Day Headlines in Travel News: 2025-07-30

  • CHTA launches AI Guidebook 2.0 for Caribbean tourism businesses (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 16:59:24)
    The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has released Artificial Intelligence Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism: Version 2.0, an expanded and updated resource that helps Caribbean hospitality and tourism stakeholders use AI in a practical, people-first way, while preserving the warmth and cultural richness the region is known for.
  • BTN Interviews Crissy Dee, Sustainability Manager at Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 16:52:21)
    Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai has embedded sustainability across its operations, achieving a 93% Green Globe audit score while maintaining exceptional guest experiences. Through AI-powered tools like Winnow, the hotel has halved food waste and introduced a 50% plant-based menu, supported by its terrace garden that supplies fresh produce. A five-year energy plan, featuring a digitalized Energy Management System and HVAC recalibration, aims to reduce energy use by 30% by 2030, while EV charging stations, local sourcing from environmentally conscious suppliers (now at 7%), and the elimination of single-use plastics further strengthen its eco-credentials. Complemented by community initiatives such as Kilo of Kindness, Earth Hour, and the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the hotel demonstrates that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand, earning guest loyalty and industry recognition including a 4.5 TripAdvisor rating and Travelers’ Choice awards.
  • Etihad Airways and Azul Brazilian Airlines Launch Loyalty Partnership (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 16:00:29)
    Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Azul Brazilian Airlines have launched a frequent flyer partnership agreement. The agreement enables members of both Etihad Guest and the Azul Fidelidade programme to earn and redeem their respective loyalty currency on either carrier.Etihad Guest members can redeem their miles on flights, worldwide hotel stays and holidays, or shop from a variety of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Azul Fidelidade member miles can be spent on hotel stays, car rentals, products and services at Azul Fidelidade Shopping.
  • Radisson Collection Debuts in Hungary with a Boutique Gem at Budapest’s Iconic Basilica (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 07:15:57)
    Set in the vibrant heart of Hungary’s capital, just steps from the iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica, the newly opened Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest brings together historic grandeur and contemporary luxury. With this debut, the brand enters the Hungarian market and sets a bold tone for modern hospitality in Central Europe.
  • Dubai International Airport Soars to New Heights with Record-Breaking Success in 2025 (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 06:32:44)
    Dubai International Airport (DXB), already a global aviation powerhouse, has once again solidified its place at the top by breaking multiple records in passenger traffic, cargo handling, and international connectivity in the first half of 2025.
  • Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Japan With the Grand Opening of Fairmont Tokyo (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 06:26:34)
    A captivating urban oasis with breathtaking views of glittering Tokyo Tower and serene Tokyo Bay Opened on 1st July 2025.Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of the world-leading hospitality group Accor, is delighted to announce its debut in Japan with the opening of Fairmont Tokyo. The milestone was marked by a ribbon-tying ceremony held on July 1, 2025, celebrating a history-making moment as the brand enters the Japanese market for the very first time.
  • Marking Its First Anniversary, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 06:08:07)
    Rolling out the red carpet for its one-year anniversary, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka takes guests on a thrilling journey of discovery and rediscovery. With the Hotel providing a luxurious base in Osaka’s storied heart, each stay offers the chance to uncover something new in the city.Whether discovering Osaka for the first time or returning with fond memories, every guest is invited to explore the city’s rich layers of tradition and modernity. There is so much to experience in this vibrant destination — and with Four Seasons experts guiding the way, extraordinary moments and memories are a given.
  • Hyatt Announces Plans for Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 06:05:54)
    Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced plans for Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa, which will be a significant addition to Hyatt’s Classics Portfolio in one of India’s most vibrant leisure destinations. Slated to open in 2027, the property is currently under construction and will be managed by Nile Hospitality.Located in the heart of Anjuna, North Goa—a destination renowned for its eclectic mix of beach culture, nightlife, and heritage appeal—the hotel is strategically positioned to cater to both business and leisure travelers and small groups seeking immersive experiences.
