Organisations & Operators News Page 196
IATA Wings of Change Americas Conference to Be Hosted in Santiago de Chile
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that this year’s Wings of Change Americas (WOCA) Conference will be taking place on 8-9 April in Santiago de Chile, with LATAM as the host airline. The 16th edition of the aviation industry’s premier event in Latin America and the Caribbean is being held under the theme “Beyond Borders – Aviation as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation” and will focus on how strategic collaboration between the aviation sector and government authorities can:
IRENE FORTE SPA OPENS AT THE CARLTON IN MILAN'S FASHION DISTRICT
In a city defined by craft and creativity, Irene Forte Spa expands its “natura e scienza” concept to its eighth European location. This is wellness designed for the Milanese mindset: purposeful, expressive, and deeply sensorial, reflecting the conviction that beauty, like style, begins from within.
British Airways announces the latest release of Avios-Only flights to two of Europe’s summer holiday
British Airways has announced that the latest Avios-Only flights, on which 100% of the seats are exclusively available as Reward Seats, will be flying from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon Saint-Tropez, as the airline reaches its 50th Avios-Only service.
Riyadh Air Launches Overseas Scholarship Program for Saudi Nationals
Riyadh Air has launched its First Officer Scholarship Program with Guaranteed Employment, creating a new pathway for Saudi nationals to train, qualify, and return home prepared to operate the airline’s Boeing and Airbus fleet as First Officer Pilots.
China Removes Visa Requirements for UK Tourists — Riviera Travel's China Line‑Up Ready for 2026–2027
UK travellers will be able to enter China visa‑free for up to 30 days from 17 February 2026, removing long‑standing barriers and making it easier to explore one of the world's most culturally rich destinations. The change brings the UK in line with more than 50 countries already benefitting from simplified entry.
Saudi Travel Radar 2026: Explore the Best of What’s New and Upcoming
Saudi in 2026 is full of life, color, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re yearning for big city thrills, ancient landscapes, or island escapes, this is your go to guide for Saudi’s iconic destinations and what to experience across the country this year.
Etijah claims ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme’
Youth & Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah has been recognised with the title of ‘World's Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme 2025’ for the Employability Programme in the Hospitality Sector by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards. Founded in 2006 in Cairo, the Youth & Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah is one of Egypt’s leading non-profit organisations dedicated to youth empowerment and social equity. Etijah is Arabic for ‘direction’, a concept that reflects the mission to build an inclusive society where all individuals, particularly young people and women, can actively participate in Egypt’s social, economic, and environmental development.
Minor Hotels Delivers 32% Profit Growth in 2025
Minor Hotels, a leading hotel owner and operator with a global portfolio of more than 640 properties, has delivered another year of record profitability in 2025, reflecting strong system-wide demand and improved financial discipline.
Jumeirah Capri Palace Reopens on 16 April 2026
Jumeirah Capri Palace will reopen for the 2026 season on 16 April, welcoming guests back to Anacapri with a renewed calendar of culinary, cultural, and wellness experiences designed to spark meaningful connection under the Mediterranean sun. Building on the hotel's established reputation as Capri's home of art, gastronomy, and wellbeing, the season introduces an expanded programme of Michelin-starred guest chefs, the return of Dioriviera to Il Riccio, and new initiatives with leading cultural partners.
Sofitel introduces Le Vestiaire by Cordelia de Castellane
Inspired by the spirit of Paris, Sofitel introduces Le Vestiaire, a global wardrobe created as a statement of style and self-expression. Created in collaboration with French designer Cordelia de Castellane, the global collection blends couture sensibility with everyday sophistication - a mix-and-match expression of elegance designed for Sofitel's world of modern luxury.
Raffles Hotels & Resorts Unveils 'The Butler Did It Collection,'Available Exclusively At Printemps
Raffles Hotels & Resorts is delighted to introduce 'The Butler Did It Collection', a playful collection available only in-store at Printemps New York and Printemps Paris through March 10, 2026, with select pieces offered on Printemps.com. Through a thoughtfully curated edit of fashion and home goods, the collection captures Raffles' world of elegance and enchanted glamour. With products designed for Raffles, and in partnership with Globe-Trotter, Frette, and Christofle, 'The Butler Did It Collection' invites guests and collectors alike to bring a touch of Raffles' signature magic into their everyday life. This collection is an early look at how the brand's distinct aesthetic, craftsmanship, and sense of refinement will soon extend beyond a hotel stay.
Radisson Hotel Group and Amadeus launch direct API connectivity to modernize hotel distribution
In a move that supports its technological ambitions to improve guest experience across its global hotel portfolio, Radisson Hotel Group and Amadeus have built an API connectivity between the Group’s EMMA Central Reservation System (CRS) and the Amadeus Travel Platform. Moving beyond the limitations of traditional models and classic Global Distribution System (GDS) protocols, this innovative collaboration will empower travel sellers, delivering enhanced efficiency and a superior booking experience when accessing the Group’s booking platform.