Day Headlines in Travel News: 2025-11-18

  • Midad Real Estate, Kerzner to Bring Atlantis and One&Only to Jeddah Waterfront (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 18:13:25)
    Midad Real Estate Company has announced a landmark joint venture with Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned company, and Kerzner International, the global hospitality leader behind the iconic Atlantis and One&Only brands. The signing took place at TOURISE Global Summit, in attendance of the Ministry of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb and His Excellency, Mohammad Al Shaibani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kerzner International.
  • Zeus International Hotels & Resorts Group presents its new corporate identity (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 18:07:34)
    ZEUS Hotels & Resorts Group, celebrating a decade of success in the hospitality industry, is entering a new phase as it develops into a comprehensive hospitality brand with a global outlook. The Group’s strategic rebranding reflects its commitment to offering luxurious accommodation and authentic local experiences, in line with the needs of modern travellers, international hospitality standards and the latest sustainability practices.
  • Investing in Travel Services: What to Check Before Buying a Taxi Cab (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 16:43:59)
    Buying a taxi is one of the most important investments a driver or small operator can make. It is not just about finding a vehicle that looks good or fits the budget, but about ensuring it meets the right standards, keeps running costs low, and supports long-term reliability. Whether expanding a fleet or upgrading your first vehicle, getting these checks right can save time, money, and stress later on. Below, we cover what every buyer should look for, from local authority requirements to the details that keep your taxi on the road and earning.
  • BTN Interviews: Juan Antonio Amengual, Mayor of Calvià (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 16:08:15)
    Calvià is preparing for a major year of transformation in 2026, aligned with the Balearic Islands’ wider cultural, sustainability and tourism renaissance. With new hotel openings, major cultural events, improved air connectivity and the redevelopment of the Magaluf Promenade, the region is elevating its appeal for families, luxury travellers and sports enthusiasts alike. Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual emphasises a clear vision focused on higher-quality tourism, upgraded public spaces, environmental protection and year-round cultural and sporting activity. As Mallorca embraces innovation and sustainable growth, Calvià stands at the forefront—balancing modernisation with community wellbeing and positioning itself as one of Europe’s most dynamic coastal destinations.
  • Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 Fuels Robust H1 Tourism Growth (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 10:11:04)
    The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced robust tourism growth in the first half of 2025, a testament to the successful execution of its ambitious Tourism Strategy 2030.A key pillar of this overarching strategy is Abu Dhabi’s commitment to diversify offerings that profoundly reshape its visitor landscape. Through strategic initiatives and investments that aim to preserve its rich cultural heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision, the emirate is being established as a city renowned worldwide for its culture and creativity.
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa Co-Founder Honored with Ramon Magsasay Award (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 08:54:26)
    Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa proudly celebrates Maldivian conservationist and co-founder, Shaahina Ali, who has been honored with the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award, one of Asia’s most prestigious recognitions of leadership and social impact — for her pioneering work in marine conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism in the Maldives. She is thefirst Maldivian to receive this award, recognized for her unwavering commitment to protecting the marineecosystem of the Maldives with passion, vision, and inclusivity, ensuring her work will be carried on by another generation of Maldivians.
  • Etihad Guest Introduces Full Flexible Option Across Every Seat Onboard (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 07:03:59)
    Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, has significantly enhanced its exclusive member experience by allowing every seat to be purchased with miles, and with different layers of flexibility.  GuestSeat awards will now be branded as ‘Saver Award’ and provide a low starting price for redemption tickets. These updates are designed to provide members with greater flexibility, transparency, and value when booking flights with Etihad Guest Miles, aligning with Etihad’s commercial fares.Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said, “Etihad Guest is designed to reward loyalty, and these changes ensure our members enjoy even greater flexibility and transparency when redeeming their miles. Saver Award seats highlight the exclusive value our members deserve, with more ways to tailor their travel to their needs and flexibility across every seat.”
  • MANDARIN ORIENTAL RECOGNISED AT WORLD SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2025 IN DUBAI (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 06:56:22)
    Mandarin Oriental is proud to announce that it has been named the winner of World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative, World’s Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project, and World’s Leading Sustainable Policy Initiative at the 2nd annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Dubai.These accolades highlight Mandarin Oriental’s leadership in accelerating change and creating meaningful impact across ultra-luxury hospitality. The recognition highlights the Group’s pioneering approach to to reduce our environmental impact, safeguard cultural heritage and inspiring more mindful travel experiences.Launched at COP28, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards celebrate organisations that transcend traditional hospitality by integrating sustainability and environmental stewardship at the core of their operations.
  • British Visitors in Wartime Kyiv: Tourism as an Act of Solidarity (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 06:03:01)
    Even with the war still going on, a lot of Brits keep coming to Ukraine, but not for fun, but with a specific goal. Volunteers, documentary filmmakers, and entrepreneurs keep coming to Kyiv and other cities to support a country fighting for its independence. For them, their very presence has become a form of support — a silent message that says: we are here with you.British citizens are among the top 10 most popular foreign visitors to Ukraine in 2025, with 17,210 registered entries in the first half of the year — a slight increase compared to 2024. According to exclusive border crossing data analyzed by VisitKyiv.com, this trend indicates a growth in solidarity trips. After all, most of these visitors come not for leisure, but to support Ukraine and its people.
  • Blacklane expands chauffeur services to Tunis and Nairobi: First operations in North and East Africa (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:58:46)
    Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, has launched operations in Tunis and Nairobi, scaling its world-class premium mobility to two of Africa’s most dynamic cities.The expansion marks a key step in Blacklane’s continued international growth, connecting travelers in both North and East Africa with seamless, reliable mobility and first-class guest service.
