Organisations & Operators News Page 122
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Launches May 26, 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Beginning May 26, 2026, guests will be able to experience Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Featuring high‑speed thrills, zany comedy and an electrifying soundtrack, the attraction delivers a newly reimagined experience that feels fresh, fast and unforgettable. Before boarding the attraction, guests will hear the familiar, sweet tunes of “Can You Picture That?” as The Electric Mayhem rehearses for their big concert — setting the stage for the chaos, comedy and rockin’ fun that follows.
RIU Hotels & Resorts has launched a new mobile application for RIU Partner Club
The tool allows more than 100,000 members in 139 countries to manage bookings, check points, and administer their professional profiles in real time from iOS and Android devices. What benefits does the new application offer to travel agents? The tool has been designed to optimise the daily operations of the retail sector. The application focuses on the digitalisation of processes that previously required more complex management, now allowing immediate access to the entire portfolio of RIU Hotels & Resorts.
Korean Air unveils flagship Incheon First and Prestige Class lounges
Korean Air has officially completed a comprehensive 42-month infrastructure overhaul of its lounges at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 with the unveiling of its renovated flagship First and Prestige Class West Lounges, opening April 17 and 16, respectively. Following a KRW 110 billion investment, the airline has successfully modernized its entire lounge network at Incheon. The expansion more than doubles the airline's total lounge capacity at the terminal, preparing for increased passenger volumes ahead of its planned integration with Asiana Airlines.
25 years in Argentina: Delta’s journey of connection and commitment
Delta Air Lines is celebrating 25 years of operations in Argentina, marking a milestone that reflects the airline’s long-standing commitment to the country and its role in connecting Argentina with the United States and the world. Since launching service in 2000, Delta has grown alongside Argentina’s aviation market, supporting cultural exchange, tourism and business ties while building long-term partnerships and local teams that continue to shape the airline’s presence today.
easyJet holidays awarded Good Housekeeping Institute Reader Recommended status Customer Experience
Tour operator easyJet holidays has once again been recognised for delivering outstanding customer experience, earning the prestigious Good Housekeeping Institute Reader recommended endorsement for the second year running. The accolade is based on direct feedback from Good Housekeeping readers, who rated their experience across every stage of the journey when booking and travelling on an easyJet holidays package.
British Airways' fully-funded pilot training programme opens for applications for fourth year
British Airways’ fully-funded pilot training scheme has opened for applications for the fourth year running, with an £18m commitment by the airline for up to 160 aspiring pilots. Tens of thousands of applicants are expected to apply for a place on the highly-competitive Speedbird Pilot Academy, which sees British Airways covering the £100,000 training cost for those who land a spot on the programme.
goop kitchen Expands to New York
goop kitchen, the upscale, chef-crafted restaurant concept founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, makes its highly anticipated New York City debut on Monday, April 20, marking the brand's first expansion outside of California and a major new phase of growth. Built as a dark kitchen model, goop kitchen operates without traditional dining rooms, offering thoughtfully crafted meals designed specifically for delivery and takeout.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE BRINGS CRUISING BACK TO PHILADELPHIA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS
Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, announced its long-awaited return to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise line to sail from the city in 15 years. As the city of Philadelphia celebrates a momentous year with the country's 250th anniversary happening this summer, NCL has brought yet another significant milestone to this storied city with the return of the cruise industry.
Celestyal successfully transits Strait of Hormuz, leading safe passage for cruise industry
Celestyal has confirmed the successful and safe transit of both its vessels, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant operational milestone and demonstrating leadership across the cruise industry during a period of heightened regional sensitivity. On Friday, April 17, Celestyal Discovery, under the command of Captain Nikolaos Vasileiou, became the first cruise vessel to depart the Arabian Gulf, executing a carefully coordinated voyage plan developed in close collaboration with regional authorities and maritime security teams. This pioneering movement established a safe and proven route through the Strait, enabling other cruise operators to follow.
Cultural drivers are no longer just inspiring travel—it is directly driving booking behavior
Cultural drivers are no longer just inspiring travel—it is directly driving booking behavior, with measurable spikes linked to films, series and concerts, according to Civitatis booking trends and recent industry data. A recent surge in global interest in South Korea following the cultural impact of KPop Demon Hunters reflects a broader structural shift: travelers are increasingly choosing destinations based on what they watch, listen to and engage with digitally.
Prague as a hub of global tourism. The capital hosts Czechia Travel Trade Day 2026
For two days, Prague is transforming into a vibrant hub of global tourism. On 20 and 21 April, it is hosting the largest incoming tourism event in Czechia — Czechia Travel Trade Day 2026, organised annually by the Czech Tourist Authority — CzechTourism, this year in cooperation with Prague City Tourism and regional tourism organisations. The capital once again confirms its role as the gateway to Czechia and as a hub for new opportunities in international tourism cooperation.
61% of travel business surveyed experimenting with or scaling agentic AI
All indications are that 2026 will be the year of agentic AI, succinctly defined as gen AI that can accomplish real-world tasks rather than simply outputting content. Agentic AI is already playing a key role in next-generation automation within companies, increasing productivity and reducing costs. According to Phocuswright’s latest research report Budgets, Barriers and the Race to Agentic AI, more than 60% of travel businesses surveyed are experimenting with or scaling agentic AI, with 6% already actively scaling and 22% beginning to scale.