  • IHG Hotels & Resorts strengthens presence in South of India (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 06:03:38)
    IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a franchise agreement with KGA International Trades Private Limited for the development of Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery, Kerela, India. Slated to open in the first quarter of 2027, the signing strengthens IHG’s commitment to expanding its presence across high-potential secondary markets in India through strategic partnerships with trusted partners.
  • MSC CRUISES UNVEILS NEW ENTERTAINMENT VENUES ON MSC WORLD ASIA (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 05:59:04)
    MSC Cruises is taking onboard entertainment to the next level on its up-coming new flagship, MSC World Asia. Setting sail in the Mediterranean in December 2026, guests will have no shortage of entertainment venues to choose from, as the cruise line reveals some of the exciting experiences on offer.
  • Austrian Airlines and Miles & More enter into new partnership with “Erste Bank und Sparkasse” (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 05:56:51)
    Austrian Airlines, Austria’s largest airline and part of the Lufthansa Group, and Miles & More, the Lufthansa Group’s loyalty programme, are launching a change to their credit card portfolio in Austria. “Erste Bank und Sparkasse”, one of the largest banking groups in Austria, won the tender. At the beginning of 2026, Austrian Miles & More credit cards will be issued in combination with George, the multi-award-winning internet banking platform. Mastercard will remain on board as the payment service provider.
  • Passenger Surge Expected at Shannon Airport with 10% Growth Forecast for August Bank Holiday Period (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 05:53:29)
    Shannon Airport is preparing for a bustling August Bank Holiday, with almost 60,000 passengers expected to travel through the airport over the period, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024.This continued growth reflects Shannon Airport’s strong performance in 2025, with over 1.04 million passengers recorded in the first half of the year – a 7% year-on-year increase.
  • TUI River Cruises reveals new venues onboard TUI Bahareya (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 05:47:46)
    TUI River Cruises unveils its new venues onboard the fully refurbished Arabic inspired décor ship, TUI Bahareya, which is due to set sail on its maiden voyage this November on the River Nile.The TUI Bahareya will be equipped with 74 cabins accommodating 146 guests per sailing and it has been designed with flexibility and choice in mind to cater for all customer’s needs. The ship’s new venues onboard bring together the cultural immersion from the destinations it sails through and modern Arabic inspired décor, with each venue having a flare of Egypt.
  • American Airlines expands Premium Economy service to New York-Los Angeles route (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 05:45:08)
    For travelers looking for extra comfort when traveling between New York and Los Angeles, American Airlines will begin offering Premium Economy service on the transcontinental route in October.“We are excited to provide customers the opportunity to experience our Premium Economy service on our premier domestic route,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “With the domestic debut of Premium Economy, customers will enjoy a more comfortable seat, enhanced amenities and elevated dining with hot entree choices when traveling coast-to-coast.”
  • Lufthansa, Fraport, and zeroG drive innovation at Frankfurt Airport (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 05:10:05)
    Lufthansa and Fraport AG have signed an agreement to further optimize aircraft handling at Frankfurt Airport. Together with Lufthansa subsidiary zeroG, the partners are introducing the innovative AI-based camera solution “seer”.The goal is to use real-time data to make the turnaround process– i.e., the procedures involved in aircraft handling – more transparent, punctual, and efficient.
  • TUI acquires 20 per cent stake in Bentour Reisen (Breaking Travel News 2025-07-30 05:01:49)
    The antitrust authorities have approved the acquisition of 20 per cent of Bentour Reisen AG by the TUI Group and the takeover of 20 per cent of TUI subsidiary Nazar Nordic by Bentour. The transaction is therefore now effective.David Schelp, CEO Markets & Airline TUI Group, comments: ‘The all-inclusive market is developing very well. It offers customers a great deal of security. Demand is encouraging, especially in holiday destinations such as Türkiye and Greece. As a subsidiary of TUI Nordic, Nazar is well positioned in the Nordic markets and has great potential for further growth. Bentour is an excellent company with whom we want to shape our growth. Customer focus and quality standards are values that both companies share.’