Tourism News Page 249
Santan Crowned Industry Champion at ACES Awards 2025
Santan, the F&B business of Capital A, has been officially selected as a winner of the Industry Champions of the Year Award at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards 2025 (ACES), which recognises outstanding leadership and innovation across Asia. In addition, Catherine Goh, CEO of Santan, has been recognised under the Asia’s Most Admirable Young Leaders Award category.
Turkish Airlines Partners with Samsung to Launch Smart Tagged Baggage Service
Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, has entered into a partnership with Samsung, marking yet another milestone towards its digital transformation efforts aimed at enhancing the travel comfort of its guests. Beginning on December 1, passengers will be able to seamlessly track their baggage using Smart Tagged Baggage Service, powered by SmartThings Find, which enables faster and more efficient tracking of misplaced or delayed baggage that is equipped with Galaxy SmartTag.
Civitatis appoints Arturo Moreno as Chief Supply Officer to accelerate growth
Civitatis, the leading tours and activities platform for Spanish-speaking travelers, announced today the appointment of Arturo Moreno as Chief Supply & Data Officer. Moreno, who has served as Chief Strategy & Data Officer for the past six years, will take over leadership of Supply—now elevated to an independent executive division—and will continue to lead the company-wide Data & AI transformation.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group Grows Serviced-Suites Pipeline in Southeast Asia
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG), the hospitality arm of Singapore-based UOL Group Limited, has signed a management agreement to manage PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay, advancing the Group’s expansion in Southeast Asia’s fast growing long-stay segment. Situated within Metro Manila, the country’s financial and commercial heart, the property will sit inside a two-tower mixed-use development comprising offices, retail space, and serviced suites. The project will have 169 suites, across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options for guests. It is targeted to open in 1H 2027.
A New Michelin Star for Sardinia - Capogiro Restaurant at 7pines Resort Gains Its First Star
Sardinian Places is delighted to announce that Capogiro, the signature restaurant of 7Pines Resort Sardinia, has been awarded its first Michelin Star. This prestigious recognition highlights the restaurant’s exceptional approach to contemporary Italian cuisine and its dedication to Sardinia’s culinary heritage. Led by Executive Chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio, Capogiro has quickly established itself as one of Italy’s most exciting new culinary voices. Since the resort’s opening, the restaurant has championed Sardinian ingredients, local producers, and sustainable practices, reflecting a deep commitment to the island’s rich gastronomic identity.
Havila Polaris Fills Tanks With Biogas Ahead of Historic Voyage
The tanks of the coastal cruise ship Havila Polaris have been filled with 200 cubic meters of liquefied biogas supplied by Barents Naturgass at Polarbase in Hammerfest, Norway. This marks the start of a historic voyage for Havila Voyages, where CO2 emissions are reduced by more than 90% and demonstrate that greener shipping is already possible. Over the course of its next round trip on the coastal route, Havila Polaris will in total take on 350 cubic meters of liquefied biogas. The first delivery of 200 cubic meters was supplied by Barents Naturgass at Polarbase in Hammerfest on Wednesday afternoon, and the remaining volume will be delivered in Bergen by Molgas Energy on Sunday 30 November.
Emirates celebrates 54th Eid Al Etihad with A380 flypast at Emirates Dubai 7s
Spectators at the Emirates Dubai 7s were treated to a spectacular Emirates A380 low-level flypast over The Sevens Stadium to mark the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad. Taking off from Dubai International Airport, the aircraft made its approach over the stadium at 4:30pm, gliding past at an altitude of just 500 feet and delighting thousands of fans gathered for the region’s biggest sports and entertainment festival. Commanding the flight was Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri, Deputy Chief Pilot Airbus, supported by Captain Khalid Bin Sultan, Captain Philippe Lombet, and Captain Nabil Al Rustamani.
Hyatt Announces Plans to Triple Number of Hyatt Properties in Portugal by 2027
As Portugal prepares to welcome a record-breaking number of visitors this year[1], Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) unveils an ambitious expansion plan with four new hotels set to debut across the country over the next two years. Building on the success of recent Hyatt hotel openings in Lisbon and Madeira, Hyatt will continue to expand its brand footprint in key business hubs, sought-after holiday destinations and emerging cultural hotspots in Portugal. Portugal’s evolving hospitality and residential investment landscape has sparked a surge in foreign investment, making it an ideal location for Hyatt’s thoughtful and targeted growth strategy. Hyatt continues to meet the increasing demand for high-quality accommodations and elevated guest experiences, including the upcoming openings of two of its lifestyle brands – Andaz and The Standard – further establishing Hyatt as a lifestyle hospitality leader and key player in the capital’s evolving hotel sector.
Hyatt Place Butwal Celebrates Official Opening
Hyatt Place Butwal, the third Hyatt branded hotel in Nepal is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. Hyatt Place Butwal is crafted to meet the diverse needs of both business and leisure travelers and promises a welcoming space where relaxation and productivity find seamless balance.
Hyatt Expands Secrets Resorts & Spas Brand Presence in Cancun
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort & Spa, the newest addition to the award-winning Secrets Resorts & Spas brand. Ideally situated in the heart of Cancun’s coveted Hotel Zone, the adult-only, all-inclusive resort builds on the brand’s momentum and complements its thoughtful expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean following the recent openings of Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, Secrets Baby Beach Aruba and Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa.
Hotel Indigo Opens Hotel in Torquay – The Heart of the English Riviera
Hotel Indigo, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle portfolio, officially opens the doors to Hotel Indigo Torquay. Set within the heart of the charming British coastal town in South Devon, the new boutique hotel is a stone’s throw from transport links around the country, as well as local attractions, including Torquay Museum, Kents Cavern, Princess Pier and Torre Abbey Sands. Hotel Indigo Torquay is owned by Singapore-based Fragrance Group and managed by IHG Hotels & Resorts. Just as no two neighbourhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are alike. Each is designed to uniquely reflect the local culture, character, and history of the surrounding area. Celebrating Torquay’s rich maritime heritage, Hotel Indigo Torquay is a testament to the town’s exciting revival. Every detail throughout the property is inspired by its vibrant seaside surroundings, using sandy tones, artisan decor and bold colourways that ensure the local neighbourhood is woven into the very heart of the hotel’s character and charm.
IHG Hotels & Resorts marks 50 years in Saudi Arabia and opens a new chapter of inspired hospitality
IHG Hotels & Resorts has marked 50 years of operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, celebrating a journey that began with the opening of InterContinental Riyadh in 1975 and has grown into one of the most significant footprints for the Group globally. The milestone, commemorated at a special gathering hosted at InterContinental Riyadh, underscores IHG’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom and its ambitions to help shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector. From a single landmark property, IHG has grown alongside the Kingdom’s transformation. In 2025, the Group surpassed more than 100 hotels open and in the pipeline across Saudi Arabia - a reflection of the strength of its partnerships, confidence in the local market, and alignment with the goals of Vision 2030.