Travel News Page 547
Dusit International expands its presence in India
Deeping its commitment to India, Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has announced plans to expand its presence in the country by launching its luxury and upper midscale brands in key emerging markets. With rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for premium stays, and enhanced connectivity reshaping India’s hospitality landscape, Dusit is focused on underserved yet high-potential markets nationwide.
Embrace Spring’s Renewal with Easter Traditions at Jumeirah Olhahali Island
Jumeirah Olhahali Island welcomes guests to celebrate spring’s spirit of renewal with Easter traditions. From shared culinary moments to creative workshops and tranquil wellness rituals, the resort’s Easter Island Escape programme invites families, couples, and small groups to connect with loved ones amid the serene beauty of the North Malé Atoll.
Airline’s First Station with Fully Electric Main Ground Support Equipment
To mark Earth Month, Air Canada announced today that its ground operations in Québec City will be the airline’s first station in Canada to achieve 100% electrification of its GSE fleet across all main categories by the end of 2025. This milestone will represent a complete transition from fossil fuel-powered equipment to electric alternatives for all baggage and ramp tractors, belt loaders, power stows, container loaders and aircraft tractors. This transition will eliminate Air Canada’s use of fossil fuel equipment in these key GSE categories at this station.
New Sky Garden With Spectacular Views of Mount Fuji Welcomes Visitors in Shizuoka
Guests at Shizuoka’s popular Izu Panorama Park can now enjoy a new experience, following the recent opening of its Sky Garden by Ao Terrace. The new space provides an impressive observation deck for the park, with views of Mount Fuji and spectacular ocean vistas of Suruga Bay below. The new area includes a “Grand Loop” circular deck offering magnificent views of the surrounding nature and a “Forest Walk” boardwalk for strolls in dappled sunlight beneath a picturesque tree canopy. Further down from the “Grand Loop”, a new designated photo spot is ideal for capturing the moment with a backdrop that gives the illusion of floating above the clouds.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL EXPANDS ITS PARISIAN PRESENCE WITH THE ICONIC HÔTEL LUTETIA ON THE LEFT BANK
Today marks a significant milestone as Mandarin Oriental officially assumes management of the legendary Hôtel Lutetia, unveiling its new identity as Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris. As the only Palace hotel on the Left Bank, this celebrated landmark now joins Mandarin Oriental, further enhancing the Group’s presence in the French capital with an exceptional hospitality experience on both sides of the Seine. The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental, and other members of the Group’s senior leadership team, as well as the Akirov family as owners of the hotel and Jean Pierre Trevisan, Managing Director of Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris.
Lufthansa deploys state-of-the-art A350 long-haul aircraft from Frankfurt
Lufthansa passengers can now fly from Frankfurt to a number of international destinations with the Airbus A350-900. Four of these state-of-the-art and efficient aircraft have been deployed from Frankfurt since the start of the summer flight schedule. Two more will be added in May and July. The aircraft have been in service on routes to Seoul and Shanghai since March 30. Denver will follow from May 1 and Seattle from July 1.
IHG Hotels & Resorts brings Vignette Collection’s one-of-a-kind stays to Japan
IHG Hotels & Resorts officially debuts its collection brand in Japan, with the rebrand of RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, the first hotel in Japan to be part of IHG’s Vignette Collection. Building upon its legacy as one of the city’s most well-known and historical hotels, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection offers a renewed guest experience for today’s thoughtful venturer, offering one-of-a-kind stays in a destination to remember.
Radisson Individuals brand debuts in Kazakhstan with the opening of Sadu Hotel Almaty
Radisson Hotel Group proudly expands its presence in Kazakhstan with the opening of Sadu Hotel Almaty, a member of Radisson Individuals, marking the debut of the Radisson Individuals brand in the country. This exciting addition strengthens the Group’s footprint in Central Asia, bringing a unique blend of personalized hospitality and contemporary comfort to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
Radisson Hotel Group is driving resurgence in European tourism with flagship hotels
Radisson Hotel Group followed up on a historical 2024 – its strongest ever year in signings and openings – with the successful (re)opening of Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin and a flying start to 2025. With a plan to add over 37,000 rooms to its portfolio through signings, expansion is continuing across key markets in Europe – where it is strengthening its presence to drive tourism – as well Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
IATA Ground Handling Conference 2025 to Focus on People
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on the need to modernize operations, invest in workforce development, and strengthen coordination and collaboration to improve performance.
SAS unveils largest-ever summer expansion
Scandinavian Airlines is set to enhance connectivity across Scandinavia and beyond with the launch of its summer 2025 traffic program, further establishing Copenhagen Airport as its global hub. The extensive expansion brings the total to 278 routes for the season, strengthening SAS’ role in connecting Northern Europe to the world and providing travelers with more efficient and convenient travel options.
The Nash Casino Partners with UrVenue to Power Its Sports Entertainment Complex Bookings
UrVenue, the leading commerce and booking technology provider for hospitality and gaming, has announced its strategic partnership with The Nash Casino, New Hampshire’s largest charitable gaming venue, to provide online event booking at the DraftKings Lounge, a two-story retail sportsbook and entertainment complex, Stadium Social Sports Bar & Grill and Topgolf Swing Suite golf simulator bays. Just in time for the biggest sports betting month of the year, The Nash is leveraging UrVenue’s innovative venue management system technology to offer seamless booking of its sports entertainment areas, featuring a 60-foot-wide and 22-foot-tall video wall, the largest single-wall-mounted video screen in New Hampshire.