Tourism News Page 630
Ready for take off! Every Virgin Atlantic seat is now available with Points
Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club has today become the first UK programme to allow members to pay for any seat onboard with Virgin Points. This is in addition to the launch of new Saver reward seats in every cabin and increased points earn rates in Premium and Upper Class. These enhancements will revolutionise the world of redemptions for Virgin Atlantic customers, continuing a long history of innovation in Flying Club, alongside rewards club partner Virgin Red.
British Airways makes its return to Bangkok
British Airways touched down in Bangkok last week after more than four years since flying to Thailand. The aircraft departed London Gatwick at 21:15 local time on Monday October 28, landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport the following day at 16:10 local time. Customers on the first flight were greeted on arrival by traditional dancers, flower garlands and local gifts.
WTM London Contributes £200m to London Economy
World Travel Market London, the most influential travel and tourism event in the world, will contribute approximately £200 million to the London economy in just a week’s time. Held at Excel London (5th– 7th November) over 40,000 travel professionals are set to attend the 44th edition.
Etihad Airways flagship Airbus A380 makes grand return to Paris
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, today welcomed the return of its iconic A380 aircraft to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, enhancing the travel experience between the two capitals. The world’s largest passenger aircraft, measuring 73 metres in length and 24 metres in height, the Airbus A380 marks its return to the Paris route with Etihad’s most celebrated inflight features, including The Residence - the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. The upper deck features The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area for First and Business class guests.
Emirates ramps up operations in Africa to serve growing demand
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has further bolstered its presence across Africa, with the introduction of additional flights to Entebbe, Uganda; Addis Abba in Ethiopia; and Johannesburg, South Africa. Since the inaugural flight into Africa with Cairo as its first destination in 1986, Emirates has progressively grown its presence on the continent and now serves 20 passenger and cargo gateways, boosting Africa’s connectivity and air transport market development.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex joins Orlando CityPASS
CityPASS®, the renowned seller of discounted ticket packages to top attractions in North America, announces the addition of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to the Orlando CityPASS® program. This exciting new partnership offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of space exploration alongside other premier attractions in the Orlando area.
10 Reasons to Visit the Atlantic Loire Valley in 2025
In the French region of Pays de la Loire – also known as the Atlantic Loire Valley – the year ahead is packed with anniversaries and events across multiple sectors, from cycling to culture to sailing, military history and food and wine. Home to the famous green cities of Nantes and Angers, a stunning stretch of the Atlantic coast and half of the Loire Valley itself, this is a beautifully diverse region – and accessible by train from London in under four hours as well as by direct flight. If you haven’t explored it yet, make 2025 the year!
Malaysia Airlines Showcases Evolution of Iconic ‘Sarong Kebaya’ Uniforms Onboard
Malaysia Airlines proudly presents a showcase of its iconic ‘Sarong Kebaya’ uniforms, highlighting their evolution since the debut in 1963, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of its signature Kuala Lumpur-London route. As part of the ‘Heritage in the Skies’ campaign, this special showcase will feature cabin crew wearing six distinct Kebaya designs onboard selected flights from 3 to 16 November 2024.
Winter Wellness in Canada’s Yukon
Situated in Canada’s Northwest corner, up near the Arctic Circle, the Yukon is an untamed wilderness that turns into a picturesque, snow filled winter wonderland each year, under the glow of the greatest light show on Earth, the Northern Lights. One of North America’s most undiscovered destinations, close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness making it a natural place for wellness and digital detoxing.
Cayman Islands Shares Exciting Developments and Events for 2025
The Cayman Islands are set to make 2025 an unforgettable year with the launch of new luxury hotels and a diverse lineup of key events. From the debut of high-end properties, including the highly anticipated Grand Hyatt, to the return of beloved annual celebrations like the Cayman Cookout in January and Cayman Art Week in May, the islands continue to expand their appeal for both luxury seekers and culture enthusiasts. Whether indulging in the islands’ growing culinary scene or celebrating the vibrant arts and culture, 2025 promises to be an exciting year in the Cayman Islands.
Unlock Incredible Offers in Dubai this Winter with My Emirates Pass
Emirates has announced the return of its popular My Emirates Pass, allowing passengers to enjoy exclusive offers at hundreds of locations in Dubai and the UAE. Starting from 1st November 2024 to 31st March 2025, My Emirates Pass enables customers to use their boarding pass to enjoy incredible discounts at restaurants, family days out, tranquil spa treatments, luxury shopping outlets, private pools and much more. Emirates customers flying to or through Dubai can simply show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to unlock incredible offers to some of the world’s most iconic attractions including At The Top Burj Khalifa, IMG Worlds of Adventure and Aquaventure Waterpark. To see all My Emirates Pass offers, please visit: emirates.com/myemiratespass.
Galapagos Shark Diving Honored with Prestige Award 2024/25 for SCUBA Diving Operator of the Year
Galapagos Shark Diving, renowned for its dedication to marine conservation and eco-conscious tourism, is excited to announce its recent recognition as SCUBA Diving Operator of the Year 2024/25 by Prestige Awards. This award celebrates the dive operator’s commitment to unparalleled, conservation-driven experiences that immerse guests in the breathtaking marine biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands.