Skift Travel News Blog

Moxy Hotels has partnered with digital astrology platform Sanctuary to provide users with personalized travel recommendations based on the stars.

Using astrocartography – a form of locational astrology – Sanctuary users will now receive free personalized travel recommendations that will focus on the date and location of travel, which are then matched to Moxy hotels across the globe. 

As part of the campaign, the Moxy website will also feature regular astrology-based insights and interactive content, along with a new ‘Sip by Sign’ drinks menu, bespoke localized programming and a star-inspired twist on the Moxy Bedtime Stories program. 

Spotify and Delta Air Lines have launched a new video series as part of their on-going partnership.

The content – which is being coined as a new social docu-series – will follow creatives as they travel to a twin city that shares similar cultural and historical identities, where they will be hosted by local artists as they explore the destination’s food, culture, and history. 

According to a release from the streaming service, the Passport Sessions has been designed to showcase ‘how artists and their music can influence cultures on the other side of the world.’ 

“Music has a powerful way of uniting people, whether through shared musical tastes, influences, favorite artists, or culture,” said Enrique Marquez Paris, Songwriter and Publishing Relations Manager at Spotify in the release. 

“By bringing together emerging artists, songwriters, and producers from different parts of the world, The Passport Sessions give a rare glimpse into the songwriting process, showing firsthand how music and travel can inspire new connections and, ultimately, new art.”

The series will be available for passengers to watch for free in-flight, and you can take a look at episode one below.

Emirates is set to introduce a selection of new vegan dishes onboard its aircraft and at lounges later this year, due to a 40% increase in customer demand for plant-based meals. 

The carrier saw over 450,000 plant-based meals served onboard in 2023 – an increase from 280,000 in 2022 – with the biggest increase in vegan meal consumption seen in Economy Class.

The new additions to the menu will join more than 300 vegan recipes that are already available in rotation across 140 destinations, and will feature a selection of options from well-known global brands including Beyond Meat, Pantai and Linnolat, amongst others.

Korean Air has released a new in-flight safety video starring virtual humans.

The new video, which takes place in the virtual ‘Korean Air Safety Lounge’ sees ‘Rina’ – a virtual human donning a Korean Air Flight Attendant uniform – giving the safety demonstration to a host of virtual passengers.

The video covers the usual safety topics that passengers will be accustomed to, including where to store your carry-on, the functionality of the seatbelts and the locations of the emergency exits, whilst utilizing the power of digital design to interweave animations and interesting creative elements.

According to a release from the carrier, the first of its kind video aims to ‘reach out to its diverse customer base of all ages and cultural backgrounds’ and ‘garner passengers’ attention and increase viewers’ engagement levels.’

The new safety video is now being played on all flights, and is available for you to take a look at below.

Malaysia Airlines is introducing ‘Education on the Go’ content as part of in-flight entertainment offering.

The new initiative, which has been launched in collaboration with Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education, will allow passengers travelling with the carrier to access a selection of educational content, covering topics from lifestyle courses to business modules.

The new content is available under the Lifestyle category of the in-flight entertainment systems TV Show content selection.

Prof. Madya Dr. Shahrul Mizan Bin Ismail, Dean from Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education, said in a press release, “We are thrilled to partner with Malaysia Airlines to bring Education on the Go to a wider audience. Be adaptable, flexible and never stop learning. The rate of change will never stop and neither should you.”

Four Seasons New York Downtown has introduced a new in-room shopping experience that will allow guests to shop the Hotel’s most sought-after retail items from the comfort of their rooms. 

In-Room Essentials, which is available now, will enable guests to browse and purchase a curated selection of products – including skincare products from the Hotel’s Spa, electronics, children’s toys and other premium gifts – from the comfort of their room via a QR code. 

The shopping experience is available Monday to Sunday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, with all purchases made delivered to guests’ rooms at their convenience.

Qatar Airways has launched a new digital initiative designed to support cabin crew in delivering a more personalized experience for its customers in the air.

The new in-house application provides information on passengers flying with Qatar Airways, through customer profiles that provide insights into any special service requests and preferences, as well as real-time updates on flight information.

The carrier has said in a release that it expects to reach the first milestone in this phase of the digital rollout in the coming months, by providing more than 15,000 mobile devices to cabin crew, with additional plans to expand its scope to Hamad International Airport and overseas airports and lounges.

​​Qatar Duty Free has debuted Souq Al Matar – a new experiential mixed retail and dining concept – at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Inspired by ‘the bustling energy and aesthetics of Qatar’s iconic traditional markets,’ the seven shops and two restaurants are located in the North Node terminal of the airport.

Offerings include Al Attar, an apothecary style store selling teas, herbs and spices; Sogha, a souvenir shop selling traditional Qatari keepsakes; Al Darzi, a women’s fashion shop carrying traditional garments, and Basta, a dining experience serving traditional Qatari food with a modern twist.

The design of the new retail offering has taken inspirtation from traditional Qatari architecture and design, and features elements including wicker woven ceilings, arched doorways and traditional textiles.

Holiday Inn has introduced a new open lobby concept at the 275 room Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay, located in the United Arab Emirates. 

The new concept has been designed to transform the traditional hotel lobby into a multi-functional hub that fosters ‘a dynamic environment where individuals can seamlessly blend work, dining and social interactions. The design incorporates connected facilities to enhance the overall experience.’

“The launch of the Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay marks a significant milestone in our commitment to redefine guest experiences. The Holiday Inn Open Lobby concept revolutionizes the way guests interact with hotel spaces, creating a dynamic and integrated environment. We are confident that this innovative approach will set new standards in hospitality, offering guests a unique and memorable stay,” said Haitham Mattar, managing director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East & Africa.

Guests staying at select Renaissance Hotels will soon have access to RENAI, a virtual concierge.

RENAI, which stands for Renaissance Artificial Intelligence, is being launched as part of a pilot program designed to provide guests with instant access to ‘vetted , insiders’ picks for vibey cocktail bars, under-the-radar attractions, top-rated breakfast spots and more through an exciting new virtual concierge service.’

The artificial intelligence is powered by the knowledge of Renaissance Navigators – hand-picked employees from hotel locations who act as in-house guidebooks.

“Our Navigators celebrate the culture, ideas, people and talents of their neighborhoods and provide their personal recommendations on what to see and do in their backyard. RENAI By Renaissance makes this even more accessible and inclusive,” said Eddie Schneider, Global Brand Director, Renaissance Hotels in a release. 

“We were already in the process of evolving our signature Navigator program when technology leaps presented a serendipitous opportunity to fuse our Navigators’ human insights with time-saving technology. With today’s travelers having access to an overwhelming amount of information, our goal is to help them cut through the clutter and provide a personalized guest experience with regularly updated tips for local discovery.”

RENAI is now available at The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel, Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel, and Renaissance Nashville Downtown, with the service being expanded more widely in 2024.