In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, Miami International Airport hosted its latest MIA Airport Instruction and Readiness (MIAair) tour for 14 children with special needs and their families or guardians. The tour allowed participants to rehearse the air travel experience from start to finish, all the way to an airplane seat, in a safe and controlled environment. The tour also included 13 patients from the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis who have suffered spinal cord injuries and have a permanent disability.   MIAair participants in the cockpit with the GlobalX flight cre ..read more

A record-breaking storm this week brought much of UAE to a standstill. The country  saw record rainfall with 254 mm (10 inches) falling in less than 24 hours in Al Ain, a city on the UAE-Oman border, according to the national meteorology centre. That was the most since records began in 1949, before the UAE was formed in 1971. The rains were the heaviest experienced by the Gulf state in the 75 years that records have been kept. They brought much of the country to a standstill and caused significant damage. Check-in at Dubai International (DXB) has reopened for Emirates and flydubai flight ..read more

Air Serbia‘s eighth ATR 72-600 aircraft landed at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and after completing mandatory procedures, it is expected to join Air Serbia’s operations in the coming days. The new aircraft is nine years old and bears the registration mark YU-ASF. “Our eighth ATR 72-600 has just landed at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Its arrival represents a step forward in our continuous efforts to improve our regional fleet and network of destinations. With the introduction of this aircraft into service, we will contribute to even better connectivity between the countries in the Western B ..read more

Baton Rouge, the vibrant heart of Louisiana, is full of history, culture, and the mouth-watering flavors of the Deep South. Boasting a warm population of over 220,000 souls, this splendid city strikes a perfect balance between its rich historical heritage and modern-day attractions. If you’re on the fence about whether to visit, rest assured, Baton Rouge is absolutely worth making a spot on your travel list! From its delectable Cajun and Creole cuisine to its buzzing festival scene and fascinating historical sites, this southern jewel has an undeniable allure that captures the heart ..read more

Corporate Travel Management’s (CTM) award-winning online booking tool, Lightning, has unveiled a suite of new enhancements, including a door-to-door AI-powered itinerary builder, rich media content, and company-specific hotel reviews to support better travel programme adoption and improve the business travel experience. AI Trip builder: Door-to-door itineraries Lightning’s new door-to-door trip builder leverages AI to create an entire policy compliant trip, including flights, hotels, trains, car rental, airport parking and lounge passes using just the traveller’s preferred destination. CTM’s ..read more

NEW YORK – Following an assessment of its current business model, Holland America Group is no longer a USTOA Active Member effective April 4, 2024.  Accordingly, Holland America Group’s brands Princess Cruise Lines, Holland America Line and Seabourn Cruise Line, no longer participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. “Travel advisors should be aware that purchases of cruise line tours of Princess Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Seabourn Cruise Line products made prior to April 4, 2024, shall continue to be protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistanc ..read more

ORLANDO, FLA. – Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., premier vacation ownership and experiences company, announced a partnership with Great Wolf Lodge, the owner and operator of North America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts, to help expand family travel options for guests/members of both companies. The partnership will allow HGV members who are looking for a high-quality, quick drive-to, family getaway the ability to exchange club points for stays at 19 Great Wolf Lodge locations across the U.S., while also introducing interested guests of the indoor water park resort to the benefits of ..read more

Ink Innovation and Saudi-based LPort announced the launch of their joint venture, Ink Arabia, at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 in Frankfurt. Building on a partnership that began in 2018, the joint venture will deliver innovative travel solutions in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Joint venture vision and operations Harmen Brenninkmeijer, President and Chief Development Officer of Ink Innovation, highlighted, “This joint venture is a strategic step forward in transforming the travel technology landscape, addressing the unique needs of the Saudi market.” Mohammed Al-Moaither, CEO of LP ..read more

CHICAGO, IL – Hyatt Hotels Corporation and El Pardo Hospitality announced plans for The Legend Paracas Resort in Paracas, Peru to join the Destination by Hyatt brand, marking the introduction of the brand’s in South America. Expected to join the Destination by Hyatt brand in June 2024, the hotel is currently undergoing a phased enhancement project to elevate guestrooms, offer new culinary options, and redesign public areas. Enhancements will be done in a thoughtful manner over the next 24 months in an effort to avoid impacting the guest experience. “We are very excited to join Hyatt ..read more

Marriott International, Inc., underscored plans to grow its footprint in Turkey with the expected addition of more than 20 properties and nearly 3,000 rooms by the end of 2025. During a recent visit to the country, Marriott President and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Capuano, highlighted the company’s continued expansion in Turkey, which is expected to generate thousands of new jobs reflecting growth in the country’s travel and hospitality sector. Marriott’s long history of successful operations in Turkey for over 40 years gives the company a strong foothold in this market which continues ..read more