Tourism News Page 395
EXPLORA JOURNEYS CELEBRATES MAJOR MILESTONES
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, continues to redefine the future of ocean travel. Today, a significant step forward in the brand’s journey was celebrated at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, where three pivotal milestones marked the next chapter in the evolution of its fast-growing fleet:
Hilton Announces Plans to Debut its Premium Economy Brand, Spark by Hilton, in Puerto Rico this Year
Hilton announces the signing of Spark by Hilton Ponce, marking the upcoming debut of the trailblazing premium economy brand in the Caribbean and Latin America. Slated to open in late 2025 in Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second largest city, Spark by Hilton Ponce will represent another market first for the fastest launch-to-open brand in Hilton’s history. Spark by Hilton Ponce is owned by Ponce Resorts Inc. and will be managed by HI Development P.R.Corp.
IHG continues growth momentum of the Holiday Inn brand in Japan
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) have announced a further agreement with FET SYSTEM INC, to rebrand two hotels to ANA Holiday Inn, bringing the first international branded hotels to Sanda and Tosu City. The 130 room ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda, currently The Celecton Premier Kobe Sanda Hotel, and the 126 room ANA Holiday Inn Tosu, currently, Hotel Bientos, will both undergo extensive renovations and convert to the much-loved Holiday Inn brand in 2026. Brand hallmarks will be embedded across the two hotels including the signature Open Lobby concept.
IHG Hotels & Resorts welcomes its first voco to the Republic of Ireland
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the opening of voco The Club - Dublin Gateway, alongside partners, Nhance. The converted hotel will be fully rebranded by the end of summer 2025 and will add to IHG’s growing portfolio in Ireland which now stands at 10* open and pipeline properties.
EASYJET LAUNCHES ‘AIRPLANE MODE’ TO HELP FAMILIES RECONNECT THIS SUMMER
New research from easyJet reveals more than two-thirds of parents say finding quality time together as a family is becoming harder Nearly seven in ten parents say holidays are the best opportunity to connect with their children Almost a quarter of children say they know more about their favourite influencers than their parents easyJet’s ‘Airplane Mode’ initiative includes a new conversation-sparking holiday card game to help families switch off and reconnect
China Airlines Set to Transform the Flying Experience with Free In-Flight Wi-Fi
China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based carrier, will begin providing travelers in all cabin classes with free Internet access or messaging service on all routes flown by 777, A350 and A321neo aircraft from August 1 this year. The move will make China Airlines the first Taiwanese carrier to offer free Internet access for all travelers and cabin classes, ushering in a new era of digital flying and convenience
Christmas in July: American Airlines gives sunseekers more options to get away this winter
American Airlines is giving travelers the perfect gift for Christmas in July with new routes and more flights to popular destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America this winter. Starting later this year, American will launch service from Chicago (ORD) to Mexico City (MEX) and Queretaro (QRO) in Mexico and will also begin service from Philadelphia (PHL) to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ).
Anantara Kihavah Redefines Beachfront Luxury with the Rebirth of Its Iconic Beach Pool Villas
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas announces the debut of its reimagined Beach Pool Villas, setting a new benchmark in beachfront luxury. Thoughtfully redesigned for today’s luxury travellers, the villas embody a renewed connection to nature, privacy, and island elegance in the heart of the Maldives.
Radisson Hotel Group opens Radisson Hotel Don Mueang Bangkok
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of Radisson Hotel Don Mueang Bangkok, a new addition to its expanding portfolio in Thailand. Perfectly positioned just minutes from Don Mueang International Airport, the 89-key hotel offers a contemporary escape for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and cultural connection.
SAii Hotels & Resorts Relaunches: Driving the Next Phase of Growth
SAii Hotels & Resorts, the lifestyle hospitality brand under S Hotels & Resorts, officially relaunches with a refined identity centred on the belief that “Peace of Mind is the Ultimate Luxury”. This strategic brand evolution marks a significant milestone in SHR’s long-term growth strategy.
FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS CELEBRATES GROWTH IN INDIA WITH THE OPENING OF FAIRMONT UDAIPUR PALACE
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of the global hospitality leader Accor, in partnership with Keystone Resorts Pvt. Ltd., proudly announces the grand opening of Fairmont Udaipur Palace — a breathtaking palace perched atop the ancient Aravali Hills in Udaipur, carved in stone, bathed in sunlight and steeped in tranquil calm. More than a hotel, this is an ethereal destination designed for modern day royalty; a realm where majestic design, immersive rituals, the romance of the hills and rejuvenation of the senses come together across a sprawling 18-acre estate. With 327 rooms and suites, seven distinct event venues, eight dining concepts, a transformative wellness sanctuary, and layered experiences built on Rajasthan’s poetic legacy of timeless art, craft and hospitality, this palace invites every guest into a world where awe meets artisanal creation.
Travel + Leisure Readers Rank Minor Hotels Among the World’s Best in 2025 Awards
Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator with more than 560 properties across six continents, is celebrating a standout year in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, with multiple properties ranked among the world’s top hotels and Anantara named one of the Best Hotel Brands globally.