American Airlines has announced Doug Parker will retire as chief executive at the end of March. Robert Isom, currently president of American, will succeed him.

The Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge is set to become a highlight property for the brand and the group, offering direct access to the Mara-Seregenti game reserve.

During his visit last week, president of France, Emmanuel Macron, congratulated Expo 2020 Dubai for “organising this exhibition and making it a success”.

In partnership with owner group JJW Hotels & Resorts, IHG said the signings in Portugal and Austria illustrate strong appetite for the new luxury collection.

Finnair will expand its network in the United States with flights from Helsinki to Seattle due to start in June. The carrier will operate three weekly flights to the city, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

World Culinary Awards – the global initiative to recognise and reward excellence in the culinary industry – has announced the winners of its 2021 programme.

Peninsula Hotels has confirmed the appointment of Jonathan Crook as managing director of the Peninsula Istanbul. He will assume the role on January 24th.

Pope Francis has concluded a visit to Cyprus and Greece with a farewell ceremony at Athens International Airport. As he headed back to Rome, he embarked on a dedicate Aegean flight.

Born in 1960, Antonello de Medici boasts an illustrious career in the hospitality sector, having held general manager positions for brands including Starwood Hotels, Marriott and Hilton.

Travelport and Cathay Pacific have extended their long-standing relationship with a renewed and expanded multi-source content distribution agreement.

Events included a Music in the Garden performance in Al Wasl from the Kuban Cossack Choir, one of the leading folkloric ensembles from Russia.

Habitas has appointed Guy Heywood as chief executive of hotels, overseeing the management division to support its rapid global growth. He begins with immediate effect.

New figures from Norwegian reveal the carrier welcomed over one million passengers in November for the second consecutive month. In addition, the load factor in November was 76 per cent.

Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort will open on December 18th. Built by luxury hospitality developer Seven Tides, it will become the first resort on the World Islands in Dubai.

British Airways will utilise sustainable aviation fuel produced on a commercial scale in the UK after signing a multi-year agreement with Phillips 66.

MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia will become the first Liquified Natural Gas-powered vessels to join the MSC Cruises fleet next year - representing an investment of €3 billion in such ships.

Russia has celebrated its national day at Expo 2020 Dubai with a visit from Mikhail Mishustin, prime minister of the Russian Federation. A star-studded line-up of performers joined the event.

The government has confirmed all UK arrivals must once again show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test before they will be permitted entry. The new rules come into effect on Tuesday.

The change means UK and Irish citizens and residents arriving from Nigeria must isolate in a government-approved managed quarantine facility for ten days on arrival.

Designed by Lore Group creative director Jacu Strauss, the property will reflect how the area has evolved during the last decade with interiors that mirror the neighbourhood’s new, grown-up feel.