Travel News Page 430
Switchfly named Best-in-Class Customer Loyalty Technology Provider by Loyalty360
Switchfly, the travel loyalty technology that drives revenue, has been recognized as a 2025 Best-in-Class Customer Loyalty Technology provider by Loyalty360, the Association for Customer Loyalty. Announced during the 2025 Loyalty360 Loyalty Expo in Orlando, the Best-in-Class Awards spotlight companies that are redefining what loyalty means today – through strategy, technology, and real-world results. Winners were selected through a rigorous review process by Loyalty360’s editorial staff, analysts, award judges, and nominations from leading brands and partners.
Emirates reveals top 2025 summer getaways according to search data
As international travel reaches a fever pitch this summer, Emirates’ latest analysis of global booking data* and search patterns reveals where travellers are dreaming of and escaping to in July and August, with a shift towards new cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-track locales. Flight searches for summer travel have climbed 7% compared to last year, with France leading the charge, experiencing a remarkable 35% increase in outbound travel searches, followed by Ireland, Canada and Saudi Arabia. Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also seeing strong momentum, highlighting robust travel intent across key markets. In 2025, a few breakout stars have emerged as the top summer destinations for Emirates, and they’re largely concentrated in the Far East, Indian Ocean and Europe.
Hilton Opens First LivSmart Studios Hotel in Tullahoma, Tennessee
Hilton today debuted the first hotel of a game-changing new extended-stay brand, LivSmart Studios by Hilton. LivSmart Studios by Hilton Tullahoma, an 89-room property in Middle Tennessee, brings a fresh new approach to a fast-growing category and will soon be joined by the brand’s second hotel in Kokomo, Ind., which is on track to open its doors later this summer.
Mary Phillips Appointed General Manager of East Winds
East Winds, the boutique all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, has appointed highly experienced hotelier Mary Phillips as general manager. Mary brings a wealth of expertise to East Winds from her management roles at renowned properties such as Jamaica Inn and Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Jamaica. Delivering personalised guest experiences that consistently exceed expectations has been Mary’s passion in her previous roles and it is this commitment that makes her the ideal general manager for East Winds.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Offers Expanded Service and Convenient Rail Access to Southern California
As Southern California welcomes a season of highly anticipated events, the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® offers travelers a reliable and relaxing transportation alternative throughout the region. With the recently introduced 12th daily round-trip between Los Angeles and San Diego now in full operation, riders have more flexibility and comfort than ever before.
Verra Mobility and Sixt partner to offer electronic toll payment solution to vehicle renters - Italy
Verra Mobility Corporation, a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions, announced today a partnership with global car rental company Sixt to offer an electronic toll payment solution in Italy. Electronic tolling will be offered by Sixt for vehicles rented in six major Italian cities - Milano, Roma, Firenze, Venezia, Bergamo, and Bologna. Rental car drivers can easily opt-in to the program when renting a vehicle, which allows them to automatically pay tolls electronically, without having to wait in the toll booth line or having the appropriate amount of cash available.
LaPour and Holualoa Announce Groundbreaking of Dual-Branded Marriott Hotel
LaPour Partners (“LaPour”) and Holualoa Companies (“Holualoa”) are pleased to announce the groundbreaking of AC/Element City North, a new dual-branded hotel located in the CityNorth, a premier mixed-use development adjacent to Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix. LaPour and Holualoa purchased the site from Crown, the master developer.
Bellagio and Major Food Group Set to Begin a New Chapter of Las Vegas Fine Dining
This fall, two of the most acclaimed forces in hospitality— Bellagio Resort & Casino and Major Food Group—will unveil CARBONE Riviera, an extraordinary new expression of the CARBONE brand, devoted to the art of seafood at the highest level. Set against the unrivaled backdrop of the Fountains of Bellagio, the restaurant is poised to become the culinary crown jewel of Las Vegas.
Exodus Adventure Travels Expands Portugal Portfolio with New Immersive Itineraries
Exodus Adventure Travels Expands Portugal Portfolio with New Immersive Itineraries, the leader in small-group active travel, is expanding its European portfolio with new enriching itineraries across Portugal, driven by a surge in traveler interest. In partnership with Visit Portugal, these thoughtfully crafted itineraries invite adventurers to experience the country’s stunning scenery and lesser-known treasures as curiosity for the destination continues to grow.
Emirates A350 debuts in Dammam
Emirates has officially launched regular A350 operations to Dammam, making it Emirates’ first destination in Saudi Arabia to be served by the all-new Airbus A350. The Emirates A350 will operate on flight EK 827 which takes off from Dubai at 7:30 am and arrives in Dammam at 7:50 am. The return flight, EK 828, departs Dammam at 9:20 am and lands in Dubai at 11:45 am. *
Emirates Inaugurates Japan’s First Dedicated Travel Store in Osaka
Emirates officially opened its Japan’s first dedicated travel store in Osaka yesterday, bringing its signature hospitality even closer to customers in the Kansai region. The opening ceremony was commemorated by Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President – Passenger Sales and Country Management at Emirates, in the presence of Mr. Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture and H.E. Shihab Alfaheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Japan. They were joined by Emirates’ senior management as well as distinguished guests and media partners.
FOUR NEW SPACES OFFERING ENDLESS WAYS TO ESCAPE REVEALED ON CELEBRITY XCEL
Celebrity Cruises reveals four brand new venues, creating even more ways to restore and explore while on vacation on Celebrity XcelSM. Guests can make the most of every moment on board Celebrity’s latest ship with new experiences that make the journey just as exciting as the destination, including an enhanced poolside paradise, an arcade lounge under neon lights, and new spa experiences to unwind in style. Plus, Celebrity’s first-ever Celebrity Flagship store will immerse guests in the vacation brand’s journey of innovation and offer custom mementos to cherish for years to come.