Tourism News Page 168
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort Launches New Conservation Programme
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort has introduced Where Harmony Takes Flight, a new conservation initiative supporting the release of the endangered Bali Starling in the jungles of Payangan, where the award-winning resort is situated. Guests were recently invited to witness the inaugural release, an experience that honours the island’s cultural and ecological heritage.
YMA YACHTING MARKS ITS ENTRY INTO THE GREEK MARKET, NOW REPRESENTING COSMOS
YMA Yachting, Indonesia’s leading Bali-based marketing and sales agency specializing in the management and communication of luxury maritime vessels, is pleased to announce its international expansion. The company now represents its first yacht outside Indonesia - Cosmos - A timeless traditional wooden vessel anchored in Alimos Marina, Athens, Greece, marking a significant step into the Mediterranean market. Cosmos is a 25-metre classic motor sailer originally built in 1979 at the Mavrikos Brothers shipyard on the island of Syros and beautifully restored in 2019. Preserving the heritage of a traditional Greek karavoskaro, traditional Greek vessels used for deep sea trading, the yacht combines regional craftsmanship with contemporary comfort. Warm wood interiors, an open deck, and elegant interiors create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, ideal for unhurried cruising and memorable moments at sea.
Airlines raise airfares as fuel costs surge amid Middle East conflict
Australia’s Qantas Airways, Scandinavia’s Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and Air New Zealand announced airfare increases on Tuesday, citing a sudden surge in jet fuel costs linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The three carriers said the spike in energy prices had significantly increased operating costs, forcing them to pass some of the burden on to passengers through higher ticket prices. Airlines are particularly sensitive to fuel price swings because fuel typically accounts for a substantial share of operating expenses.
AWESOME HAS LANDED! LEGO® GALAXY OFFICIALLY OPENS AT LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT
Mission accomplished! LEGOLAND® California Resort officially just launched a brand-new land into orbit: LEGO® Galaxy. This milestone marks one of the most ambitious expansions in the Park’s history and is part of Merlin Entertainments’ largest single in-park investment across its North American LEGOLAND Resorts, which includes the recent launch of LEGO Galaxy at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and last week’s debut at LEGOLAND California Resort.
Africa’s hotel development pipeline hits record high as East Africa leads in construction momentum
The 2026 Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa report by W Hospitality Group reveals a record 123,846 rooms across 675 hotels and resorts. This represents year-on-year growth of 18.6%, or 12.2% on a same-store basis. While the overall pipeline reflects strong continental expansion, the data show that development activity is increasingly concentrated in a small number of dominant markets. The top ten countries now account for 79% of total pipeline rooms and more than 75% of new signings, reinforcing their growing influence on Africa’s hotel development trajectory.
Jet2holidays reaches 1,500 certified sustainable hotels milestone
Jet2holidays has announced that 1,500 hotels in its collection are now classified as a ‘Certified Sustainable Hotel’, meaning that they meet an official standard for sustainable accommodation practices on ABTA’s list of hotel certification schemes.
Oscar®-nominated movies now playing on Delta
Before the red carpet rolls out at the March 15 Oscars®, Delta customers can already be watching this year’s most talked-about nominated films, curated by the expert inhouse team behind Delta’s in-flight entertainment. With thousands of seatback screens and live satellite TV on select aircraft, customers can build their watchlist or even tune in to the awards live while flying.
IndiGo becomes the first airline in India with over 1,000 women pilots
IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, announced that it now has over 1,000 women pilots in its workforce, becoming the first and only airline in India to reach this milestone. At IndiGo, women pilots represent 17.5% of the total pilot workforce, which is more than thrice the global average. The airline is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, one that reflects the evolving aspirations of a new generation of women in aviation across India. With women representing over 45% of its overall workforce today, IndiGo continues to expand equal opportunities across roles.
60% of travelers still prefer human trip planning over AI, new Civitatis survey finds
Despite the rapid rise of generative AI tools in travel planning, 60% of travelers still prefer human-curated recommendations and verified information, according to a survey of more than 7,000 users conducted by Civitatis, a leading global marketplace for guided tours and excursions in Spanish and Portuguese.
Air Canada’s Fleet Transformation Takes Flight
Air Canada has announced the first of its updated Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has entered service at Air Canada Rouge, introducing the industry’s best leisure carrier experience. This marks the latest milestone in Rouge’s comprehensive cabin renewal program, focused on delivering a more comfortable, connected, and consistent onboard experience.
ALL-FEMALE CREWS FUEL NEXT GENERATION AMBITIONS AT QANTAS AND JETSTAR
This week, more than 2,500 customers will fly on Jetstar and Qantas flights operated by all-female crews. To mark International Women’s Day, both airlines are also hosting hands-on career days for more than one hundred students, showcasing the wide-ranging career paths available in aviation. The focus is on helping the next generation chart their path from the classroom to the flight deck, hangar or operations centre.
Air Astana finalises order for 25 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft
Air Astana Group, the leading airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size, has signed a firm order for 25 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, the largest ever direct order by the group. The agreement was made on the 20th anniversary since Air Astana started operating its first A320 in 2006, and includes five A320neo and 20 A321neo aircraft.