The inaugural flight test in hybrid-electric mode for EcoPulse, the collaborative effort of Daher, Safran, and Airbus in support of aviation’s decarbonization initiative, has been successfully completed. The aircraft, equipped with ePropellers activated by a combination of battery and turbogenerator power, took off from Tarbes Airport on November 29 at 10:32 CET, conducting a 100-minute test flight. Throughout the flight, the crew engaged the electric propellers, ensuring the proper functionality of the flight control computer, high-voltage battery pack, distributed electric propulsion, and hybrid electric turbogenerator.

Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the foremost hospitality design firm globally, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Air India, marking an exciting partnership between two distinguished names in the travel and hospitality industry.

Cloudbeds and HotelREZ have recently joined forces completing the development of a direct two-way interface. The certified HotelREZ ‘REZswitch’ two-way API connection between Cloudbeds cloud-based hotel Property Management System (PMS) and CentralREZ, HotelREZ’s Central Reservation System (CRS) provides real time …

The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts, a prominent luxury hotel brand in India, have officially revealed the signing of a management agreement for a 140-room hotel in Ranka, Sikkim. This marks the brand’s entry into Northeast India. Owned by the SIBIN Group, the project, named Leela Sikkim, is situated approximately 10 kilometers from the capital city on a 17-acre plot overlooking Gangtok Hill. Scheduled to open its doors in December 2026, The Leela Sikkim is strategically positioned amidst the tranquil Himalayan backdrop, aiming to redefine the hospitality landscape of the region through its inspiring design, thoughtful programming, and the brand’s renowned signature services.

Dolomagic Mountain and Ski Guides Dolomites, a premier provider of guided ski tours in the Dolomites region, is excited to announce the commencement of the 2023/24 skiing season in the Dolomites. The season brings with it enticing new offerings for ski trips in this awe-inspiring locale.

Latvian national airline, airBaltic, has unveiled its winter season 2023, featuring four new destinations from Tampere, Finland. The expanded winter schedule introduces routes to Tenerife and Gran Canaria in Spain, Tallinn in Estonia, and a first-time domestic route from Tampere to Kittilä in Finland.

Approaching the Christmas and New Year’s season of 2023 to 2024, St. Barths is once again gearing up to be a premier destination for extravagant festivities. Renowned for its French culinary flair, upscale amenities, and opulent ambiance, the island continues to attract affluent individuals and celebrities from around the world. The vibrant New Year’s celebrations on the island stand out as the pinnacle of this festive period.

By December 31, 2023, Thai Smile (WE, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) is set to cease operations, marking the conclusion of ‘WE’ coded flights and the Thai Smile brand after an eleven-year run. Thai Airways International (TG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi), the parent company, will take over the remaining routes starting January 1, gradually assuming assets and aircraft transfer throughout the month, with the entire process anticipated to conclude by January 31.

In 2024, the renowned Tomorrowland parties are set to adopt a more sustainable approach. Brussels Airlines and Tomorrowland have forged a partnership committing to the use of 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for all designated flights, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 80%. Green Fares, an eco-friendly plane ticket, will become a standard inclusion in the Global Journey package for international festivalgoers. Brussels Airlines envisions expanding such partnerships to significantly diminish its carbon footprint.

After a prolonged equity redistribution saga at Athens International Airport, the European Commission has granted approval for German company AviAlliance to take sole control with a slightly over 50% stake.

Tourism Climate Action Initiatives

Introduced at COP25 in Glasgow (2021), the Glasgow Declaration marked a pivotal moment in climate commitment, with endorsers pledging to achieve Net-Zero by 2050 at the latest. Beyond this overarching goal, the signatories vowed to formulate and implement dedicated Climate Action plans aligned with the Declaration’s Five Pathways: Measure, Decarbonize, Regenerate, Collaborate, and Finance. This commitment extended globally, with notable progress highlighted in Dubai.

Munich Airport faced renewed closure due to freezing rain, causing extensive flight disruptions and travel chaos. Unsafe conditions led to the suspension of at least 150 departing flights and 160 landings on Tuesday morning, impacting hundreds of passengers.

Experience the epitome of romantic retreat at Kandima Maldives, where the breathtaking beauty of paradise landscapes seamlessly merges with unparalleled hospitality. From February 12th to 14th, love takes center stage at Kandima with the “Karnival of Love,” a specially curated program inviting couples and families to revel in the abundance of tropical treasures the island has to offer.

