TravelDailyNews International
TravelDailyNews International
Airbus update on A320 Family precautionary fleet action

Airbus update on A320 Family precautionary fleet action after an event linked to intense solar radiation. Operators are instructed to take immediate precautionary measures, with an Emergency Airworthiness Directive to follow.

The article Airbus update on A320 Family precautionary fleet action first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

TOULOUSE, FRANCE – Airbus has issued an urgent communication to operators of A320 Family aircraft, asking them to take immediate precautionary action following a recent safety-related event.

Analysis of a recent event involving an A320 Family aircraft has revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.

Based on this analysis, Airbus has consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in-service which may be impacted. For airlines and fleet managers, this means a need to review affected tail numbers, plan short-term ground time, and coordinate with maintenance and operations teams at very short notice.

According to the manufacturer, Airbus has worked proactively with the aviation authorities to request immediate precautionary action from operators via an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) in order to implement the available software and/or hardware protection, and ensure the fleet is safe to fly. This AOT will be reflected in an Emergency Airworthiness Directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Also read → Airbus delivers 507 aircraft in first nine months of 2025, maintains full-year guidance

The upcoming Emergency Airworthiness Directive from EASA will formalise the required actions and timelines, making the technical measures mandatory for all affected aircraft registered under its oversight. Similar steps can be expected from other regulators, meaning global operators will need to align quickly with evolving compliance requirements.

Airbus acknowledges these recommendations will lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will work closely with operators, while keeping safety as our number one and overriding priority.

For travel trade professionals, the key implications are potential schedule changes, aircraft substitutions, and short-notice adjustments on routes where the A320 Family is heavily deployed. Tour operators, OTAs, TMCs and distribution partners may need to monitor airline notifications closely, as carriers rebalance capacity and adjust flight programmes while implementing the required software and/or hardware protection on their A320 Family fleets.

The article Airbus update on A320 Family precautionary fleet action first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton to open in early 2026

Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton, is set to open in early 2026 in downtown Napa, offering 203 rooms, extensive event space, wellness facilities and new F&B options, and is already accepting reservations.

The article Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton to open in early 2026 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

NAPA VALLEY, CALIF. – Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton is expected to debut in early 2026 in downtown Napa and is now accepting reservations. The reimagined resort adds new upper-upscale capacity to the city’s core, positioned between vineyards and the downtown district.

The property has undergone a multi-million-dollar transformation in design and architecture to align with Curio Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of hotels known for their distinctive character and local flavor. Public areas, created by California-based design firm DyeLot Interiors, are intended to connect the resort with Napa Valley’s landscape and hospitality culture. A central feature of the arrival experience is The Offering Tree, a focal point surrounded by a sculptural hospitality table, where the resort plans to host wine tastings in partnership with local wineries.

Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley will offer 203 guest rooms and suites with earth-tone palettes and warm wood finishes. The rooms include spa-like bathrooms, coffee makers, tea kettles and temperature-controlled wine refrigerators, and are described as the largest rooms by square footage in the downtown area. Some rooms and suites will feature bi-fold doors opening onto private patios with fire pits to create an indoor-outdoor layout. Facilities will also include an outdoor pool and hot tub set within native landscaping, and a redwood lawn with communal fire pits that can host reading, relaxation or events such as yoga sessions and wedding ceremonies.

For the meetings and events segment, Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley will provide over 15,000 square feet of event space. The resort’s inventory includes seven meeting rooms, two boardrooms and a lawn, with configurations suitable for corporate retreats, social events and incentive groups, including garden-view and courtyard venues.

Food and beverage will be structured around several outlets. The Lobby Lounge is planned as a casual venue for handcrafted drinks and small plates. Creekside Terrace will serve breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch in a relaxed setting. A Gourmet grab-and-go market in the lobby will offer quick options for guests heading out to explore Napa Valley, highlighting local products from Ohm Coffee, Napa Nuts and Vintage Sweet Shoppe chocolates. A new restaurant, scheduled to open in early 2026, will introduce a nationally acclaimed steakhouse brand to Napa, combining a wine-focused program with an American steakhouse concept.

