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Tourism Solomons Announces Andrew Nihopara as New CEO
Honiara, Solomon Islands —Tourism Solomons (TS) has appointed Andrew Nihopara as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Announcing the decision, TS Board Chairman, Tony Langston said Mr Nihopara’s extensive regional experience, strategic leadership and established profile across the Asia-Pacific tourism sector would be a significant asset as Solomon Islands seeks to strengthen its international tourism presence.
As a senior tourism and public-sector leader with more than two decades of experience spanning Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific, Mr Nihopara brings a wealth of experience to the role at a time as the national tourist office looks to strengthen the destination’s visibility and further grow international visitor markets.
Mr Nihopara served as Head of Marketing for TS from 2001 to 2004 and from 2006-2011 functioned as Marketing Manager and Deputy CEO of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) based in Suva, Fiji.
During that time, he was named the Pacific-Asia Travel Association’s (PATA) ‘Face of the Future’.
Amongst other professional engagements he has also held the position of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) in Solomon Islands, where he was involved in policy development and implementation related to tourism growth in the country.
Mr Nihopara’s academic credentials include a Master of Commerce in Management & Public Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management & Public Administration from the University of South Pacific (USP), and a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University, New Zealand.
With the TS CEO position vacant for over five years, his appointment marks a significant milestone for the organization and follows a rigorous recruitment process conducted by KPMG Fiji and a three-member select committee appointed by the new TS Board on 09 July 2026.
Congratulating Mr Nihopara and wishing him every success, Mr Langston said he and his board looked forward to working with the new CEO.
Attached Image - Pictured standing (from L-R) Tourism Solomons Head of Corporate Services, Dagnal Dereveke; Tourism Solomons Board Director, John Foimua; Tourism Solomons Board Director, Zaccheus Sepo, and Tourism Solomons Head of Sales & Marketing, Fiona Teama.
Seated Tourism Solomons CEO, Andrew Nihopara (on left) and Tourism Solomons Board Chairman, Tony Langston.
Eurowings will launch flights Berlin to Jeddah and Dubai
From November, Eurowings will resume its services to the Gulf region. Dubai will be included in the daily timetable from BER from 1 November. From 12 November, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia will be served twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays. The “Premium BIZ Seat” premium seating option will also be available on Dubai flights. First introduced last year on the BER–Dubai route, this new seating category offers travellers more space and added comfort. From December, it will also be available on selected other routes, including to and from Mallorca and London.
Air Arabia expands Germany network with Frankfurt from Dec 15
ir Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest budget carrier operator, today announced the launch of its new daily non-stop service between Sharjah and Frankfurt, strengthening air connectivity between the UAE and Germany.
Plaza Athénée Returns to Bangkok’s Riverside
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is investing approximately THB 2.9 billion in a new ultra-luxury Plaza Athénée hotel on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
The existing River Garden property will be transformed into an 18-story hotel featuring 146 guest rooms and more than 20,000 square meters of gross floor area. Scheduled to open in 2028, the hotel will operate under the internationally recognized Plaza Athénée brand.
The development will become part of the AWC Riverside Journey, an ambitious network connecting 11 of the group’s hotels, lifestyle destinations and visitor experiences along the Chao Phraya.
Designed as more than a traditional luxury hotel, the property will combine accommodation with wellness, dining and lifestyle experiences. Its riverside setting will also provide guests with convenient access to Bangkok’s historic neighborhoods, cultural attractions and established local communities.
Six Flags: Horror Fear Factor 2026
Six Flags raises the fear factor in 2026 with largest-ever lineup of horror franchises and immersive haunted attractions at North America's biggest Halloween party
New mazes inspired by Jason Universe™, Diablo®, Final Destination™ and The Blair Witch Project® join an expanded roster of fan-favorite horror brands, scare zones and live entertainment
Sundair New flight Berlin-Damascus
The German airline SUNDAIR is expanding its services. As of Saturday 15 August, it will operate non-stop flights from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Damascus, the capital of Syria. The route will be served twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
This marks the first direct flight connection between the German capital region and Syria since 2011. This has been made possible by the bilateral air services agreement concluded between Germany and Syria in mid-July. The new route complements the existing range of services from BER to destinations in the Middle East. For people in the capital region with close personal and family ties to Syria, it provides a direct travel option once again.
