Tourism News Page 248
Emirates brings elevated travel to Adelaide with A350 debut and new Premium Economy Cabin
Emirates has marked a historic milestone in its Australia operations by welcoming its first A350 to Adelaide starting 1 December 2025. In becoming the first city in Emirates’ global network to receive the ultra-long-range model, Adelaide now offers Emirates’ new Premium Economy and has become the fifth and final city in Emirates’ Australian network to feature the highly awarded cabin.
Qatar Airways Unveils New Formula 1® Livery with Exclusive Experience
Qatar Airways concluded an unforgettable Qatar Grand Prix weekend, delivering a vibrant showcase of sport, innovation, and culture both on and off the track. The airline and Title Partner of Formula 1® extends its congratulations to Max Verstappen as the winner of the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix. Ahead of Saturday’s Sprint race, thousands witnessed the Qatar Airways celebratory flypast over the Lusail International Circuit, after media and invited guests experienced a special preview of the airline’s new F1®-themed livery designed by Swizz Beatz. Media were invited to experience the flypast from inside the aircraft which was equipped by Starlink high-speed “gate-to-gate” Wi-Fi which provided the media live broadcast capability onboard the flight as it flew above the Lusail International Circuit.
Princess Diana’s iconic Fly Virgin Atlantic jumper returns in support of Save the Children
Virgin Atlantic, the airline known for its stylish design and flair, is bringing back one of Britain’s most iconic looks, the navy ‘Fly Virgin Atlantic’ jumper made famous by Princess Diana in the 1990s. Sales from the launch will help change children’s lives around the world, as part of Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing partnership with Save the Children. Timed to the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana wearing the original on 20 November 1995, the replica crewneck sweatshirt blends British style, nostalgia and purpose. An initial first drop of 250 jumpers will be available exclusively via Virgin Atlantic’s Retail Therapy online store, operated by Tourvest.
ROCCO FORTE HOTELS ANNOUNCES MASSERIA DEL CARDINALE, THE GROUP’S SECOND HOTEL IN PUGLIA
Rocco Forte Hotels continues its expansion in Italy and announces the opening of its second hotel in Puglia, Masseria del Cardinale, scheduled to debut in 2028 in Fasano. The estate, leased through an agreement with PGIM’s real estate business, Re.vo, and Dekus as development partner, is set in one of the region’s most renowned areas, the Itria Valley, known for its landscapes and historical villages.
Northern Thailand’s Latest Attraction the Dibba Yana Chitta Museum Opens at Anantara Chiang Mai
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort announces the official opening of the Dibba Yana Chitta Museum, marking one year since the unveiling of Dibba Yana Chitta — an extraordinary vessel created by Thailand’s acclaimed National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, recognised for Wat Rong Khun, or the world-famous White Temple of Chiang Rai.
Jumeirah and Bouguessa Unveil ‘Jumeirah Heritage Club’
Jumeirah, the global luxury hospitality brand and a member of Dubai Holding, unveils Jumeirah Heritage Club – an exclusive capsule collection created in collaboration with acclaimed Dubai-based contemporary fashion house Bouguessa.
Fashion’s Biggest Night Begins at the Peninsula London
On December 1, 2025, leading talents from the worlds of fashion, film, sport and music gathered at The Peninsula London, the Official Hotel Partner of The Fashion Awards 2025 presented by Pandora (TFA), before one of the industry’s most celebrated nights of the year. The Peninsula London welcomed the host of the night Colman Domingo, sportsman Declan Rice, musicians Skepta and Little Simz, actors Celia Imrie, Bel Powley and Louis Partridge, models Anok Yai, Iris Law, Alva Claire and Alex Consani, and stylists Sam Woolf and Harry Lambert, among many others.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Prioritises Guest Safety as Affected Properties Resume Full Operations
Adverse weather linked to Cyclone Ditwah temporarily affected operations at several of our properties. At a time when many of our communities continue to feel the impact of the floods, our thoughts are with everyone affected. Throughout this period, our priority has remained the safety and wellbeing of our teams, our communities, and the guests in our care.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som honoured at Qatar Tourism Awards 2025
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar’s pioneering full-immersion wellness destination and the largest in the Middle East, developed by Qatar’s premier master developers, Msheireb Properties, was recently honoured at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2025. General Manager Mr. Ammar Samad received the Community Leadership – Hotelier of the Year award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to advancing wellness, community engagement, and sustainable hospitality in Qatar.
An Evolving Global Luxury Landscape Shapes Marriott International’s Luxury Group Strategy for 2026
From the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, Marriott International’s Luxury Group – which encompasses the unrivaled portfolio of seven brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels – announced a bold redefinition of the pursuit of luxury – one shaped not by possessions, but by emotional return on investment. Responding to a powerful shift in the world’s most affluent travelers, the Luxury Group is unveiling a transformative strategy centered on wellbeing, connection, cultural immersion, and legacy living.
Tribute Portfolio Debuts in Thailand with the Opening of Metropole Bangkok
Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of Metropole Bangkok, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel in the trendy Thonglor district of Bangkok. This opening marks the highly anticipated debut of the Tribute Portfolio, a family of independent boutique hotels, in Thailand.
GoNexus Group closes a landmark year
GoNexus Group, a leading experiences and mobility travel company, has closed the 2024–2025 fiscal year —ending in September— with historic growth that marks a turning point for the organization. During this period, GoNexus Group served 7.4 million combined experiences and mobility customers, firmly consolidating its position as one of the most significant operators in the regional tourism industry. This scale-up also translated into 6.25 million passengers transported, an 8% year-on-year increase, and more than 511,000 excursion bookings, enabling 1.15 million travelers to enjoy curated in-destination experiences.