Shizuoka, just an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, is welcoming visitors with a host of new experiences that spotlight its scenery, flavours and culture. This season brings the opening of Bentenjima Cycle Gate on the shores of Lake Hamana, offering bicycle rentals and a new beginner-friendly route, the return of the popular Suruga Afternoon Tea and the debut of the Soratto Makinohara roadside station - making it an ideal time to explore the region.

United Airlines and Travelport have entered into a strategic relationship that represents a new model of collaboration between an airline and a multi-source content provider. This marks a significant evolution from the traditional airline-distributor relationship, with teams from both companies working closely together to enable new capabilities and functionality for agency and corporate buying communities.

Any international hotel chains with properties in China, along with the global tech vendors they rely on, may be unknowingly violating Chinese data privacy laws, warns Ireckonu. At the heart of the issue are China’s data residency requirements, which mandate that guest data collected within the country must remain there. According to Ireckonu, a middleware and guest data platform provider for hotels, a significant number of global hotel tech providers are still storing or processing this data outside of China, exposing their clients to serious legal and financial risks if regulators decide to step in. Both international hotel groups and Chinese operators have expressed a growing concern about the possibility of a government crackdown. In today’s geopolitical climate, regulatory measures could arise at any time, potentially in response to foreign trade or data policies, which might result in fines, reputational impact, or, in extreme cases, affect the operation of their properties.

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) today announces that Valpas, the company creating the new global standard for safe and sustainable hotel stays, has joined its network of leading hospitality organisations.  Through this collaboration, Valpas joins an association of industry leaders committed to accelerating positive change across the global hospitality sector. As awareness grows around bed bug risks and pesticide safety, Valpas sets a new category in hospitality standards and sustainability: Certified bed bug-safe, pesticide-free stays. The company certifies and guarantees a safe, non-toxic stay for every guest thanks to their seamless in-room technology, providing a digital proof of safety for every stay. With more than 300 certified hotels in over 70 destinations, Valpas enables travellers to sleep soundly, free from both bed bugs and harmful chemicals, while supporting hotels in protecting biodiversity and guest wellbeing.

Dubai-born AVENEW Development is entering the branded residences space following a signed agreement with Marriott International to develop The St. Regis Residences at Dubai Islands. The upcoming project is designed for the modern connoisseur, reflecting the developer’s forward-thinking approach to residential living, where every detail, from interiors to communal experiences, is crafted to inspire connection, elevate lifestyle, and define what it means to truly come home. AVENEW Development’s selection of Dubai Islands for this seafront living project highlights its in-depth knowledge and established presence within this transformative area. With other major projects located on the islands, AVENEW possesses a proven understanding of the location’s potential, infrastructure, and growing appeal to residents.

Qatar Airways’ resumption flight to Canberra touched down on 2 December 2025, officially marking the return of its daily service to the Australian capital via Melbourne. Qatar Airways now operates a total Australian network of six key cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra. The resumption brings enhanced global access, greater competition, and expanded travel options for passengers across the ACT and surrounding regions.