Travel News Page 422
‘Emirates First’ officially opens – an exclusive new First Class experience at Dubai International
Emirates First’ was officially opened last week at Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB), offering a luxurious and unique airport experience for Emirates’ First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. The check-in area has been meticulously upgraded with an opulent and refined private seating area, offering an exclusive check in process. As the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel - offering 26,800 seats a week and the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, Emirates continues to invest and uplift its customers’ experience at every touchpoint on the ground and in the air. This is a clear demonstration of Emirates’ commitment to renovating its ground products and providing more comfort to its customers.
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Hainan Airlines Deepen Partnership
Building on their successful collaboration launched last year, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and Hainan Airlines have further deepened their strategic partnership in 2025 with the joint concept ‘Where Dreams Bloom, Journey to the Oasis’. Together, the two brands present a range of elevated travel touchpoints—including a co-branded airport lounge and business class menus—expanding the boundaries of culture and tourism collaboration. As IHG marks its 50th anniversary in Greater China, this strengthened partnership reflects a shared vision to deliver a seamless end-to-end travel experience with elevated product and service offerings.
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs first Vignette Collection in Venice, Italy
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of an agreement with Pacini Group for the rebranding of its Venetian property, The Venice Times, which will officially join the Vignette Collection brand. Located in the heart of Venice’s historic centre, the hotel marks the second collaboration between IHG and Pacini Group—following the opening of Garner Hotel Rome Aurelia —and strengthens a long-term strategic partnership, highlighting IHG’s trust in the Italian group’s expertise and strategic vision in the hospitality sector.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Signs Crowne Plaza Madinah Al Haramain
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of Crowne Plaza Madinah Al Haramain, a 383-key hotel in partnership with Arbah Tayba Real Estate Company. Slated to open in 2026, the hotel will be managed by IHG and will further strengthen the company’s premium portfolio in one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant religious and cultural destinations.
Much Better Adventures Launches New E-Bike Tour Offering in Iconic Global Destinations
With search interest in e-bikes up 29% in the UK and 17% globally YoY, and e-biking named as one of 2025’s top five adventure travel trends, Much Better Adventures is expanding its portfolio of cycling trips with five brand new e-biking holiday itineraries. The new collection takes travellers from the highlands of Northern Vietnam to Peru’s Sacred Valley, culminating at the iconic Machu Picchu and to the beaches of Costa Rica. The new trips bring the adventure travel specialist to a total of 18 cycling holidays spanning 14 countries in what is becoming one of their customers most popular ways to travel.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE OPENS $600M CELEBRATION KEY, ITS SPECTACULAR NEW EXCLUSIVE DESTINATION
Carnival Cruise Line officially unlocked paradise as it opened Celebration Key – the cruise line’s beautiful new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama this weekend. Carnival Vista made the first official visit to the world’s newest premier cruise port on Saturday, and nearly 5,000 guests experienced all the fun of Celebration Key: from the unique Suncastle, the world’s tallest sandcastle, the world’s largest swing and swim-up bar and the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons.
Exodus Adventure Travels Launches A “September to Remember”
Exodus Adventure Travels, the award-winning leader in small-group guided travel, has unveiled its “September to Remember” program, highlighting special trips and the unmatched magic of the September travel season. September is a travel sweet spot and a time many adventurers wait for all year. Temperatures mellow, crowds thin, and destinations reveal cultural gems, rare wildlife moments, and once-a-year festivals that are best experienced when the world slows down.
Coastal Mississippi Welcomes Wave of New Openings
Coastal Mississippi is proud to announce several new and upcoming openings, just in time for the summer travel season. These new visitor experiences provide even more reasons to stay longer and explore new places. Just a few of many new openings include:
North Dakota’s 2025 Sunflower Map is Here
North Dakota’s wide-open landscapes are about to come alive with color. Beginning late July and into August, thousands of acres of sunflower fields across the state will explode into vibrant golden blooms, creating a striking contrast against blue prairie skies.
Plan Your Korea Trip with T’way Air’s Europe-Seoul Deals
T’way Air, Korea’s leading low-cost carrier, has launched its July promotion on its website. Valid through July 31, the offer applies to all five of the airline’s Europe – Incheon (Seoul) routes — Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Frankfurt, and Zagreb— for travel through March, 2026.
THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA AT GRANDE LAKES ORLANDO INTRODUCES HOLISTIC WELLNESS RETREAT
Escape to a three-day restorative retreat this August at Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, the resort’s dedicated Ritz-Carlton Spa will invite guests to experience three days of complete healing, targeting the mind, body, and soul. Patrons will enjoy personalized health consultations, inspiring guest speakers, indulgent spa services, curated dining and beverages, and invigorating fitness activity programming over several days. Locals have the option to enjoy day passes to the retreat, while travelers can opt to stay overnight on property.
United Set to Hire More Special Olympics Athletes As Customer Service Ambassadors
United announced that it will expand the industry’s only Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) program to the airline’s hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark. The goal is to welcome 10 more people into the program and reach a total of 28 SOSA employees across all seven of its U.S. hubs, furthering its effort to create employment opportunities for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.