SAS to launch Copenhagen–Mumbai route on October 1
SAS announced that all operational and practical preparations are in place, and flights are now officially ready for takeoff. Starting October 1, 2026, SAS reconnects Scandinavia and India with a nonstop year-round route between Copenhagen and Mumbai.
Operating five times weekly with an Airbus A330, the route marks SAS’ return to in India after 17 years. This connection unlocks dynamic opportunities for travel, business, and cultural exchange between Northern Europe and India's vibrant financial capital.
Turkish Airlines Passenger Traffic Reaches 9.5 Million in July 2026 as Load Factor Hits 86.5%
Turkish Airlines carried 9.5 million passengers in July 2026, with its total passenger load factor reaching 86.5%, according to the airline’s latest traffic figures.
International load factor stood at 86.2%, while domestic services recorded 89.1%. Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased 2.7% year-on-year to 25.7 billion. Cargo and mail volumes rose 4.9% compared with July 2025, reaching 203,100 tonnes.
For the January-July 2026 period, passenger numbers increased 5.4% year-on-year to 54 million. Total load factor was 84.2%, while ASK increased 4.7% to 161.2 billion.
Cargo and mail traffic for the seven-month period increased 12% to 1.4 million tonnes. Turkish Airlines reported a fleet of 563 aircraft at the end of July.
The consolidated traffic figures include operations under the Turkish Airlines main brand and AJet.
Norse Atlantic ASA: Record unit revenue in July
In July, Norse Atlantic Airways (“Norse” or “the Company”) delivered a new all-time-high total unit revenue in own network (TRASK) of 7.1 US cents per available seat kilometer, an increase of 27% compared to the same month in 2025. Due to persistently high fuel prices, Norse continued to optimize route planning to save cost with total available capacity down 31% year-over-year. The Norse product remains attractive with a total load factor approaching 99%, well above the 2025 comparative figur
Six Flags and brand ambassador Travis Kelce kick off 2027 Season Pass sales
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America's largest regional amusement park operator, today launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next. To mark the occasion, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce to celebrate the biggest pass offer of the year on a date with special significance: 8/7, the iconic number Kelce has worn throughout his legendary career.
The GMS Tourism Marketing Action Plan 2026–2030 sets out how the six member countries will jointly promote the region over the next five years.
The Greater Mekong Subregion has adopted the GMS Tourism Marketing Action Plan 2026–2030, the first regional action plan dedicated to implementing the destination marketing priorities of the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030.
The plan introduces four annual regional campaigns under the Greater Mekong brand, featuring 24 priority destinations across Cambodia, China (Yunnan and Guangxi), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. It also identifies priority traveller segments, promotes sustainable tourism experiences and secondary destinations, and outlines a common approach to digital marketing, market intelligence, and campaign monitoring.
Prepared jointly by the GMS National Tourism Organizations and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), with technical support from the Asian Development Bank, the plan draws on consultations with public and private sector stakeholders to support coordinated destination marketing through 2030. Read the full publication
EVA AIR adds Taipei to Delhi Flights
EVA Air will begin a new nonstop service from Taipei to Delhi on December 1, with bookings now open on EVA Air's website or travel agencies. Operating five flights per week with Airbus A330-300 aircraft, the new route will make EVA Air the only Taiwan-based airline offering nonstop passenger flights to India.
