Organisations & Operators News Page 47
The travel funnel is collapsing: Inside the rise of AI agents
For two decades, the structure of the travel industry remained remarkably stable. Travelers searched, compared, booked and experienced in a linear funnel shaped by search engines, OTAs, metasearch platforms and increasingly sophisticated digital marketing systems.
Qantas and Jetstar to launch flights from Western Sydney International Airport
Qantas and Jetstar will connect Western Sydney to some of Australia's favourite domestic destinations, with Jetstar to launch the first commercial passenger service when Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) opens on Sunday 25 October 2026.
Three Culinary Icons Confirmed For World Gourmet Festival 2026
Following the announcement of the return of the World Gourmet Festival at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel from 29 September to 4 October 2026, this year's festival celebrates an extraordinary culinary collaboration between Latin America, France and the United States, while unveiling the first three internationally acclaimed chefs confirmed for the event.
Emirates brings Travel Rehearsal programme to Zambia
Emirates has expanded its Travel Rehearsal programme to Zambia, continuing its commitment to make air travel more inclusive and accessible in Africa and across the globe. Uncertainty around airport and aircraft procedures, coupled with concerns on unknown sensory stimuli, are key concerns for travellers and families with accessibility requirements – a study on AutismTravel.com revealed that 78% of families report feeling hesitant to travel or visit new places. In its role as the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, Emirates ideated the global Travel Rehearsal initiative, to help remove this barrier.
AER LINGUS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH IRISH BOXING ICON KATIE TAYLOR
Aer Lingus today announces Irish boxing icon Katie Taylor as its new brand ambassador, following the recent celebration of the airline's 90th anniversary. The partnership brings together two Irish icons with a shared spirit and global ambitions - and each proudly flying the Irish flag on the world stage. Katie will continue to fly the flag this September, when she lines out for a major homecoming fight at Croke Park, Dublin, on September 5th, and Aer Lingus will proudly fly the Bray boxer home for this hugely-anticipated bout.
Emirates and Real Madrid extend legacy partnership to 2031
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, and Real Madrid CF, the world’s most successful football club have renewed their partnership, extending one of the highest profile sponsorships in football through to 2031, and cementing a relationship that will span close to two decades.
THE CARLTON UNVEILS 'THE MILAN VINTAGE EDIT' A JOURNEY THROUGH MILAN'S CREATIVE HERITAGE
The Carlton, a Rocco Forte hotel in Milan, unveils “The Milan Vintage Edit”, a carefully curated itinerary through fashion, design and haute jewellery, conceived for connoisseurs of collecting and heritage culture. Created exclusively for Rocco Forte Hotels guests by The Maptique - a Milan-based creative agency renowned for designing and delivering high-end curated itineraries - “The Milan Vintage Edit” offers an insider's introduction to the city's vintage scene. The walking route leads guests to a selection of boutiques specialising in archival pieces, ateliers and historic addresses that have shaped Milan's creative identity.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole Unveils Summer Wellness Experiences
Reconnect with mind, body and spirit at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole with summer wellness programming designed to complement the destination’s adventurous spirit while encouraging balance and renewal. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Teton Range, summer programming blends movement, mindfulness and nature to offer a restorative escape in one of the country’s most iconic alpine destinations.
The Miraval Brand Debuts Globally with Opening of Miraval The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Miraval Resorts & Spas has announced the opening of Miraval The Red Sea on Shura Island, marking the brand’s first destination outside the United States and a defining milestone in its global evolution. Set between desert and water on Saudi Arabia’s west coast and surrounded by mangrove forests, the adults-only retreat introduces the Miraval signature blend of mindfulness and intentional wellness to the region. Rooted in the brand’s 30-year philosophy of mindful living, the Miraval brand’s guiding principle of empowering guests to ‘live a life in balance’ is thoughtfully expressed through elements of local heritage, creating an experience that feels both distinctly like the Miraval brand and authentically connected to place.
Introducing InterContinental Grand Ankara - Heritage meets modern luxury in the heart of Türkiye
InterContinental Grand Ankara – part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle portfolio – has opened its doors, following an extensive transformation of one of the city’s most iconic addresses. Marking a new era for luxury hospitality in Türkiye’s capital, InterContinental Grand Ankara joins the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand, continuing the brand’s legacy of pioneering new destinations in every corner of the world. Originally opened as The Grand Ankara Hotel in 1966, the reimagined property is a testament to the global evolution of InterContinental, which is defining the luxury travel experience for today’s modern luxury traveller. Its aim is to strike a harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity, built on the belief that travel expands the mind and connects cultures.
Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton, Now Accepting Reservations Beginning October 2026
Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton, a lifestyle resort debuting on Hawai‘i’s “Garden Island” later this year, is now accepting reservations for stays beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The property will represent Curio Collection by Hilton’s arrival in the Aloha State. “From the moment guests arrive, Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i will immerse them in the spirit of our culture,” said Jon Itoga, general manager, Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i. “As part of Curio Collection by Hilton, the resort will offer a distinctive, locally inspired experience rooted in thoughtful design and Hawaiian hospitality. More than a place to stay, it will serve as a welcoming home base for guests to explore and connect with Kaua‘i on their own terms.”
Otto Aerospace Advances the Phantom 3500 Program with FAA Certification Basis Milestone
Otto Aerospace has announced a major regulatory milestone for its flagship Phantom 3500 program: closure of the G-1 Issue Paper, which establishes the aircraft's Certification Basis with the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR Part 23. Finalization of the G-1 Issue Paper marks a major step in the Phantom 3500 program by clearly establishing the regulatory framework for type certification.