Travel News Page 406
Dusit International expands Saudi portfolio with new dusitD2 resort in Al Ahsa
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Al Ghadeer Group to operate dusitD2 Al Ahsa – a new upper-upscale resort in the heart of Al Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL TO DEBUT IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI WITH LANDMARK OPENING AT WASL TOWER IN OCTOBER
Mandarin Oriental, globally recognised for its exceptional hospitality and luxury residences, is strengthening its presence in the region with the upcoming launch of its second property in Dubai. Set within the striking Wasl Tower, a new architectural icon on Sheikh Zayed Road, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai is scheduled to open in October 2025.
easyJet appoints new UK Country Manager
easyJet has appointed Kevin Doyle as its UK Country Manager. He will be instrumental in delivering easyJet’s strategic direction and commercial success in the UK. As the UK’s largest airline, easyJet bases 183 aircraft and employs around 14,000 people at 10 bases across the UK. The airline will also open 11th UK base opening next spring at Newcastle International Airport.
QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER RELEASES 400,000 MORE REWARD SEATS
Qantas Frequent Flyer is clearing the runway for its members, releasing 400,000 new Classic Reward seats across its international and domestic network. The majority of these seats will be on dedicated Points Planes, where every seat across all cabins can be secured with points. Available to book for the next five days will be Points Planes and thousands of premium cabin seats to flagship destinations such as Paris in November 2025, Los Angeles in February 2026 and Tokyo in May/June 2026. Widespread availability has also been released to Australian hotspots including Hamilton Island and Cairns for travel next year.
IATA Launches 2024 World Air Transport Statistics Report
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the latest edition of the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) with comprehensive statistical data for 2024. Updated annually with data from over 240 international airlines, the WATS database provides a complete overview of airline metrics related to demand, supply, and performance. The report includes a detailed breakdown of scheduled passenger and cargo traffic demand, scheduled passenger and cargo capacity, overview of the global airline fleet, and top airport pairs.
The Future of Holiday Planning: Why 360 Virtual Tours are Essential for Travellers
Virtual 360 tours are changing how you find and pick your perfect holiday. No more just looking at flat pictures and long descriptions. Today’s smart traveler wants to truly feel a place before they go. This new way of looking around helps people make good choices. It cuts down on bad surprises and builds excitement for your trip.
Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines Deepen Commercial Cooperation
Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) will strengthen their long-standing commercial cooperation in August 2025, with the launch of joint sales of fare products, additional codeshare destinations, and reciprocal lounge access. From August 2025, customers will be able to book flights operated by both airlines for services between Singapore and Indonesia1 within a single itinerary, offering greater convenience, and a wider range of fare options for travellers.
Minor Hotels Breaks Ground on First Avani Hotel in Singapore
The new 200-key lifestyle property in the historical district of Tanjong Pagar is set to open in 2027 in partnership with Kajima Development and Al Wathba Investment.
Emirates to add fourth daily flight to London Gatwick
Emirates is set to introduce a fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick from 8 February 2026. Flight EK069/070 will be operated by the airline’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350, offering customers the opportunity to experience its latest generation interiors, including Business Class and Premium Economy.
Radisson Hotel Group announces the reopening of Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Çeşme
Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the reopening of Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Çeşme, a flagship beachfront property on Türkiye’s Aegean coast. The resort reopened its doors on July 3rd, after a comprehensive nine-month renovation offering a completely refreshed guest experience with elevated comfort, upgraded design, and environmentally conscious enhancements.
Radisson Blu debuts in Northern Riyadh’s thriving Sahafa District
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa, further strengthening its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in the lively Sahafa District, the new hotel blends modern luxury with Saudi hospitality and marks another step forward in the Group’s strategic expansion, with over 50 hotels now in operation and under development across the Kingdom.
BLUE ISLANDS LAUNCHES FESTIVE FLIGHTS TO BRUGES
Channel Islanders can look forward to a magical festive escape to Bruges this December as Blue Islands announces special direct flights from Guernsey and Jersey to Ostend, with seamless coach transfers included to the heart of Bruges for an enchanting Christmas getaway. With day return, two night and three night stay options, these flights direct from Guernsey and Jersey offer the perfect opportunity for a short winter break filled with festive cheer. Explore Bruges’ famous Christmas markets, sip mulled wine beneath the twinkling lights of the medieval square, and discover the city’s cobbled streets lined with seasonal treats and boutique shops.