Tourism News Page 554
Emirates resumes flights to Beirut from 1 February
Emirates will restart services to Beirut, Lebanon from 1 February 2025 with a daily flight. The airline will also reinstate daily services to Baghdad in Iraq on the same day. From February, Emirates’ daily flights to Rafic Al Hariri International Airport will be served by a Boeing 777-300ER in three classes, offering more than 5,000 seats both ways each week, and adding more choice, increased comfort and enhanced connectivity from Beirut to Dubai and onwards to the airline’s network of more than 140 destinations.
Tripadvisor Launches All-New Trendcast Report on the Future of Travel
Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel platform, today announced the launch of its first ever Trendcast report, exploring the trends reshaping travel and predictions for the years ahead. Informed by Tripadvisor’s global insights, the Trendcast is based on search, booking and behavioral data, along with user generated content from the platform’s more than one billion reviews and contributions. The inaugural edition is sponsored by leading travel insurance provider Travel Guard, and provides unique forecasting opportunities for the travel industry.
Hilton Closes Out 2024 with Record Levels of Growth
In a year in which Hilton announced new strategic partnerships and acquisitions and accelerated hotel development worldwide, the company set historic records for growth. Hilton added 973 hotels and nearly 100,000 rooms in 2024, the single biggest increase in rooms in Hilton’s more than 100-year history, achieving net unit growth of 7.3%.
CABOT CITRUS FARMS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING AS FLORIDA’S NEWEST LUXURY GOLF DESTINATION
The Cabot Collection, renowned for its incomparable portfolio of luxury resort and residential golf destinations, announces the grand opening of Cabot Citrus Farms, a 1,200-acre sanctuary nestled among the rolling hills, ancient moss-covered oaks and sand pines of Florida’s picturesque Nature Coast. Marking the brand’s illustrious U.S. debut, the property features two revitalized 18-hole golf courses, two unique shorter courses, luxury real estate and nightly accommodations, curated experiences and a host of amenities.
Four Seasons Accelerates Growth Strategy Across Hotels, Resorts, Residences and Experiential Journey
Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company, continues to execute its strategic growth across key global markets, expanding its iconic portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences while redefining experiential travel on land, at sea, and in the air. This growth is anchored in an approach that blends heritage with innovation as the company thoughtfully expands its offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s luxury travellers.
Shanghai celebrates UNESCO recognition of China’s Spring Festival
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have added China’s Spring Festival to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The recognition celebrates the Spring Festival’s important role in fostering social practices and community spirit as the Chinese people welcome their traditional New Year. The designation will further boost Shanghai as a must-visit destination during this year ’s Spring Festival celebrations .
OPENING OF FIRST LUXURY HQ RESORT & RESIDENCES, AT THE CELEBRATED HODGES BAY RESORT IN ANTIGUA
HQ Hotels & Residences, the groundbreaking, innovative lifestyle hospitality brand spearheaded by visionary entrepreneur Sam Nazarian through a strategic alliance with Wyndham and its Registry Collection Hotels brand, today announced the opening of its debut resort: Hodges Bay Resort and Spa, a HQ Luxury Resort and Residences. Nestled on the coast of Northern Antigua, its arrival sets the stage for an ambitious pipeline of future HQ openings and marks the start of what is expected to quickly become a carefully curated portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels and resorts—each meticulously tailored to the needs of the modern traveler.
Wego and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority Unite to Showcase Top Tourist Spots
Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has partnered with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) to spotlight the Kingdom of Bahrain as a premier travel destination. This collaboration aims to promote Bahrain’s unique cultural heritage, top attractions, and cutting-edge tourism innovations to global travelers.
Hampton by Hilton Debuts in Africa with the Opening of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston
Hampton by Hilton, one of Hilton’s global powerhouse brands, today announced the opening of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston in Johannesburg, South Africa – marking the brand’s 150th property in the EMEA region and debut on the African continent. As the leading brand in the mid-scale category with over 3,000 operating hotels globally, Hampton by Hilton is renowned for its friendly and authentic service, premium sleep experience, free hot breakfast, high-quality accommodations, and value-added amenities – all backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee.
One of the World’s Largest Whisky Festivals Launches Their 2025 Preview
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has established itself as one of the world’s largest, with almost 500 events across 89 venues in 6 days kicking off this year from April 30th. A preview of all the events launched on 24th January, with tickets going on sale from 12 noon next Monday 3rd February.
nhow London Launches Valentine’s Package
nhow London in Shoreditch has launched a Valentine’s package to help fun-loving couples celebrate in style. The stylish upper upscale hotel has created a mouthwatering menu for Valentine’s week, crafted a sultry cocktail and unlocked 50% off gift packages* to enhance the in-room romance.
Hilton and Calm Partner to Address Growing Wellness Demand
Hilton and Calm, a leading mental health company, today announced an exclusive partnership that addresses consumers’ increasing preference for wellness. Launching in March 2025, the innovative partnership integrates Calm’s award-winning content into Hilton’s proprietary Connected Room Experience technology—providing guests with access to guided meditations, Sleep Stories, calming soundscapes, and mindfulness exercises directly from their in-room TV, no subscription required.