Travel News Page 558
Introducing Inclu: A Pioneering New Inclusive Luxury Hospitality and Travel Group
The UK’s most established accessible and inclusive hospitality experts have unveiled Inclu - a revolutionary new brand encompassing a plethora of products and services created to realise their vision of enabling travel for all, and encapsulated by the strapline “It means the world. To everyone.” More than a specialist accessible travel company, Inclu is set to galvanise the whole industry from top to bottom, engaging at scale with hotels, restaurants, travel providers, agents and service suppliers, and drive a sea change in the way customers book and experience travel.
Jordan to Host the Inaugural MENA Travel Market Forum – A Game-Changer for Regional Tourism
Jordan is set to make history with the launch of the first-ever MENA Travel Market Forum, taking place in May 2025. This landmark event, organized in collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board as a strategic partner, is already generating buzz, with key players in the regional and international tourism sectors eager to participate.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Unveils New Autumn/Winter Programme for 2026
The programme includes several standout sailings, such as Fred. Olsen’s three-ship Fleet Fiesta in Gran Canaria in December 2026, a Mystery Cruise, three festive Christmas and New Year sailings and the return of the line’s You Choose Your Cruise adventure. There will also be a 71-night Grand Voyage, encompassing a new Mediterranean fly-cruise programme, taking in Corsica, the Adriatic, Greece, the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast and more, while featuring new calls into the Italian ports of Messina, Siracusa and Savona, plus Lesvos and Samos in Greece.
Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week 2025 Unveils Star-Studded Lineup of Designers and Industry Icons
The highly anticipated Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week 2025 is set to take centre stage from April 14 to 16 at the prestigious The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, as the 10th edition of the global Modest Fashion Weeks. Organized by Think Fashion and Red Events, in partnership with Miral Destinations, a subsidiary of Miral and the trusted one-stop trade and promotional partner for Saadiyat Island, the event will bring together some of the most celebrated designers and influential figures shaping the global modest fashion movement. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi was voted Abu Dhabi’s Leading Hotel Suite 2024 at last year’s World Travel Awards.
AirAsia Malaysia Launches New Direct KL-Darwin Route
AirAsia Malaysia is launching a new direct route from Kuala Lumpur to Darwin starting 27 June 2025, with four weekly flights connecting these cities and facilitating travel between Malaysia and Australia. The new service, which will operate with refurbished Emirates Boeing 777s, offers passengers enhanced Business Class and Premium Economy experiences and will serve approximately 200,000 passengers annually through 19 weekly flights.
Korean Air Unveils Comprehensive Lounge Renovations and Premium Economy Launch in Strategic Service
Korean Air is enhancing its service offering by upgrading its airport lounges and introducing Premium Economy cabins, in line with its new corporate identity and the upcoming integration with Asiana Airlines. At Incheon International Airport Terminal 2, the airline will expand and renovate lounges by building new “Prestige Class Garden Lounges” in both the east and west wings and enlarging the existing Prestige Class and Miler Club Lounges, with phased openings starting in August 2025. Renovations in the west wing’s First Class and Prestige Class Lounges are expected to be completed by April 2026, resulting in six lounges with 2.5 times more space and doubled seating capacity.
Amber Earns Historic Three Michelin Stars
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has announced that its restaurant Amber has been awarded three Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2025, marking a historic milestone in its culinary journey. Led by Chef Richard Ekkebus, Amber has evolved from maintaining two Michelin stars for 16 consecutive years to achieving this coveted third star, which confirms its place among the world’s elite dining establishments. The restaurant has also received the Michelin Green Star for the fourth year in a row, highlighting its dedication to sustainable practices.
Six Senses Comporta Set to Redefine Sustainable Luxury with Pinheirinho Coastal Estate
Six Senses, as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has signed a hotel management agreement with VIC Properties to develop the new Pinheirinho coastal estate near Comporta, Portugal. This 400-hectare property, long held privately and largely preserved as a pinewood reserve, will now be transformed into a destination featuring a 70-key hotel and 58 branded residences.
dnata Secures Major Inflight Catering Deals with HNA Group Airlines for Key Australian Routes
dnata has won three long-term contracts to provide inflight catering services to Hainan Airlines, Tianjin Air, and Beijing Capital Airlines (formerly part of HNA Group) at Melbourne International Airport and Sydney International Airport. The contracts will see dnata produce approximately 380,000 meals per year for flights operating between Melbourne and China, which serve about 200,000 passengers annually across 19 weekly services.
PATA and Travel Unity Forge Alliance to Champion Diversity and Sustainability in Asia Pacific
PATA and Travel Unity have entered into a formal two-year partnership, as outlined in an MOU finalized in January 2025. This collaboration aims to foster a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region. The partnership will facilitate joint initiatives such as cross-promotion of events, reciprocal speaking engagements, and exclusive member benefits like discounts and early bird deals.
Anantara Golden Triangle Unveils The Mekong Explorer Tent
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort has unveiled The Mekong Explorer Tent, a unique, luxurious hillside retreat offering panoramic views of Northern Thailand’s scenic landscapes. Located near the Golden Triangle and set in a 160-acre bamboo forest, the two-bedroom tent provides guests with sweeping vistas of jungles, the Mekong River, and even rescued elephants. Designed with explorers in mind, the accommodation blends premium materials with local cultural accents, offering amenities such as handcrafted furniture, sustainable local teas, and regional delicacies.
Arabian Travel Market to spotlight luxury travel as global demand rises
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is set to highlight the thriving luxury tourism sector when it returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May. Bringing together top-tier hospitality brands, influential industry figures, and innovative travel destinations, the event will showcase the latest trends and insights that are shaping the high-end travel segment.