Tourism News Page 308
Emirates, flydubai and Dubai Finance partner to accelerate ‘Dubai Cashless strategy’
Emirates and flydubai have signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Dubai Finance (DOF) to advance digital payment initiatives and promote ‘Dubai Cashless Strategy’ among international tourists, cementing the city’s position as a global digital economy hub. With over 18.7 million tourists visiting Dubai in 2024, cash-reliant travellers represent the emirate’s greatest untapped potential for digital payment adoption. Two separate MoUs were signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Hamad Obaidalla, flydubai’s Chief Commercial Officer with Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DOF, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of DOF along with senior Emirates Group and flydubai executives.
Emirates expands London Heathrow schedule to 48 weekly flights
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is unlocking more opportunities for travel with the addition of six weekly flights to its London Heathrow schedule, starting 26 October 2025. The boosted schedule for the winter season follows record growth and demand, providing more convenience and departure time choices for travellers journeying to and from London Heathrow, and is well-timed to serve the year-end travel peak. Emirates already flies six times a day to and from London Heathrow, and all flights are served by its flagship Airbus A380. The additional flights will operate on all days except for Fridays during the winter period with the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER, offering over 350 seats each way in a three-class configuration split between First, Business, and Economy.
IHG Hotels & Resorts accelerates growth of voco hotels in Southern Europe
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the continued growth of voco through nine new signings and openings across Southern Europe, adding over 1,000 keys to the brand’s portfolio. The accelerated growth sees properties in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Türkiye significantly strengthen IHG’s premium presence in the region. Since launching in 2018, voco has quickly become the fastest growing brand within IHG’s premium segment, having recently celebrated the milestone of 100 open hotels globally. Building on this success, the new signings and openings join 35* open and 22* pipeline voco properties across Europe. Each voco property is distinct, with an inviting atmosphere which creates a space where guests can truly unwind and feel at ease, whilst also ensuring the reliability of a global brand.
InterContinental debuts in Hokkaido with the Opening of Sapporo’s first international luxury hotel
InterContinental, the world’s first and largest international luxury hotel brand, continues its legacy of pioneering in new destinations with the opening of InterContinental Sapporo, offering guests rich cultural discovery in one of Japan’s most captivating destinations. Sapporo, located on Hokkaido – Japan’s northernmost island – is renowned as a world-class winter resort destination with scenic ski slopes, a distinct culinary scene, and its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts. InterContinental Sapporo serves as an ideal gateway for guests to connect to the cultural heartbeat of the city, set within the Nakajima Park area and moments from the vibrant Susukino entertainment district. The guest journey has been designed around the brand’s vision of facilitating cultural discovery, leaning on unrivalled concierge knowledge to deliver rich experiences for modern day travellers.
Hilton Opens 9,000th Hotel, Fueled by Owner Preference for Hilton’s Brands
Hilton has announced it has reached the milestone of 9,000 hotels globally, representing nearly three openings per day since reaching 8,000 hotels just a year ago. Driven by owner interest in Hilton’s brands around the world and strong conversion activity, Hilton continues to grow its portfolio at a robust pace.
Hilton Announces Partnership with INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in South Korea
Hilton has announced the signing of a landmark agreement between its flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, one of Asia’s premier leisure destinations. INSPIRE Entertainment Resort will continue to manage the property under a franchise agreement. South Korea is a premier destination for leisure travel within Asia, attracting a growing number of visitors each year. The nation’s vibrant tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down, with increasing interest from both domestic and international travelers.
Hilton Debuts Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Polanco
Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Mexico City Polanco, a 10-story hotel strategically located in the stylish Polanco neighborhood known for its cultural attractions, posh shopping district and worldly cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Owned by Grupo Hotelero Gosa, the hotel features 81 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and an outdoor restaurant with views of the Chapultepec Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Oman to open 9,600 new hotel rooms by 2030 as hospitality sector enters new era
Oman is set to open 9,600 new hotel rooms between now and 2030, with 2,600 scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, says leading real estate advisory group and property consultant, Cavendish Maxwell. The upcoming keys will boost Oman’s existing inventory of 36,000 rooms by more than 25%, the company said. Cavendish Maxwell’s latest Oman Hospitality Market Performance insight and analysis reveals that 3-5 star hotel revenues rose to OMR141.2 million (US$367 million) in the first half of 2025, an increase of 18.2% on H1 last year. Room revenues contributed OMR83.7 million (US$217.5 million) – up nearly 22%.
Synergy – the Retreat Show Returns for Fourth Edition With Dynamic International Line-Up of Speakers
With just days to go before this year’s Synergy – The Retreat Show takes place, the world’s only international trade show exclusively dedicated to wellness travel is excited to reveal its programme and speaker line-up of its fourth and most resonant edition. Held in the enchanting blue zone of Sardinia, Italy, from 7th to 10th October 2025, the show will gather global wellness leaders, visionaries and creatives under the transformative theme “The Role of the Arts in Healing.”
Machu Travel Peru: Crafting Journeys That Go Beyond the Bucket List
At the recent World Travel Awards Latin America Ceremony, held in the vibrant coastal city of Cancún, the spotlight turned to one of South America’s most inspiring travel companies—Machu Travel Peru. Honoured as South America’s Leading Destination Management Company 2025, this award celebrates not just logistics and planning, but the art of creating journeys that transform lives.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort: A Boutique Masterpiece in the Heart of the Sierra
Last night, the Caribbean’s most dazzling travel celebration unfolded at the elegant Sandals Grande St. Lucian, where the World Travel Awards Caribbean and North American Gala Ceremony 2025 honoured the finest in global hospitality. Among the standout winners was Edgewood Tahoe Resort, proudly named North America’s Leading Boutique Resort 2025—a title that reflects its unmatched blend of alpine luxury, lakeside serenity, and architectural brilliance.
The Landings Resort & Spa: Saint Lucia’s Crown Jewel of Luxury Living
Last night, the Caribbean’s glittering travel elite gathered at the opulent Sandals Grande St. Lucian for the World Travel Awards Caribbean Gala Ceremony 2025—a celebration of excellence, innovation, and unforgettable hospitality. Among the evening’s most prestigious honours was the award for Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Suite Resort, claimed by none other than The Landings Resort & Spa St. Lucia.