Organisations & Operators News Page 395
Taru Villas LeViTta: A New Highland Serenity Where Culture, Nature & Reflection Meet
Just opened, Taru Villas LeVita https://www.taruvillas.com/levita-kandy redefines slow travel in the mist-wrapped hills just outside the spiritual hub of Kandy. Overlooking the glassy expanse of the Victoria Reservoir, this boutique retreat invites guests to step off the world's fast-moving stage and into a place of reflection, where mirror-like water and mountain air craft an atmosphere of true serenity. Now part of a refined island-wide portfolio featuring eight Taru Villas properties (soon to be nine), LeVita balances discreet luxury with deep cultural connection.
EVA AIR LAUNCHES NEW FOURTH-GENERATION PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS IN THE UNITED STATES
EVA Air, the world's first airline to introduce Premium Economy Class in 1992, is set to debut its all-new fourth-generation Premium Economy in the United States this fall. Launching on October 3rd, the redesigned cabin will make its U.S. premiere on the inaugural flight of EVA Air's new Taipei–Dallas Fort Worth route, offering American travelers their first opportunity to experience the airline's most advanced Premium Economy product to date—designed with enhanced comfort, upgraded technology, and thoughtful, sustainable features.
China Airlines and The New Terminal One Announce Strategic Partnership
China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based carrier, will begin operations at The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2026, launching an elevated travel experience for its valued customers. The long-term partnership between China Airlines and the New Terminal One will support the carrier's ambition to expand its network in North America, transforming the customer experience at one of the airline's top international gateways.
MGallery Collection unveils its first luxury property in Albania
MGallery Collection, a portfolio of boutique hotels with unique designs and stories, announces the grand opening of its very first property in Albania. Nestled between the majestic mountains and the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Green Coast Hotel - MGallery Collection seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with Albania's rich heritage, offering a unique travel experience.
IHG Hotels & Resorts expands Garner brand in Kansai, Japan
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced an agreement with Taisei Yuraku Real Estate Co Ltd (headquartered in Chuo-ku Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Takeshi Uekusa) and Pacifica Hotels (headquartered in Minato-ku Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Seth Sulki) G.K. to open a 103-room hotel to IHG’s newest mainstream conversion brand, Garner, expanding the brand’s footprint into the much-loved city of Kyoto. Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, the fourth Garner hotel in Japan, will enter the IHG system in November 2025, after closing for a full renovation, including new interior design and the addition of Garner brand hallmarks.
Six Senses Signs Landmark Hotel in Bangkok’s Historic Silom District
Six Senses has signed a hotel management agreement with Narai Hospitality Group to introduce Six Senses Bangkok as part of Hatai, a visionary mixed-use development on the site of the iconic Narai Hotel in the heart of Silom. Narai Hotel first opened its doors in 1968, becoming a trailblazer in Thailand’s hospitality story as a grand gathering place that shaped Silom’s skyline and set the scene for its thriving business and social district. For over five decades, its dedication to exceptional service and unique offerings made it a beloved establishment for travelers, celebrities, and royalty. Now, in partnership with Narai Hospitality Group, a new chapter begins with Six Senses Bangkok.
IHG Hotels & Resorts strengthens presence in Turkish leisure market
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum West Beach, in partnership with Uslu Turizm Insaat Tasimacilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. The signing follows the success of IHG’s first Holiday Inn Resort property, Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum, and adds to a growing portfolio of 33 open hotels in Turkiye and a further 17 in development.
Samson Sky Announces New Pilot Training Program for Flying Car Owners
In a bid to provide exceptional service for their Switchblade Flying Car customers, Samson Sky proudly announced plans for a cutting-edge pilot training program for those who are not yet pilots. Citing the increasingly large number of non-pilots who have reserved their Switchblade, a high-performance vehicle that both drives and flies, the company intends to use this program to help streamline the customer experience.
Marriott International's Caribbean Luxury Resorts Lead the Way
As the travel industry enters the second half of 2025, a new wave of behavior is shaping how and where people vacation. From spur-of-the-moment bookings and multi-generational traditions to mindful escapes and emerging luxury destinations, this season reflects a more thoughtful, flexible approach to travel. While the economic climate brings a degree of caution, traveler demand remains resilient shaped less by urgency and more by intention.
Shanghai Summer 2025 opens with global invitation
The 2025 Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season — or simply Shanghai Summer — opened on July 4, bringing citywide experiences to international and local audiences alike.
Madeira Promotion Bureau Launches New Campaign: “Madeira. Everything You're Into”
The Madeira Promotion Bureau has launched its latest tourism campaign under the slogan “Madeira. Everything You're Into”. Positioning the archipelago as a complete, authentic and versatile destination, the campaign speaks to a broad spectrum of travellers. Today's travellers increasingly seek personalised, meaningful experiences and Madeira stands out as a place that truly offers it all: from peaceful relaxation to thrilling exploration, from beautiful beaches to majestic mountains and from rich culture to unspoilt nature. As tastes evolve, Madeira continues to provide a diverse range of unique places and experiences to suit every kind of traveller.
Türkiye Unveils Groundbreaking Underwater Discovery
A remarkably well-preserved shipwreck from the Late Hellenistic - Early Roman period has been discovered off Antalya's coast near Adrasan in Türkiye. Found at a depth of 33–46 meters, this stunning find marks a major breakthrough in global underwater archaeology. The “Ceramic Shipwreck” carried a cargo of hundreds of Eastern sigillata pottery pieces - a type of fine, red slip tableware widely produced in the Mediterranean. Around 25 distinct ceramic designs have been identified and were carefully coated with raw clay as a protective layer during transport before being stacked on top of each other. This ancient technique helped them remain preserved in near-perfect condition beneath layers of sand, even after 2,000 years.