Also read → Palacio de Godoy Caceres, Curio Collection by Hilton, opens doors to guests

On the wellness side, guests will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with Peloton cardio machines. Also expected to open in early 2026, The Spa at Casa Mani will provide treatments built around seasonal rituals and locally inspired botanicals, with five treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite, and a Hydrothermal Circuit featuring steam, sauna and a sensory shower.

The resort is positioned as Napa’s first downtown urban resort and will participate in Hilton Honors, Hilton’s guest loyalty program across its 25 brands. Members will be able to earn and redeem Points for stays and use tools such as the flexible payment slider and Points Explorer when booking through Hilton channels.

The article Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton to open in early 2026 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

DLR research aircraft accompanies TUI fly flights to investigate climate-impacting contrails

DLR’s Falcon 20E research aircraft is following regular TUI fly services to measure contrails from modern low-soot engines, as part of the EU A4CLIMATE project to reduce aviation’s climate impact.

The article DLR research aircraft accompanies TUI fly flights to investigate climate-impacting contrails first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

HANNOVER – DLR research aircraft accompanies TUI fly flights to investigate climate-impacting contrails as part of a new European research effort to better understand and mitigate the climate impact of condensation trails from commercial aviation.

Research support in the air: Research aircraft is currently following several regular TUI fly flights. Since this week, several TUI fly passenger flights have been accompanied in the air by a research aircraft from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). The Falcon 20E specifically follows flights at a safe distance that pass through regions with a high probability of contrail formation. This is the first time in many years that a research aircraft has directly followed a passenger aircraft, providing particularly valuable real-time data.

Also read → Ostend-Bruges Airport gains year-round Hurghada service with new TUI fly winter flights

On board the Falcon 20E, scientists are measuring the condensation trails produced by modern, low-soot ‘lean-burn’ engines. Focus on climate impact: Measurements investigate how modern, particularly low-soot engines influence contrails. Scientists estimate that condensation trails are responsible for as much as 1 to 2% of global warming. The measurements now being carried out as part of the A4Climate project are intended to show how much new engine technologies can reduce this effect.

“As a partner to science, we are providing our flights and our operational expertise. We want to help ensure that research results are quickly incorporated into everyday aviation practice – in order to reduce the climate impact of our flights,” says Christoph Todt, Head of Environmental Sustainability at TUI Airline.

For airlines, airports and air navigation stakeholders, the project is designed to generate operationally relevant data that can feed into future decisions on engine technologies, fuel choices and flight planning. The flights are part of the newly launched EU research project A4CLIMATE, in which 17 partners from nine countries are collaborating. The project is developing practical solutions to reduce the climate impact of contrails – including new engine technologies, alternative fuels and climate-optimised flight routing. Leading partners include the DLR, the German Weather Service, the Max Planck Society, ETH Zurich, Imperial College London, Eurocontrol, Flightkeys, Breakthrough Energy and TUI fly.

Since the beginning of 2025, TUI fly has routed several hundred flights specifically to avoid long-lasting contrails. In doing so, it provides researchers with real operating data for the further development of scientific models and tools. For network planning, operations control and sustainability teams, this combination of targeted routing and in-flight measurement offers a testbed for how contrail avoidance and new technologies might be integrated into day-to-day commercial operations in future.

The article DLR research aircraft accompanies TUI fly flights to investigate climate-impacting contrails first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Profitroom warns UK Budget will hit hospitality hard

Profitroom’s UK regional director Patryk Luszcz warns that the latest UK Budget will hit hospitality hard, citing rising taxes, tourist tax proposals and higher costs, while urging hotels to embrace technology and AI.

The article Profitroom warns UK Budget will hit hospitality hard first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Profitroom is warning that the latest UK Budget will place further pressure on independent hoteliers and the wider hospitality supply chain, with rising taxes, higher operating costs and a potential tourist tax all weighing on sector performance.

Patryk Luszcz, UK Regional Director for Profitroom, the award-winning booking platform, is concerned that yesterday’s UK Budget will not provide the support independent hoteliers, and the wider supply chain, needs.

Patryk says: “The Autumn Budget was an opportunity for the government to support software companies who champion innovation and growth in struggling industries like the hospitality sector.

