Travel News Page 156
Avora Residences Launches “Continuum,” Introducing a New Private Membership Club at Sea
Avora Residences today announced the launch of Continuum, a private, membership-based concept designed to deliver a global yachting lifestyle without the responsibilities of ownership. Created for a new generation of ultra-high-net-worth travelers, Continuum introduces a new model that blends the intimacy of a private yacht with the consistency and reach of a residential platform at sea.
Alaska Airlines unveils its first-ever International Business Class Suites experience
Alaska Airlines today announced the debut of its all-new International Business Class, a premium long-haul experience launching this spring as the airline expands to Europe and Asia. The unveiling marks a significant milestone in Alaska’s transformation into the West Coast’s global carrier and Seattle’s new leader in international travel — one that now connects guests to over 900 worldwide destinations through the oneworld alliance.
Africa’s Power Address
In the golden light of Abuja’s skyline, where wide boulevards meet diplomatic ambition, one address has long stood as both landmark and legend. For decades, Transcorp Hilton Abuja has been more than a hotel—it is where Nigeria hosts the world. Heads of state, global forums, high-stakes summits, and discreet power breakfasts have all unfolded within its walls. Yet in 2025, the property reaffirmed its dominance in spectacular fashion, sweeping multiple titles at the World Travel Awards—including Nigeria’s Leading Business Hotel, City Hotel, Hotel, and Hotel Suite.
A Geography of Expertise - Asia DMC
By the time the sun lifts over the lantern-lined streets of Hoi An, a quiet choreography is already underway. Behind the scenes, drivers, guides, hoteliers, and planners are aligning every detail—timed, tailored, and seamless. At the centre of this orchestration stands a name that, in recent years, has become synonymous with precision travel across Southeast Asia: ASIA DMC. In an industry where excellence is claimed by many but sustained by few, ASIA DMC has done something rarer still—turned consistency into an art form. Named Asia’s Leading Destination Management Company at the World Travel Awards in both 2024 and 2025, the company has firmly secured its place among the region’s elite.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP ENHANCES TRAVEL LOYALTY
Today, Royal Caribbean Group and Bank of America announced the upcoming launch of the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® and Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® credit cards — the industry’s first tri-branded cards that simplify how travelers earn and redeem rewards across the company’s brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. The Royal ONE cards continue Royal Caribbean Group’s multi‑year journey to reimagine loyalty and unlock more value for guests to maximize their vacation experiences. The cards will be available in the coming weeks.
STAYPINEAPPLE LAUNCHES BRAND NEW TAGLINE “WHERE STAYS BECOME STORIES”
Staypineapple, the national boutique hotel brand, is proud to unveil its brand new tagline: “Where Stays Become Stories.” The tagline reflects the brand’s mission to create unique, memorable stays that go beyond comfort, leaving guests with experiences they will treasure and stories they will want to tell long after checkout.
WTTC: HONG KONG HAS POTENTIAL TO RE-EMERGE AS A LEADING DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS
Hong Kong SAR, China can re-establish itself as a go-to destination for international travellers by investing in key source markets, new World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) research reveals. The WTTC report ‘Travel & Tourism in Hong Kong SAR, China: Recovery, Gaps, and the Road Ahead’ recommends that the city expand its reach into higher-yield segments and new geographies, specifically targeting mainland cities beyond Guangdong, as well as fast-growing markets in ASEAN, the Middle East, and India. Hong Kong dominated several categories at the World Travel Awards 2025, securing major global and regional titles. The city’s aviation and hospitality sectors were particularly successful, with Hong Kong International Airport winning the prestigious World’s Leading Airport for Customer Experience.
Oceania Cruises® Announces the Industry’s First Floating Pastry Academy
Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, today revealed The Floating Pastry Academy, a new multi-year training program for its onboard chefs, and first of its kind for the cruise industry, created in partnership with revered digital training platform, The Butter Book®. Through the new training partnership, more than 200 Oceania Cruises pastry and bakery chefs will complete the three-year program which will mix theory with practical assessments, both online and in person on board its vessels.
DYLAN’S CANDY BAR NOW OPEN AT ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND IN THE BAHAMAS
Dylan’s Candy Bar, the world-renowned candy and lifestyle destination founded by Dylan Lauren, is now open at Atlantis Paradise Island, the iconic oceanfront resort in the Bahamas. Located in Marina Village, Atlantis’ premier shopping and dining destination, the new Dylan’s Candy Bar outpost offers guests and locals a one-of-a-kind experience filled with whimsical design, candy-inspired gifts, and an unparalleled selection of sweets from around the world.
Series by Marriott Debuts in Japan with the Opening of Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Series by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of 256-room Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi, Series by Marriott in Shinsaibashi district, one of Osaka’s most dynamic commercial and lifestyle neighbourhoods. The opening marks the debut of Series by Marriott in Japan, a collection brand that connects travelers to the character of each destination through distinctive design, intuitive comfort and curated experiences rooted in local culture.
Aviation Capital Group Delivers First of Six New Boeing 737-8 MAX Aircraft to Royal Air Maroc
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, today announced the delivery of the first Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Compagnie Nationale Royal Air Maroc (Royal Air Maroc). The new aircraft, equipped with CFM LEAP-1B engines, is the first ACG 737-8 MAX to be placed on lease with Royal Air Maroc as part of a six-aircraft transaction, with the remaining five scheduled for delivery through 2026 from its orderbook.
Hostaway Launches Booking Website Pro to Strengthen Direct Booking Strategies for Property Managers
Leading vacation rental software Hostaway has today launched Booking Website Pro, upgrading its website capabilities with AI-driven marketing and SEO tools to help professional property managers diversify their channel mix, increase direct bookings, and build stronger independent brands.