Travel News Page 369
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.
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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.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BANGKOK ANNOUNCES ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – “UNFOLDING LEGACIES”
Marking a defining chapter that celebrates heritage while shaping the future, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok – the Kingdom’s first luxury hotel and a multi-award-winning property – proudly announces the launch of its 150th anniversary celebration under the evocative theme Unfolding Legacies. Recently recognised as the World’s Best Hotel by The Daily Telegraph in 2024, awarded Three Keys by the MICHELIN Guide, and featured in La Liste 2025 as one of the World’s Best Hotels, the property continues to reaffirm its standing as one of Asia’s most celebrated city resorts and a symbol of refined hospitality worldwide.
Alila Hotels Beckons Travelers to Experience the Luxury of Wonder Through Global Campaign
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces Alila, part of Hyatt’s Luxury Portfolio of brands, is inviting travelers to discover a more connected world by unveiling a new creative campaign, A World Awaits. The campaign also introduces Alila Moments—enriching, immersive and personalized guest experiences that span culture and community, nature and environmental awareness, creativity, and wellness.
Luxury on the Vine: Kimpton to Introduce “Laid Back Sophistication” to Napa Valley
Kimpton, part of IHG’s fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio, today announces its entry into Napa Valley, Calif., a highly coveted west coast travel destination that attracts more than four million annual visitors among its wineries and scenic landscapes. Projected to open in 2028, the hotel will build upon the brand’s California origins and extend a “Golden State” reach that currently includes 10 open Kimpton properties.
IHG Hotels & Resorts accelerates growth in Mexico with six signed voco hotels
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, celebrates the signing of six Mexico hotels for the premium voco hotels brand, in partnership with Alliance Hotels. The conversions will expand IHG’s upscale offering in Mexico, providing owners with a stylish, welcoming and distinctive brand that elevates their existing properties, optimizes returns and attracts new guests.
Hilton Surpasses 200 Hotels in Canada, Accelerates Multi‑Brand Expansion
Hilton is celebrating a major milestone: more than 200 hotels are now open and welcoming travelers across Canada. This achievement, highlighted by the most recent openings of Hôtel Vallea Bromont, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton Woodstock ON and Spark by Hilton Toronto Mississauga - reflects the hospitality company’s successful multi-brand growth strategy. With a primary focus on expanding its focused service, extended stay, and lifestyle brand portfolios, Hilton continues to broaden its footprint while delivering signature hospitality, warmth, and innovation in destinations ranging from iconic city centers to emerging leisure and event hubs nationwide.