“UK Hospitality has highlighted that the hospitality industry is paying as much as 75% of pre-tax profit – the highest tax paid by a sector in the economy. With limited tax reforms expected, they warn that there will be further job losses within the sector and we have already seen 89,000 hospitality job losses following the 2024 budget.

“Also UK Hospitality’s survey found that tax rises in 2025 have caused businesses to dramatically cut their workforces, with three-quarters of business operating at or below 85% of required capacity. Hospitality businesses who are struggling with capacity and operational demands can turn to tech-led solutions to manage their workflows.

“Hoteliers say that business rates relief is vital, highlighting how independent hoteliers are struggling to absorb sudden hikes in business rates and energy prices. Reform would strengthen revenue management, allow room for long-term planning and free up hoteliers to reinvest in their staff and marketing, boosting profitability across the sector.

“A tourist tax may seem like a simple solution for boosting revenue, but in truth it could weaken the very hospitality and tourism sectors that help drive our economy.

“With operating costs already at exceptionally high levels, introducing yet another fee will burden both visitors and local businesses. This is a decision that will ultimately cause more harm than good. In fact it could cost the public £518 million.

“Inevitably, this will require hotels to be more creative and more aggressive in acquiring business from international markets. This shift will have a direct impact on the total cost of acquisition – an essential indicator of a hotelier’s success – and will ultimately influence overall profitability in an increasingly challenging economic environment.

“While we are broadly supportive of the announcement of apprenticeship schemes for the under 25s, which could benefit the recruitment strategies of hotels, this is against the backdrop of substantial rises in National Living Wage and Minimum Wage.

“As a forward thinking tech business we welcome the Chancellor’s plans for two AI hubs in Wales UK businesses are increasingly focusing on their future by incorporating automation and AI across more areas of their operations.

“The lack of productivity growth in our economy has become a critical issue and improving access to modern technology across all sectors will undoubtedly have a positive impact on long-term productivity and prosperity.

“It is essential for our industry to embrace opportunities in this space, ensuring we can streamline operations and enhance the use of technology throughout hospitality businesses across the UK.”

Also read → Hotels show confidence in AI but lack strategic adoption, new study finds

For hospitality operators, the comments underline the cumulative impact of tax rises, business rates, wage increases and proposed tourist taxes on margins and employment. At the same time, they highlight a growing expectation that hotels will accelerate adoption of tech-led solutions, automation and AI to protect profitability and manage capacity in a low-support policy environment.

The article Profitroom warns UK Budget will hit hospitality hard first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Emirates to serve Baghdad with all Airbus A350 flights from 1 January 2026

Emirates will operate all seven weekly Baghdad flights with the Airbus A350 from 1 January 2026, replacing the Boeing 777 and standardizing a three-class product including Premium Economy on the route.

The article Emirates to serve Baghdad with all Airbus A350 flights from 1 January 2026 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

DUBAI, UAE – Emirates to serve Baghdad with all Airbus A350 flights from 1 January 2026, standardizing its product on the route and confirming a full transition away from the Boeing 777 on this city pair.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will deploy its Airbus A350 across all seven weekly flights to Baghdad starting 1 January 2026. The A350 will replace the current Boeing 777 operating flights EK 943/944 four times weekly, offering customers it’s latest cabins for a more consistent travel experience on every flight.

Configured in three classes, the Emirates A350 offers 32 Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, and 259 spacious Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout. Passengers can enjoy an elevated cinematic experience with the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice, wider aisles, quieter cabins, and advanced lighting designed to reduce jet lag.

For travel trade professionals, the exclusive deployment of the A350 means that Premium Economy will be available across the full weekly schedule to and from Baghdad, creating a clearer proposition for corporate contracts, TMCs and leisure partners selling Iraq routes via Dubai. The introduction of the A350 across the full weekly schedule to/from Baghdad is part of Emirates’ commitment to delivering on its ‘Fly Better’ promise.

Also read → Emirates Group partners with OpenAI to accelerate enterprise-wide AI adoption

The exclusive deployment of the A350 to Baghdad underscores Emirates’ long-standing commitment to Iraq and the wider region. The Airbus A350 was first deployed to Baghdad in August this year on flights EK941/942, and from January 2026 the type will cover all seven weekly rotations.