Join us in celebrating the holiday season with unparalleled splendor at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences. We extend a warm invitation for you to immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas. Opulent Christmas Eve Feast at Spectra: Winter …

The Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, revealed in the Rajya Sabha that 420 million Indians are anticipated to travel by plane by 2030.

Meili, the trailblazing travel technology platform, is thrilled to announce a strategic alliance with Travelstart, the foremost Online Travel Agency in Africa. This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in reshaping car rental distribution for online travel agencies, showcasing Travelstart’s enthusiastic …

Artyzen Singapore unveiled its touch of bespoke elegance in the leafy West Orchard neighbourhood Sunday night, with a charming private celebration to mark the hotel’s Grand Opening after its first two weeks of operation.

Universal Tourism Exhibition (UTE) 2023, organized by Beijing Golden Sunshine Conference and Exhibition Company, is set to be a groundbreaking B2B travel platform. As an itinerant exhibition spanning major cities in China, UTE facilitates connections between Chinese outbound travel agencies and global tourism entities, offering a unique opportunity for collaboration. The exhibition is said to have 1486 Visitors this time.

Kyoto is bracing for another influx of tourists. Kyoto has terminated its popular one-day bus pass to discourage tourists from using the city’s busses.

airBaltic, the Latvian national airline, has unveiled its winter season 2023 plans, featuring the introduction of four new destinations from Tampere. The upcoming winter schedule will see airBaltic offering fresh routes to Tenerife (Spain), Gran Canaria (Spain), Tallinn (Estonia), and, …

Embracing the enchantment of winter, Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis is set to elevate its five-month celebration with an array of outdoor adventures, enhancing the guest experience and bringing people together. The Star of the North aims to showcase the beauty of Minnesota through a mix of winter activities, dining, and unique collaborations. The event is said to have 5066 attendees.

The annual ‘Tree Lighting Ceremony’ at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram took place on December 1, 2023, featuring a distinctive Wooden Christmas Tree crafted from repurposed washed-up wood and fallen branches. Shabin Sarvotham, Senior General Manager of Radisson Blu …

In a celebration of culinary heritage, the 17th Fair of Ethnic Food and Drinks is set to captivate taste buds from November 30 to December 3, 2023, at Hall 2 of the Belgrade Fair. This regional gastronomic extravaganza brings forth a rich display of traditional recipes, meticulously prepared ethnic specialties, and handmade delights crafted from organic raw materials.

Nestled in the central Romanian mountains, Kempinski Hotels introduces its newest addition to the European landscape—a modern ski resort poised to redefine the allure of Poiana Brasov for intrepid travelers. Boasting 120 guestrooms, the Kempinski Poiana Brasov mountain resort is …

Today, Travelport, a global technology firm facilitating travel bookings for numerous travel suppliers globally, has officially launched the NDC content and servicing capabilities of Lufthansa Group airlines on the Travelport+ platform. This includes Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, and …

Thailand’s flag carrier, Thai Airways, has commenced flights between Bangkok and Istanbul, making it the 99th airline hosted by Istanbul Airport.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Booking.com and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have introduced a series of free online courses aimed at fostering sustainability within the global hospitality sector. The initiative, titled “Sustainable Stays,” features four courses covering essential aspects of sustainable practices: local community engagement, energy usage & greenhouse gases, food & waste management, and water management.

Empyrean’s Skyview, a sprawling 22-acre mountain harbor harmonizing premium hospitality, adventure, nature, and luxury in Sanget-Patnitop, Jammu, has introduced a new class of accommodations named ‘Gondola View Luxury Rooms.’

Pemako, a newly established luxury hospitality brand hailing from Bhutan, extends a warm invitation to discerning guests from India for an enriching expedition to the mystical realm of the Thunder Dragon. The grand opening of their flagship establishment, Pemako Punakha, marks the commencement of a captivating showcase of Bhutan’s vibrant culture. This opulent retreat intertwines uniquely designed spaces, delectable cuisines, warm hospitality, and insightful experiences to create a rejuvenating haven for luxury vacations. Additionally, the recently rebranded Pemako Thimphu, situated in the city center, adds a remarkable touch to their portfolio, promising a distinctive circuit for a serene mountain escapade.

Advent in Zagreb 2023 officially kicked off on the 2nd of this month and the snow’s arrival was in perfect time.The festive atmosphere is beautiful.