Brisbane Airport Celebrates Record Passenger Numbers
Australia's Brisbane Airport reported its busiest year ever, surpassing 25 million passengers. International traffic continues to rebound strongly, supported by new airline routes and expanding services across Asia and the South Pacific. Airport operators are investing billions of dollars in terminal upgrades to accommodate continued growth.
Ecuador Launches Tourism Incentives
Ecuador announced new measures aimed at stimulating tourism by reducing holiday Value Added Tax to 8 percent and removing aviation fuel surcharges. Officials hope the reforms will lower travel costs, improve airline connectivity, and strengthen visitor demand for destinations including Quito and the Galápagos Islands.
Copenhagen Airport Reports Record Summer Traffic
Northern Europe continues benefiting from the growing "coolcation" trend. Copenhagen Airport welcomed more than 3.45 million passengers during July, one of the busiest months in its history, as travelers increasingly choose cooler summer destinations over southern Europe. Airport officials are managing congestion while expanding services to meet demand.
Sicily Prepares for a Tourism Boom Inspired by Christopher Nolan
The release of Christopher Nolan's blockbuster The Odyssey is expected to transform the Sicilian island of Favignana into one of Europe's newest film tourism destinations. Local authorities are planning exhibitions and tourism initiatives while introducing measures designed to prevent overtourism before visitor numbers surge.
IHG Debuts Vignette Collection in India with Opening of The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Vignette Collection, marking the debut of its luxury Vignette Collection brand in India and the South West Asia region. The 145-room property is located in Panchkula near the Chandigarh Tricity region, offering access to attractions including Morni Hills, Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden, and the Capitol Complex.
The opening expands IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio as the Vignette Collection continues its global growth, with 34 hotels operating across 17 countries and more properties in development. The hotel features smart-room technology, multiple dining venues, wellness facilities, and extensive meeting and event spaces.
As part of the Vignette Collection brand, the hotel will also introduce its signature Venu-Nada cultural evening ritual and support local communities through a partnership with Chhoti Si Asha, an organisation that empowers underprivileged women by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
WTM London’s Record £16,600 Donation to Fund Safe Water and Sustainable Farming in Nicaragua
WTM London has announced its largest-ever charitable contribution to international safe water charity Just a Drop, with a record £16,600 raised from the 2025 event. The total includes £8,300 donated by exhibitors, matched pound-for-pound by WTM London, while additional visitor donations were also collected through the event registration process.
The funding will support a Watershed Restoration Programme in Nicaragua, helping rural farming communities improve water security, restore forest cover, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices such as agroforestry. Delivered with local partner El Porvenir, the initiative aims to strengthen resilience against drought and soil degradation in the Waslala and Camoapa regions, where many communities continue to face limited access to safe water.
WTM London has partnered with Just a Drop for 28 years, raising more than £140,000 for water projects across nine countries. The charity will return as an exhibitor at WTM London 2026, continuing its long-standing collaboration with the global travel industry.
Quebec Court Restores Air Liaison's Regional Air Access Status Pending Legal Challenge
Air Liaison has won a temporary legal victory after the Superior Court of Quebec suspended a provincial government decision that revoked the airline's status as an authorized carrier under Quebec's Regional Air Access Program (PAAR).
In a ruling issued on August 3, Superior Court Judge Nancy Bonsaint granted the airline's request to stay the July 2 decision by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. The order immediately restores Air Liaison's eligibility under the PAAR until the court reaches a final decision in the case.
The Quebec-based regional carrier argues the government's decision violated principles of administrative law and breached the applicable contractual framework.
During the legal proceedings, Air Liaison continued to provide passengers with fare reductions equivalent to the PAAR subsidy at its own expense to avoid disrupting travel for customers.
The airline, which has served Quebec's regional communities for 25 years, said it will not comment further while the legal proceedings remain before the court.
Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites opened
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Papua New Guinea with the Opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & SuitesThe 394-key landmark hotel in Papua New Guinea introduces Sheraton’s global design transformation at Sheraton Port Moresby, creating a vibrant new hub for connection in Papua New Guinea’s capital.
