Trafalgar will expand into river cruising in spring 2026, launching two itineraries along the Rhine and Danube. This marks the company’s entry into the river cruise market, with both journeys available for booking from today through travel partners, ahead of public sales.
The first two itineraries include an eight-day Danube cruise aboard the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie, and a 10-day Rhine itinerary aboard the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity. Both routes will feature guided excursions, guest-hosted dining experiences, and onboard programmes focused on culture, sustainability, and wellness.
Trafalgar will debut two European river cruises in April 2026; Trafalgar Verity sails down the Rhine from Basel Amsterdam, pictured
The Best of the Danube itinerary runs from Budapest to Passau, and includes guided visits in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, as well as a hosted meal at Weingut Nikolaihof, one of Austria’s oldest wineries. The itinerary also includes a visit in Bratislava focused on post-war history. Optional extensions in Prague and Budapest are available. Prices start at US$2,799 per person, based on double occupancy.
The Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam itinerary travels from Basel to Amsterdam, with scheduled stops including Cologne, the Rhine Gorge and Strasbourg. Guests will join the Bohrer family for a hosted meal on their farm and visit Weinessiggut Doktorenhof for a vinegar production experience. An optional extension in Lucerne is also offered.
Rates start at US$3,399 per person, based on double occupancy.
Both vessels will offer seven cabin categories, onboard activities and facilities, and are scheduled to begin sailing from April 11, 2026.
Air New Zealand is welcoming more Asian passengers onboard, with strongest growth seen in Singapore and Indonesia. The upward trend reflects destination New Zealand’s growing visitor arrivals from Asia, noted Imogen Thornton, Air New Zealand’s head of South and South East Asia.
The airline recorded an increase of more than 40 per cent in Singapore-originating traffic on its Singapore-Auckland flights in 2024 over 2023. Passenger numbers out of all South and South-east Asian markets travelling on the Singapore-Auckland service was up three per cent for the same period.
Air New Zealand’s Imogen Thornton (seated) shows off the airline’s new Business Premier Luxe seat and the airline’s new cabin crew uniform that adorns a colleague; photo by Karen Yue
Passenger numbers out of Indonesia spiked over 250 per cent following Air New Zealand’s increased flight frequency out of Bali Denpasar’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Once a seasonal service, the Auckland-Denpasar flight was turned into a year-round service last year.
Thornton said the airline is particularly hopeful about using the Auckland-Denpasar service to get more travellers from across South-east Asia.
“It is also a popular transit point with Singaporeans who choose to have a few days in Bali on their way down to New Zealand,” she told TTG Asia.
As Indian arrivals to New Zealand stabilise after the post-pandemic VFR surge, showing a slight two per cent decline in 2024 over 2023, Air New Zealand is “working hard” with trade partners to keep leisure travel interest high.
“We’ve seen lots of excitement at TRENZ 2025 from Indian buyers, which makes us optimistic about what lies ahead,” she added.
Trade partnerships play a big part in the airline’s business outreach in Asia, although not all involve an MoU signing. Thornton shared that efforts largely involve marketing to raise destination awareness and convey itinerary ideas as well as providing fare deals to travel agency partners to help elevate demand.
Asian passengers benefit from Air New Zealand’s extensive domestic network. It flies to 20 different places around the country, with good connections out of Auckland Airport.
“We know that for many travellers out of Asia, their trip to New Zealand is likely a bucket list holiday. They want to cover both the North and South Island. So, we do see a high uptake of our services from Auckland Airport down to Queenstown or Christchurch. Travellers will then explore onwards,” she said.
Looking ahead, Thornton said Asian travellers could expect a refreshed flight experience once the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner project progresses into the region.
The first retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is scheduled to depart from Auckland to Australia’s Brisbane on May 19. Additional retrofitted aircraft will be introduced on San Francisco (the US), Vancouver (Canada), and Asian routes – with timelines for these yet to be established.
It features new products across Business Premier, Business Premier Luxe, Premium Economy, and Economy seat classes. Materials, colours, and textures are selected to create a cabin environment that is warm, welcoming and distinctly New Zealand, from soft, breathable fabrics that help regulate temperature to carefully designed lighting that minimises disruption.
It is worth noting that the updated Business Premier seats are given a new angle and layout, as well as a sliding privacy screen. Additionally, travellers have the option of taking the all-new Business Premier Luxe product, which are located in the front four seats of the Business Premier cabin. These come with spacious seating area with an ottoman doubling as a guest seat, room for two to dine with an extra-large tray table, a larger bed with unrestricted space at the end, and a full closing door.
