Travel Industry News Page 82
ANA Holiday Inn Opens in Two New Japanese Cities
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the back-to-back opening of two ANA Holiday Inn properties in Japan: ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda, which welcomed its first guests on 27 April 2026, and ANA Holiday Inn Tosu, which opened on 28 April 2026. Both properties, operated by Select Hotels Group, mark a significant milestone for the Holiday Inn brand in Japan. Each becoming the first international full-service hotel in their respective cities, bringing Holiday Inn’s signature warm and welcoming service to Sanda City in Hyogo Prefecture and Tosu City in Saga Prefecture.
voco brand continues growth momentum with new Phuket signing
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has today announced a management agreement with Phuket HA 2 Co., Ltd, a leading real estate developer in Thailand for voco Phuket Patong, marking the rapid expansion of the brand in Thailand following the brand debut in Bangkok last year, and four in the pipeline signed in quick succession. Opening in 2028, the newly built 307-room voco Phuket Patong will be situated within mixed-used development Abov Patong, a landmark which comprises hotels, branded residences and comprehensive facilities including a clubhouse, a theatre, multi-zone swimming pools and Kids Club on the hillside of Patong in Phuket.
IHG Hotels & Resorts inks deal for InterContinental Jaipur Achrol Resort
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed a management agreement with Makson India Hospitality Pvt Ltd. For InterContinental Jaipur Achrol Resort. Scheduled to open in early 2030, the 225-key luxury resort marks another milestone in the company’s strategic expansion across India’s high-growth leisure destinations. Featuring 36 villas alongside 189 guest rooms , the property is designed to deliver an immersive resort experience and elevated luxury offering. Set across a 16-acre land parcel along the Delhi–Jaipur Road in Achrol, InterContinental Jaipur Achrol Resort will mark the fourth IHG-branded hotel within the larger Jaipur city limits and the second InterContinental hotel in the market.
Anantara Launches ‘People Who Inspire’ to Mark 25 Years of Meaningful Journeys
As Anantara Hotels & Resorts marks 25 years of meaningful travel, the brand is turning the spotlight to the people who have shaped its story. The new ‘People Who Inspire’ series celebrates the artisans, conservationists, spiritual guides and long-serving hosts whose passion brings each destination to life, reminding travellers that the true essence of luxury lies in human connection.
Hilton Signs Umfolozi River Hotel, KwaZulu Natal, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in South Africa
Hilton has announced the signing of Umfolozi River Hotel, KwaZulu Natal, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in partnership with Umfolozi Hotel and Spa (Pty) Ltd. Expected to open in 2028, the hotel marks the brand’s second Tapestry Collection signing in South Africa within the last year, demonstrating Hilton’s continued growth across key leisure destinations in the country. The signing took place during Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban with representatives from Hilton, Umfolozi Hotel and Spa (Pty) Ltd, and Valor Hospitality Partners.
Hilton Strengthens its Hyderabad Presence with Signing of First Hilton Garden Inn in Kompally
Hilton has announced the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Hyderabad Kompally, further strengthening its presence in Hyderabad, one of India’s fastest-growing commercial hubs. Once open, the property will become Hilton’s third hotel in the city, following the recently opened Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa and the upcoming Hilton Hyderabad Gachibowli, while also marking the company’s first Hilton Garden Inn in Hyderabad. Expected to open in 2028, the new property is being developed by Fairmount and Friends LLP, part of the Fairmount Group.
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort Unveils Caravela: A Story-Driven Fine Dining Concept
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, a newly-opened sanctuary in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, introduces Caravela, an immersive culinary journey inspired by the great maritime expeditions that shaped global gastronomy. Blending Spanish culinary heritage with Maldivian provenance, Caravela offers a multi-sensory journey where each course unfolds as a chapter in the story of exploration, trade and cultural exchange. The concept takes its name from the caravel, the agile Portuguese vessel that enabled pioneering voyages between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Qatar Airways Unveils FIFA Special Livery and Bespoke Onboard Experience
Qatar Airways has officially unveiled its FIFA special livery aircraft on a Boeing 777 ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, celebrating the airline’s longstanding partnership with FIFA and its continued role in connecting fans, teams and global football communities worldwide.
Caribbean Airlines cuts routes in network overhaul
To stem millions of dollars in ongoing losses, Caribbean Airlines will discontinue service on several regional routes and slash flight frequencies starting June 1 as part of a broader effort to streamline its network and improve long-term financial stability. The Trinidad and Tobago-based airline said it will end service to Dominica, St. Kitts, and the Ogle, Guyana route to Suriname. It will also reduce flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to just twice weekly.
Emirates completes first-ever retrofit of two-class A380 aircraft
Emirates has reached a defining milestone in its ambitious multi-billion dollar retrofit programme with the successful reconfiguration of its first two-class A380 aircraft. The newly refurbished aircraft (A6-EUX) has taken to the skies operating as EK 39/40 between Dubai and Birmingham, featuring sparkling new interiors with Emirates’ latest products in three cabin classes: 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy Seats, and 437 Economy Class seats. This is the first of 15 two-class A380 aircraft in its fleet that Emirates will renovate as part of its commitment to offer customers a consistently superior experience in the sky.
Riyadh Air Introduces New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on Riyadh-London Route
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today announced the launch of full public sales for flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR). This key route, which introduces the new aircraft on 1 July 2026, strengthens the airline's mission to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with major global and regional hubs and deliver a world-class travel and logistics experience. Ticket purchases can be made from today (19 May, 2026) through the Riyadh Air App, Riyadh Air website at riyadhair.com, or through preferred travel providers and platforms. Guests are also invited to become ‘Founding Members’ of the airline’s loyalty program, Sfeer, ensuring a Best Offer Guarantee and free Wifi while earning rewards from their very first flight.
Your Wellness Plans Are Sorted this Eid With Complimentary Gym Access at VEO Fitness
Eid Al Adha is just around the corner, and with long lunches, family gatherings, and city staycations sure to fill the calendar, VEO Fitness is giving Dubai residents another reason to make movement part of the holiday plans. Bringing people together through wellness, VEO’s latest community-led initiative allows every active member to bring one friend or neighbour to experience the club completely free throughout the Eid break.