Travel News Page 307
Garner by IHG debuts in Kyoto’s historic Shijo Karasuma district
IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. Located in the heart of Kyoto on one of the city’s most historic and charming streets, the 103-room hotel opens after an extensive transformation and represents the Garner brand’s commitment to delivering relaxed, quality stays at an affordable price. As the newest addition to the growing Garner portfolio in Japan, Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma joins three Garner hotels already open in Osaka, each offering guests a distinct, uncomplicated stay experience. The brand hallmark ‘Made with Character’ underpins the design of Garner hotels. Each hotel is purposefully different, celebrating the diversity of the brand’s guests and properties.
Development Partners of Wynn Al Marjan Island Announce Plan for Janu Al Marjan Island
The lead development partners of Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is under construction in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE—Wynn Resorts, Limited and Marjan LLC—have announced their second joint venture development on Al Marjan Island: Janu Al Marjan Island. The resort from Aman Group, the developer and operator of extraordinary hotels, resorts, and branded residences, will be managed and operated by the pioneering hospitality group and is slated to open late 2028.
DUBAI-BASED VISTA UNVEILS ENHANCED XO MARKETPLACE TO MEET RISING REGIONAL DEMAND
Vista, the world’s leading private aviation group, has unveiled an enhanced version of its global XO Marketplace in the Middle East, introducing deeper technology integration, real-time operator schedules and proprietary pricing algorithms to deliver the most seamless, data-driven private flight booking experience available today.
Kuoni Expands Caribbean Portfolio with St Kitts & Nevis and Turks & Caicos
Kuoni is expanding its Caribbean portfolio with the addition of St Kitts & Nevis and Turks & Caicos, bringing greater depth and diversity to the region’s offering. These new destinations reinforce Kuoni’s commitment to growth while delivering exceptional experiences for customers. This follows last year’s successful introduction of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, further enhancing Kuoni’s Caribbean collection, which also includes favourites such as Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados.
Warm Up This Winter at Hôtel Dame Des Arts - Experience the Art of Sauna in Paris’ Latin Quarter
Now the clocks have gone back, guests at Hôtel Dame des Art in Paris are discovering the warm welcome offered by the hotel’s urban sauna experience. The hotel, which is located in the heart of Paris’ creative Latin Quarter, combines this timeless wellbeing practice with a cosy sense of seasonal hygge, a handy best practice guide, and a dash of Parisian flair
Marriott International Signs Agreement with Pacifica Hotels G. K. to Debut City Express by Marriott
Marriott International, Inc. announced a signed agreement with Pacifica Hotels G.K. to bring City Express by Marriott to Japan with the conversion of two existing hotels in Osaka. Following a complete rebrand, the hotels are expected to re-open in 2026 as City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South and City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya. Together, these openings are expected to mark the Asia Pacific debut of City Express by Marriott, bringing the midscale brand’s strong blend of value, convenience and modern comfort to one of Japan’s most dynamic cities.
TOURISE and Globant Unveil Game-Changing Report on Agentic Tourism
Imagine a traveler’s perfect day planning itself, rerouting around a rainstorm, prompting a café to add staff before the lunch rush, suggesting a quiet gallery when crowds swell. This is the promise of Agentic Tourism, an AI-powered operating model introduced in a new white paper by TOURISE and Globant, a digitally native company that helps organizations thrive in a digital and AI-powered future, with strategic contribution from Kearney. The report, titled Tourism’s AI Takeover: Reinventing Travel through Agentic Tourism, presents a practical framework for transforming the tourism experience, making it more seamless, intelligent, and emotionally resonant.
NOBU HOSPITALITY AND FOSTER + PARTNERS ANNOUNCE 619 BRICKELL
Nobu Hospitality, proudly announces the brand’s first residential project in Miami and a new architectural icon along Biscayne Bay. Developed in partnership with 13th Floor Investments and Key International, this visionary project marks a new chapter for the Nobu brand—where refined design, elevated service, and the essence of modern Japanese luxury come together in the hands of masters, uniting to create one extraordinary address.
Volcan de mi Tierra Partners With The Only Caviar and TY Bar At The Four Seasons Hotel New York
Volcan de mi Tierra, the family-owned luxury Tequila brand created through a joint venture between Mexico’s esteemed Gallardo family and global luxury leader Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), celebrated The 6th Taste, a landmark tasting experience held on Dia de Los Muertos in collaboration with The Only Caviar and TY Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel New York.
THE LEELA PALACES, HOTELS AND RESORTS EXPANDS ITS FOOTPRINT IN RAJASTHAN
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, India’s only pure play luxury hotel brand, today announced the signing of a management agreement with The Godwin Group for The Leela Jaisalmer, marking its foray into Rajasthan’s fabled desert capital, the Golden City. Spread across 30 acres of desert landscape, this 80-room luxury Desert Resort and Spa is slated to open in 2026, further expanding The Leela’s footprint across India’s most captivating leisure and cultural destinations. The signing marks a significant milestone in The Leela’s strategic growth journey reflecting its commitment to expanding through a balanced portfolio of owned and managed assets, while maintaining its hallmark of luxury and service excellence.
Winter, Reimagined: Oceania Cruises® to Sail its First-Ever Full Winter Season in the Mediterranean
Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, invites travelers to embark on a new era of exploration during its first-ever full winter season of Mediterranean sailings aboard Oceania Allura, the line’s latest expression of intimate, seagoing luxury.
Spirit Airlines Coasts into the Florida Keys with Launch of Key West Service
The Sunshine State is getting even brighter with Spirit Airlines’ iconic yellow planes officially landing at the Southernmost Point. The Florida-based carrier launched the only nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Key West International Airport (EYW), offering a quick, easy alternative to driving for South Floridians.