Organisations & Operators News Page 158
Arival announces full speaker lineup and expanded program for European headline event in Valencia
Arival, the global leader in insights and events for the tours, activities, attractions, and experiences sector, has announced the full speaker lineup and expanded program for Arival 360 Valencia, taking place at the Centre de Congressos from April 27–29, 2026. This year’s theme, “The Tomorrow Operator: Europe & the Future of Tours & Experiences,” sets the stage for a forward‑looking program designed to help operators navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.
Travelsphere launches new trade exclusive offer
Escorted touring specialist Travelsphere has launched a new limited-time, trade only sale. The campaign, which runs from now up to March 31, offers a saving of £150 per booking on any 2027 holiday.
THE RITZ-CARLTON, LANGKAWI AWARDED “GREEN HOTEL” CERTIFICATION
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi is proud to announce that it has been officially awarded the Green Hotel certification by the Tourist Accommodation Premises Grading Panel (PPP) under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia.
NH Collection Palacio de Córdoba Brings Refined Design and Hospitality to the City’s Jewish Quarter
NH Collection Hotels & Resorts, the premium brand of Minor Hotels, begins a new chapter in the Caliphal city with the debut of NH Collection Palacio de Córdoba. Following a complete restoration, the 18th century palace has been reborn as a five-star hotel, renewing its identity through a refined contemporary aesthetic and sophisticated design, while preserving its local authenticity and hallmark exclusive service.
LOPOTA LAKE RESORT & SPA IN GEORGIA TAPS ACCLAIMED DESIGN STUDIO “GYSPANDCONCRETE”
Set within the rolling vineyards and forests of Kakheti, Lopota Lake Resort & Spa, a 60-hectares family owned resort, has unveiled a newly completed reception and reimagined gift shop designed by Georgian architect Lado Lomitashvili, founder of Studio Gypsandconcrete, marking the latest chapter in the resort’s ongoing architectural evolution. Conceived as the first point of emotional connection for arriving guests, the new arrival spaces introduce a refined design language that reflects the resort’s identity as a nature-driven, experience-led destination rooted in landscape, heritage, and craftsmanship. Typical of Lomitashvili’s work, the spaces explore the dialogue between materiality, light, and environment.
Italy’s Cultural Tourism: Culture Leads, Sentiment Holds, Geography Shifts
Italy continues to hold the world’s highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites— 61 in total — with Italian cuisine added to the list of intangible heritage in 2025. Its standing as a leading global cultural destination is firmly established. The deeper story lies in how travellers are interacting with that heritage: which cities are strengthening their appeal, how demand is redistributing geographically, and whether growing visitor volumes are affecting experience quality.
Luxury leads the way as Dubai’s hotel inventory reaches 158,700 rooms – Cavendish Maxwell
Dubai’s hotel inventory reached 158,700 keys across 770 establishments in 2025, with almost 70% in the high-end category, says leading real estate advisory and property consultancy, Cavendish Maxwell. Dubai opened 3,400 rooms last year, representing an annual growth of 2.2%. Ten new hotels came to the market, an increase of 1.3% on 2024, the company said. Another 4,600 rooms are scheduled for completion in 2026.
Allegris Business Class seats on the Boeing 787-9 have received certification
Lufthansa has received certification for 25 Allegris Business Class seats on the Boeing 787-9. Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Dreamliner with registration number D-ABPM and the name “Potsdam” flew from Frankfurt to Toronto with 25 certified seats in Business Class. The remaining eight 787-9s equipped with Allegris are also already in service with approved seats as of today or will take off by Wednesday at the latest. Last-minute bookings for these seats on flights departing from March 18 are therefore available immediately.
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris One of the World’s Leading Destinations for Culinary Excellence
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris celebrates the renewal of its six Michelin stars in the 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide France. Le Cinq, L'Orangerie, and Le George have each retained their distinctions, further reinforcing the George V’s singular position as a world-class gastronomic destination.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Welcomes Dusit Thani Bangkok to Legend Collection
Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of Dusit Thani Bangkok to its prestigious Legend Collection, welcoming the celebrated Thai hotel into its global portfolio of exceptional properties in the world’s most remarkable destinations. Featuring exquisite accommodations, stellar and intuitive personal service, renowned dining, and exceptional spas, being part of this exclusive group is designated for distinguished properties who represent the very highest levels of luxury.
United Airlines, Currensea and Mastercard launch UK-first loyalty debit card for frequent flyers
United Airlines, in partnership with Currensea, the market-leading payments technology platform for co-branded multi-bank debit cards, and Mastercard, today announced the launch of the United AirlinesSM Debit Card, the first ever rewards debit card offered to UK travellers by a U.S. airline. Available now, the United Airlines Debit Card can be linked to any existing UK bank account and allows customers to earn miles and exclusive travel benefits from United on all their day-to-day spending, at home and abroad, making it easier than ever to earn United MileagePlusSM miles, access exclusive travel rewards and enjoy outstanding exchange rates when spending abroad.
Almost 7 million Lufthansa Group passengers opted for more sustainable flying in 2025
The Lufthansa Group is seeing growing demand for more sustainable travel options. The Group enables its customers to contribute to reducing the climate impact of future flights with various offers for private and business air travel. With success: more than five percent of Lufthansa Group passengers have chosen a more sustainable travel option in 2025 – for example, the Green Fares flight fares. Four years ago, this share was below 0.1 percent. Last year, the volume of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) sold across various offerings more than doubled. Passengers’ active commitment to more sustainable flying is an important pillar of the Lufthansa Group’s sustainability strategy.