Alaska Airlines is continuing the celebration of our new global gateway in Seattle by adding Rome, Italy, to our international destination lineup. This is the first time in history that the “Emerald City” will be connected to the “Eternal City” via a nonstop flight. Flights to Rome will be available at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com when fares go on sale this fall, so start planning your Italian vacation now.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest and most successful lodging franchisors, continues to expand its international footprint, with 31 hotels and more than 3,300 rooms on-boarded year-to-date outside of the U.S., and over 11,000 rooms added to the pipeline over the same period, resulting in a net pipeline increase of 95% since the beginning of the year.

H World Group Limited, a leading hospitality group, has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable growth powered by innovation, inclusion, and bold environmental action.  Recognized as the “Outstanding ESG Practice Cases of 2024” by the China Association for Public Companies, the company continued to enhance its ESG practices and drive sustainable development across the industry.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, proudly announces the opening of The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam, an oasis of well-being nestled on the breathtaking Nirup Island. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Singapore’s Harbourfront Terminal or 40-minute away from Harbour Bay Batam, this wellness-focused sanctuary spans the entire private island, offering an immersive escape where guests can recharge and reconnect through transformative experiences. From nature walks to snorkeling, wellness workshops and more, guests can rejuvenate themselves amidst lush tropical landscapes and pristine coastal beauty.

St Pancras London will rebrand as part of Autograph Collection Hotels on 3rd June 2025, joining a global portfolio of over 300 independent hotels. The rebrand introduces a new guest experience shaped by time-honoured traditions — a series of rituals, storytelling moments and sensory details inspired by the hotel’s 150-year history. It will also see the iconic London hotel undergo an extensive refurbishment to its 245 rooms and suites spread across both Barlow House and the Chambers Suites.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “On behalf of the World Travel & Tourism Council, our Members and the global travel community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais on her historic nomination as the first woman Secretary-General of UN Tourism. Her appointment marks a significant milestone, reflecting the evolving leadership within our sector.” “Shaikha Al Nowais’s extensive experience in hospitality and her commitment to sustainability, digital equity, and inclusive governance align seamlessly with our shared vision for a resilient and forward-thinking tourism sector. We look forward to collaborating closely with her to drive this vision.”