Travel News Page 701
Wyndham Debuts Accelerator Circle; Strengthens Community Connections for Diverse Hoteliers
Networking for Wyndham’s Black Owners and Lodging Developers (BOLD) and Women Own the Room franchisees just got easier with access to peer-to-peer connections and expert mentorship. Created on the foundation of building community for diverse hoteliers, the new Accelerator Circle gives BOLD and Women Own the Room franchisees exclusive access to Wyndham’s network of existing owners and industry experts through quarterly, small-group virtual meetups focused on fast-tracking hotel openings and maximizing performance.
The highly anticipated Park Hyatt London River Thames is now open for guests seeking elevated luxury
Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced the opening of Park Hyatt London River Thames, marking the debut of the Park Hyatt brand in the United Kingdom. Located in an exclusive riverside location in the fast-transforming South West London district of Nine Elms, the property boasts unparalleled views of London’s skyline, combining residential charm with sophistication in complete harmony.
Marriott International Announces Expansion of the City Express by Marriott Brand
Today, Marriott International, Inc. announced the expansion of the City Express by Marriott brand into the United States & Canada, marking the company’s entry into the affordable midscale transient segment in the region. Previously referred to as Project Mid-T by Marriott, this brand expansion is part of the company’s continued focus on strengthening its presence in the affordable midscale segment and offering regionally relevant lodging options for every trip purpose and every price point.
Cebu Pacific orders 70 A321neo
Cebu Pacific of the Philippines has placed a firm order with Airbus for 70 A321neo, finalising an MoU announced by the airline in July. The purchase agreement was signed in Manila by Mike Szucs, CEO of Cebu Pacific and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus.
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Stopover programme achieves exceptional growth
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) are celebrating the exceptional growth of their Abu Dhabi Stopover programme. The relaunch of the initiative has exceeded expectations, significantly boosting Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.
Turkish Airlines Introduces the World’s ‘Oldest Bread’ to Select Business Class Flights
Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, has introduced ‘The Oldest Bread’ to its in-flight service menu. The recently launched offering is made of Einkorn and Emmer Wheats which are considered the oldest types in Anatolia, the cradle of the most ancient civilizations. New to the airline’s in-flight service, but well-established in Turkish history, the menu item reflects how Turkish Airlines continues to find ways to share its culture with its guests through cuisine and connecting honored traditions with modern innovations.
Lufthansa Technik equips LATAM’s 777 aircraft with AeroSHARK
In December 2023, LATAM had its first Boeing 777-300ER fitted with the bionic surface film in São Paulo, becoming the first airline outside the Lufthansa Group and in the Americas region to adopt this innovative CO₂-saving solution. Since then, the Latin American airline has been testing the sharkskin technology in daily operations. Given the proven results, LATAM has now decided to install the innovative film on four additional aircraft. Five AeroSHARK-modified aircraft operated by the subsidiary LATAM Airlines Brazil will soon be cruising the skies.
FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Qatar Airways Holidays Offers Fans Unique Travel Packages for Matches
Qatar Airways, in partnership with Qatar Tourism, is set to roll back the years with the announcement of unique travel packages for fans to witness a special Legends El Clásico match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid on 28 November 2024 at Khalifa International Stadium, in an action-packed week which also stages The FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024.
Emirates makes its much-awaited touchdown to Lagos, Nigeria
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has resumed passenger services to Lagos, Nigeria, with a daily service. The official delegation onboard was led by Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia; David Broz, Senior Vice President of Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs and Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support. The official delegation from Nigeria onboard the flight included His Excellency, Festus Keyamo, Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria; His Excellency, Zayyan Ibrahim, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and Adewale Babtunde Awolesi, Head of Chancery, Consulate General of Nigeria.
Minor Hotels to Debut the NH Collection Brand in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Minor Hotels, in partnership with a private equity fund managed by Ares Management, announces the upcoming rebrand of Reethi Beach Resort as NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, set to re-open in Q4 2025 after an extensive renovation. The 129-key property is set on a lush island in Hanifaru Bay within the Baa Atoll. Just a 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Male, the resort offers easy access to the atoll’s unspoiled beauty, home to manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and an abundance of vibrant marine life.
Marriott International Secures Legal Victory Against Fraudulent Robocall Operators
In a significant legal victory, Marriott International, Inc. (Marriott) has successfully concluded a lawsuit in federal court in Virginia against perpetrators responsible for tens of millions of illegal and fraudulent robocalls to consumers, misusing the Marriott name and the names of its portfolio of brands. Marriott initially filed the case as a “John Doe” lawsuit in May 2021, against anonymous bad actors who were exploiting Marriott’s brands for their own commercial gain and violating both state and federal laws.
Hyatt Select Service Pipeline in the Americas Grows by More than 25% Over the Past Three Years
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced significant growth in its select service pipeline, with a ~25% increase in the Americas over the past three years. As of June 30, 2024, this segment represents over 50% of Hyatt’s total pipeline in the Americas. Complementing growth in lifestyle, luxury and all-inclusive, Hyatt’s select service portfolio remains a key driver for market expansion and generating awareness and enrollment in World of Hyatt, the industry’s fastest growing loyalty program. Through owner-driven innovation, Hyatt is advancing its select service brands, focusing on operational efficiency and profitability.