Tourism News Page 493
Lufthansa deploys state-of-the-art A350 long-haul aircraft from Frankfurt
Lufthansa passengers can now fly from Frankfurt to a number of international destinations with the Airbus A350-900. Four of these state-of-the-art and efficient aircraft have been deployed from Frankfurt since the start of the summer flight schedule. Two more will be added in May and July. The aircraft have been in service on routes to Seoul and Shanghai since March 30. Denver will follow from May 1 and Seattle from July 1.
IHG Hotels & Resorts brings Vignette Collection’s one-of-a-kind stays to Japan
IHG Hotels & Resorts officially debuts its collection brand in Japan, with the rebrand of RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, the first hotel in Japan to be part of IHG’s Vignette Collection. Building upon its legacy as one of the city’s most well-known and historical hotels, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection offers a renewed guest experience for today’s thoughtful venturer, offering one-of-a-kind stays in a destination to remember.
Radisson Individuals brand debuts in Kazakhstan with the opening of Sadu Hotel Almaty
Radisson Hotel Group proudly expands its presence in Kazakhstan with the opening of Sadu Hotel Almaty, a member of Radisson Individuals, marking the debut of the Radisson Individuals brand in the country. This exciting addition strengthens the Group’s footprint in Central Asia, bringing a unique blend of personalized hospitality and contemporary comfort to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
Radisson Hotel Group is driving resurgence in European tourism with flagship hotels
Radisson Hotel Group followed up on a historical 2024 – its strongest ever year in signings and openings – with the successful (re)opening of Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin and a flying start to 2025. With a plan to add over 37,000 rooms to its portfolio through signings, expansion is continuing across key markets in Europe – where it is strengthening its presence to drive tourism – as well Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
SAS unveils largest-ever summer expansion
Scandinavian Airlines is set to enhance connectivity across Scandinavia and beyond with the launch of its summer 2025 traffic program, further establishing Copenhagen Airport as its global hub. The extensive expansion brings the total to 278 routes for the season, strengthening SAS’ role in connecting Northern Europe to the world and providing travelers with more efficient and convenient travel options.
The Nash Casino Partners with UrVenue to Power Its Sports Entertainment Complex Bookings
UrVenue, the leading commerce and booking technology provider for hospitality and gaming, has announced its strategic partnership with The Nash Casino, New Hampshire’s largest charitable gaming venue, to provide online event booking at the DraftKings Lounge, a two-story retail sportsbook and entertainment complex, Stadium Social Sports Bar & Grill and Topgolf Swing Suite golf simulator bays. Just in time for the biggest sports betting month of the year, The Nash is leveraging UrVenue’s innovative venue management system technology to offer seamless booking of its sports entertainment areas, featuring a 60-foot-wide and 22-foot-tall video wall, the largest single-wall-mounted video screen in New Hampshire.
Choose Chicago Announces Kristen Reynolds as New President & CEO
Choose Chicago announced today that Kristen Reynolds, a highly respected leader in the travel and tourism industry, will serve as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 5. Reynolds joins Choose Chicago after an impactful tenure as President and CEO of Discover Long Island, where she spearheaded transformative growth in the region’s visitor economy.
Hyatt and GFI Hospitality Announce Restoration of Hotel Seville Nomad
Allen Gross, Chairman of GFI Hospitality, announces today the transition of the former James NoMad Hotel to Hotel Seville NoMad, joining The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Following the transition and an upcoming property refresh, Hotel Seville NoMad will introduce an elevated guest experience in the heart of New York’s vibrant NoMad district along with a new lobby bar and amenities inspired by the historic building’s vibrant past. Under Hyatt management, the hotel’s restoration to its early 20th century grandeur arrives in tandem with an overarching revitalization of the historic NoMad neighborhood, delivering a new epicenter for world-class dining, shopping and artistic experiences in New York.
Embrace AI as a Catalyst for Innovation and Resilience – Bartlett
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has again emphasised the importance of harnessing emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to drive innovation and resilience within the tourism sector. Speaking yesterday (April 2) at the George Washington University School of Business on the theme: Tourism Unleashed: AI, People, and the Future of Global Resilience, the tourism minister highlighted Jamaica’s strides in tourism innovation and the critical role of AI in shaping the sector’s future.
ATM on track for record attendance as visitor registrations double year-on-year
With three weeks remaining until Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the event is on course to attract a record number of high value visitors, with registrations up 104% compared to the same time last year, reinforcing its position as an essential platform for travel trade professionals around the world.
Finnair reclaims title of leading European airline to Japan by flights
Finnair, Finland’s flag carrier and oneworld alliance member, has reclaimed the title of leading European airline to Japan this summer, as it underscores its commitment to Asia. The Nordic airline, known for connecting Europe and the Far East, has taken off with its new summer schedule, which now offers customers 25 weekly flights between its home hub, Helsinki, and Japan - more than any other European carrier.
ASIA DMC Continues to Shine in Vietnam with 2025 World Travel Awards Nominations
ASIA DMC, a premier name in Vietnam’s tourism industry, continues to make waves on the global stage as it secures multiple nominations in the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards. Among its recognitions, the company has once again been nominated for the coveted title of Asia’s Leading Destination Management Company, further solidifying its reputation for excellence in the field of travel and hospitality.