  • David Angotti joins Casago as Chief Digital Officer to drive next phase of digital innovation (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:56:05)
    Casago, a premier vacation rental property management company known for its locally owned and operated franchise model, has obtained top-tier talent by welcoming David Angotti as Chief Digital Officer, a key leadership move that reinforces Casago’s commitment to digital innovation in the short-term rental industry.
  • Dar Global and The Trump Organisation unveil Tokenised World Firsts (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:54:41)
    Dar Global and The Trump Organization have announced two major global milestones that mark a new chapter for luxury hospitality and investment innovation. The partners have confirmed the launch of Trump International Hotel Maldives, the brand’s first entry into the Maldives, along with the world’s first tokenized hotel development project tied directly to a luxury resort under construction.Revealed in Dubai, the collaboration introduces the Trump brand to one of the world’s most coveted destinations and brings a breakthrough financial model to the hospitality sector. Unlike previous tokenization initiatives that focus on completed assets, this project tokenizes the development phase itself. Investors will be able to participate from inception in a high value hospitality project backed by a leading global developer.
  • Dar Global and The Trump Organization unveil tokenised world firsts (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:54:28)
    Dar Global and The Trump Organization have announced two major global milestones that mark a new chapter for luxury hospitality and investment innovation. The partners have confirmed the launch of Trump International Hotel Maldives, the brand’s first entry into the Maldives, along with the world’s first tokenized hotel development project tied directly to a luxury resort under construction.Revealed in Dubai, the collaboration introduces the Trump brand to one of the world’s most coveted destinations and brings a breakthrough financial model to the hospitality sector. Unlike previous tokenization initiatives that focus on completed assets, this project tokenizes the development phase itself. Investors will be able to participate from inception in a high value hospitality project backed by a leading global developer.
  • CHTA ANNOUNCES 2025 CHIEF AWARD WINNERS, CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN CARIBBEAN HOSPITALITY (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:52:38)
    The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) proudly unveiled the winners of the 2025 Caribbean Hotel Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) Awards at the opening of the annual event, taking place in Barbados from November 16–18. The signature program recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation and best practices across the regional hospitality sector.The CHIEF Awards highlight excellence across five competitive categories: Environmental Sustainability, People (Staff) Development and Support, Innovative Sales and Marketing, Social Responsibility and Tech Transformation. This year’s winners and finalists represented 12 destinations, reflecting the depth and diversity of Caribbean hospitality leadership. Their submissions showcased purpose-driven work and highlighted some of the most forward-thinking initiatives in the industry.
  • QANTAS’ NEXT-GENERATION A321XLR TAKES FLIGHT IN BRISBANE (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:14:58)
    Qantas’ next-generation Airbus A321XLR aircraft  started flying from Brisbane Airport yesterday, bringing the latest in aircraft technology to the Sunshine state. The A321XLR will operate return services between Brisbane and Sydney, marking the newest route for the state-of-the-art aircraft which Qantas launched for the first time in September.The national carrier is only the fourth airline in the world to operate the A321XLR and the first airline in Asia Pacific.  
  • flydubai inks deal with GE Aerospace for GEnx-1B engines and services (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:12:25)
    flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, and GE Aerospace yesterday announced a new order for 60 GEnx-1B engines to power flydubai’s first widebody fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9. The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025, also includes spare engines and a long-term services agreement to support the carrier’s launch of long-haul operations.
  • Ethiopian Airlines Commits to Order 11 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:10:09)
    Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announced today Africa’s largest carrier has committed to purchase 11 additional 737 MAX jets. The agreement for 11 737-8, signed at the Dubai Airshow, will enable Ethiopian Airlines to grow its regional and international networks and expand its Addis Ababa hub.“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew. “The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort.”
  • Air Senegal Commits to First Boeing 737 MAX Order (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:08:26)
    Boeing and Air Senegal announced today the West African carrier has committed to order nine 737 MAX airplanes. When final, the 737 MAX order will be the airline’s largest-ever fleet purchase – and first Boeing airplane order since 2004 – as it looks to expand service regionally and internationally.With the introduction of the 737-8 to its single-aisle fleet, Air Senegal will expand its network in Europe and launch new routes from Dakar to the Middle East and Americas. The 737 MAX will also enable Air Senegal to serve secondary European cities, allowing fliers to save time bypassing major hubs.
  • Lufthansa special livery arriving in Frankfurt this December (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:04:19)
    The Boeing 787-9 with the iconic Lufthansa special livery for the 100th anniversary in 2026 will be delivered to Lufthansa in December. The aircraft, which received its livery at Boeing in Charleston (South Carolina), was transferred to Everett (Washington) yesterday. The aircraft, named Berlin, is expected to arrive in Frankfurt shortly before Christmas.The special livery with the registration D-ABPU, which was designed to mark Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary in 2026, combines tradition and the future in an iconic design. The blue fuselage is adorned with a white crane whose wings merge into the wings, turning the aircraft into a flying ambassador for Lufthansa.The D-ABPU is expected to enter scheduled service in January.
  • Riyadh Air’s Sfeer Loyalty Program and Hilton Announce Strategic Partnership to Elevate Hospitality (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-18 05:03:21)
    Hilton and Riyadh Air have announced a strategic partnership naming Hilton the inaugural hotel partner for Sfeer, the recently launched lifestyle loyalty program powered by Riyadh Air. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, premium service, and customer-centric travel - uniting Hilton’s hospitality excellence with Riyadh Air’s vision to connect Saudi Arabia to more than 100 global destinations by 2030. Sfeer Founding Members – early registrants to the program - will be the first to enjoy the benefits of Sfeer partnerships as it continues to grow ahead of commercial flight sales.