Organisations & Operators News Page 496
TruTravels Goes 'Down Under' with the Launch of Their First-Ever New Zealand Adventure!
Social adventure specialists TruTravels are taking on New Zealand with the launch of their highly requested 13-day New Zealand Adventure! For the first time ever, TruTravels is bringing its signature group travel experience to one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth.
Discover LHW's Spring Collection
”These exciting additions to the Leading portfolio reflect the diverse passions of our curious travellers, both in the addition of adventurous, nature-based destinations like Chilean Patagonia and Übersee, as well as culture-rich cities like Maastricht, Lecce and Athens” commented Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President, Member Experience, The Leading Hotels of the World. “Including both carefully restored heritage hotels and innovative new openings, this season's intake beautifully demonstrates LHW's continued quest for the highest quality of hospitality, and our support of independent hospitality in all its forms.”
Emirates and Garuda Indonesia expand partnership
Emirates and Garuda Indonesia today have unlocked a world of new opportunities for frequent flyer members with the launch of a joint loyalty programme offering. Emirates Skywards and GarudaMiles members can now earn and redeem Miles while travelling across a combined network of more than 200 destinations. The two carriers launched a codeshare agreement in 2022 and have since expanded their partnership to offer loyalty programme members more destinations, more Miles, and more rewards.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi Will Open to the Public on 18 April Within Saadiyat Cultural District
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi will officially open its doors to the public in Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi on 18 April 2025, announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, and art collective teamLab. The 17,000 sqm multi-sensory art experience is operated by Miral Experiences, a subsidiary of Miral, and will include massive transformative exhibits that take guests on a sensory-rich journey that transcends the ordinary. The exhibits engage sight, sound, and touch, encouraging guests to expand the way they feel, connect and interact with the world around them. Sitting at the intersection of art, science, and technology, the artworks do not exist independently—the environment creates various phenomena that become the artwork, offering a dynamic, ever-evolving guest experience, and ensuring that no two visits will be the same. Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE was voted Middle East's Leading Beach Destination 2024 at last years World Travel Awards
ANTON BAWAB JOINS INNSIGHT ADVISORY AS PARTNER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
InnSight Advisory has announced the appointment of Anton Bawab as Partner and Managing Director of the Dubai-based bespoke hotel development advisory firm. In this capacity, Anton will be responsible for leading the company’s growth and operations in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Virgin Atlantic to expand codeshare with WestJet providing greater connectivity
Virgin Atlantic and WestJet are delighted to announce an expanded codeshare agreement, strengthening vital business, leisure, and visiting friends-and-family connections between Canada and the UK and key connecting regions including India. The partnership will provide seamless connectivity for customers travelling between the UK and Canada with enhanced customer benefits for connecting passengers.
British Airways Holidays launches 2025 Travel Trends Report
British Airways Holidays unveils its 2025 Travel Trends Report, identifying the most searched for holiday destinations, as well as how travellers are choosing to curate their holidays in new and exciting ways, with social media driving booking patterns and customers now forming “Trip Collectives”. The report’s 2025 ‘Hotlist’, showcasing the January Sale’s most searched for destinations, confirms a key prediction from last year’s Travel Trends Report, with Malta moving from the ‘Rising Stars’ category to now being one of the most searched for holiday destinations. Meanwhile, Koh Samui has seen a 38% rise in interest compared to last year, a trend that will undoubtably grow, with the return of a popular TV show launching this week.
Hilton Bolsters Athens Presence with Three Lifestyle Hotels
Hilton has confirmed plans to open three properties in Athens following franchise agreements with Aluma Greece IKE. Adia Aluma Athens, Curio Collection by Hilton and Anise Aluma Athens, Tapestry Collection by Hilton are both expected to open in 2025, with Skylark Aluma Athens, Tapestry Collection by Hilton set to open in 2026. The signings of these three new hotels across the Curio Collection by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton brands will further strengthen Hilton’s lifestyle portfolio, adding over 500 new rooms for guests in the Athens.
Huangshan emerges as top destination for overseas tourists exploring China
Huangshan city, in East China's Anhui province, with beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritages and friendly international services, stands out as the preferred destination for overseas tourists to explore China following the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
Wego and Jordan Tourism Board Join Forces to Inspire Global Travelers to Discover Jordan's Wonders
Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with the Jordan Tourism Board, a collaboration dedicated to showcasing the incredible experiences and destinations that make Jordan a must-visit travel destination.
Trip.com Group Unveils Momentum 2025: Travel's Next Big Trends That are Gaining Speed
As the global travel industry continues to reinvent itself, Trip.com Group today released its forward-looking report, Momentum 2025: Travel's Next Big Trends. Based on insights from over 6,000 travellers across six Asia-Pacific markets, this report forecasts the trends and innovations shaping the future of travel, including technology-driven personalisation, niche travel experiences, and a renewed focus on meaningful, immersive journeys. Below is a snapshot of key highlights
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong marks its 20th anniversary with a year of extraordinary experiences
Consistently hailed as one of the world's finest hotels, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong celebrates twenty years in 2025 with a remarkable array of experiences that underscore its reputation for unmatched excellence in one of Asia's most thrilling destinations. From stellar cuisine to sublime wellness, world-class bar programmes to a glittering wedding showcase, the hotel's anniversary year is set to dazzle local and international guests alike with its unique events and activations.