Travel News Page 618
Delta, LATAM, and Qatar Airways Shine in Global Spotlight with Aeromexico for Punctuality Excellence
As global tourism rebounded to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, airports and airlines grappled with soaring passenger volumes and on-time performance challenges. Cirium’s annual report spotlighted the year’s most punctual airlines and airports. Aeromexico, Mexico’s national carrier, claimed the top spot as the world’s most reliable airline, achieving an impressive 86.7% of its flights arriving within 15 minutes of schedule.
Hong Kong New High-Speed Train Service to Hangzhou West Redefines Travel
Starting from January 5, 2025, the introduction of high-speed train services between Hong Kong and Hangzhou promises to revolutionize travel for commuters and tourists alike. This exciting development, part of China Railways’ schedule adjustments for the first quarter of 2025, will allow travelers to journey between the two major cities in approximately seven hours. The new service will serve as a significant enhancement in regional connectivity, with direct high-speed routes offering convenient and efficient travel options for those looking to explore both metropolitan hubs.
Etihad Airways announced as official global airline partner of Badminton World Federation
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, serves up an exciting new partnership with the Badminton World Federation, commencing in the 2025 season. As the exclusive Official BWF Global Airline Partner from 2025, Etihad will be present at prestigious BWF World Tour events as well as the BWF World Tour Finals, BWF World Championships, BWF Sudirman Cup Finals and BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals.
Thailand Celebrates 50 Years of Thai-China Relations
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched a photo exhibition and cultural showcase at the Nihao! China: China Ice and Snow Tourism Overseas Promotion Season 2025 on 5 January 2025. These events form a highlight of the prestigious Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, held from 5-8 January 2025, and celebrate the longstanding friendship between Thailand and China.
Louisville, Kentucky Set to Shine Bright in 2025
Famous for its bourbon, horse racing, and Southern hospitality, Louisville is set to dazzle visitors in 2025 with an exciting lineup of events, openings, and a nod to its storied history. From iconic celebrations to new attractions, Bourbon City is ready to shine brighter than ever.
Nobu Hotel Caesars New Orleans now open
This week marked the highly anticipated opening of Nobu Hotel Caesars New Orleans, the third in partnership with Caesars Entertainment. The hotel brings the world-renowned Nobu experience to the vibrant cultural hub of New Orleans from the rapidly expanding luxury lifestyle brand.
Spirit Airlines to launch new nonstop route to this Caribbean island out of San Antonio
Spirit Airlines is launching a new nonstop route between San Antonio, Texas, and San Juan, Puerto Rico in March. The route, which will begin on March 5, 2025, will mark San Antonio International Airport’s first nonstop flight to San Juan. Service to Puerto Rico’s capital will run year-round up to four days a week, according to airport officials.
The Emirates A350 officially takes flight to its first destination, Edinburgh
Emirates marked a significant milestone as its first Airbus A350 entered commercial service, operating its inaugural flight from Dubai to Edinburgh. Emirates newest aircraft combines next-generation cabin design and exceptional passenger comfort paired with outstanding onboard service. The aircraft, featuring Emirates’ latest cabin products is the first of 65 A350s joining the airline’s fleet over the coming years.
Japan Airlines Retires Boeing 777, Operates Last Flight to London
Japan Airlines (JL) recently bid farewell to its iconic Boeing 777-300ER on the Tokyo Haneda (HND)-London (LHR) route, marking the end of an era for this aircraft’s international operations.
IndiGo Airlines eyes six B787-9s on wet-lease in 2025
IndiGo Airlines will reportedly wet-lease six B787-9s from Norse Atlantic Airways in 2025, while it is simultaneously in talks with Airbus about accelerating the deliveries of its first firm-ordered A350-900s to hasten its entry into the long-haul market.
Ghana opens up visa-free travel to all Africans
All African passport holders are now able to visit Ghana without needing a visa, outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has said. He announced the plan last month but in his final state-of-the-nation address on Friday he said that the policy had come into effect at the beginning of the year.
Thailand launches ‘Grand Tourism & Sports Year’ campaign
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has officially launched the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025” campaign, aiming to attract 40 million foreign visitors and generate 2.8 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year.