Star Alliance officially welcomed ITA Airways as its newest member, marking the completion of the Italian carrier’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance. ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The ceremony was presided over by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, in the presence of media and institutional guests.

As Media Partner of FHS Africa, Breaking Travel News sat down with a number of key delegates to hear their perspective on the market and where it is heading next. In this interview, we speak to Rose Diaz, Global Director, Commercial & Real Estate Capital Markets at Maison 71, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered global real estate and commercial advisory firm, to discuss investor sentiment, hospitality-led development, and the long-term opportunity across Africa.

World-renowned luxury hospitality brand, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, announces the debut of six new experiences in its much anticipated “Special Happens…” series spanning its global portfolio. Further advancing the brand’s commitment to Make Special Happen for all guests, the offerings highlight Fairmont’s signature service and sense of celebration. The collection showcases new ‘must try’ experiences which are anchored in four categories:  “After Dark”; “In the Wild”; “Around the Table”; and “In the Spotlight.”.

For 153 years, Holland America Line has perfected the art of leisurely travel, inviting guests to connect to the world and each other. This April, the brand celebrates with a monthlong Anniversary Sale featuring fare discounts, onboard credits, reduced deposits, and free fares for kids. Running from April 2–30, 2026, the Anniversary Sale includes departures from April 2026 through spring 2027, with cruises ranging from four to 69 days. The promotion features up to 30% off cruise-only fares, onboard credits up to $400 per stateroom, 50% reduced deposits, and free third and fourth kids when traveling in the same stateroom—making it the perfect time to book a cruise vacation.

Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection, reopens today following its annual winter closure. This reopening heralds a new chapter for the property, marked by the arrival of General Manager Damien Bastiat and Executive Chef Valentin Bouilleveaux. The pair have worked thoughtfully behind the scenes seeking to honour the estate’s enduring ethos while shaping a renewed vision - one that celebrates and preserves the singular beauty of this unspoilt corner of southwest France.

The Chedi Hegra announces the appointment of Mark Wouters as General Manager, bringing a highly experienced international hotelier to one of the region’s most culturally significant and anticipated destinations. Set within Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Chedi Hegra represents a unique intersection of heritage and contemporary hospitality. Mark’s appointment reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering a considered, culturally grounded guest experience in one of the Kingdom’s most extraordinary settings.