The inflight entertainment system is also enhanced with larger 4K HD inflight entertainment screens throughout the aircraft and Bluetooth audio connectivity, among other fresh features.
Booking.com has released the 10th edition of its annual research into consumer attitudes and intentions regarding the social and ecological impact of travel. Based on responses from 32,000 travellers across 34 countries, the report finds that for the first time, more than half (53%) are now aware of travel’s impact on communities and the environment, while 69% want to leave destinations in a better condition than when they arrived.
Conducted online in January 2025, the research includes perspectives from respondents not only as travellers but also as residents. While 57% believe tourism has a positive impact where they live, the findings indicate that changes are needed to allow destinations to develop at a sustainable pace.
More travellers are considering tourism’s impact, with the majority aiming to leave destinations better than they found them
Just under half (48%) of travellers feel tourism levels are appropriate where they live. As residents, they identify challenges such as traffic congestion (38%), littering (35%), overcrowding (30%) and rising cost of living (29%).
Only 16% of respondents support limiting visitor numbers in their home area. Instead, most favour investment in infrastructure, with improved transportation (38%), waste management (37%) and environmental conservation (32%) identified as priorities.
When asked about visitor behaviour in their home locations, 53% of respondents say tourists often or always respect local customs, and 54% observe support for local businesses. This is consistent with their own travel intentions: 73% want their spending to benefit local communities, and 77% seek experiences representative of local culture.
In 2025, 84% of global travellers say sustainable travel remains important. In 2016, 42% believed they were travelling more sustainably; by 2025, 93% report wanting to make more sustainable choices and to some extent already doing so. Over the past decade, there have been changes in awareness and behaviour, particularly relating to waste and energy use.
In 2020, 43% said they turned off air conditioning or heating in their accommodation when not present; this rose to 67% by 2023. The 2025 findings show that travellers are also considering their social and economic impact. Reported actions include seeking travel advice for different times of the year (39%) and visiting less crowded destinations (36%).
“To ensure that destinations can continue to be enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike, tourism, infrastructure and innovation need to keep pace with travellers’ good intent,” said Danielle D’Silva, director of sustainability at Booking.com.
“As we look to the future, we are also optimistic about the potential for AI and other technology to play a role. We ultimately want to make it easier for travellers to connect with a more diverse range of local communities and help spread the positive benefits of tourism more broadly.”
An additional NZ$13.5 million (US$8.1 million) has been allocated to Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) as part of the government’s Tourism Boost package, with money being drawn from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy for 2024/25. This funding, announced in mid-April, will support increased destination marketing activities in key international source markets to materialise greater visitor arrivals and stronger tourism growth.
Marketing media, PR and travel trade partnerships in core markets – Australia, the US, and China – as well as mid-size markets including Germany, South Korea, and India, will be strengthened to support conversion from the consideration stage through to booking.
TNZ’s new funding will target key global markets to drive tourism growth and improve the visitor experience; Rotorua in New Zealand, pictured
Focusing on the core markets presents a strong opportunity for growth, with these markets comprising over 60 per cent of international visitor arrivals.
Speaking at TRENZ 2025’s Tourism Briefing on May 7 in Rotorua, TNZ chief executive Rene de Monchy underscored the critical support the boosted fund would bring to travel trade engagements.
He said the travel trade “remains vital” in facilitating inbound travel to the destination, and noted that “so much of our bookings from around the world come through an intermediary of some kind”.
In an earlier statement, de Monchy said the enhanced Tourism Boost package will allow TNZ to “reach the highest number of people actively considering booking a visit to New Zealand”.
“Our visitor numbers are tracking well, but there is still room for growth and we know there are more people than ever considering a visit to New Zealand. We’re focused on reaching those people and encouraging them to book their trip here”, said de Monchy.
The NZ$13.5 million investment is expected to bring an additional 23,000 visitors to New Zealand and deliver over NZ$100 million in international visitor spending between July 2025 and March 2026.
Not only will destination New Zealand benefit from intensified marketing going forward, changes have also been made to the visa application process to reduce traveller friction. The immigration authority has agreed to lift the requirement for the certification of translated non-English supporting documents, with this change coming into effect on May 26.
This announcement was made the same morning by Louise Upston, New Zealand minister for tourism and hospitality.