Banyan Tree Opens New Luxury Resort at UNESCO-Listed Mount Emei in China
Banyan Group has expanded its presence in China with the opening of Banyan Tree Mount Emei, a new 130-room luxury resort in Sichuan Province. Located near the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Emei Scenic Area, the property offers private hot spring pools in every room and is designed to blend with the surrounding bamboo forests and mountain landscape.
The resort features wellness facilities including the Banyan Tree Spa, cultural experiences inspired by local traditions, and more than 1,200 square meters of event space. It is located five minutes from Emeishan High-Speed Railway Station and about two hours by road from Chengdu's international airports. Access is expected to improve further with the planned opening of Leshan Airport later in 2026.
Westjet: SThe end of work stoppage and disruption
WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing WestJet Cabin Crew, have reached a tentative agreement, bringing an end to the work stoppage and network-wide operational disruption, and withdrawing both the strike and lockout notices. The agreement will now go to WestJet Cabin Crew for a ratification vote.
"We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the hard work and professionalism our cabin crew," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of WestJet. "We know this disruption has been frustrating for our guests and WestJetters and we're sorry for that. Our teams are working hard to restore service and get our guests on their way to their destinations as quickly as possible and we appreciate everyone's patience as we get back to normal."
Holland America Line Expands Access Across Europe in 2028
Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2028 Europe season, offering travelers more opportunities to explore the continent with expanded sailings across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and beyond. Drawing on Holland America's more than 150 years of experience in the region, the new season combines iconic destinations with opportunities to connect more deeply with the cultures, landscapes and traditions that define them.
Featuring Holland America Line's highest number of Europe port calls in nearly a decade, the 2028 season includes record numbers of visits to Norway, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands. Guests can discover more than 200 UNESCO World Heritage sites — including in-depth exploration of Norway's UNESCO-listed fjords — and experience each destination through regional cuisine, local traditions and immersive shore excursions.
"Europe is a destination that changes with every season, and each one offers guests a completely different way to experience it," said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line. "We built each season around moments travelers can only experience at certain times of year, from the Netherlands in full bloom during spring to winter escapes in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands and long summer days along Europe's coastlines."
Holiday Airline Condor resuming flights to Israel
Condor returns to Israel after 70 years with daily Tel Aviv-Frankfurt flightsGerman airline’s first scheduled flight landed at Ben Gurion Airport at full capacity; Air Haifa announces new Thessaloniki route, Ethiopian Airlines adds flights as TAP again postpones its return
Admiral Hotel Copenhagen completes its $20 million facelift
Admiral Hotel Copenhagen has unveiled a new outdoor pool and relaxation area, marking the completion of the $20 million investment that has elevated one of Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront hotels. Occupying a restored 1787 warehouse overlooking Copenhagen Harbor, Amalienborg Palace, and the Royal Danish Opera House, the landmark property has undergone a carefully phased renewal between January 2024 and July 2026.
Sun Express now Serves Aleppo in Syria
The first flight of the Turkish airline “SunExpress,” arrived Saturday at Aleppo International Airport, coming from the city of Antalya, marking the launch of regular air services between the two cities.
The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority said via its Telegram channel that the commencement of “SunExpress” flights between Antalya and Aleppo represents a new step toward restoring regular air traffic between the two cities.
The operation of this route comes within the framework of efforts aimed at enhancing air transport and expanding the network of connections between Syria and several regional destinations, which contributes to facilitating passenger travel and supporting both tourism and economic activities.
No more 24 hour free cancellation when booking American Airlines
American Airlines now requires tickets to be purchased at least seven days before departure to qualify for a full refund if the booking is cancelled within 24 hours of purchase
The company’s previous policy offered the refund to customers who booked within two days of departure
The change aligns with policies from JetBlue, Southwest, and United but is stricter than Delta’s current policy
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