For distributors and agents, the move simplifies inventory and product communication on the Baghdad – Dubai route, with a single aircraft type, unified cabin layout and consistent onboard offer across all days of operation.

The article Emirates to serve Baghdad with all Airbus A350 flights from 1 January 2026 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Blossom Hotel Houston joins Curio Collection by Hilton

Blossom Hotel Houston has rebranded as Blossom Hotel Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton, adding a wellness-focused positioning, rooftop pool, hotel med-spa and enhanced F&B offering near Houston’s medical and cultural districts.

The article Blossom Hotel Houston joins Curio Collection by Hilton first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

HOUSTON – Blossom Hotel Houston announces its transformation into Blossom Hotel Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton, which debuted on September 30, 2025. This highly anticipated rebrand ushers in a new era for the property, pairing the individuality of an independent lifestyle hotel with the global recognition, reach and loyalty benefits of Curio Collection by Hilton.

As part of Curio Collection, Blossom Hotel Houston delivers a blend of design, elevated amenities, and a commitment to holistic wellness. The hotel features contemporary interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop pool with panoramic skyline views, and the city’s only hotel med-spa, the Total You Medical Spa, which offers a full range of restorative treatments in a serene, wellness-focused setting.

The property also offers a robust culinary program. Blossom Reserve, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves locally inspired cuisine throughout the day, beginning with breakfast service each morning and continuing through lunch and dinner into the evening. The welcoming setting makes it an ideal choice for both business and leisure gatherings. Complementing the restaurant is the Plum Skybar & Lounge, a lively rooftop venue located on the 13th floor. Guests are invited to take in sweeping city skyline views as they enjoy shareable bites and craft cocktails, with service offered daily into the evening and late night hours on weekends.

“Joining Curio Collection by Hilton marks an exciting new chapter for Blossom Hotel Houston,” said Elie Khoury, Chief Operating Officer, Crescent Hotels & Resorts. “This transition allows us to elevate our amenities and services even further while staying true to our vision of being a sanctuary for discerning travelers in the heart of Houston.”

Strategically located in Houston’s cultural and medical districts, Blossom Hotel Houston offers proximity to the Texas Medical Center, NRG Stadium, and the Museum District, making it the closest Curio Collection by Hilton property to these landmark destinations. This location, coupled with the property’s emphasis on wellness and personalized service, positions the hotel as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Also read → Sunseeker Resort rebrands as Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast, Curio Collection by Hilton

Adding to the momentum of the rebrand, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized operator of lifestyle hotels and resorts, will manage the property, bringing its expertise in delivering best-in-class guest experiences to ensure the success of this new chapter.

Blossom Hotel Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton is now part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class brands.

The article Blossom Hotel Houston joins Curio Collection by Hilton first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

IATA calls on Venezuelan Government to reconsider decision to revoke airline operating permits

IATA urges Venezuelan authorities to reconsider the revocation of operating permits for several international airlines, as carriers suspend flights on safety grounds and call for clarity to safeguard connectivity and passenger protection.

The article IATA calls on Venezuelan Government to reconsider decision to revoke airline operating permits first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

MIAMI – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urges Venezuelan authorities to reconsider the revocation of the operating permits of several international airlines serving the country. The airlines in question have temporarily suspended their flights to and from Venezuela following the issuance of air safety alerts by both the governments of the United States and Spain.

For airline planners and distribution partners, the revocation of permits and the simultaneous safety advisories from key markets such as the United States and Spain raise operational, commercial, and passenger-handling challenges. Airlines have prioritized the protection of passengers and crew members, avoiding flights in high-risk areas.

Network and sales teams are now working with constrained capacity and disrupted schedules, while maintaining future market options. The airlines reaffirm their commitment to the market and their willingness to restore service safely and efficiently as soon as conditions allow, with a focus on those passengers who have been directly affected by this situation that is beyond the airlines’ control.

Also read → EASA and IATA partner to align air travel emissions calculations for greater transparency

IATA and its members reiterate their willingness to cooperate with the relevant authorities to seek solutions that ensure air safety and preserve Venezuela’s connectivity with the rest of the world. For global and regional carriers, this cooperation will be essential to define clear operational conditions, risk assessments, and timelines for any potential resumption of service.

