Travel News Page 33
Jazeera Airways appoints AVIAREPS as GSA in Europe to Strengthen Connectivity and Support Network
AVIAREPS, the global leader in aviation, tourism and hospitality representation with 77 offices in 71 countries around the world, has been appointed as General Sales Agent (GSA) for Jazeera Airways in the UK, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. The appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the airline’s commercial footprint across Europe and supporting the continued growth of its international network.
WTTC forecasts Guatemala tourism spending to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 21%
Guatemala’s tourism sector is set for another year of strong growth, according to new forecasts from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), with international visitor spending expected to reach GTQ 14.9 billion (USD 1.9 billion) in 2026 - 21.4% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The latest WTTC Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals that international visitor spending is forecast to increase by 9.3% year-on-year in 2026, highlighting Guatemala’s growing appeal among international travellers.
Etihad enters its biggest summer yet with 10% more capacity
Etihad Airways is entering its largest summer season ever, operating more than 300 daily flights, carrying near-record passenger loads and launching or returning nine destinations within days as demand for travel to, from and through Abu Dhabi continues to accelerate. The milestone comes as Etihad continues its rapid growth trajectory, with summer capacity up 10% year-on-year and supported by a fleet that has grown by 23 aircraft compared with the same period last year. With flights operating at close to 90% load factors, the airline is seeing strong demand across its network spanning Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and the Middle East.
TravelTech Show research reveals shifts in travel operator booking and payment tool adoption
Mobile app investment and integration across travel booking and payment platforms has slowed in the last year as operators increasingly turn attention to AI to drive customer engagement and spend. Mobile apps are now being integrated by just seven per cent of operators, down from nearly a third – 30 per cent – in 2025.
Aer Lingus celebrates 10 years of AerClub with its first transatlantic Avios-Only flight
Aer Lingus has announced its first-ever transatlantic Avios-Only flight, with an exclusive service from Dublin to New York (JFK) set to take off as part of the airline’s celebrations for 10 years of its loyalty programme, AerClub. Marking a decade of rewarding loyal customers, the milestone flight represents a major moment for Aer Lingus’ popular Avios-Only offering – where every seat onboard is exclusively available to purchase using the airline’s reward currency Avios. This is the first time the concept is being extended across the Atlantic with Aer Lingus.
Eurowings Expands Mallorca Commitment with Winter Growth and New Jobs Initiative
Eurowings and the Government of the Balearic Islands have agreed to work together to further position Mallorca as an attractive travel destination beyond the summer months. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Balearic President Marga Prohens and Eurowings CEO Max Kownatzki at the government headquarters in Palma. The goal is to distribute tourism demand more evenly throughout the year and create additional employment opportunities, particularly during the autumn and winter months.
Vietnam Airlines Remains Among the Top 100 Companies in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500
Vietnam Airlines has further strengthened its position among Southeast Asia’s leading companies, securing a place in the Top 100 of the 2026 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for the third consecutive year. The national carrier is the only Vietnamese airline and one of just three airlines included in this Top 100, alongside Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International.
FLYADEAL RANKS AS THE MOST ON-TIME AIRLINE IN THE MIDDLE EAST IN MAY 2026
flyadeal, the Saudia Group’s fast-growing low fare carrier, has been ranked the most on-time airline in the Middle East for May 2026 and the second most on-time airline across the Middle East & Africa region. This is according to the latest On-Time Performance (OTP) Report published by Cirium, a respected aviation analytics company.
Red Sea Global completes modernization of AlWajh International Airport
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernization of AlWajh International Airport (EJH) located in northwest Saudi Arabia. The airport is once again receiving flights, with three weekly connections from Riyadh (RUH) and two from Jeddah (JED) operated by Saudia. International flights are expected to commence soon.
Saudia Earns 2026 APEX Best Cabin Service in the Middle East Award
Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has received the 2026 APEX Award for Best Cabin Service in the Middle East. The award was presented during the APEX Awards ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event, a leading aviation industry platform focused on innovation and the future of the guest journey. APEX’s global airline ratings program is built on independent, verified passenger feedback, placing the voice of travelers at the center of the awards process. For the 2026 cycle, more than one million flights across over 600 airlines worldwide were evaluated, with assessment categories covering cabin service, seat comfort, food and beverage quality, entertainment systems and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Celebrates World Wellbeing Week
This month, in celebration of World Wellbeing Week (24-30 June 2026) Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites guests to embrace an array of experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. Guided by this year’s theme of Global Wellness Day, JoyMagenta, the resort’s programme celebrates joy through movement, creativity, connection and gratitude — from mindful rituals to a reflective Full Moon gathering beneath the June Strawberry Moon. Inspired by Banyan Tree Wellbeing’s eight pillars, the month’s experiences encourage guests to slow down, cultivate awareness, and discover simple practices that support a balanced and joyful way of life amidst the natural beauty of the Maldives, under the guidance of the resort’s resident wellbeing practitioner, Dr Sharma.
Vueling launches ‘Yellow Day’ sale with discounts of up to 25% off flights
Holidays are the perfect opportunity to switch off, recharge and return feeling more relaxed, making travel one of life’s simplest mood boosters. To celebrate Yellow Day on the 20th of June and the joy of travel, Brits can enjoy discounts of up to 25% off selected Vueling flights, with fares starting from just £24, when booking between the 16th and 21st of June. It’s the perfect excuse to plan an end-of-summer escape or autumn getaway – and even more reason to smile.