Travel News Page 501
PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS WELCOMES 19 NEW MEMBER PROPERTIES
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, is pleased to announce the addition of 19 new member properties to its global portfolio between January 1 and March 31, 2025. To celebrate, I Prefer Hotel Rewards members can earn 2,500 bonus points on eligible stays at any of these participating locations for a limited time. Ranging from a family-oriented coastal retreat on the shores of Taiwan to a Blueridge mountainside adventurer’s escape, each of these distinct properties will greet travelers with thoughtful personalized service and unique unforgettable experiences that define independent luxury hospitality. Highlights include:
British Airways Announces,‘The Original Sale’ for Flights and Holidays
British Airways and British Airways Holidays have today launched ‘The Original Sale’, offering holiday and flight savings for travel in 2025 and 2026 when booked before 20 May. The sale features savings on getaways to the recent top ten most-searched destinations, with New York, Dubai, and Barbados leading the charge. Whether customers are looking to explore the vibrancy of Las Vegas, soak in the Tenerife sunshine or enjoy a luxurious getaway to Mauritius, there’s an escape to suit everyone in the sale.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Launches Two New Global Bar Initiatives
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to create special memories with two new worldwide initiatives launching as a part of its newly expanded Global Bar Program. A celebration of hospitality, craftsmanship and storytelling, the bar program elevates the guest experience across Fairmont’s exceptional portfolio of bars and lounges, starting with the debut of a new series of seasonal activations. The series kicks off with the introduction of an ‘It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere’ happy hour at select Fairmont properties around the globe, followed by a record-breaking cross-continental celebration in May 2025 in partnership with PATRÓN Tequila for ‘World Paloma Day’.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN SETS SIGHT ON MOST THRILLING AUSTRALIAN SUMMER YET
Adventure is arriving ahead of schedule as Royal Caribbean reveals its most thrilling summer Down Under in 2026-2027. Joining Anthem of the Seas in Sydney, fan-favourite Quantum of the Seas will make its highly anticipated return to Brisbane in October, packed with more short getaways and weekend departures than ever before. Between October 2026 and April 2027, the two top-rated holiday experiences have in store a combination of 3- to 11-night getaways to an array of destinations across Australia, the sun-soaked South Pacific, and breathtaking New Zealand. The new lineup of holidays, along with a showstopping 25-night bucket list adventure from Los Angeles, are available to book now.
IHG Debuts luxury-lifestyle brand, Kimpton in UAE with 280-Room Kimpton Dubai
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s largest hotel groups, has signed a management agreement with API Hotels & Resorts to launch the first Kimpton hotel in the UAE. Set to open its doors in Q1 2026, Kimpton Dubai marks the brand’s debut in the emirate and continues the regional expansion for IHG, which now has more than 122 hotels and close to 44,000 rooms across nine Middle East countries.
Alaska Airlines welcomes Philippine Airlines, our newest global partner
Alaska Airlines is celebrating the addition of our newest global airline partner, Philippine Airlines, the flag carrier of the Philippines and the oldest operating commercial airline in Asia. With our new frequent flyer partnership, Alaska becomes Philippine Airlines’ first loyalty partner in North America, opening the door for our guests to book travel to exotic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Palawan and Boracay in the Philippines.
Backroads Launches New Active Adventures in Locations Across the Globe
Backroads, the global leader in active travel, today announced more than four dozen inspiring new trips for 2026, spanning America’s West Coast to the wilds of Australia. Each trip is unique, yet all share common elements: human-powered activities, time outdoors in nature and opportunities for genuine connection. Backroads believes engaging actively in the world is key to staying fit for a lifetime and living well.
Jumeirah expands Dubai portfolio with three developments
Jumeirah, a luxury hotel and residence brand, has unveiled plans for three developments in Dubai, including Jumeirah Asora Bay, a hotel and residential complex in La Mer South, and Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, a luxury residential project in the city’s business district. The properties are expected to open in the coming years with Jumeirah Asora Bay scheduled for completion in 2029
SeaWorld Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has introduced the new SeaSub attraction
SeaWorld Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has introduced the new SeaSub attraction, providing a submersible experience inside its vast, multi-species aquarium. The SeaSub experience allows guests to explore the region’s largest aquarium and learn more about marine life.
Biltmore Winery Celebrates 40 Years of Bottling the Spirit of the Estate
Biltmore Winery, located in the heart of Biltmore Estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains, proudly celebrates 40 years of winemaking. Established to reflect George Vanderbilt’s vision for Biltmore Estate and his love of collecting wine, the winery’s conception by his grandson William A.V. Cecil complemented the estate’s agricultural roots and tradition of hospitality. To commemorate the anniversary, the winery released the 40th Anniversary Release Sonoma County Red Blend, with the Biltmore Estate Château Reserve North Carolina Brut Red Sparkling 2022 debuting May 20th both on-site and online.
Award-Winning Brand, UNICO Hotel Collection, Launches New Adults-Only All-Inclusive Hotel
UNICO Hotel Collection, leading hospitality brand known for its hyper-local focus, extensive programming, and exceptional F&B announced the launch of UNICO 20°105° Hotel Vallarta, the second hotel in the collection, signaling the start of a robust expansion into new regions across the world. For over seven years, the UNICO brand has worked on providing guests unique experiences rooted in individuality, artisanal practices and a modern take on regional cultures to ensure travelers feel at-home in the world’s most striking locales– Now, UNICO 20°105° Hotel Vallarta will open its doors on September 1.
Adventures by Disney Announces Two New European Itineraries for 2026
Beginning in 2026, guests with an eye for majestic landscapes, a taste for ancient architecture and an affinity for Disney inspirations will have even more ways to experience real-world magic with Adventures by Disney on two, brand-new itineraries – Switzerland, and Greece: Mythology of Athens, Peloponnese & Rhodes – adding to a global portfolio of more than 40 guided-group adventures by land and river cruise.