Corporate Travel News - July 2025

 

Airline updates

Delta announces new nonstop services from Seattle to Barcelona and Rome

Launching in summer 2026, the new service will operate four times per week to Rome and three times per week to Barcelona onboard the next-generation Airbus A330-900neo. Read more

 

 

United launches “first-of-its-kind” collaboration with Spotify

More than 450 hours of video and audio podcasts, audiobooks and specially curated playlists are now available for free on aircraft fitted with United’s new 4K, Bluetooth-enabled seatback screens. Next year, passengers will be able to log in to their own Spotify accounts on the inflight entertainment screens. Read more

 

 

Emirates to ramp up services to Barcelona

From 26 October, Emirates will add a third daily flight to Barcelona, offering customers greater connectivity with 21 weekly flights to and from the coastal city. Emirates currently serves Spain with 28 weekly flights, using a mixture of A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Read more

 

 

Unlimited free online messaging now available on all Lufthansa long-haul routes

Passengers travelling on Lufthansa’s long-haul flights can now send and receive an unlimited number of messages (including photos), entirely free of charge. This is available to all passengers using smartphones or tablets, regardless of cabin class. Read more

 

 

LOT Polish Airlines places order for 40 Airbus aircraft

LOT Polish Airlines has placed an order for 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s, which will be gradually introduced to its fleet from 2027. These aircraft will replace older generation jets to offer a higher level of comfort, improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. Read more

 

 

Cathay Pacific inaugurates first direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome

The new summer seasonal service between Hong Kong and Rome will operate until 25th October 2025. It operates three times per week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays using Airbus A250-900 aircraft – which feature 38 flat-bed seats in Business, 28 in Premium Economy and 214 in Economy. Read more

 

 

LOT Polish Airlines launches new seasonal route between Warsaw and Barcelona

The new seasonal service operates weekly on Saturdays onboard modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 aircraft. The airline has also resumed flights between Warsaw and Preveza, Greece for the summer season. Read more

 

 

Hotel updates

Leonardo Hotels shares sneak peak of new NYX Hotel Rome this summer

The hotel is currently being redesigned with an investment of around 30 million euros. Located in the centre of the Prati district, there will be 324 individually designed rooms, a terrace pool, flexible event spaces, restaurant and bar. Read more

 

 

Travelodge begins construction on first hotel on the Isle of Man

The 80-room purpose-built hotel has officially begun construction and is set to open in spring 2027 just moments from the beach, on Fort Street in Douglas. The ferry terminal is located 300m away and business travellers will also benefit from its close proximity to the CBD (Central Business District) and local attractions like the Manx Museum. Read more

 

 

HotelRez welcomes First Hotel franchise to roster

All 57 of First Hotels franchise group’s properties across Sweden, Norway and Denmark will now be represented by HotelREZ, offering customers even more choice and better booking experiences. Read more

 

 

Travelodge reveals plans for new hotels in Watford and Central London opposite Liverpool Street Station

Travelodge has announced plans for its second hotel in Watford, conveniently located nearby Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road Stadium and several rail stations – including Watford High Street, Watford Junction, Bushey, and Watford Met. Travelodge has also acquired a long leasehold on two existing vacant buildings on the corner of Broad Street Place and Eldon Street, London – a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street Station. Subject to planning permission, the upper floors will be converted into a hotel with a Bar Cafe, and the Ground Floor of 6 Broad Street Place will return to retail use. Read more

Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels brand launches in Turkey

Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu has opened doors to guests, in the heart of Istanbul’s iconic Beyoglu district. It features 167 stylish guest rooms and suites, a 24/7 fitness centre with a full range of equipment, and meeting rooms with modern technology. Guests can also enjoy drinks and small bites at Bar Moxy, grab snacks from the 24/7 Grab & Go Delights station, and a fun, casual dining experience at Moxy’s Breakfast Bar.

 

IHG Hotels & Resorts signs dual branded hotel complex in Central London

voco hotel London Waterloo (182 rooms) and Hotel Indigo & Suites London Waterloo (172 rooms and suites) are both expected to open in the last quarter of 2028. Shared amenities including restaurants, bars, a gym, and business centre will be accessible for guests staying at both hotels. Read more

 

 

Lucknam Park Hotel near Bath to become inaugural property of Accor’s newest luxury brand

The renowned country house hotel will be the first ‘Emblems’ branded property, officially joining Accor’s portfolio in Q4 2025. The 42-room hotel is just six miles outside of the UNESCO-listed city of Bath and features a Michelin-starred restaurant, wellness spa, equestrian centre, and 500 acres of landscaped parkland. Read more

 

 

IHG signs InterContinental Manchester – Deansgate

The 246-room hotel will be fully rebranded by 2027 but will remain open to guests throughout the process. Located in the famous 47-storey Beetham Tower, business travellers will benefit its close proximity to Manchester’s main conference centre and Spinningfields financial and professional services district. Featured amenities include an indoor pool, sauna and steam room, fitness centre, and 18 meeting rooms. Read more

 

The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton opens doors to guests following £11m renovation

This opening marks the brand debut of Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Northern Ireland. The 80-room hotel has opened within a landmark Victorian building, which previously served as a hotel and artisan bakery between 1895 and the 1980s, on the North Atlantic coastline. Guests will enjoy dining at Nemesis, an Irish-Asian fusion restaurant and a selection of cocktails are on offer at The Heritage Cocktail Bar. The Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway are nearby attractions for visitors. Read more

 

Ground updates

Eurostar to offer direct services from London to Frankfurt and Geneva

Eurostar has announced a fleet of up to 50 trains will operate on three new direct routes; London to Frankfurt, London to Geneva, and Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva. Services are expected to begin early in the 2030s. Read more

 

 

Carey International expands footprint to Luxembourg

Carey’s expansion into Luxembourg now allows them to provide seamless, chauffeured transportation across the Grand Duchy and into neighbouring Belgium, France, and Germany. The fleet features nine premium BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles with seating for 3-7 passengers in refined comfort. Read more