Tourism News Page 441
The Ritz-Carlton, Amman Celebrates GM Tareq Derbas’ Latest Honor and Legacy of Excellence
The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is honored to announce that its General Manager, Mr. Tareq Derbas, has been awarded General Manager of the Year – Jordan at the 2025 GM Awards. Presented at a prestigious ceremony in the UAE, this honor marks the second consecutive year Mr. Derbas has received this accolade, an extraordinary recognition of his leadership, innovation, and enduring impact on luxury hospitality in Jordan and the broader region.
Emirates to reintroduce Damascus services from 16 July
Emirates is set to reintroduce flights to Damascus from 16 July 2025*. Operations were suspended to the Syrian capital in 2012, and the return of services follow a comprehensive evaluation in conjunction with the UAE GCAA. The airline will initially start with three weekly services on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, with plans to expand to four weekly flights from 2 August* with an additional flight on Saturday. Emirates will expand its Damascus services to daily operations, effective 26 October *.
China Airlines Partners with Southwest Airlines to Expand Connections in North America
China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based carrier, announced today that it is partnering with Southwest Airlines® in the U.S. to set up a transfer network for trans-Pacific routes. Improved accessibility means in the coming future travelers will be able to fly non-stop from Taiwan to the United States (West Coast) and then transfer initially to more than 30 inland cities. China Airlines and Southwest Airlines flights at four major gateways, namely Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA), will offer seamless transfers to Southwest Airlines’ extensive network spanning the entire United States.
SWISS to serve starred Ticino cuisine aloft
SWISS will be taking its premium inflight guests on a culinary journey to sunny Southern Switzerland from 4 June onwards. For the latest chapter in the airline’s ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ food and beverage program, starred Michelin chef Federico Palladino of the Cuntitt restaurant in Canton Ticino has concocted a range of exquisite meals for the SWISS First and SWISS Business cabins, including smoked trout with Sbrinz panna cotta, lamb loin with potato mantecata and shortcrust tartlet with pistachio cream.
American Airlines now offers TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for AAdvantage members at select airports
AAdvantage® members traveling through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) will be eligible to enjoy a streamlined process at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints through TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID. This program provides eligible members who choose to participate with the ability to move through security with ease at select airports. After an identity match compares a customer’s image to photos they previously provided to the government, such as those in a passport, Global Entry or a visa card, the customer will be able to move through security faster with ease.
IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic Announce Partnership
IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic today announced plans to build an industry-leading partnership connecting India with Europe and North America, with ambitions to grow to a global scale. India, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, is at the heart of this collaboration. By linking IndiGo’s extensive domestic network with Delta’s strength in North America and the transatlantic, the extensive reach of Air France-KLM in Europe and North America, and the U.K. and transatlantic presence of Virgin Atlantic, the partnership is poised to offer travelers broader access, smoother journeys, and a more consistent experience across continents. Linking dozens of cities in the United States, Canada, Europe and India, the airlines aim to meet rising demand for international travel while setting new standards for connectivity and cooperation in global aviation.
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Conversion-Friendly Brands Fuel Growth Opportunities for Owners
Quick-to-market conversions backed by attractive brands and a powerful commercial engine are a winning combination that is driving growth for IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and its owners. IHG has seen a steady increase of conversion activity in recent years, with its total global conversion signings nearly doubling between 2023 and 2024.
IHG Hotels & Resorts and GI Capital Management break ground on the much-anticipated Regent Kyoto
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and GI Capital Management held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the construction start for the much-anticipated Regent Kyoto. Set to open in 2028, Regent Kyoto will represent the epitome of modern upper luxury blending timeless heritage and awe-inspiring design. This property, set around a central garden originally landscaped over a century ago by famed landscape gardener Kumakichi Kato, has been lovingly reimagined for a new era in homage to Kato’s enduring legacy, and will offer travellers unparalleled levels of luxury, world class facilities and 83 elegant rooms.
IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring its pioneering InterContinental brand to Ecuador
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, today announced a new property in Guayaquil, marking its first destination in Ecuador. Developed in partnership with developer BPO Consulting, InterContinental Guayaquil will welcome guests with inspired interiors, elevated amenities and culturally rich experiences that provide insider expertise to all the destination has to offer. The hotel is set to open in 2027.
Hilton Scales Up Green Ramadan Initiative in 2025
Today, Hilton announced the results of its Green Ramadan 2025 initiative, revealing a 26% reduction in post-consumer plate waste during the holy month. The month-long effort helped avoid more than 2.6 tonnes of food waste, the equivalent of more than 6,000 meals – reinforcing Hilton’s commitment to reducing food waste across its hotels through consistent, measurable impact.
Escape to Paradise with the Indigo Lotus Package at The Slate Phuket
Immerse yourself in a world of indulgence, mystery, and beauty with the exclusive Indigo Lotus Package at The Slate Phuket. Inspired by the hit HBO series The White Lotus, this one-of-a-kind resort experience transports you to a realm of luxurious comfort, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures, but without any murder or scandals.
Namia River Retreat: Hoi An’s Hidden Charm - A New Chapter Of Wellness Hospitality In Vietnam
Nestled on a secluded islet along the Thu Bon River, Namia River Retreat opened its doors in December 2024 as Hoi An’s first and only luxury resort offering all private pool villas. This wellness-inclusive resort introduces a new kind of travel to Vietnam’s central coast - one where every stay includes traditional Vietnamese therapies, daily wellness rituals, and riverside cultural immersions.