Upston informed travel industry colleagues at the Tourism Briefing that the decision was in response to travel trade feedback on the time and cost barriers brought on by the translation certification requirement.
“While translations will still be required, applicants will only need to advise who translated, and the qualification and experience of the translator,” she said.
Hilton has announced a growth strategy for India, aiming to expand its presence tenfold over the next decade, with a target of more than 300 hotels across the country. The plan includes the introduction of five additional Hilton brands into the Indian market.
The announcement was made during Hilton’s first brand showcase in India, held in Bengaluru on May 6, 2025. Under the theme Unlocking the Stay, the company presented 10 of its brands through displays and presentations at the event.
From left: Hilton’s Chris Nassetta and Alan Watts
Speaking to media, Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, expressed confidence in the potential of the Indian market. “I do not believe there is a market that has more growth opportunities than India. We believe that India is still an underpenetrated market compared to other parts of the world, offering terrific opportunities for everyone.”
Hilton currently operates 32 hotels in India, with a further 29 in development. Slohh by Roach, Curio Collection by Hilton, opening in 2025, will be the first Curio property in India, located in Bengaluru. The Den Bengaluru, LXR Hotels & Resorts, scheduled to open in 2026, will be the first LXR property in the country.
“When you consider the scale of our business globally, India is currently a relatively small market. Our global success has been driven by building a strong, diversified network of hotels that cater to all price points and we believe the same strategy will work in India. Our focus will be on expanding across Tier 1 cities and resort destinations, while also reaching into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets,” added Nassetta.
Alongside Curio and LXR, Hilton plans to introduce Signia by Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, and Spark by Hilton to the Indian market. The company has signed a licensing agreement with Olive by Embassy to develop 150 Spark by Hilton properties across India over the next ten years.
Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton, noted the importance of infrastructure and domestic demand in enabling the company’s expansion.
“The infrastructure development is giving India real momentum in travel and tourism. As we expand our presence in India, we will focus on working with the right partners in the right locations,” Watts highlighted.
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines launch joint venture with new Shanghai–Abu Dhabi route
Etihad and China Eastern enter joint venture
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have launched their joint venture (JV) with the arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi on April 28, 2025.
The new route initially operates four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Starting September 12, 2025, the service will increase to daily flights. Passengers will travel aboard an A330 aircraft, equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity.
Building upon the launch of the JV, Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have also signed a new agreement for their respective loyalty programmes. Starting June 1, 2025, members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles programmes will be able to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks, offering enhanced value and seamless travel experiences for loyalty members.
Hong Kong Airlines
Hong Kong Airlines debuts Hong Kong-Hulunbuir service
Hong Kong Airlines has launched its inaugural flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Hulunbuir (HLD) in Inner Mongolia. This new route offers a direct and efficient travel link between Hong Kong and Hulunbuir, strengthening connectivity between Hong Kong and cities along the Belt and Road initiative.
The Hong Kong-Hulunbuir flights operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with HX463 departing Hong Kong and HX462 returning from Hulunbuir on the same days.
Starting from June 5, 2025, an additional Thursday flight will be available.
Emirates and Philippine Airlines eye codeshare to boost Dubai–Philippines connectivity
Emirates expands network with new codeshare partnerships
Emirates has expanded its global network through a series of strategic partnerships, further enhancing connectivity and travel options for its passengers. Recently, the airline signed multiple agreements with Condor, Air Seychelles, and Philippine Airlines, strengthening its presence in Europe, the Caribbean, the Seychelles, and the Philippines. These new collaborations not only offer seamless travel connections but also improve services and convenience for customers across these regions.
Emirates and Condor have launched a reciprocal codeshare partnership ahead of the 2025 summer travel season, offering expanded travel options for both airlines’ customers. Emirates passengers can now access 11 new destinations in Europe and the Caribbean, including popular spots like Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Cancun, via Condor’s hubs in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. Condor travellers will benefit from enhanced connectivity to 13 destinations served by Emirates through Dubai, such as Bali, the Maldives, and Cape Town.
Emirates and Air Seychelles will work together to facilitate seamless connections for Emirates passengers on Air Seychelles flights between Mahe and Praslin Island. This agreement allows customers to book their entire itinerary on a single ticket, enjoy competitive fares, and benefit from a unified baggage policy for travel between the two islands. Emirates operates 14 weekly flights between Dubai and Mahe, with many travellers originating from France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.
