Travel News Page 52
The Bench Launches ‘FHS Living’ in Paris — Its First European Investment Platform
The Bench today announced the launch of FHS Living, a new investor-led platform under the Future Hospitality Summit series. Taking place in Paris in February 2027, FHS Living is the only curated, pan-European investment marketplace dedicated to the Living asset classes — Branded Residences, Student Accommodation, Senior Living, Serviced Living, Co-Living, Club Concepts, Shared Ownership, Mixed-Use Developments and Hotels. The conference joins The Bench’s expanding portfolio of investment summits alongside FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia, FHS Africa and FHS Egypt.
IATA Launches “Save a Life, Not a Bag” Passenger Safety Campaign
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today announced the launch of “Save a Life, Not a Bag”, a passenger safety campaign urging travelers not to take cabin baggage during an aircraft evacuation. Supported by aviation safety regulators including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the campaign reinforces what passengers must do when instructed to evacuate for their safety and the safety of all on board: follow crew instructions, leave all baggage behind, and move quickly to the nearest usable exit.
IATA PaxInsight Survey Offering Strengthens in Trans-Atlantic Market with Inclusion of Virgin
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced a strengthening of its IATA PaxInsight passenger satisfaction benchmarking program with the addition of Virgin Atlantic’s trans-Atlantic routes to the survey. From booking and check-in to flight comfort and the arrival experience, PaxInsight measures satisfaction on more than 60 travel attributes across the passenger journey. Airlines participating in the program are able to benchmark their own customers’ satisfaction levels against industry averages and against their competitors on the same routes.
Brazil’s Opportunity to Be a SAF Powerhouse
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted Brazil’s opportunity to become a SAF powerhouse as its 82nd Annual General Meeting gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This would make Brazil a key player in air transport’s decarbonization, strengthen energy security, and grow Brazil’s economy.
Lufthansa Group and ANA to add ITA Airways to their Europe Japan Joint Venture
ITA Airways takes another step towards becoming part of the Lufthansa Group. The strategic Europe Japan Joint Venture of Lufthansa Group (LHG) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) will be expanded to include ITA Airways by the Lufthansa Group as of autumn of this year. A corresponding agreement was signed the previous day at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro. The Italian airline’s entry into the largest Joint Venture between Europe and Japan will enable deeper cooperation in many key areas. It will include the European network of ITA Airways, including Italy domestic and the Maghreb as well as its long-haul route between Rome Fiumicino and Tokyo-Haneda. This complements the existing scope of the Joint Venture in Italy with the current ANA connection from Tokyo-Haneda to Milan-Malpensa.
Emirates ready to invest in daily flights to Berlin and Stuttgart
Emirates today confirmed it stands ready to launch daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart, committing more than 100 million EUR each year in operational expenses, staff, airport charges, fuel and other expenditures, subject to the approval of the German Federal Ministry of Transport. Berlin sits as the political heart of Europe’s largest economy. A city of 3.9 million people, it is home to a thriving start-up ecosystem, well-established diplomatic community, and a cultural scene that draws millions of visitors each year. Yet its long-haul connectivity has not kept pace with the city’s strong global credentials. In fact, according to OAG schedule data, over 85% of Berlin Brandenburg Airport’s international connectivity is concentrated within Europe.
Sandals Resorts’ Future Goals Program Inspires the Next Generation of Fútbol Dreamers & Vacationers
As Curaçao prepares for a historic summer on the global soccer stage, Sandals Resorts is celebrating the island’s passion for the game both on and off the field. Through Future Goals, a sustainability-driven youth initiative led by the Sandals Foundation in partnership with Dutch football club AFC Ajax and local recycler Limpi Recycling, students across Curaçao are learning that the power of sport extends far beyond the final whistle. At the same time, guests visiting Sandals Royal Curaçao this summer are invited to experience the island’s soccer spirit firsthand through the resort’s new Vacation Goals: Curaçao Edition program, creating a unique connection between community impact and cultural celebration.
SONIFI showcases how hotels can set a new standard with their guest technology and managed services
Hospitality’s largest global guest technology managed services provider, SONIFI, is unveiling its latest innovations at the annual Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) next week. Located in booth #1230 at the event, SONIFI will be showing how they help hotels transform basic must-have amenities like Wi-Fi, TV and telephony into a higher standard for their guests and their property.
Long Beach, CA Celebrates America’s 250th with Three Simultaneous Firework Shows
Long Beach will celebrate Independence Day in unforgettable fashion with “Sea to Shining LBC: America’s 250,” a weeklong patriotic celebration blending pyrotechnics, athletics and entertainment, culminating in a spectacular Independence Day fireworks finale with three simultaneous shows stretching across the city’s 5.5-mile coastline.
Hard Rock International Kicks Off Summer of Soccer with “All Teams. One Place.” Campaign
Hard Rock International today unveiled its “All Teams. One Place.” campaign in celebration of this summer’s biggest global soccer tournament, powered by a partnership with record-breaking athlete and Hard Rock brand ambassador, Leo Messi. Spanning Hard Rock properties around the world, the campaign brings fans together through: a global sweepstakes that features a special Messi meet-and-greet grand prize and more than 300 additional prizes including Hard Rock Hotel stays and Unity loyalty program points*; exclusive Messi Legendary Suite experiences at Hard Rock Hotel New York and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood; a new Messi Legendary Burger crafted in collaboration with the legend himself; new globally inspired shareable menu items added for a limited time; World Cup countries apparel; and new additions to the Messi retail collection – all part of one legendary lineup.
Aero Launches Direct Los Angeles-East Hampton Flights for Summer 2026
Aero, the private jet airline, today announced new summer flights between Los Angeles and East Hampton on a single ticket, debuting June 22, 2026. The new route features a flight on a Gulfstream IV-SP from Van Nuys (VNY) into the closest airport to New York city, then a jetside transfer with BLADE for the short final leg to East Hampton (HTO). Flights run Fridays out and Sundays back through August 30, 2026. Seats are $7,570 (VNY–HTO), available at Aero.com.
Introducing New Yacht Residential Suites Aboard the Next Four Seasons Yacht
Building on the success of the March 2026 launch of Four Seasons I, Four Seasons Yachts continues to meaningfully expand with the introduction of Four Seasons II. The second vessel represents the evolution of the ultra-luxury yachting experience, while introducing a new calibre of accommodation through its Yacht Residential Suites.