Tourism News Page 290
Qatar Airways Awarded ‘Best Airline App 2025’ by World Aviation Festival
Qatar Airways has been recognised with the ‘Best Airline App 2025’ award at this year’s World Aviation Festival, the largest aviation technology event in the world. The winner was announced during the ‘Battle of the Airlines Apps’, a unique, side-by-side judged contest that began with travellers nominating their favourite airline app prior to the event. Then the five top-rated apps were evaluated by a jury based on user experience, mobile services, and digital innovation after each airline presented their digital platform.
BROWN’S HOTEL UNVEILS A STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS WITH ENGLISH HERITAGE
This Christmas, Brown’s Hotel — London’s first and most storied five-star hotel — partners for the first time with heritage charity English Heritage. The charitable collaboration celebrates and reimagines Britain’s favourite festive traditions while supporting the care of historic landmarks. Through its partnership with English Heritage, Brown’s shows that true luxury today is defined by connection, to place, to story, and to each other.
British Airways launches new collectable range of Business Class amenity kits
British Airways has launched brand-new amenity kits in its Club World (long-haul business class) cabin at London Gatwick, part of a new partnership with luxury British wellness specialist anatomē. The amenity kits are on offer to customers travelling in Club World from Gatwick from 26 October 2025. There will be four unique and bold designs from British artists in the range for customers to collect, as the flag carrier continues to push the brand and customer experience forward, celebrating British originality, creativity and relaxation at 35,000ft.
MGallery Collection and Patience Capital Group ascend over Japan’s Twin Peaks
MGallery, Accor’s boutique collection of storied hotels, is proud to announce the signing of Madarao Kogen Hotel and Lime Resort Myoko in Japan. Both properties are part of a strategic partnership with Patience Capital Group, a real estate and private equity investment management firm recognized for its investments in tourism-related assets across Japan. “Madarao Kogen Hotel and Lime Resort Myoko joining MGallery Collection represents a new chapter for our collection in Asia - places where nature, design, and culture converge. In partnership with Patience Capital Group, we are proud to bring MGallery’s spirit of memorable and meaningful travel to the Japanese Mountains, combining authenticity, sophistication, and well-being in one of the country’s most inspiring destinations.”
American Airlines welcomes the Airbus A321XLR to the fleet
American Airlines is “suite-ening” its premium cross-country experience with the debut of the Airbus A321XLR in its fleet. Customers can purchase tickets now on aa.com and via American’s mobile app for the inaugural flight — Flight 3 on Dec. 18 from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX). “Designed for long journeys with comfort and style at the forefront, American is thrilled to be the first U.S. airline to operate the A321XLR,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “Whether customers are traveling from coast to coast or across the ocean, American’s newest aircraft demonstrates our commitment to providing a premium travel experience.”
Six Senses Myoko ushers in a new era of purposeful rejuvenation in Japan’s historic ski region
Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has signed a hotel management agreement with Patience Capital Group (PCG) for a slopeside mountain hotel and residences at the foothills of Mount Myoko, within Japan’s scenic Suginohara ski resort. The development of Six Senses Myoko forms part of an investment vision sensitive to the property’s culture and surroundings.
Meliá strengthens its presence in the world’s most exclusive destinations
Meliá Hotels International, Spain’s leading hotel group, has announced the signing of a new luxury hotel as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in key Latin American destinations while continuing to expand its luxury portfolio. Under The Meliá Collection brand, which brings together a curated selection of unique hotels, the company will add an exclusive property in Argentine Patagonia.
Hyatt and Homeinns Hotel Group Expand Strategic Relationship
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Homeinns Hotel Group have announced that their respective subsidiaries have entered into a strategic master franchise agreement to introduce Hyatt Studios hotels in China. This collaboration will expand Hyatt’s portfolio in the upper-midscale segment by adding hotels in Hyatt’s new extended-stay brand in one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets. As leading hospitality companies in China and the United States, Hyatt and Homeinns Hotel Group will leverage their respective strengths and resources for the development of Hyatt Studios extended-stay hotels throughout vibrant business and travel destinations throughout China. Under the master franchise agreement, Homeinns Hotel Group plans to open 50 Hyatt Studios branded hotels in the next several years and develop a robust pipeline to drive future growth across China.
IHG One Rewards Launches Members Catalogue to Enrich Daily Lifestyle Experiences
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced the launch of the IHG One Rewards Member Catalogue, an innovative platform that redefines how members can redeem their points. By extending rewards beyond traditional channels into everyday lifestyle moments, the new catalogue offers members more convenience, flexibility, and value. IHG One Rewards Member Catalogue features an extensive selection of curated products and services spanning entertainment, travel, dining, and lifestyle categories. By enriching its award-winning loyalty programme, IHG is enabling members to turn points into meaningful experiences both inside and outside of hotel stays.
The evolution of Emirates’ iconic Cabin Crew uniform
With heritage in every hemline, the iconic uniform of Emirates cabin crew is instantly recognised as a symbol of the world’s largest international airline, and the Emirates fly better experience. From its inception in 1985 to its current iteration in 2025, the Emirates cabin crew uniform is both evocative and emotive – capturing the glamour of flying with Emirates, and the power of a world-renowned brand.
Qatar Airways and Swizz Beatz Launch ‘The Qatar Airways Creative 100’
In a global first, Qatar Airways has announced a ground-breaking cultural partnership with Grammy Award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and international creative force, Swizz Beatz. The collaboration was unveiled at an event at Art Basel Paris 2025, where Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax in 2025, also serves as a Premium Partner across all five of Art Basel’s world leading fairs.
Pegasus Airlines and Iberia Sign New Codeshare Agreement
Pegasus Airlines has signed a new codeshare agreement with Iberia, offering passengers more choice and convenience. Through this partnership, Pegasus guests can now travel seamlessly to 13 destinations via Iberia flights from Madrid-Barajas Airport. These include 11 Spanish cities; Málaga, Tenerife (North), Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, A Coruña, Asturias, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Vigo and Seville, via Madrid, in addition to the routes already served by Pegasus; Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Seville. The network also expands to Lisbon in Portugal, and São Paulo in Brazil via Madrid.