Tourism News Page 499
Phocuswright Europe announces full speaker line-up and program for 2025 conference
Phocuswright Europe, the premier European conference for travel technology and innovation, today announced its highly anticipated speaker lineup and program for its 2025 event. The conference will take place from June 10-12, 2025, at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. Under the overarching theme of “The New Age(nts)”, Phocuswright Europe 2025 will delve into the transformative forces reshaping the travel industry. With a particular focus on the impact of Generative AI, the program will explore how these new “agents” of change – including autonomous technologies and evolving consumer behaviors – are influencing company operations, the in-destination experience, travel distribution, and travel marketing. The convergence of GenAI with digital identity will also be a key topic, examining its potential to create more seamless and personalized travel experiences.
MSC CRUISES TAKES DELIVERY OF MSC WORLD AMERICA
MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique celebrated milestones on Thursday for three World Class ships in Saint-Nazaire, France, with the delivery of MSC World America, the coin ceremony for MSC World Asia and steel cutting for the newly named MSC World Atlantic.
Rotana Enters Strategic Partnership with Global Hotel Alliance
Abu Dhabi-based Rotana will offer the 30 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme over 80 additional properties to choose from across six brands in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe & Türkiye Rotana, a leading hotel management company in the UAE and one of the region’s largest hospitality operators, today announced a strategic partnership with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest network of independent hotel brands. This landmark collaboration significantly expands Rotana’s global reach, providing enhanced loyalty benefits to guests while boosting commercial strength.
Turn Every Night into a Win with World of Hyatt
Members can rack up 777 Bonus Points per night at select hotel destinations to redeem towards global experiences, free nights, room upgrades and more.
Kimpton Teams Up with Tiny Zaps for Exclusive Tattoo Pop-Up Series
Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, announces a new partnership with Tiny Zaps, an emerging and innovative tattoo studio specializing in tiny tattoos, to bring the rising trend of “tattourism” – celebrating and commemorating travel with meaningful tattoos – directly to guests at select Kimpton hotels.
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Portuguese portfolio prospers with dual luxury and lifestyle signing
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of a 309-dual-branded hotel in the popular tourist destination of Cascais, Portugal. Alongside partners Grupo Onyria, Onyria Marinha Cascais, Vignette Collection and Kimpton Quinta da Marinha Cascais are expected to open between this and next year.
IHG Hotels & Resorts returns luxury InterContinental brand to Cambodia
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is working with Peninsula Bay Investment Co., Ltd to return InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world’s first and largest international luxury hotel brand, to Cambodia.
Hilton to Hit 1,000 Hotels in EMEA and Launch Tempo by Hilton Brand in Region
Hilton on course to increase EMEA presence by a further 50% in the next five years as new brand entry confirmed and momentum behind Spark by Hilton continues
UN Tourism Secretary-General Concludes Landmark Visit to China, Strengthening Global Tourism
The leadership of UN Tourism has successfully concluded a high-profile visit to China, reinforcing strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable tourism initiatives across key regions. The visit by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili featured engagements with senior government officials, industry leaders, and international development agencies, further deepening UN Tourism’s collaboration with China.
Emirates’ Aircrafted KIDS initiative reaches 700 young students across Asia
Supporting children’s education and making meaningful connections within the communities it serves, Emirates has engaged with several educational entities across Asia; to provide 700 handmade schoolbags and essential stationery supplies directly to young students. Each schoolbag is a piece of history - a limited-edition bag from Emirates’ Aircrafted range, made from the fabrics and parts of Emirates’ iconic aircraft. With 1300 bags already distributed across Africa, the Asia Aircrafted KIDS delivery is part of a larger initiative by Emirates to repurpose and upcycle materials for the benefit of children across the globe.
BRITISH AIRWAYS BECOMES THE FIRST AIRLINE TO SERVE PRESTIGE CUVÉE ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE ON BOARD
British Airways has launched a selection of award-winning English sparkling wines and prestigious Champagnes for customers to enjoy at 35,000ft, available in its First and Club World (business class) cabins across all long-haul flights.
H55 FLIES ‘ACROSS AMERICA’ IN ITS ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT, THE B23 ENERGIC, CARRYING PASSENGERS
H55, the electric aviation leader and spin-off of the pioneering Solar Impulse project, is launching its most ambitious initiative yet: H55 Across America. This cross-country tour will spotlight the Bristell B23 Energic, the first fully electric two-seater aircraft to be certified under Part 23 regulations, at major aviation hubs throughout the United States.