Travel News Page 211
Anantara Hotels and Resorts Lends Nature a Helping Hand with Annual Turtle and Bamboo Shark Release
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in southern Thailand continues to play a vital role in marine conservation through its long-standing partnership with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre. The collaboration forms part of the brands broader commitment to protecting the ocean ecosystems and promoting responsible, ethical tourism in the Kingdom.
Air Canada to Acquire Airbus A350-1000 Widebody Aircraft to Support International Network Growth
Air Canada today announced the next phase of its fleet modernization program with the addition of the Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft. The airline will welcome eight aircraft to its fleet, and has rights to purchase eight other A350-1000s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.
Hospitality America Marks 30 Years of Partnership-Led Growth and Operational Stewardship
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Hospitality America, a hotel management company built on three decades of partnership, performance, and people-first hospitality. Founded in 1995 by Chris Cargen, Hospitality America continues to build on its strong foundation under the leadership of President and CEO Ben Campbell, who stepped into the role two years ago following the retirement of Cargen, the company’s former chief executive.
Emirates World travel retail footprint marks key expansion milestone with 10 stores
Emirates is doubling down on its strategy to redefine travel retail, hitting a key expansion milestone with the opening of its 10th flagship ‘Emirates World’ store in Abidjan, bringing the current store count to 10 Emirates World Stores and 9 travel retail outlets globally. The airline has invested AED 174 million (USD$47.4 million) to expand its travel retail footprint and is building on this momentum with plans to introduce 29 more travel retail concepts in 2026, taking the total store count to 48 by the end of this year.
Crossroads Maldives Sets A New Benchmark For Sustainable Island Destinations
CROSSROADS Maldives reimagines sustainable island living through a connected, multi-island destination where turquoise lagoons, vibrant culture, and conscious design come together — creating a place where environmental care enhances, rather than limits, the joy of escape.
Emirates extends latest cabin experience to more cities worldwide
Emirates has announced a series of aircraft deployments and product upgrades across its network, extending the reach of Premium Economy and delivering a more consistent experience for customers. As part of its ongoing retrofit programme, the airline is set to complete the upgrade of its first high-density, two-class A380 by mid-April. The aircraft will be reconfigured into a three-class layout featuring 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats, and 437 Economy Class seats.
Dida Holdings and HBX Group Establish Foundational 7-Year Preferred Strategic Partnership
Dida Holdings, the global AI-first travel distribution platform, today announced a foundational seven-year preferred strategic partnership with HBX Group, a leading global B2B TravelTech marketplace, marking a decisive step in the evolution of travel distribution infrastructure ahead of the next phase of Dida’s global growth.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines introduce spring menus featuring regional favorites
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are welcoming spring with the launch of new seasonal menus, bringing fresh flavors, thoughtful sourcing and chef-inspired dishes to guests.
Booking.com Named Official Travel Partner of the Route 66 Centennial
In a year when 79%* of travelers are craving spontaneous, flexible road trips, Booking.com is making it easier for travelers to hit the road. The global travel leader has been named the Official Travel Partner of the Route 66 Centennial, helping to spotlight one of America’s most iconic highways as it approaches its 100th birthday in 2026. It comes at a moment when road trips give travelers what they want most: better value, the freedom to explore multiple destinations, and local experiences at their own pace.
EVA Air Launches Nonstop Service Between Taipei and Washington, D.C. on June 26
EVA Air will start a new route from Taipei to Washington, D.C. on June 26 this year, offering four flights each week. With this new route, EVA Air’s North American network will grow to include 10 gateways, two of which will feature the new fourth-generation Premium Economy class and increase the total weekly flights to 98. This makes EVA Air the airline with the most destinations and the largest flight network from Taiwan to North America. Tickets are now available for booking at www.evaair.com.
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 tickets now on sale
Tickets for the 2026 Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are now on sale, as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the F1 season finale — with Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson set to perform on the opening night. The final race of the Formula 1 season returns to Yas Marina Circuit from December 3–6, closing out the championship in front of a global audience. Organisers Ethara, recently named F1 Promoter of the Year following the success of the 2025 event, have confirmed the first artists for the 2026 entertainment line-up.
AirAsia X goes global with launch of Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London route
AirAsiaX (AAX) Berhad celebrated a monumental milestone in the airline’s global expansion strategy with the announcement of two long-awaited international routes, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onwards to London Gatwick (KUL-BAH-LGW), at a press conference in Bahrain today.