Travel News Page 104
BTN exclusive with Victor Abou-Ghanem, CEO, STORY
BTN exclusive with Victor Abou-Ghanem, CEO, STORY Hospitality addressing the current mood across the UAE hospitality sector, particularly among hotel owners, operators and investors?
Qatar Airways & Philippine Airlines Strengthen Partnership, Expand Markets and Benefits for members
Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines are expanding their strategic partnership by enhancing the connectivity between both airlines’ networks. Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airport.
Just You adds new ‘Five Stans’ departure date
Just You has introduced a new departure date for its ‘The Silk Road: Legends of the Five Stans’ tour. The specialist solo escorted tour operator originally launched the 21-day itinerary in April with departure dates in April 2027 and September 2027.
Celestyal Journey celebrates maiden call to Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Celestyal has marked a new milestone in its Mediterranean deployment, with the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey making her first call to Agios Nikolaos, Crete. The call, which took place on May 12, 2026, forms part of the cruise line’s seven-night ‘Idyllic Greece’ itinerary. Celestyal Journey is scheduled to visit the port a further 21 times throughout the 2026 season, which runs through to November.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK, LONDON INTRODUCES CREATIVE MASTER CLASSES FOR TEENS
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, is delighted to introduce a new collection of Creative Master Classes for Teens, developed in collaboration with experiential travel specialist The Luminaire. Building on the hotel’s award-winning Families by M.O. – Little Ranger Adventures offering, the new collection has been thoughtfully designed to extend the experience for older children and teenagers, offering exclusive access to some of London’s most influential cultural spaces, from world-renowned recording studios and emerging digital design environments to celebrated culinary ateliers and creative communities shaping contemporary culture.
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Virgin Voyages releases latest impact report
Virgin Voyages has released its latest sustainability and social impact report, titled “Sea Change: Changing Sailing for Good”. The report outlines the brand’s ongoing environmental, social and operational commitments across its four-ship fleet. It highlights a number of milestones and performance metrics across the business, including its commitment to decarbonization., while detailing the operational changes, Crew initiatives and community programmes implemented since the brand launched in 2021.
Barbados Appoints Businessman Peter Harris as New Tourism Chairman
Barbados has appointed prominent businessman and former national field hockey player Peter Harris as chairman of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. as the island posted a solid 3.3% increase in stay-over tourist arrivals for 2025. Harris, executive chairman of PVH Group Inc., succeeds businesswoman Shelly Williams, who served four years in the role, Tourism and International Transport Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill confirmed in a statement. The appointment is intended to accelerate the island’s tourism growth through expanded airlift and deeper penetration of emerging markets.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines launches ‘LOVE SVG’
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has launched “LOVE SVG,” a national tourism enhancement initiative that places people, community and country at the center of its development agenda. Led by the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, Dr. Kishore Shallow, the initiative signals a new chapter for tourism in the destination, grounded in national participation and a shared commitment to ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach communities across the country.
Qatar Airways to Enhance Operations in Africa
Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, with flight resumptions and frequency increases launching from 16 June 2026. Boosting connectivity across Africa, the airline will restart four weekly flights to Seychelles (SEZ) and two weekly flights to Kigali (KGL) from 16 June, and daily flight to Marrakesh (RAK) from 1 July.
Few Are Smiling About the Friendly Skies
With the summer travel season approaching, American air travelers are preparing for the most stressful airport experience in recent memory. According to a new survey commissioned by Ship&Play, a door-to-door luggage and gear shipping company, travelers plan to arrive nearly two hours earlier than usual for their summer flights, dread standing in long lines, and brace for mounting fees for checked bags.
Emirates Palace, LEAD Development, and Mandarin Oriental unveil plans for 35 private residences
Emirates Palace Company (EPCO), together with LEAD Development and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, today announced Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, a limited collection of thirty-five uniquely designed private residences located within the grounds of Emirates Palace. The development marks the first-time private ownership has been introduced within one of the UAE’s most historically and institutionally significant destinations. Completion is anticipated in 2029.
JA The Resort Makes Eid Al Adha Feel Effortless with Stays Shaped Around Every Guest
Home to three distinctive hotels, each reflecting the brand’s familiar warmth and genuine hospitality, JA The Resort offers a stay experience to suit every way of celebrating Eid Al Adha. Helping guests make the most of the long weekend and this joyful occasion, each destination presents a dynamic stay reflecting its unique character, complete with elevated comforts, personalised experiences, and exclusive savings. Guests can choose an Eid filled with shared moments and family time at JA Beach Hotel, stay active at JA Lake View Hotel, or slow things down with an unhurried break at JA Palm Tree Court.