set new standards for high-end, luxury hospitality in some of Africa’s most breathtaking safari destinations.
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Debuts as the Ultimate Ultra-Luxury Escape on Peninsula Papagayo
Nestled within one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has officially opened its doors, offering discerning travelers a secluded, ultra-luxury retreat amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Named after the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” Nekajui (NEK-ah-wee) marks a monumental milestone as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth addition to the brand’s exclusive portfolio.
Decoding 2025 Berlin Tourism
Berlin’s travel industry is set for significant transformations in 2025, influenced by visitor preferences, air capacity expansion, and emerging tourism drivers. A collaborative study by The Data Appeal Company and Mabrian, both part of Almawave Group, sheds light on the main trends defining the future of tourism in Germany’s capital.
Cloudbeds and Sabre Hospitality announce strategic partnership
Cloudbeds, the innovative leader in hospitality management technology, has today announced a strategic partnership with Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading global travel technology company. This collaboration delivers a deeper integration between Cloudbeds PMS and Sabre’s SynXis® Central Reservation System (CRS), offering hotels and accommodation providers a seamless and efficient solution for managing distribution, reservations, and property operations.
TruTravels Goes 'Down Under' with the Launch of Their First-Ever New Zealand Adventure!
Social adventure specialists TruTravels are taking on New Zealand with the launch of their highly requested 13-day New Zealand Adventure! For the first time ever, TruTravels is bringing its signature group travel experience to one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth.
Discover LHW's Spring Collection
”These exciting additions to the Leading portfolio reflect the diverse passions of our curious travellers, both in the addition of adventurous, nature-based destinations like Chilean Patagonia and Übersee, as well as culture-rich cities like Maastricht, Lecce and Athens” commented Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President, Member Experience, The Leading Hotels of the World. “Including both carefully restored heritage hotels and innovative new openings, this season's intake beautifully demonstrates LHW's continued quest for the highest quality of hospitality, and our support of independent hospitality in all its forms.”
Emirates and Garuda Indonesia expand partnership
Emirates and Garuda Indonesia today have unlocked a world of new opportunities for frequent flyer members with the launch of a joint loyalty programme offering. Emirates Skywards and GarudaMiles members can now earn and redeem Miles while travelling across a combined network of more than 200 destinations. The two carriers launched a codeshare agreement in 2022 and have since expanded their partnership to offer loyalty programme members more destinations, more Miles, and more rewards.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi Will Open to the Public on 18 April Within Saadiyat Cultural District
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi will officially open its doors to the public in Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi on 18 April 2025, announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, and art collective teamLab. The 17,000 sqm multi-sensory art experience is operated by Miral Experiences, a subsidiary of Miral, and will include massive transformative exhibits that take guests on a sensory-rich journey that transcends the ordinary. The exhibits engage sight, sound, and touch, encouraging guests to expand the way they feel, connect and interact with the world around them. Sitting at the intersection of art, science, and technology, the artworks do not exist independently—the environment creates various phenomena that become the artwork, offering a dynamic, ever-evolving guest experience, and ensuring that no two visits will be the same. Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE was voted Middle East's Leading Beach Destination 2024 at last years World Travel Awards
ANTON BAWAB JOINS INNSIGHT ADVISORY AS PARTNER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
InnSight Advisory has announced the appointment of Anton Bawab as Partner and Managing Director of the Dubai-based bespoke hotel development advisory firm. In this capacity, Anton will be responsible for leading the company’s growth and operations in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Virgin Atlantic to expand codeshare with WestJet providing greater connectivity
Virgin Atlantic and WestJet are delighted to announce an expanded codeshare agreement, strengthening vital business, leisure, and visiting friends-and-family connections between Canada and the UK and key connecting regions including India. The partnership will provide seamless connectivity for customers travelling between the UK and Canada with enhanced customer benefits for connecting passengers.