Travel News Page 525
Princess Cruises Celebrates the Opening of the 2025 Alaska Cruise Season
Delightfully carrying more guests to Alaska than any other cruise line, Princess Cruises begins its 2025 season in less than a month with seven amenity-filled ships, five pristine wilderness lodges and an expanded catalog of renowned cruisetours, visiting five awe-inspiring national parks – featuring the most visits to Glacier Bay National Park.
ACCOR EXPANDS ITS NETWORK IN THE AMERICAS WITH THE ADDITION OF 17 HOTELS
Accor has announced it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Royal Holiday Group to acquire 17 management agreements (3,200 keys). The portfolio includes six existing All-inclusive Resorts in Mexico (1,660 keys) to be managed by Ennismore, as well as eleven existing resorts and city hotels in Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the USA (1,540 keys) to be managed by Accor PM&E Americas. The total consideration of $79M will be paid in phases, and all of it will go towards partially funding the $130M renovation plan of the properties within the next 30 months.
Radisson Hotel Group opens Radisson Resort Mui Ne, a private beachfront paradise
Radisson Hotel Group is pleased to announce the opening of Radisson Resort Mui Ne, a secluded beachfront retreat along the unspoiled shores of Suoi Nuoc Beach in Binh Thuan, Vietnam. Here, clear turquoise waters meet golden sands to create a sanctuary where comfort, sustainability, and natural beauty blend seamlessly for an unforgettable coastal escape.
First Hyatt Studios Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening in Mobile, Alabama
Hyatt Hotels Corporation celebrated the grand opening of its first-ever Hyatt Studios hotel, Hyatt Studios Mobile / Tillmans Corner in Mobile, Ala. Following its soft opening in February, the hotel marked the occasion by welcoming local officials, Hyatt leaders, hotel owners and operators, customers, and community members. Guests experienced firsthand the brand’s fresh take on extended stay, designed to deliver the perfect balance of comfort and modern convenience.
First Canopy by Hilton Set to Open in Italy Later this Year
Hilton has announced the signings of two properties in Italy following franchise agreements with Forimi Italia Spa, which is part of Gruppo Roscioli. Canopy by Hilton Milan Duomo marks the Italian debut of Hilton’s Canopy by Hilton lifestyle brand, opening later this year with 96 guest rooms. Hilton Garden Inn Rome Colosseum continues the expansion of Hilton’s most prevalent brand in Italy with 181 rooms and it is expected to open in time for the 2026 summer season.
Azamara Cruises Unveils Immersive Cruisetours for an Unforgettable 2026 Alaska Season
Azamara Cruises, the small-ship line known for its signature Destination Immersion® experiences and Extended Destination Days, is making a bold return to Alaska’s wilderness in summer 2026 with the debut of immersive new Cruisetour packages. These pre- and post-cruise land journeys invite guests to venture beyond the coastline, seamlessly pairing Azamara’s 10 Alaska voyages aboard the intimate Azamara Pursuit® with enriching overland explorations. Perfect for travelers seeking deeper discovery, the Cruisetours feature scenic rail expeditions, authentic cultural experiences, and close encounters with the region’s striking landscapes and wildlife.
Hilton Continues to Expand Luxury Portfolio with the Signing of Waldorf Astoria Turks and Caicos
Hilton announces the signing of a branding and management agreement for Waldorf Astoria Turks and Caicos Dellis Cay, set to redefine Caribbean luxury when it is expected to debut in 2028. As Waldorf Astoria’s first resort and branded residences in Turks and Caicos, this exclusive sanctuary will offer unparalleled sophistication, blending the seclusion of a private island with the brand’s legendary service.
Cloudbeds unveils Cloudbeds Labs to lead AI revolution in hospitality
Cloudbeds, the innovative leader in hospitality management technology, today announced the launch of Cloudbeds Labs, a dedicated innovation hub, created to accelerate the industry’s transition to AI-driven operations. The new division debuts with two breakthrough solutions powered by Cloudbeds Intelligence – Signals and Engage – that mark the company’s bold step toward building the hospitality sector’s unified AI layer.
Crowne Plaza launches new ‘Bring Your Bestie’ promotion
Crowne Plaza by IHG, one of the world’s largest premium hotel brands and a leader in the blended travel space, today unveiled a new Bring Your Bestie package in response to evolving travel and workplace behaviors, available at select hotels across the U.S.
Sail Croatia Grows Yacht Fleet for Summer 2025
Sail Croatia has expanded its sailing fleet for summer 2025 with three new vessels, taking the total fleet size to twenty. Joining the fleet this season is Jolene, a brand-new Lagoon 55 and the company’s most luxurious and high-spec catamaran. With the new addition, Sail Croatia’s impressive fleet now features 10 catamarans from the world-renowned Lagoon brand, prized for their comfort at sea and stylish design. She can accommodate twelve guests in six spacious ensuite cabins, making her ideal for larger families or groups of friends.
Wynn Opens “Gourmet Pavilion” - A New Asian Culinary Landmark at the End of April
Wynn’s exciting new Asian culinary landmark – Gourmet Pavilion – is set to open on April 29, 2025, presenting an exciting selection of colorful and diverse flavors from all across Asia. One need not travel thousands of miles to enjoy the very best of Asian cuisine, as Wynn invites guests to explore all the tantalizing flavors of Asia right here in Macao. Discover Michelin-starred Chaoshan fish congee, the best laksa from Singapore’s celebrity-favorite noodle shop, perfectly prepared unagi from a revered century-old Japanese restaurant, and the most sought-after beef noodles from the almost impossible-to-book restaurant in Taiwan. At Gourmet Pavilion, each new discovery is bursting with surprises that are hard to find anywhere else in the world and is exclusive to Wynn.
Passenger counts continued to grow at Ontario International Airport in March
The number of passengers who chose Ontario International Airport (ONT) rose for the 49th straight month in March as the airport welcomed nearly 560,000 travelers. The Southern California gateway’s passenger count totaled 559,619 last month, up 0.5% from March 2024. During the first three months of 2025, ONT welcomed almost 1.5 million air travelers, 0.6% higher than the same period in 2024.