The pressing need for a consistent legal framework to assist tourists was underscored by the pandemic. In response to this unprecedented crisis in tourism, the UNWTO swiftly developed a groundbreaking International Code for Tourists. This landmark legal instrument, approved at the 24th UNWTO General Assembly in 2021, was created in record time after consultations with over 100 countries, both Member States and non-Members, and representatives from the private sector. Recognized as a crucial tool for restoring confidence in travel, the Code has gained acceptance from 22 countries to date.

In a recent report titled “Adventure Tourism Market” by Allied Market Research, the adventure tourism market achieved a valuation of $324.90 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $1947.5 billion by 2032, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.5% from 2023 to 2032.

The 2023 Christmas charity initiative by Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire has been unveiled in collaboration with the carer support charity, Carefree. The campaign aims to express gratitude and generosity towards unpaid carers, often overlooked for their selfless contributions. As a …

Vaatalya treats cosmic enthusiasts and stargazers to witness a celestial masterpiece set against the breathtaking Himalayan backdrop above 6,500 sq.ft. above sea level. This December, the annual Geminids Meteor Shower graces the 360-degree Himalayan sky, offering a mesmerizing cosmic spectacle. Moreover, celestial beauty at Vaatalya extends beyond a single event. New moon nights illuminate the Milky Way, and full moon rises are nothing short of amazing.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) unveils their first-ever MICE tourism road map, outlining a visionary three-year plan for 2024-2026 on 15 November.

Bandista, the renowned speakeasy bar and lounge located at Four Seasons Hotel Houston, unveils its inaugural significant menu revision since establishing its clandestine presence “behind the bookcase” in February 2022. The updated menu showcases eight novel and imaginative cocktails meticulously …

To embark on a journey of teaching English worldwide, the initial step is to enroll in a recognized TEFL course, such as the EBC Trinity CertTESOL course. Concurrently, it’s crucial to devise a tailored plan that aligns with one’s objectives, schedule, and financial constraints. For optimal timing, aspiring educators should contemplate commencing their TEFL course at the outset of the new year.

As the Five-Month Winter Celebration continues at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, the establishment is unveiling a series of outdoor adventures to enhance the Nordic Village dining and shopping experience, the guided sauna journey at The Spa, and the unique fusion …

For the fourth consecutive year, Star Alliance proudly announces its victory as the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the esteemed World Travel Awards. The announcement took place at a Gala ceremony held at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab on December 1, 2023.

Bar Antoine at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane introduces the Friends of Bar Antoine Guest Bartender Series, an ongoing initiative providing patrons with an exclusive passport to elite mixology experiences. The series brings together a stellar lineup of …

The General Manager and Regional Vice President of Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, Alejandro Bernabé, has been appointed to the position after serving over five years as the General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. This marks his second stint with …

The honeymoon is a magical, golden time in a marriage when a couple celebrate their new love by sharing exciting, exotic experiences to bond over that they will fondly reminisce years later. The honeymoon destination, therefore, has “tobe” chosen with a lot of care! 

A new Ryanair Dubrovnik base with plenty of connections is coming soon. It is about to introduce sixteen new routes from the southern pearl of the Adriatic.

Madhya Pradesh, also known as the ‘Tiger State of India’, attracts hordes of domestic and international tourists throughout the year. Home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Sanchi, Khajuraho and Bhimbetka, hotels in the state are constantly looking at …

A Nagaland government statement issued on December 3 said Nagaland and Germany celebrated a milestone with a productive roundtable meeting held in Kohima.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) presented key highlights from the Bermuda Tourism Summit 2023, which took place on November 28th at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club. With a turnout of over 200 participants, the summit brought together leaders from the tourism industry, government officials, businesses, and community members, all united in their dedication to fortifying Bermuda’s tourism ecosystem.

MITEC received the accolade of being the World’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre 2023 at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final.

From December 1, 2023, to January 6, 2024, Rocco Forte Hotels’ Palermo destination, Villa Igiea, founded by the Florio family, is set to enchant guests with a sensorial experience capturing the essence of the Belle Époque. Collaborating with Perrier-Jouët, the celebration combines contemporary perspectives with the savoir-vivre of the Belle Époque, centered around the Art Nouveau theme.

Rocco Forte Hotels has made a significant announcement regarding the acquisition of a substantial minority stake by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). In a definitive agreement, the PIF is set to acquire this minority interest, marking a strategic move that aligns with the hotel group’s growth ambitions.

Being a college football player involves supporting one’s teammates, and Eastern Michigan offensive lineman Brian Dooley exemplified this ethos by taking an extraordinary step—donating his scholarship to a fellow teammate. This remarkably selfless act not only garnered widespread attention but …