Organisations & Operators News Page 202
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Earns Industry-First Five-Star Rating from Forbes Travel Guide
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sets a new benchmark in luxury hospitality, becoming the first cruise brand to earn a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. Ilma, the company’s second ultra-luxury yacht, receives the milestone distinction in the newly unveiled 2026 Star Awards, announced today by Forbes Travel Guide, the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships. Ilma now joins a distinguished group of global honorees showcased on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
The Ritz-Carlton x Kilometre Paris: Iconic Destinations, Reimagined in Handcrafted Travel Pieces
Drawing inspiration from sun-washed coastlines and resort escapes, the collaboration transforms the spirit of The Ritz-Carlton’s most iconic resorts into travel pieces designed to be carried, collected, and remembered. Guided by a shared passion for travel and a deep sense of place, The Ritz-Carlton announces a new collaboration with Kilometre Paris, the luxury accessories brand renowned for its hand-embroidered, destination-driven designs. The limited-edition capsule translates four iconic coastal resorts – The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel; The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara; The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, and The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami – into a colorful assortment of beach totes, bucket bags, and bandanas perfect for leisure travel.
Turkish Airlines carried 7.6 million passengers in January 2026
Turkish Airlines announced passenger and cargo traffic results for January, with 10% higher passenger capacity in terms of available seat kilometres compared to that of 2025. In January, the number of passengers was recorded as 7.6 million, and the total load factor was realised at 84%.
The Bench launches Future Hospitality Summit Egypt
Aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 ambitions for tourism and investment, FHS Egypt, a new two-day market event will connect senior hospitality investment decision-makers to accelerate projects, partnerships and capital deployment
Beyond Simplicity: Rethinking PMS Usability for Modern Hotels
In today’s hospitality landscape, a sleek, intuitive interface is no longer a differentiator. It’s a baseline for any property management system. Clean, minimal design helps staff learn quickly, streamline daily tasks, and reduce operational friction. But for hotels juggling complex workflows, multiple departments and interconnected systems, usability requires more than simple aesthetics. True efficiency comes from pairing simplicity with the depth needed to manage day-to-day realities of hotel operations.
Marriott International Delivers Record-Setting Expansion in Greater China Region in 2025
Marriott International, Inc., today announced that the company accelerated its expansion in Greater China in 2025 and signed a record-breaking total of over 200 deals throughout the year, representing 25% year-over-year growth in annual signings in the region. With a deal signed every two days or fewer, the company added more than 36,000 rooms to the regional pipeline in 2025. This robust momentum underscores Marriott’s continued growth and long-term focus on the Greater China market.
WTTC warns that new UK tourism levies would dent growth, restrict jobs and reduce competitiveness
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the private sector in the travel & tourism industry, has cautioned against the introduction of new local visitor levies in England, warning that additional costs and fragmented local policies risk fewer jobs, as well as further weakening the UK’s competitiveness at a time when the sector’s growth is already lagging behind global recovery.
Avani Celebrates the Rise of Women Travelling Together
In the run up to International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, Avani Hotels & Resorts turns the spotlight on one of travel’s most defining shifts: women choosing to travel together, not as a niche, but as a new standard. From milestone birthdays and sister escapes to long-overdue reunions with friends, women travelling together is reshaping how trips are planned, experienced and remembered. Responding to this momentum, Avani introduces G(IRL)s Getaways, a curated collection of group-ready stays designed around space, ease and shared moments.
Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel unveils a New Era of Contemporary Urban Luxury
Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel first brought the brand’s signature luxury to the city’s skyline in 2022 and now reveals an extensive redesign. This complete transformation ushers in a new era for the urban property, which evolves the hotel into a sophisticated sanctuary connecting a high-octane business hub with a refined lifestyle destination.
andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge reimagined
An intimate and romantic lodge set on the edge of a rare sand forest in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province, andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge is set for a thoughtful refurbishment that will preserve its quiet magic while elevating its elegance and sense of place. Tucked between rare sand forest and a sweeping grassy meadow in the diverse Phinda Private Game Reserve, the lodge’s six Suites are being reimagined to offer even greater comfort and exclusivity.
reclaim brings its pioneering Luggage Delivery Service to Miami’s Major Airports
reclaim, a start-up that offers transportation, logistics, supply chain and storage solutions, is expanding its business to Miami and its greater metropolitan area. From late February, reclaim will gradually launch its luggage delivery service for passengers flying from both Miami International (MIA) and Broward County’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) airports
Exclusive and innovative journeys that Captain's Choice specialises in
The Kangaroo Route was made famous by Qantas last century and describes the commercial passenger air routes flown between Australia and the United Kingdom via the Eastern Hemisphere. The route has been operated since the 1930s but earned its legendary moniker in the 1940s as a descriptor for the "hops" that were reminiscent of a kangaroo's, covering long distances.