Furthermore, Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have recently discussed expanding their partnership with a potential codeshare agreement. This would provide travellers with better connectivity between the Philippines and Dubai, offering a single ticket, competitive fares, and a streamlined baggage policy. Emirates and PAL first signed an interline agreement in March 2023, connecting passengers to ten domestic points in the Philippines and nine international destinations via Dubai.
Cathay Pacific launches non-stop service between Hong Kong and Dallas
Cathay Pacific adds Dallas to global network
Cathay Pacific celebrated the launch of its new non-stop service between Hong Kong and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on April 24, 2025. This marks the sixth new destination for the airline this year, with 15 new routes announced for 2025.
Cathay Pacific operates four weekly return flights between Hong Kong and Dallas using Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, featuring Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.
The addition strengthens Cathay’s North America network and offers greater convenience for passengers.
Vietjet’s inaugural flight to Fukuoka received a festive water cannon salute
Vietjet launches flights to Japan, adds new China route
Vietjet has launched two new direct routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Nagoya and Fukuoka in Japan. The new services, which started on April 24 and 25, 2025, aim to improve travel options and strengthen cultural and economic ties in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Ho Chi Minh City-Nagoya route operates four times a week, while the Ho Chi Minh City-Fukuoka route runs three times a week. These additions bring the total number of Vietjet’s direct flights between Vietnam and Japan to 10.
Additionally, Vietjet has launched a daily Hanoi-Shanghai service, continuing its rapid expansion in China, which includes new routes to Beijing and Guangzhou.
Lanson Place Personal Hotels and Residences has appointed Nils Rothbarth as general manager of Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila.
Bringing nearly 30 years of global hospitality experience, Rothbarth will lead the property’s strategic direction and operations, with a focus on delivering the brand’s personalised service and enhancing guest experience.
He previously served as cluster general manager for Fairmont Hotels and Safari Clubs Kenya, including Fairmont The Norfolk in Nairobi and Fairmont Mara Safari Club.
Virtuoso has promoted Úna O’Leary to vice president, global partnerships, where she will oversee the growth of the group’s preferred partner portfolio worldwide.
Based in Toronto, O’Leary’s appointment supports Virtuoso’s focus on global expansion and alignment across its nine operating regions.
Since joining as Virtuoso’s first general manager for Canada, she has helped establish the country as a key market, driving growth in member engagement and partnerships.
She will report to senior vice president Cory Hagopian and continue supporting the Canadian market during the search for her replacement.
Moxy Sydney Airport has appointed Sid Bhatia as its new general manager.
With more than 20 years of hospitality experience across Australia and New Zealand, Bhatia has held leadership roles including general manager at Vibe Hotel and cluster general manager for TFE Hotels in the Northern Territory.
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has opened a new airline lounge for Saudia Airlines at London Heathrow, Terminal 4, marking the first collaboration between the two companies.
The lounge, which serves First and Business Class passengers, offers a range of amenities, including runway views, a VIP zone, a buffet area, and dedicated workspaces. A new tea bar, in partnership with The London Tea Exchange, offers a selection of curated teas.
The Saudia Lounge at London Heathrow is the latest addition to the airline’s growing network of premium lounges
The Saudia Lounge is Plaza Premium Group’s seventh lounge in London and reflects the company’s expansion and commitment to enhancing passenger services at major airports. The lounge aims to improve the pre-flight experience for Saudia Airlines guests with tailored offerings and luxury service.
Song Hoi See, founder and chief executive, PPG said: “London remains one of the world’s most important aviation hubs, and our continued expansion here underscores our dedication to enhancing the travel experience for every guest. The launch of the Saudia Airlines Lounge allows guests to immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage and culture through thoughtfully curated in-lounge experiences, further reflecting our commitment to delivering world-class, locally inspired hospitality at every touchpoint.”
Rossen Dimitrov, chief guest experience officer, Saudia added: “The launch of our new lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 is a testament to Saudia’s dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience that embodies the essence of Saudi hospitality. We are proud to offer our guests a premium space that combines comfort, luxury, and cultural richness, setting a new benchmark for international travel.”
He previously served as cluster general manager for Fairmont Hotels and Safari Clubs Kenya, including Fairmont The Norfolk in Nairobi and Fairmont Mara Safari Club.
Since joining as Virtuoso’s first general manager for Canada, she has helped establish the country as a key market, driving growth in member engagement and partnerships.
With more than 20 years of hospitality experience across Australia and New Zealand, Bhatia has held leadership roles including general manager at Vibe Hotel and cluster general manager for TFE Hotels in the Northern Territory.
