Organisations & Operators News Page 162
Global Association for the Attractions Industry postpones IAAPA Expo Middle East
IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced postponing IAAPA Expo Middle East to next year, following a meeting of the Association's Board of Directors to review the latest developments in the Middle East region. The Association confirmed that the Expo will now take place from 12 to 15 April 2027, underscoring that the safety and well-being of its members, exhibitors, visitors, partners, and all stakeholders remain its highest priority.
Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Becomes the World's Longest Linear Arboretum
The Atlanta Beltline Arboretum stands as the world's longest linear arboretum, marking a global milestone in urban greening, ecological restoration and sustainable redevelopment. The 12.44-mile botanical collection is redefining how cities integrate nature, infrastructure and public space. As new sections of the Atlanta Beltline open, the arboretum continues to grow, reaching 16.7 miles of trail by summer 2026 and progressing toward completion of the full 22-mile loop by 2030.
CELEBRITY CRUISES IS REDEFINING RIVER TRAVEL
Celebrity River Cruises unveiled a new standard for river travel today with an extensive destination discovery program that features four unique experience categories, each designed for guests to take home stories no one else can provide. Local insiders lead the Storyteller Series and Skillmaster Series, while the Keys to the City Series gives guests the tech-driven power to explore on their own with insights curated to their unique interests and passions. Available once per sailing, the Celebrity Takeover Series delivers one-of-a-kind, bespoke experiences.
YY Group Welcomes The Landmark Bangkok to Growing Hospitality Client Portfolio
YY Group Holding Limited, a global leader in on-demand workforce solutions and integrated facilities management (IFM), today announced that its Thailand subsidiary, YY Circle Thailand Co., Ltd., has signed a one-year manpower outsourcing contract with The Landmark Bangkok, one of Thailand's most prominent luxury hotels. The agreement further strengthens YY Circle Thailand's growing portfolio of premium hospitality clients and advances the Company's strategy to build Thailand into its next significant manpower revenue contributor alongside its subsidiaries in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Costa Rica Sees Rising Travel Demand as Travelers Seek Nature and Adventure-Focused Vacations
Tripmasters, a leading online travel company specializing in customizable multi-destination vacation packages, is reporting a significant surge in interest in Costa Rica vacation packages and nature-focused adventure travel. In response to growing demand, the company is highlighting its curated collection of customizable itineraries along with introducing its Costa Rica–based concierge team, providing travelers with local support from the moment they book until their trip is complete.
Brazilian airline announces direct flights between Rio de Janeiro to France and Portugal
GOL Linhas Aéreas, Brazil's most on-time airline, has announced new non-stop flights between Rio de Janeiro's RIOgaleão International Airport (GIG) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at France, and Lisbon Airport (LIS) in Portugal. This is the first time the company ever operates direct flights to Europe since its foundation in 2001.
Sunset World Group Celebrates International Women's Day
In celebration of International Women's Day, Sunset World Group held a series of special events at all its hotels—Hacienda Tres Ríos, Sunset Royal, Sunset Marina, Sunset Fishermen, Ocean Spa, and Laguna Suites—to recognize the valuable contributions of the women who are part of its team. The activities included special breakfasts or lunches organized for female employees, as well as gatherings with live music, creating an atmosphere of celebration and recognition.
Spirit Airlines Announces Restructuring Support Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., parent company of Spirit Airlines, LLC (together, "Spirit" or the "Company"), announced that it will today be filing a Restructuring Support Agreement (the "RSA") and Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Court"). This very important milestone is another significant step forward in Spirit's restructuring process and reflects continued support from the Company's DIP lenders and secured noteholders. The RSA and Plan outline the financial framework that underpins Spirit's expected emergence from Chapter 11 by early summer.
Marriott International Signs Agreement to Bring St. Regis Hotels & Resorts to Kapalua Bay, Hawai’i
Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners (“KWHP”) to bring The Resort at Kapalua Bay, a luxury oceanfront resort located on Maui’s northwest coast, into the company’s leading luxury portfolio.
SriLankan Airlines Enhances Australia Connectivity with 14 Weekly Flights
SriLankan Airlines is set to increase its weekly service between Colombo and Melbourne to 10 flights, effective from 2 August 2026, with the addition of three more scheduled flights in response to growing demand and evolving market dynamics. The expansion reinforces the airline’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in Australia, recently identified as one of the fastest-growing inbound tourism markets to Sri Lanka, driven by leisure travel and a rising volume of visits by family and friends.
Mandarin Oriental collects trio of titles at World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
Mandarin Oriental has been recognised with three top prizes at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards. The luxury hotelier won titles for: • World's Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative 2025 • World's Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project 2025 • World's Leading Sustainable Policy Initiative 2025
Scenic Group announces three new luxury river ships
Scenic Group has revealed it will launch three new luxury river ships in 2027 and early 2028. One Emerald Star-Ship will join the Emerald Cruises & Tours fleet, while Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours will welcome two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ships. The new vessels will operate across Europe and Asia, with bookings now open