Travel News
Greece’s emerging summer destinations lead the way in tourism growth
As Greece continues to be one of the world’s top travel destinations, there is a notable shift in travel demand as travellers are increasingly seeking off-the-beaten-path locations for their Greek holidays, according to the latest report, “Emerging Destinations in Greece 2024,” which highlights evolving travel preferences and the country’s ability to maintain competitive hotel rates despite growing international competition.
Finnair celebrates 70 years of flights between London and Helsinki
Finnair celebrated 70 years of flights between London and Helsinki yesterday, having operated its first-ever service between the two cities in 1954. The Nordic airline’s inaugural flight departed Helsinki on 1 September 1954, flying to Copenhagen and on to Dusseldorf, before finally arriving in London Airport - now known as Heathrow - over eight hours later; compared to just three hours today.
Turkish Airlines Celebrates 20 Million Miles&Smiles Members
Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, has announced a significant milestone for its Miles&Smiles loyalty programme, welcoming its 20 millionth member. This achievement marks 35 years of growth and innovation since the frequent flyer programme’s inception in 1989.
KLM takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft
Dutch national carrier KLM, member of the Air France-KLM Group, has taken delivery of its first A321neo as part of their fleet modernisation with latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft. With the aircraft KLM joins the community of successful A321neo operators. By selecting the A321neo, KLM brings on-board the latest technology to lower decibels and to reduce the noise footprint during take-off, approach and landing. Together with its advanced fuel efficiency, the A321neo will play a key role in KLM’s environmental ambition.
Lufthansa Airbus takes off in fall with special ‘helping hands’ livery
Exactly 25 years ago, Lufthansa Group employees in Frankfurt am Main founded the help alliance, Lufthansa Group’s aid organization. To mark this anniversary, Europe’s largest aviation company is sending a clear sign of support across the continent: an Airbus A321neo with the lettering ‘help alliance’ and many colorful “helping hands” will be flying in Lufthansa’s European route network from autumn.
Ethiopian Airlines to Add Dhaka, Bangladesh, to its Expanding Global Network
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, is pleased to announce the commencement of its new six weekly flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh, starting November 1, 2024. The new service will be operated with the state-of-the-art Boeing B787 Dreamliner, offering passengers a comfortable and seamless travel experience.
Emirates celebrates South Africa with spectacular, first-ever A380 flypast
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, takes to the skies to celebrate its longstanding and ongoing commitment to South Africa, with the country’s first ever A380 flypast. Running up the score, the remarkable low-level aerial showcase also marks Emirates’ first ever flypast in Africa and the first international airline to execute such a feat in South Africa.
SWISS improves punctuality while transporting more passengers
SWISS has reported mixed results from its flight operations for the 2024 summer holiday period. Various actions taken in advance of this year’s peak travel season helped raise the airline’s year-to-date punctuality to 64 per cent – an improvement on the same period in 2023 that was achieved despite its transporting some 8 per cent more passengers this summer between the beginning of July and the middle of August. At the same time, more SWISS travellers were affected by irregularities this year during the peak summer period. Most of these were attributable to exogenous factors such as thunderstorms, bottlenecks in Europe’s air traffic control system and associated knock-on delays.
Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa debuts in the lush mountains of Oman
IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts its first Hotel Indigo resort in the Middle East with the opening of Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa. Jabal Akhdar, meaning “Green Mountain” in Arabic, is a majestic range in Oman known for its stunning landscapes and cooler climate. Famed for terraced gardens, ancient villages, and dramatic canyons, the new Hotel Indigo resort is nestled 2,000 metres above sea level, featuring 173 beautifully designed rooms, suites, and chalets, each offering majestic views of the neighbouring mountains.
Discover Three Enchanting Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season in the Maldives with Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of luxury resorts in the Maldives warmly invites guests to experience Maldives Festive Splendor at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. From December 20, 2024, to January 9, 2025, each resort presents unique festive programming against the stunning backdrop of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs, creating an idyllic tropical paradise.
Let VIVA Cruises Take You to Europe’s Finest Christmas Markets This Winter
Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, cosy nativity scenes and twinkling streetlights – starting in November, Europe transforms into a festive wonderland. For those who want to fully embrace this magical time, a VIVA Cruises advent cruise offers the perfect opportunity to sail from one illuminated city to another. In November and December, VIVA Cruises offers a wide variety of pleasant journeys across several European rivers, with daily stops in the heart of a different city. As soon as guests disembark, they can stroll through festively decorated streets, explore some of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets and enjoy some typical mulled wine.
Namia River Retreat - Hoi An’s Cultural Wellness-Inclusive Resort Set to Welcome Guests December
Namia River Retreat the only 5-star, villa resort in the heart of Hoi An is set to welcome guests from 15 December 2024, just in time for the festive holiday season. Located on a tranquil islet overlooking the Thu Bon River, the resort is just a short bicycle ride from the UNESCO Heritage Town of Hoi An. Here, visitors can explore vibrant streets adorned with colourful facades and lanterns, relax in quaint cafes serving authentic Vietnamese coffee, and witness local artists beautifully capturing daily Vietnamese life on canvas.