Tourism News Page 272
Lufthansa and SIXT enter into partnership for exclusive Lufthansa First Class limousine service
Lufthansa and premium mobility provider SIXT are entering into a partnership for the exclusive Lufthansa First Class Limousine Service. For 20 years, Lufthansa has been offering its First Class guests and HON Circle Members at the Frankfurt and Munich hubs a highly comfortable and seamless journey directly to the aircraft and back again upon arrival. A total of 40 vehicles of various models from SIXT are now available at Frankfurt and Munich airports for this premium service. The vehicles feature the respective Lufthansa and SIXT logos as well as the words “Lufthansa Shuttle Service.”
KrisFlyer Members Secure Priority Access To The OneRepublic Concert In Singapore
KrisFlyer, the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group’s rewards programme, is the Official Lifestyle Rewards Partner for American pop-rock band OneRepublic’s concert in Singapore on 2nd March 2026. The Grammy nominated band will perform at the Singapore Indoor Stadium as part of their From Asia, With Love Tour 2026, with KrisFlyer members receiving priority access to this highly anticipated show. OneRepublic is known for numerous chart-topping hits including Counting Stars and Apologise, as well as a track titled Singapore. Fans can look forward to a high-energy performance that showcases their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and dynamic sound, as well as a captivating stage presence that is bound to leave a lasting impression.
Virgin Atlantic launches daily flights from London Heathrow to Seoul
The countdown is on for Virgin Atlantic’s new daily service from London Heathrow to Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, with the first flight scheduled for 29 March 2026. Operated on the Boeing 787-9, the route cements Virgin Atlantic’s continued expansion eastwards, joining recent launches to Riyadh, Dubai and the Maldives, as well as its growing network in India with five daily services to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
British Airways signs major deal with Starlink to provide every customer in every cabin free Wi-Fi
British Airways has today announced its customers will soon benefit from Starlink connectivity. Starlink is a revolutionary Wi-Fi provider, powered by the world’s most advanced satellite constellation that orbit much closer to Earth than those used traditionally, providing even the most isolated areas with a more reliable and faster internet experience. The airline will start its Starlink rollout in 2026. Once fully fitted, all customers, whichever cabin they’re travelling in, will have free access to the service for streaming, working and keeping in touch.
flynas Wins the Operational Excellence Award at Dubai International Airport (DXB)
flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, has been awarded the Operational Excellence Award of the 2025 oneDXB Airport Excellence Awards, presented by Dubai Airports, outperforming more than 100 regional and international airlines operating at Dubai International Airport (DXB.
Cruise Arabia Expands to Include Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Uniting All Six GCC Cruise Destinations
The Arabian Gulf’s cruise industry has entered a new era of collaboration and growth as Saudi Arabia and Qatar officially join the Cruise Arabia Alliance, completing a regional partnership that now brings together all six leading Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) destinations — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. This expansion marks a milestone moment for the region’s fast-growing cruise tourism sector. By aligning the Gulf’s most prominent ports under one strategic alliance, Cruise Arabia aims to create a seamless, world-class cruising experience across the Arabian Peninsula — showcasing diverse cultural, historical, and coastal attractions while streamlining operations for global cruise lines and travelers alike.
NYU Jonathan Tisch Center of Hospitality, Stayntouch, and IDeaS Release 2026 Hotel Technology Report
The NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality (NYU SPS Tisch Center), in collaboration with Stayntouch and IDeaS Revenue Solutions, today released a new industry report, 2026 Hotel Technology Outlook: Best-in-Class vs. All-in-One Systems. Led by NYU SPS Tisch Center graduate students, this capstone study explores how hotel operators evaluate and invest in technology, comparing Best-in-Class systems, which are specialized high-performing solutions integrated around a core PMS, with All-in-One systems that offer a suite of capabilities through a single provider.
From Constellations to Zodiac Adventures: SAii Phi Phi Island Village Unveils the New Astro Moments
Following the recent repositioning of SAii Hotels & Resorts as a lifestyle brand rooted in the belief that peace of mind is the ultimate luxury, SAii Phi Phi Island Village unveils a refreshed take on its “Astro Moments” experience. Now enhanced with expert-led stargazing sessions and a newly launched Zodiac-to-Experience Guide, the programme invites guests to reconnect with the cosmos in one of Thailand’s most breathtaking island settings.
Meliá Hotels International arrives in Cusco with its first hotel in the capital of the Inca Empire
Nestled among majestic mountains at over 3,400 meters above sea level, Cusco—the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—will soon welcome the latest Peruvian destination of Meliá Hotels International. The leading Spanish hotel group has just announced the upcoming opening of the Hotel Cusco La Paccha Affiliated by Meliá, scheduled for January 1, 2026.This new project represents more than just geographic expansion: it is an invitation to experience the essence of Peru from one of its most iconic destinations, widely regarded as the gateway to the legendary Machu Picchu. Just 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas, the hotel—formerly known as Xima Exclusive Cusco—is located beside the well-known ornamental fountain La Paccha de Pumaq Chupan, one of the city’s tourist attractions. It is also surrounded by colonial churches, vibrant markets, and museums that immerse travelers in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Hyatt and Chase Expand their Collaboration
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (the “Company”) (NYSE: H) today announced an expanded agreement with Chase (NYSE: JPM), building on the successful collaboration between Hyatt and Chase that rewards World of Hyatt cardmembers for stays across Hyatt’s global portfolio. World of Hyatt remains the fastest-growing loyalty program in the global hospitality industry with more than 60 million members, growing at a rate of nearly 30% annually since 2017. Through its continued emphasis on member choice and recognition, World of Hyatt is one of the most valuable hospitality loyalty programs, with more than 40% more members per hotel compared to the next closest competitor. The result is highly engaged members who spend more, stay more, and book through direct channels more frequently than non-members.
Hyatt Centric Reims officially opens its doors in France
Hyatt Hotels Corporation celebrated the opening of Hyatt Centric Reims, marking the exciting debut of the Hyatt Centric brand in France. The hotel opening supports Hyatt Centric brand growth globally, with plans to expand its brand footprint by 50% by the end of 2029, reaching over 100 hotels. From its prime location in the city center, Hyatt Centric Reims offers breathtaking views of the Aisne-Marne Canal that sits right in front of the hotel, while still being close to the main tourist attractions. Cultural landmarks, such as the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palais du Tau, and the world-renowned Champagne Houses, offer the perfect itinerary within a 15 minute walk of the hotel, placing guests in in the heart of the action to immerse themselves in the rich history of the region.
Garner by IHG debuts in Kyoto’s historic Shijo Karasuma district
IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. Located in the heart of Kyoto on one of the city’s most historic and charming streets, the 103-room hotel opens after an extensive transformation and represents the Garner brand’s commitment to delivering relaxed, quality stays at an affordable price. As the newest addition to the growing Garner portfolio in Japan, Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma joins three Garner hotels already open in Osaka, each offering guests a distinct, uncomplicated stay experience. The brand hallmark ‘Made with Character’ underpins the design of Garner hotels. Each hotel is purposefully different, celebrating the diversity of the brand’s guests and properties.