Travel Industry News

Iberia launches Stopover Hola Madrid programme
Luis Gallego, executive chairman of Iberia, has joined with mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, to launch a new stopover programme entitled Hola Madrid

Jais Adventure Peak opens in Ras al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has unveiled the Jais Adventure Peak, a collection of adventure attractions perched atop the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais.

Armstrong appointed chief executive of Contiki
Adam Armstrong has been selected as the new global chief executive of Contiki. He will be based out of Geneva, Switzerland, with a start date to be announced shortly.

WTTC unveils first speakers ahead of Global Summit
WTTC is focused on the ways that the world is changing, and how this will initiate a change in how we travel, and how the tourism sector operates.

Aeroflot to launch Japan Airlines codeshare deal
Aeroflot and Japan Airlines have announced a codeshare agreement that will offer added flexibility to passengers travelling between Russia and Japan. The codeshare comes into effect from March 29th, with ticket sales launching at the beginning of March.

Baumgartner joins PA Consulting from Etihad
Peter Baumgartner, former chief executive of Etihad Airways, will join PA Consulting’s specialist aviation team. The unit includes the 2017 acquisition, Nyras.

Dubai Food Festival to return later this month
A citywide culinary extravaganza designed to cement Dubai’s position as the gastronomy capital of the region, the event will present an array of delicious offerings.

Mauritius to welcome prestigious polo tournament this summer
Mauritius is set to host a prestigious polo match later in the year following the signing of a new partnership. The news was announced at the annual Snow Polo World Cup, hosted each year in St. Moritz.

CMA questions Sabre acquisition of Farelogix
The government body launched an in-depth investigation into the US$360 million deal in September and has now suggested it could result in less innovation, higher fees and more limited choice of supplier for airlines.

TUI shifts ownership of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
TUI has agreed to sell its Hapag-Lloyd Cruises business to TUI Cruises, the joint venture the company operates with Royal Caribbean Cruises. The deal is valued at €1.2 billion.

Largest hotel in Benelux region opens in Amsterdam
The first nhow hotel in Amsterdam has opened its doors, with cultural influences from around the world on display throughout its 24 storeys. The newly-built, 650-room nhow Amsterdam RAI takes its place as the largest hotel in the Benelux market.

Spirit of Adventure to launch in Portsmouth this summer
Saga has chosen Portsmouth as the location for the official naming ceremony of their second new-build boutique cruise ship, Spirit of Adventure. The event will be held on Wednesday, August 19th.