Travel News Page 368
Fiji Airways Celebrates Historic Win as APEX World Class 2026 Airline
Fiji Airways, the national carrier of Fiji and a proud member of the oneworld® alliance, has achieved a historic milestone by being named an APEX World Class Airline for 2026, the most prestigious recognition in global aviation. This honor places Fiji Airways among the Top 10 Airlines in the World, making it the smallest airline by fleet size ever to receive the distinction, and the only carrier in Oceania to be recognized.
IRONMAN and Experience Oman Announce Landmark Global Partnership
IRONMAN, the global leader in triathlon and Experience Oman, the promotional arm of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, today announced a comprehensive and multi-faceted global partnership which will see Experience Oman become the “Official Global Destination” and Global Premier Partner of the IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® Global Series through 2030, as well as receiving naming rights for the IRONMAN Pro Series beginning in 2026, as well as all IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 races in Oman. The partnership marks one of the biggest investments Oman has ever made into sports tourism, signalling the power of the IRONMAN brand to help bring to life Oman’s 2040 vision and become a premier sports endurance destination on a global stage.
Wynn Redefines the Luxury Exhibition Experience
Wynn is set to transform the traditional auto exhibition experience with its third edition of the “Wynn Signature – 2025 Hypercar Exhibition”, showcasing over 20 of the world’s most coveted supercars alongside exclusive collaborations between automotive legends and luxury powerhouses. Running from September 29 through November 16 at both Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau, the exhibition coincides with the Macau Grand Prix, creating the city’s ultimate celebration of speed, luxury, and craftsmanship through a series of specially curated experiences found #OnlyAtWynn.
Los Cabos Unveils Transformative New Global Brand Campaign: “Where the Land Ends, Your Story Begins”
The Los Cabos Tourism Board today announced the launch of its new brand campaign, “Where the Land Ends, Your Story Begins.” The campaign invites travelers to explore the unparalleled beauty and diverse experiences of Los Cabos, a destination where the desert, mountains, and sea converge to host a range of travelers and cater to every need, offering opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and inspiration.
Las Vegas Unveils Redesigned Rideshare Pickup at Harry Reid International Airport
Las Vegas has debuted the new Fabulous Pickups at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with a completely reimagined rideshare pickup area at Terminal 1. The unveiling was celebrated in true Las Vegas fashion with showgirls and a DJ welcoming visitors arriving for a weekend of festivities, including Mexican Independence Day concerts and events, and the Canelo vs. Crawford fight at Allegiant Stadium.
SIMONE GIORGI APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF ORIENT EXPRESS LA MINERVA, ROME
Orient Express is pleased to announce the appointment of Simone Giorgi as General Manager of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, effective October 1st. With more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Simone Giorgi brings a rare depth of leadership to one of Italy’s most anticipated hotel openings. At the helm of the recently opened Orient Express La Minerva, the first hotel of the brand owned by Arsenale Group and developed in partnership with Orient Express, he will oversee strategic positioning, development, and day-to-day operations, with a vision rooted in excellence and timeless Italian hospitality.
Atout France and France Montagnes Launch 2025/26 Winter Season
The mountains of France are ready for another sparkling winter season that promises a wealth of ski and non-ski activities, accessibility for all, greener resorts and varied accommodation, following a vibrant Winter Launch at Kindred, London, on 9 September. Despite the transport challenges presented by strikes, the event welcomed 27 journalists to hear the latest news from the French ski industry, presented by France Montagnes alongside 18 exhibitors.
World-Class Opera Stars Descend on Türki̇ye’s 2,000-Year-Old Amphitheatre
When Italian tenor Riccardo Massi and Russian soprano Olga Maslova take the stage at Türkiye’s Ancient Theatre of Aspendos this September, they’ll be performing where Roman audiences gathered nearly 2,000 years ago. The 32nd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival (September 14 – October 1) transforms one of the world’s best-preserved ancient amphitheatres into a star-studded cultural destination rivalling modern-day top-notch opera houses.
Finnair receives Five-Star Global Airline Award from APEX based on customer reviews
Finnair has been rated to receive the highest star rating, a Five Star Global Official Airline Rating from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for 2026. The airline ratings are based on certified airline passenger feedback, and passengers rated more than one million flights across nearly 600 airlines worldwide.
Etihad Reports August 2025 Traffic Statistics
Etihad Airways has released its traffic statistics for August 2025, marking a historic milestone as the airline carried more than 2 million passengers in a single month for the first time ever. The airline welcomed 2.0 million guests during the month, a 22% increase compared to August 2024. Etihad achieved a passenger load factor of 91%, up from 89% in the same month last year, reflecting strong demand and highly efficient capacity utilisation.
Icons and Innovators Converge: The Phocuswright Conference 2025 Program
Phocuswright today announced the full program for The Phocuswright Conference 2025, the travel industry’s most important stage where global leaders, bold disruptors, and rising innovators converge to define the future of travel. Taking place November 18-20, 2025, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA, the event will spotlight candid conversations, cutting-edge research, and high-stakes debates at a moment of unprecedented change for travel, technology, and consumer behavior.
Suncruise presents CITCA 2025 at Seatrade Europe
Suncruise has participated in Seatrade Europe, the benchmark trade fair for the international cruise industry, held in Hamburg. The association, which brings together the ports of general interest of Andalusia along with Ceuta and Melilla, took advantage of this strategic forum to officially present to the international community the International Congress on Cruise and Nautical Tourism (CITCA 2025), which will take place from October 15 to 17 in Motril and Granada.