Travel News Page 469
Croatia Airlines outlines A220-100 deployment
Croatia Airlines is due to take delivery of its first 127-seat Airbus A220-100 aircraft in October. As the carrier continues its transition to an all A220 fleet, the jet will become the smallest aircraft in its fleet, which will be dominated by the slightly larger A220-300s. Starting October 26, the airline plans to deploy the aircraft exclusively between Zagreb and Brussels. It will replace the 76-seat Dash 8 turboprop which was primarily utilised on the service the previous winter season. At this point, between late October 2025 and late March 2026, the aircraft will not be used on any other route, however, this is subject to change at this early stage.
EgyptAir extends 777 leases and refurbishes fleet to sustain growth
EgyptAir has signed a deal with lessor AerCap to extend the leases on its fleet of five Boeing 777-300ERs.
IATA reports 13.6% rise in African airlines’ international passenger demand in April 2025
African airlines saw a 13.6% rise in international passenger demand in April 2025 compared to April 2024, showing steady recovery and growth in Africa’s aviation market amid a global rebound. This data was obtained from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s April 2025 report, which also showed African carriers increased international passenger capacity by 8.9% year-on-year. Despite this growth, Africa recorded the lowest load factor among regions at 76.3%, meaning fewer than eight in ten seats on international flights were filled.
Airline leaders assemble for IATA AGM in Delhi
Leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) taking place in New Delhi, India from 1-3 June 2025.
Hilton Plans to Expand Caribbean Footprint
Today, global hospitality leader Hilton announced the signing of Elephant Tree Resort and Villas Tobago, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Expected to open in 2028, this exciting development marks the arrival of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand in Tobago. As part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the resort will join a distinguished global lineup of nearly 160 independent Tapestry Collection hotels, each celebrated for its unique, vibrant personality and incorporation of local elements and experiences.
LXR Hotels & Resorts Debuts in France with the Opening of Sax Paris
Hilton announces the recent opening of Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Located in Paris’s elegant 7th arrondissement, the 118-room property is housed in a historic neo-Gothic building, boasting panoramic rooftop views. Marking the debut of the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand in France, Sax Paris joins a global collection of luxury hotels in sought-after destinations that invite guests on a journey of discovery and adventure. Sax Paris is owned and developed by Compagnie de Phalsbourg, a French real estate company.
Spain’s tourism sector could exceed €260 billion by 2025, according to WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that by 2025 the travel and tourism sector in Spain could reach a new all-time high, with an estimated contribution of €260.5 billion to GDP, equivalent to almost 16% of the national economy. According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), prepared by WTTC in collaboration with Oxford Economics, these forecasts reinforce the role of tourism as one of the country’s main economic drivers, with an estimated year-on-year increase of 4.7%.
Celebrate Great Outdoors Month in Coastal Mississippi
As the sun shines longer and the temperatures climb, Coastal Mississippi is calling adventurers, beach lovers, and nature enthusiasts to celebrate Great Outdoors Month this June. The month-long celebration known as Great Outdoors Month encourages travelers to get outside and enjoy America’s public land, parks, natural resources, and more. With 62 miles of pristine shoreline, scenic trails, and endless open-air experiences, visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers the perfect backdrop to enjoy the outdoor-travel-driven month dedicated to fresh air and unforgettable moments.
ACQUALINA CELEBRATES ITS TASTEMAKERS
Acqualina Resort & Residences announces the launch of its Tastemakers Series, a storytelling initiative that celebrates the iconic resort’s luxurious offerings through the voices of globally influential creators. The Tastemakers Series spotlights individuals who have meaningfully contributed to the Acqualina brand, each leaving a unique imprint that enhances the enjoyment of our Five Star experience. These are personalities who embody Acqualina’s spirit of luxury, sophistication, and personalized service.
Waterways Cruises and Events Launches 2025 Summer Cruise Series Aboard Renovated Sightseer Yacht
Waterways Cruises and Events is kicking off the summer season with the return of its popular Unwind Cruise and the launch of two brand-new experiences: the Sip and Sunset Cruise and the Seattle Sightseeing Cruise. All three are hosted aboard the Sightseer, a casual, open-air yacht fully renovated in 2023 to enhance guest comfort and panoramic views.
Central Holidays Launches Exciting New Line of Travel Programs to Türkiye
In response to increasing traveler demand for exotic experiences and a growing interest in the rich history and diverse landscapes of Türkiye, Central Holidays is excited to introduce its new line of travel programs to Türkiye for 2025 that features immersive and expertly crafted itineraries for every type of traveler. From deep cultural explorations and city stay getaways to multi-country adventures, Central Holidays is kicking off this new destination offering with a variety of signature affordable-luxury programs that can be customized to meet the unique needs of both individual travelers and groups.
New Exciting Experiences Await Travelers this Summer in Daytona Beach
The Daytona Beach area, known for its beautiful beaches, rich motorsports history and family-friendly attractions, will have new experiences, amenities and exhibits for visitors to enjoy this summer vacation season. Whether it’s a first-time or returning visitor, there will be new coastal fun to discover in Daytona Beach this summer. Here’s a look at some of the new developments within the destination: