Travel News Page 479
Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A To Introduce a New Extended Stay Experience
Hyatt Hotel Corporation announced plans for the Hyatt House brand to debut in the National Capital Region of India as part of a landmark mixed-use development, the Flagship. Located in Noida, the signing of this 127-key, extended stay hotel, owned by IT Infrastructure Park Private Ltd, a subsidiary of CRC Group, will be strategically located within the 11.16-acre site.
IHG Hotels & Resorts to deliver a number of major Luxury & Lifestyle hotels in Australia
IHG Hotels & Resorts has reinforced its leading position in Luxury & Lifestyle hospitality in Australia by signing a major long-term agreement with Salter Brothers. Several high-profile IHG hotels will be rebranded and repositioned within the company’s portfolio of luxury brands – with Regent Hotels & Resorts set to return to Australia after 28 years when Regent Melbourne completes its transformation from InterContinental Melbourne in 2030.
Accor developing global ecosystem for meetings and events bookings
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the development of a new digital meetings & events ecosystem to maximize the ongoing expansion and support of its multi-billion-dollar meetings & events business. The new platform will unite over 5,600 Accor hotels and resorts worldwide, featuring an inventory of 2.5 million sqm of event space and 800,000+ guestrooms – providing an easy, self-serve option for clients to view and book event space, guestrooms, and sales & catering services, while augmenting the continued support of on-site hotel teams. The integration of sales & catering will be a key advantage for meeting planners and business clients, as well as the link to Accor’s loyalty program ALL Accor, for the opportunity to earn and access rewarding membership benefits.
Cheers to more choices: American introduces tequila in flight and expands buy on board menu
American Airlines is elevating the inflight experience with a bold, flavorful move — tequila is officially taking to the skies. Customers asked, and American answered. Starting June 1, the airline will begin offering tequila on select flights as an inflight alcoholic beverage option for eligible customers. For this milestone moment, American knew it wanted to select a brand the airline can connect with beyond the glass, which is why the airline selected Dallas-Fort Worth’s own award-winning Socorro Tequila.
Travel & Tourism Employment in South Africa Set to Hit Record High, But Key Challenges Remain
New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed South Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector is projected to reach a major milestone this year, set to support more jobs than ever before, but wider data points to a sector still in recovery mode. According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), in 2025 Travel & Tourism is forecast to support 1.9 million jobs, surpassing 2019 levels and marking an all-time high, underlining its role as a key employer and major source of opportunity, with the sector accounting for 11.3% of all jobs in South Africa.
From Tokyo to Nice: DoubleTree by Hilton Reaches 700th Property and 60th Country
DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton’s fast-growing, upscale hotel brand known for its warm hospitality, is celebrating two monumental milestones: the opening of its 700th hotel and its expansion into 60 countries and territories. Over the past year, the brand welcomed more than 40 new properties to its portfolio, marking major firsts – Hilton’s debut in the city of Nice, the country of Laos and the Azores Islands region, as well as DoubleTree by Hilton’s debut in Malta. These recent additions bring DoubleTree’s global footprint to 60 countries and territories, representing more than a tenfold increase in global presence since 2008 when the brand first expanded beyond the Americas into international markets.
RISE FESTIVAL INTRODUCES ‘THE PATH’ MEDITATIVE JOURNEY AND IMMERSIVE, LARGE-SCALE ART INSTALLATIONS
As RISE Festival returns to the Mojave Desert for its 10th anniversary on October 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2025, it is unveiling a visionary new experience for guests entering the festival grounds: The Path, an immersive, meditative journey through light, sculpture, and sound, that sets the tone for transformation before the first sky lantern is released.
Hilton Named No. 1 Best Workplace in Vietnam
In a landmark achievement that underscores its commitment to its transformative workplace culture, Hilton has claimed the top position on the Best Workplaces In Vietnam™ 2025 list in the medium-sized company category. This milestone marks the first time the leading hospitality company has reached the top spot in the country, advancing from its No. 2 ranking last year.
Arab Media Summit 2025 set to convene leaders, innovators and influencers
The Dubai Press Club (DPC) has unveiled the full agenda for the Arab Media Summit (AMS) 2025, which is set to bring together the region’s most influential voices in journalism, digital content, and communication to chart a new future for the region’s media. The three-day event will run from 26 to 28 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the Summit is set to welcome more than 6,000 participants, including prominent ministers, editors-in-chief, media leaders, content creators, influencers, academics, and media technology professionals from across the UAE and the wider Arab world.
Go City Survey Reveals What Americans Are Willing to Sacrifice for the “Perfect” Vacation
Go City—the world’s leading sightseeing and attraction pass brand—released the results of a new consumer survey, revealing the hallmarks of the “perfect” vacation and the sacrifices Americans are willing to make to guarantee perfection. Conducted by Talker Research, the survey polled 2,000 travelers—U.S. residents who have traveled within the past year—and found that the perfect vacation lasts 11 days, is at least three hours from home, and prioritizes food (52%), relaxation (47%), good weather (34%), accommodations (38%), as well as outdoor attractions and landmarks (31%).
NOVOTEL CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF OCEAN COMMITMENT AND SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIP WITH WWF
Ahead of World Ocean Day (8 June), Novotel proudly marks the first anniversary of its transformative three-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), reaffirming its commitment to protecting the wellbeing and longevity of the ocean with the launch of two new food policies: Novotel’s Sustainable Seafood Principles in partnership with WWF France and the launch of a pioneering global Plant-Forward food ambition across 600 hotels.
Gumball 3000 and Hard Rock International Extend Partnership
Gumball 3000 and Hard Rock International today announced a five-year extension to their partnership making Hard Rock the Official Entertainment Partner and Official Hotel Partner for Gumball 3000 through 2030. Hard Rock has played a pivotal role in amplifying the luxury and exotic vehicle experience for fans and participants. The partnership began with 2022’s ‘Toronto to Miami’ Rally, followed by 2023’s European Tour and most recently, 2024’s Gumball 3000 25th Anniversary Rally ‘Saigon to Singapore’.