Tourism News Page 407
Etihad to upgrade flights to Kolkata to brand new A32LRs
Etihad Airways is set to enhance its Kolkata service with the introduction of the next-generation Airbus A321LR, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market. Starting 26 September 2025, all Etihad flights between Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU) will be operated by the state-of-the-art A321LR, offering guests an upgraded travel experience across all cabin classes. The aircraft is equipped with luxury First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, and a cutting-edge Economy class featuring ultra-modern 4K touchscreens and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the journey.
Hôtel Royal and Hôtel Ermitage, Evian Resort Earn the Clef Verte Eco-Label
Hôtel Royal and Hôtel Ermitage, Evian Resort’s historic hotels, are pleased to announce that they have obtained the Clef Verte (Green Key) eco label, the first international certification for sustainable tourism relating to lodging and restaurants. This prestigious standard recognises the concrete actions taken by the hotels in terms of environmental management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, responsible consumption and improving awareness of eco-friendly practices.
Malaysia Aviation Group Acquires 20 Additional A330neo Aircraft
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, has exercised its purchase rights for 20 additional A330neo aircraft through a direct order with Airbus – reaffirming its commitment to a long-term strategy for fleet renewal and network development. With this latest acquisition, Malaysia Airlines is set to become one of the largest A330neo operators in the Asia-Pacific region – strengthening its position as a leading premium airline in one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets.
Meeting Professionals International Taps Tampa as Top-Choice for 2030 Edition of Annual Gathering
Building on its reputation as a top-tier destination for meetings and conventions, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world’s largest meeting and event industry association, has selected Tampa Bay as the host city for the 2030 edition of its flagship event, the World Education Congress (WEC).
Marriott Bonvoy Unveils Original IP “Marriott Bonvoy Squad”
Travel is more than simply reaching a destination – it’s about the meaningful moments of connection shared along the way. This summer, Marriott Bonvoy unveils a themed family program across Greater China, centered on the launch of its original family-oriented IP, the “Marriott Bonvoy Squad.” The program offers a diverse range of immersive stay experiences, including specially themed rooms and exclusive “Squad Fun Bag” merchandise, crafting a whimsical and enriching journey for young Marriott Bonvoy explorers and their families. The program will be gradually introduced at more than 200 hotels under 14 Marriott Bonvoy brands across the region.
Unwrap Holiday Vacations Early with Divi Resorts & SAVE up to 35% OFF Winter Travel to the Caribbean
Skip the snow and say hello to sunshine. Divi Resorts is helping travelers plan ahead and escape the winter grind with its limited-time Holiday Travel Sale, featuring up to 35% off beachfront stays across the Caribbean. Booking is open from July 8 through July 22, 2025, for travel from November 15 to January 9 — just in time to turn your holiday stress into island rest. Travelers can save up to 35% on warm-weather escapes to the Caribbean’s most coveted islands using promo code COOLOFF.
PORTUGAL’S FIRST MONDRIAN AT ARCAYA, ALGARVE
Bondstone, a leading real estate investment and development firm, and Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, are proud to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding for Mondrian Arcaya, which would be the first Mondrian hotel in Portugal. This landmark project will be situated within Arcaya, Bondstone’s visionary new development in Vilamoura, Algarve, marking a major milestone in Ennismore’s global expansion of luxury lifestyle destinations.
Switchfly named Best-in-Class Customer Loyalty Technology Provider by Loyalty360
Switchfly, the travel loyalty technology that drives revenue, has been recognized as a 2025 Best-in-Class Customer Loyalty Technology provider by Loyalty360, the Association for Customer Loyalty. Announced during the 2025 Loyalty360 Loyalty Expo in Orlando, the Best-in-Class Awards spotlight companies that are redefining what loyalty means today – through strategy, technology, and real-world results. Winners were selected through a rigorous review process by Loyalty360’s editorial staff, analysts, award judges, and nominations from leading brands and partners.
Emirates reveals top 2025 summer getaways according to search data
As international travel reaches a fever pitch this summer, Emirates’ latest analysis of global booking data* and search patterns reveals where travellers are dreaming of and escaping to in July and August, with a shift towards new cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-track locales. Flight searches for summer travel have climbed 7% compared to last year, with France leading the charge, experiencing a remarkable 35% increase in outbound travel searches, followed by Ireland, Canada and Saudi Arabia. Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also seeing strong momentum, highlighting robust travel intent across key markets. In 2025, a few breakout stars have emerged as the top summer destinations for Emirates, and they’re largely concentrated in the Far East, Indian Ocean and Europe.
Hilton Opens First LivSmart Studios Hotel in Tullahoma, Tennessee
Hilton today debuted the first hotel of a game-changing new extended-stay brand, LivSmart Studios by Hilton. LivSmart Studios by Hilton Tullahoma, an 89-room property in Middle Tennessee, brings a fresh new approach to a fast-growing category and will soon be joined by the brand’s second hotel in Kokomo, Ind., which is on track to open its doors later this summer.
Mary Phillips Appointed General Manager of East Winds
East Winds, the boutique all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, has appointed highly experienced hotelier Mary Phillips as general manager. Mary brings a wealth of expertise to East Winds from her management roles at renowned properties such as Jamaica Inn and Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Jamaica. Delivering personalised guest experiences that consistently exceed expectations has been Mary’s passion in her previous roles and it is this commitment that makes her the ideal general manager for East Winds.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Offers Expanded Service and Convenient Rail Access to Southern California
As Southern California welcomes a season of highly anticipated events, the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® offers travelers a reliable and relaxing transportation alternative throughout the region. With the recently introduced 12th daily round-trip between Los Angeles and San Diego now in full operation, riders have more flexibility and comfort than ever before.