Travel News Page 313
Dusit Thani Bangkok earns its place among the world’s top 100 hotels
Dusit Thani Bangkok, the reimagined flagship of Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has earned global recognition once again – this time ranking #60 on the inaugural extended list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025, a prestigious index celebrating the finest hospitality experiences worldwide. The extended list showcases 50 additional properties that exemplify innovation, service excellence, and guest satisfaction across six continents. Each hotel was selected by a panel of more than 800 independent travel experts, including hoteliers, journalists, and seasoned luxury travellers.
TAP AIR PORTUGAL LAUNCHES NEW ROUTE TO CURITIBA
TAP Air Portugal announces the launch of a new route that will connect Lisbon to Curitiba, capital of Paraná, Brazil, from July 2, 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights between the Portuguese capital and Curitiba - Afonso Pena International Airport, further reinforcing its leadership in connections between Europe and Brazil. The flights will be operated with the A330-200 aircraft with capacity for 269 passengers, through the route Lisbon (LIS) – Curitiba (CWB) – Rio de Janeiro (GIG) – Lisbon (LIS), on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Sales start on November 11th.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC UNVEILS NEW SEASONAL INFLIGHT MENU AND BREAKFAST CONCEPT
Virgin Atlantic unveils its new Autumn/Winter onboard menu from 5th November 2025, featuring a fresh take on contemporary comfort food across all cabins. Inspired by customer favourites and crafted with premium ingredients, the new dishes strike the perfect balance between indulgent options and lighter alternatives, creating a vibrant dining experience that’s unmistakably Virgin Atlantic. The updated menu includes a contemporary breakfast offering, innovative seasonal dishes, an enhanced wine selection including dessert wines, and a mid-flight margherita pizza available on selected routes.
Choice Privileges Announces an All-New Rewards Experience that Offers More Rewards, More Often
Choice Privileges, the #1 hotel rewards program from Choice Hotels International, Inc. is getting even better with an all‑new rewards experience launching in early 2026. Members will be able to earn more rewards more frequently, achieve Elite status faster, and access exclusive benefits designed to help them get the most from every stay:
Celebrate the long anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo
To mark the long anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Captain’s Choice are inviting guests to join them on their 2026 A Journey of the Gods itinerary: a 16-day exploration of Egypt that combines history with luxury. The journey begins in Cairo and is guided by top Egyptologists, seeing hidden parts of the Great Pyramids, the Khufu Ship and even the feet of the Sphinx, as well as an expert-led tour of the world’s largest institution dedicated to a single civilisation - the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Reimagines a Bedtime Classic in New Campaign “Goodnight Room”
Inspired by the children’s book Goodnight Moon, the campaign reflects Sheraton’s timeless warmth and evolving identity as a modern gathering place - where the comfort of home meets the magic of travel.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES AND PHILIPPINE AIRLINES LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP
Southwest Airlines Co. welcomes Philippine Airlines as the newest carrier partnering to connect transoceanic travelers with Southwest-operated flights. Dozens of new travel options across the Pacific are available now through Philippine Airlines and third-party travel booking sites.
Unlocking Living History: Latvia’s Manors and Castles
Latvia offers travellers a number of options for exploring castles and manors from different historic periods. Some of them can be visited as tourist attractions, while others offer overnight stays, gourmet meals and even SPA experiences.
WTM London puts spotlight on sustainability, investments and growth for first day
Sustainability, tourism investments and the rise of the Chinese market were in the spotlight during the first day of World Travel Market London. Investment and education took centre stage during the Ministers’ Summit, which was taking place for the 19th time.
Etihad Opens Four New Gateways to Africa and Asia, Expanding Connectivity and Tourism to Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways has marked another milestone in its record year of growth, launching four inaugural routes to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong within three consecutive days. The new services further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub and gateway to the UAE, supporting inbound tourism and trade while delivering nearly 45% of the UAE’s total aviation growth this year. As Etihad continues to expand its network, the airline is adding thousands of new seats to and from Abu Dhabi, making it easier for travellers from Africa and Asia to experience the city’s cultural landmarks, pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and year-round calendar of events. The routes also give UAE residents and visitors more choice for travel across key leisure and business destinations.
Qatar Airways and Air Algérie Expand Network Access and Deepen Cooperation
Qatar Airways and Air Algérie announced a codeshare partnership that will increase access to seamless connectivity between Algeria and key markets in Asia and the Middle East through the multiple award-winning Hamad International Airport. Starting today, travellers can book codeshare flights for travel starting on 15 November 2025.
Emirates invests in innovative facial recognition technology across Dubai International (DXB)
Emirates has invested AED 85 million to install more than 200 biometrics-enabled cameras across Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) – allowing more customers to pass through Check-In, Immigration, Boarding Gates, Lounges and board the aircraft, simply by facial recognition, with a quick and easy registration on Emirates app. Eliminating the need to take out a passport and boarding pass at various points in the airport, the new biometrics initiative is a collaboration between Emirates and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), that reduces processing time significantly for all registered customers. The powerful cameras can recognise the biometric profile of a customer from one metre away, allowing customers to walk swiftly through areas where they used to have to pause and show documents.