Travel News Page 22
It’s raining recognition for Etihad this award season
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, collected awards for the Airline with the Best Economy Class and Airline with the Best Cabin Crew for the sixth year in a row, at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards in Dubai on 18 June 2026. The accolades follow a string of wins for the airline this award season, with recognition also coming from the MENA Stevie Awards, the Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky Awards, the Aviation Achievement Awards, and the APEX Best Awards, bringing the airline’s tally to over 30 individual awards from international and regional industry bodies over the past 12 months.
A new era of luxury: Etihad’s celebrated A380 debuts in Tokyo
Etihad Airways has celebrated the inaugural flight of its iconic Airbus A380 to Japan, which touched down at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport on 18 June. The arrival marks a landmark moment for the airline, with the renowned double-decker now operating daily between the two capitals. The aircraft brings expanded capacity on the route alongside an elevated premium offering. Featuring four distinct cabins, the A380 introduces The Residence to the Japanese market for the first time, allowing travellers flying to and from Tokyo to experience the pinnacle of luxury commercial aviation.
Jamaica Hits the Road Again, Bringing the Spirit of Carnival in Jamaica to Notting Hill
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is returning to Notting Hill Carnival 2026 with Magical Mas, and this year, they’re going bigger. For the second year running, JTB will be masquerading in full costume with the Magical Mas Carnival Band at Europe’s largest street festival as it marks its 60th anniversary - a landmark edition that draws an estimated two million people to the streets of West London each August Bank Holiday weekend. On Monday, 31 August 2026, revelers are invited to join the Jamaica Tourist Board on the road as Magical Mas 2.0 takes over the streets. Building on a landmark debut year, the partnership returns with extravagant costumes, an expanded lineup, and the kind of true Carnival energy that feels right at home in a 60th anniversary year.
Make more of your summer with Emirates
Emirates is kickstarting the summer holidays with exclusive offers for passengers travelling to or through Dubai. From complimentary stays at the iconic JW Marriott Marquis*, to hundreds of discounts through the popular My Emirates Pass, travellers can enjoy even more value while exploring the city, whether visiting for a longer getaway or a short stopover. Built for all seasons, Dubai offers an unrivalled variety of experiences in one destination, making it easy to tailor a summer escape to any travel style or length of stay. Travellers can explore both in- and outdoor activities that entertain, inspire or educate; visit world-famous attractions like the Burj Khalifa; enjoy immersive, thrilling experiences at theme parks; or beat the heat entirely by spending a day at Dubai’s museums and interactive art galleries. As one of the world’s most visited cities, Dubai is ready to welcome travellers with the warmth, hospitality and safety the destination is renowned for.
British Airways ARC opens its doors at Olympia
British Airways today celebrates the opening of British Airways ARC at Olympia, welcoming customers to London’s newest entertainment and music venue. The 3,800-capacity venue is set to become a major new cultural hub for the capital and forms part of the £1.3 billion transformation of Olympia. The state-of-the-art venue will bring together live music and entertainment delivering a world-class experience for both fans and artists.
Cosmos Tours launches new long-haul offer with savings of up to £600 savings per couple
Cosmos Tours is inviting UK travellers to book unforgettable destinations and effortless adventures with significant savings on top-selling escorted tours in 2027. With up to £600 off per couple on select long-haul journeys, now is the perfect time to secure an expertly guided, stress-free holiday. The new trade-friendly sales campaign is designed to help travel agents drive long-haul bookings throughout the summer booking period. Running from now until 31 August 2026, the campaign offers clients £600 per couple savings on selected escorted tours across North America, Asia, Africa, South America, and the South Pacific.
Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel Secures Multiple Wins at Middle East Chef & F&B Excellence Awards
Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel proudly announces a remarkable achievement at the Hozpitality Group’s Middle East Chef Excellence Awards, F&B Excellence Awards, and Leaders Powerlist 2026. The property secured multiple accolades that reinforce its position as a leading destination for culinary excellence and exceptional hospitality in the UAE. The hotel’s talented culinary and F&B team was recognized across several categories, reflecting their creativity, passion, and commitment to consistently delivering high-quality dining experiences.
RateGain accelerates European expansion with a doubled commercial team
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, today announced the next phase of its European expansion, with the region contributing 31.6% of the company’s total FY2025 revenue. Driven by growing demand for AI-powered commercial solutions, RateGain has more than doubled its commercial team in Europe and is increasing investments across key markets to accelerate growth.
Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel launches sustainable F&B initiatives to reduce carbon emissions & waste
The Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai has unveiled two sustainability initiatives that are helping to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint, by minimising food waste, saving water and improving operational efficiency. Located adjacent to the Ibn Battuta Mall, the 411 room five-star property which is owned by Seven Tides International and operated by Minor Hotels, now sources its own produce locally at the Khawaneej Farm in Dubai. The initiative enhances the quality, freshness, and sustainability of the hotel’s food offering through a direct farm-to-table approach.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL INTRODUCES ITS NEW RESORT – MANDARIN ORIENTAL PUNTA NEGRA, MALLORCA
Mandarin Oriental is delighted to introduce Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, welcoming its first guests this month. This exquisite transformation on the island’s coveted southwest coastline in Calvià is near the elegant Puerto Portals, an exclusive marina known for prestigious regattas, fine dining and luxury brands. This is the third property in Spain, following Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona and Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. To celebrate the opening, the resort’s team has put together a special Be the First to Stay accommodation package.
ROBERT DE NIRO UNVEILS FIRST NOBU RESIDENCES IN EGYPT AS PART OF NOBU HOSPITALITY’S EXPANSION
Nobu, the globally recognised luxury lifestyle brand, and leading Egyptian real estate developer SODIC welcomed international media, industry leaders and VIP guests to Nobu Hotel London Portman Square on 19 June. The event, hosted by SODIC General Manager Ayman Amer, and Nobu founders Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, alongside CEO Trevor Horwell offered guests an exclusive first look at Nobu Hotel and Nobu Residences North Coast, which will anchor SODIC’s visionary OGAMI development on Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline.
KERTEN HOSPITALITY EXPANDS AWARD-WINNING JOONTOS BRAND WITH OPENING IN KUWAIT
Global lifestyle hospitality group, Kerten Hospitality, has announced the opening of Joontos at Ray Hotel by Cloud 7 in Mangaf, Kuwait, marking the next chapter in the growth of one of the Group’s most celebrated culinary concepts. Following the success of the original Joontos at Dar Tantora The House Hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia - which earned a prestigious Bib Gourmand distinction in the inaugural Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia 2025 - the new opening brings the brand’s philosophy of connection, craftsmanship and shared dining experiences to a new audience on the Arabian Gulf.