Travel News Page 129
IHG Hotels & Resorts strengthens its resort offering in India
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Yash Hotels & Resorts LLP for the development of Holiday Inn Resort Alwar. Scheduled to open in Q1 2030, the hotel will mark IHG’s entry into the city of Alwar and further strengthen its resort offering in India, in line with the company’s strategy to grow across high-potential leisure and emerging destinations.
IHG accelerates growth in Egypt with dual Holiday Inn signing
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed management agreements for two new Holiday Inn branded hotels in Aswan, Egypt, marking the brand’s entry into one of the country’s most significant heritage and tourism getaways. Signed with Misr Holanda and Avenue for Development, the agreements will bring Holiday Inn Aswan and Holiday Inn Resort New Aswan to the market, adding a total of 400 keys to IHG’s growing Egypt portfolio. Globally, Holiday Inn stands as one of the world’s most iconic and trusted hospitality brands, with a network of over 1,200 hotels. Rooted in a service philosophy built on creating brighter stays and genuine moments of connection, the brand is dedicated to helping guests make the most of every journey.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP CONFIRMS ORDER WITH MEYER TURKU FOR ICON 6 AND 7
Royal Caribbean Group, a global vacation leader redefining the future of vacations, has announced it has confirmed with Meyer Turku the order of a sixth and seventh Icon Class ship to be delivered in 2029 and 2030, respectively.
Busch Gardens Salutes Veterans and their Families with Free Park Admission
This Military Appreciation Month, Busch Gardens proudly opens its gates to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, inviting them and their families to enjoy a well-deserved day of fun and adventure. Busch Gardens’ two parks in Tampa and Williamsburg, VA, are celebrating Military Appreciation Month with free one-day admission for U.S. military veterans and up to three guests. Veterans can register for this offer now through May 10 and have until June 30 to visit with their complimentary admission. Veterans can also receive 50% off a single-day ticket for up to 6 guests.
Avelo Airlines Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
Avelo Airlines this week celebrated the fifth anniversary of its start of operations. When Avelo took flight on April 28, 2021, it became the first new airline in the U.S. in nearly 15 years – introducing a new era of affordable, convenient, and reliable air service for millions of American travelers.
Boeing and Copa Airlines Announce Order for up to 60 737 MAX Jets
Boeing and Copa Airlines have announced the Panamanian operator has ordered 40 737 MAX airplanes. Under the agreement, Copa Airlines also has options to acquire up to 20 more of the single-aisle airplane family.
SAMSONITE SERVES UP MOST DECADENT CAMPAIGN YET, STARRING OLIVIA CULPO
Samsonite, the iconic and trusted leader in travel gear since 1910, unveils its new Chocolate Mauve colorway as the latest chapter of its brand platform, “It’s Not Just a Bag, It’s a Samsonite,” starring Olivia Culpo. A rich, trend-forward neutral, Chocolate Mauve reflects the growing consumer desire for travel essentials that blend style, function and self expression.
Princess Cruises Earns Prestigious 2026 International Five Star Diamond Award
Princess Cruises, a world leader in premium cruising, announced that two of its standout specialty dining venues, Makoto Ocean and The Butcher’s Block by Dario, have been honored with the prestigious 2026 International Five Star Diamond Award, recognizing excellence in culinary innovation, quality and service.
THE WESTIN NASHVILLE COMPLETES $13.5M RENOVATION, ELEVATING GUESTROOMS, SUITES, & MEETING SPACE
Castlerock announces the completion of a comprehensive $13.5 million renovation of The Westin Nashville, enhancing guestrooms, suites, and key public spaces across the 456-room hotel. Located adjacent to Music City Center, the property plays a central role in Nashville’s convention and group market, and the renovation positions the hotel to better serve evolving business and leisure demand.
VISTAJET UNVEILS SUMMER PRIVATE WORLD COLLECTION 2026
VistaJet, the world’s first and only global business aviation company, announces its summer 2026 Private World collection, featuring a curated series of immersive journeys across Africa, the Arctic, North America and Europe. Seamlessly connected by its floating fleet, VistaJet continues to offer guaranteed availability and access to over 2,400 airports worldwide, delivering a consistent, residential-style experience in the sky.
Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows
Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.
LONG-SERVING FORMER KENYA CABINET MINISTER, THE HON. NAJIB BALALA, APPOINTED TO WTTC
The highly-experienced former Kenyan Tourism Minister, the Hon. Najib Balala, has been appointed to the Leadership Team at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the global voice of the private sector within the industry. Based at WTTC’s global office in Madrid, Mr. Balala has started in a new role as Executive Vice-President for Advocacy, Government Affairs and Research. He will lead WTTC’s global advocacy agenda, government engagement and policy research.