Press Releases

RIU celebrates 20th Anniversary Gala in Cape Verde

On 29 April, RIU Hotels & Resorts celebrated its 20th Anniversary Gala, which commemorated the opening of its first hotel in Cape Verde on Sal Island in 2005: the Riu Funana. The ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Dr Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cape Verde, along with other distinguished members of his government, and by Félix Casado, member of the RIU Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer in Cape Verde. The Gala aimed to reflect the importance of Cape Verde for RIU, as well as to highlight the work of the past 20 years and the great link they have with the local community. For this, RIU presented 35 awards to its most renowned collaborators, suppliers and local organisations in the country.

American Express Reveals the Top Trends Shaping Luxury Travel

From experiential journeys and ‘bleisure’ travel to technology-driven bookings, led by Millennials and Gen Z, Veronique Raynaud, Vice President and General Manager, Global Client Group International Merchant Services, at Amex – an HSMAI Europe organisational member – highlights trends the hotel industry can leverage to boost customer acquisition, engagement, and loyalty.

Unlocking Travel Insights and Hospitality Partnerships with American Express

American Express’ deep consumer understanding, customer-centric approach, and strategic partnerships offer valuable opportunities for the hotel industry. From evolving luxury travel trends to the rising influence of younger generations, Amex’s research highlights how hoteliers can enhance loyalty, refine payment strategies, and create tailored experiences that attract high-value travellers. Through its extensive network and premium travel benefits, Amex – an organisational member of HSMAI Europe – also provides partnership opportunities that enable hotels to drive engagement, elevate guest experiences, and maximise revenue, as the company’s Vice President and General Manager, Global Client Group International Merchant Services, Veronique Raynaud, explains.

Marriott Bonvoy Introduces “Travel Roulette” in Celebration of 1 Million U.S. Hotel Rooms and Spontaneous Travel Adventures

In a world where every moment seems meticulously planned, many travelers are seeking more spontaneity and excitement. As a result, the social media trend “vacation roulette,” where families or friends embrace the unknown and turn travel decision making into a game by eliminating destinations until one remains, has gone viral, reflecting a broader desire for new experiences. In fact, a recent survey1 by Marriott Bonvoy reveals that more than 2 in 5 (43%) Americans will book an unplanned trip less than two months out and/or will opt for a trip to a randomly selected destination this year. To celebrate this spirit of adventure, and in honor of reaching 1 million hotel rooms in the U.S., Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International, Inc.’s portfolio of hotel brands and experiences, is launching Marriott Bonvoy Roulette, a fun digital experience that turns travel planning into a game of chance.

Choice Hotels International Concludes its 69th Annual Convention, Powering the Future of Franchise Ownership

Last week, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), concluded its 69th Annual Convention. Over the course of three days, Choice Hotels showcased how its growth, strategic investments, and innovation-first mindset continue to power the future of franchise ownership by helping to drive revenue, reduce costs, and provide state-of-the-art tools for its hotel owners. During the convention, the company announced the piloting of signature breakfast items for its Comfort and Country Inn & Suites brands.

ITB Asia 2025 Unveils Top Exhibitors and Elite Buyer Networking

Now in its 18th year, ITB Asia will return to Marina Bay Sands from 15 to 17 October 2025, alongside MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia. Asia’s premier travel event is already attracting unprecedented exhibition demand from National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) such as Singapore Tourism Board, Visit Finland, Malta Tourism Authority, Sabah Tourism Board, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Seoul Tourism Organisation, Visit Berlin, Sarawak Tourism Board, and more. Exclusive Buyer Elite Programme offers priority one-to-one meetings and unique branding opportunities. Media accreditation is now live, media may pre-register by 13 October to guarantee all-access pass.

2025 Summer Travel Trends Revealed

Guests from the US, Brazil, Spain, and Greece are seeking domestic escapes this summer, while those in the Netherlands and Belgium are seeking adventures abroad1. From off the beaten path culinary enclaves, to star-chasing events and last-minute staycations, these are the trends shaping summer travel.

FHS Saudi Arabia Features Future Leadership Award at 2025 Summit

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 23 April 2025: The Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia will recognise and reward young talent shaping the country’s ever-growing tourism, hospitality and gastronomy sectors with the Future Leadership Award, debuting at the 2025 summit, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, 11-13 May.