Organisations & Operators News Page 488
IHG Launches Garner Hotels in the UK with Opening of Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury
IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, into the UK with the opening of Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury. The hotel, part of IHG’s partnership with NOVUM Hospitality, is designed to offer affordable, comfortable stays with a focus on authentic experiences and human connection. The hotel features stylish rooms, local dining, and meeting spaces for business travelers. With over 117 Garner hotels now operating or in the pipeline, the brand continues to grow in Europe, Turkey, and Italy, offering guests the benefits of the IHG One Rewards program.
Minister of Tourism Celebrates Women’s Contributions on International Women’s Day
Yesterday, on International Women's Day, Minister of Tourism, the Hon Edmund Bartlett is saluting the contributions of women in the tourism industry. “On International Women's Day, I am proud to recognise the exceptional women whose leadership, innovation, and dedication drive our nation's tourism industry forward. Globally, women are the backbone of our tourism industry, making up the majority of the workforce while increasingly taking on leadership roles that shape the future of travel experiences across our country,” he said.
NH Bangkok Asoke Opens, Expanding NH Hotels & Resorts Presence in Thailand’s Capital
Minor Hotels has announced the latest addition to its NH Hotels & Resorts portfolio with the opening of NH Bangkok Asoke on March 1, 2025. This new property marks the second NH-branded hotel in Thailand’s vibrant capital, following the successful launch of NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard in October 2024.
Celebrating International Women's Day: Empowering Women in the Travel Industry
As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality, especially within industries like travel and tourism. While significant strides have been made, there remains a notable gender gap, particularly in senior management roles. The travel industry, like many others, has recognized the importance of diversity and inclusivity, yet there is more work to be done to ensure equal opportunities for women in leadership positions.
Tweetsie Railroad Opens for the 2025 Season on April 5
Tweetsie Railroad is gearing up to welcome families back for another season of Wild West Family Fun. The park opens on April 5, and families looking to make the most of their visits can save $10 on a Golden Rail season pass if purchased by March 31.
Frontier Airlines Joins JFK Terminal 6 for Operations in 2026
JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to build and operate John F. Kennedy International Airport's new world-class Terminal 6 (T6), and ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines, (Nasdaq: ULCC), today announced that Frontier has selected T6 for its future operations at JFK. Frontier joins Air Canada, Aer Lingus, ANA, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Condor, JetBlue Airways, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Norse, and SWISS as the 13th international airline to make T6 its new home at JFK when the terminal opens to passengers in 2026.
DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways Partner to Launch New Abu Dhabi Pass
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways have today launched the new Abu Dhabi Pass at ITB Berlin, the world's largest tourism trade fair. The new Abu Dhabi Pass transforms the visitor experience into a fully digital journey, simplifying access to the emirate’s offerings. Etihad passengers will receive an email with a link to access the Abu Dhabi Pass through a dedicated website, with no additional cost or app download required.
IXORA Hotel & Spa Unveils the Ultimate Getaway Experience
IXORA Hotel & Spa is proud to mark the arrival of a new era in Welsh hospitality. Nestled in the picturesque Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri), IXORA offers a luxurious blend of adventure and relaxation, setting the benchmark for cutting-edge hospitality in the region.
Barcelona Marathon 2025: A Record-Breaking Race Through the Iconic Streets of the Catalan Capital
On March 16, Barcelona will host its bigger marathon yet, with a record of 27,000 runners racing through the most emblematic spots. The 46th edition of the Zurich Marató Barcelona 2025 has sold out more than two months in advance, surpassing its previous record of 20,385 participants.
Marriott International Continues Robust Growth in the Caribbean and Latin America
Marriott International, Inc. announced a year of robust room signings and openings across the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region in 2024. The company had record signings in the region, with 67 agreements representing approximately 8,000 rooms in 2024. In 2024, Marriott added 30 properties to its CALA portfolio, growing its regional footprint at year-end to 528 open properties across 37 countries and territories.
Expedia Group to Introduce Flex Pay for Cruise Bookings
Expedia Group, one of the world's leading travel technology companies, has chosen Flex Pay to bring flexible payment options in the US and Canada to travelers booking cruise vacations across five Expedia Group brands including Expedia Cruises, Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, Orbitz.com and Cheaptickets.com. Through this collaboration, travelers can now use Flex Pay, an innovative Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution from Upgrade. This payment option, available across over 750 travel and retail brands, allows travelers to finance their cruise experiences in simple, and affordable monthly installments.
Holland America Line's 2026-2027 Mexico and Pacific Coast Seasons Offer Sunshine & Rainforests
Holland America Line opened its 2026-2027 Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons, with itineraries designed to help guests authentically connect with the regions. The Mexico season includes longer cruises up to 12 days, visiting well-known favorites as well as rarely-called-at gems like Loreto. The Pacific Coast Season spotlights the cruise line's expertise in the region — especially highlighted by visits to the fjord-like waterways of British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest.