Diversifying its market offering, Swiss-Belhotel International will launch two new brands worldwide and two stunning new hotels in the Middle East during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The new brands, with an innovative approach to hospitality, will join the group’s existing suite of 14 distinctive brands providing greater choice to owners and customers. Gavin Faull, chairman of Swiss-Belhotel … [Read more...]

Emirates will be showcasing its premium economy seats for the first time at Arabian Travel Market this week. The tourism exhibition will run from May 16-19, and will be the first in-person travel industry event to take place in the Middle East since the onset of the pandemic. The Emirates stand will offer travel industry visitors from over 60 countries a chance to experience the airline’s … [Read more...]

Emirates will be showcasing its premium economy seats for the first time at Arabian Travel Market this week. The tourism exhibition will run from May 16-19, and will be the first in-person travel industry event to take place in the Middle East since the onset of the pandemic. The Emirates stand will offer travel industry visitors from over 60 countries a chance to experience the airline’s … [Read more...]

Recent hospitality industry reports published by STR and Colliers International have revealed that hotels in the United Arab Emirates have put up a strong performance during the Covid-19 pandemic. To support the hotel industry still further during the vaccine rollout, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is this year organising a Hotel Summit on Tuesday May 18th. ATM itself will take place in-person at … [Read more...]

New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows the UK fell out of the top five biggest tourism markets in 2020. Figures suggest the hospitality sector suffering a punishing GDP fall of 63 per cent last year. The fall from fifth place in 2019 to eighth position in 2020 saw it sustain one of the biggest collapses of the ten largest tourism markets, due to continuing travel … [Read more...]

New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows the UK fell out of the top five biggest tourism markets in 2020. Figures suggest the hospitality sector suffering a punishing GDP fall of 63 per cent last year. The fall from fifth place in 2019 to eighth position in 2020 saw it sustain one of the biggest collapses of the ten largest tourism markets, due to continuing travel … [Read more...]

Wizz Air has confirmed it will open a new base in Rome, offering 32 new services to 19 countries. The carrier said this is the biggest number of routes ever announced in one go. The airline will base four Airbus A321neo aircraft at Rome Fiumicino airport in July. The new services, which include two UK routes from Rome to London Luton and Liverpool John Lennon, will complement the 25 routes already … [Read more...]

Wizz Air has confirmed it will open a new base in Rome, offering 32 new services to 19 countries. The carrier said this is the biggest number of routes ever announced in one go. The airline will base four Airbus A321neo aircraft at Rome Fiumicino airport in July. The new services, which include two UK routes from Rome to London Luton and Liverpool John Lennon, will complement the 25 routes already … [Read more...]

Batteries, shore power and biofuel are at the core of what Hurtigruten Group is calling a large-scale green upgrade of its costal expedition fleet. The line hopes the changes will see CO2 emissions reduced by least 25 per cent, and NOx emissions cut by 80 per cent. In what is described as one of the largest environmental upgrades in the history of European shipping, all seven Hurtigruten … [Read more...]

Mondrian has announced its expansion into Europe with Mondrian Shoreditch London. The lifestyle hotel, owned by the Reuben Brothers, will open its doors July following a major overhaul and complete redesign by award-winning London interior design studio Goddard Littlefair. This latest news comes on the heels of Accor’s acquisition of sbe’s hotel brands late last year and its planned joint venture … [Read more...]

Ryanair has launched a new customer advisory panel which will allow customers to provide feedback and recommendations that will help improve guest services. As part of its first meeting this autumn, applicants will be flown to Dublin to participate in a customer care event to help the airline improve its service. Panel applicants can look forward to future meetings at major European cities such … [Read more...]

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by real estate development firm Grupo Sordo Madaleno to operate Rosewood Mexico City. The new hotel is expected to open in 2024 in the flourishing Polanco district. Positioned in the heart of the vibrant capital, Rosewood Mexico City is conveniently located within walking distance of renowned luxury shopping district, Avenida Presidente Masaryk, as … [Read more...]

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announces its inaugural Rivers of the World cruise for 2023. The 46-night trip will depart on May 20th, 2023, and take travellers to nine countries aboard five luxury ships combining both cruise and land. “At Uniworld, we always have elevation at top of mind and strive to continuously take steps forward in fresh and exciting ways,” said Ellen Bettridge, chief … [Read more...]

British Airways is to launch a trial with medical tech company Canary Global to assess if its Pelican Covid-19 Ultra Rapid Covid-19 test can play a role in opening up travel. It is hoped the test can display a result within 25 seconds. The airline will be inviting flight and cabin crew to take the Pelican Covid-19 test and will compare the performance of the result against existing tests that … [Read more...]

Residents of the United Arab Emirates and visitors have been cordially invited to experience a magical Disney weekend at the Pointe, Nakheel’s iconic waterfront destination on Palm Jumeirah. From May 13-15, guests will enjoy dazzling fountain shows and incredible dining offers across the destination.  To mark the festivities, the Pointe is also debuting a new song in its show-stopping … [Read more...]

Residents of the United Arab Emirates and visitors have been cordially invited to experience a magical Disney weekend at the Pointe, Nakheel’s iconic waterfront destination on Palm Jumeirah. From May 13-15, guests will enjoy dazzling fountain shows and incredible dining offers across the destination.  To mark the festivities, the Pointe is also debuting a new song in its show-stopping … [Read more...]

New research from Amadeus has sought to examine how the hospitality industry has adapted to Covid-19, as well as the trends hoteliers think are likely to stay as the industry rebuilds. Amadeus’ Demand360 business intelligence data shows that hotel occupancy levels are now on an upward trajectory. Worldwide occupancy reached 46 per cent in April, up from the low point of just 13 per cent during … [Read more...]

MSC Cruises’ flagship, MSC Virtuosa, has arrived in Southampton, ready to welcome guests as cruising restarts in the UK. The newest ship in the fleet, she will embark on her maiden voyage around the British Isles on May 20th. Antonio Paradiso, UK managing director, MSC Cruises, said: “The arrival of our flagship MSC Virtuosa into Southampton today is an exciting moment, as we prepare to welcome … [Read more...]

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has warned package holiday companies to respect the refund rights of holidaymakers ahead of the summer period. The government body has published an open letter to the sector and has also sent it directly to the 100 package travel firms with the most complaints about them. The letter reminds the firms of their legal obligations and of the need to … [Read more...]

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has warned package holiday companies to respect the refund rights of holidaymakers ahead of the summer period. The government body has published an open letter to the sector and has also sent it directly to the 100 package travel firms with the most complaints about them. The letter reminds the firms of their legal obligations and of the need to … [Read more...]