From a policy and regulatory standpoint, clarity from the authorities is now critical for network planning, interline coordination, and passenger reaccommodation. We also urge the government authorities to provide timely clarification on the recommendations and conditions that have been communicated and which have resulted in the temporary suspension of services to and from Venezuela.

For travel trade professionals, tour operators, consolidators, and corporate travel managers, the situation underscores the need for close monitoring of Venezuela-related itineraries, flexible rebooking policies, and proactive communication with affected passengers until regulatory and safety conditions are clarified.

The article IATA calls on Venezuelan Government to reconsider decision to revoke airline operating permits first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Electra Rhythm Athens opening marks a new lifestyle chapter in the city centre

Electra Rhythm Athens opening introduces a fully renewed lifestyle hotel on Ermou 5, combining guest accommodation, social spaces and collaborative studios as a new reference point by Syntagma Square.

The article Electra Rhythm Athens opening marks a new lifestyle chapter in the city centre first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Electra Rhythm Athens opening represents the official launch of a radically renewed hotel identity in the heart of the Greek capital. With a dedicated event held on Monday 24 November, the property introduced a new era described as vibrant, open and aligned with the rhythm of cosmopolitan Athens. As the oldest hotel in the Electra Hotels and Resorts portfolio, the building has now formally reopened its doors with a fully refreshed identity, image and positioning.

Located at Ermou 5, Electra Rhythm Athens brings a new sense of hospitality for international and domestic travellers, while at the same time creating new social “hubs” for Athenians. Its concept is designed to operate both as an urban hotel and as a local meeting point, reflecting broader trends in lifestyle hospitality and mixed-use city properties.

During the opening event, professionals from the tourism sector, the business community, the media, communications and the creative industries were present. The party was designed around the hotel itself and the experience it aims to offer its guests. Invitees were able to move freely through the property, visiting rooms and suites to discover first-hand the different elements that make up the Rhythm dimension and to gain a complete view of its renewed identity.

The celebration unfolded simultaneously across several key spaces. Activity centred in the lobby and at Rebels Brew, the ground-floor café bistro which features an exclusively produced coffee blend, a dedicated finger food menu and an extensive selection of Greek beers. At the same time, the rooftop restaurant Focal hosted guests with views of the Acropolis and a menu inspired by Greek gastronomy, underlining the property’s connection with local culinary culture.

Also read → Athens’ southern suburbs lead Greece’s most prestigious property markets

Selected guest rooms on the upper floors were open for viewing, alongside the Electro Studio Gym, a fully equipped fitness space operating exclusively for hotel residents. In addition, the Collaborative Studios – purpose-designed areas for work, presentations and meetings – were accessible to guests throughout the evening, highlighting the hotel’s role in serving business travellers, remote workers and small corporate gatherings in the city centre.

The event was positioned as an evening of celebration, and Electra Rhythm Athens continues to build on its history in the heart of Athens as a point of reference on the edge of Syntagma Square. The property reflects the evolving dynamism and rhythm of an Athens that is re-emerging and repositioning itself as a year-round urban destination.

Speaking with attending journalists, the Vice President and CEO of Electra Hotels and Resorts, Ioannis Retsos, underlined the strategic importance of the asset within the group: “This is where Electra’s successful story began, 60 years ago, with the creation of Electra Ermou. And from here we continue our journey towards the future, maintaining our core values ​​of ethos, elegance and excellence, now creating modern, “lifestyle” hotels, with an emphasis on the detail that defines the customer experience. Electra Rhythm comes to offer the active visitor of Athens a refined stay, a connection with the rhythm of the city and a first acquaintance with its culture and gastronomy.”

The article Electra Rhythm Athens opening marks a new lifestyle chapter in the city centre first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Air Canada unveils Milano Cortina 2026 Team Canada livery and athlete travel plan

Air Canada has unveiled a special Team Canada livery on an Airbus A330 and confirmed plans to transport more than 750 athletes and officials to and from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

The article Air Canada unveils Milano Cortina 2026 Team Canada livery and athlete travel plan first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

MONTRÉAL  – Air Canada unveils celebratory Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team livery featuring Canadian athletes headed to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, confirming its operational role in transporting Team Canada to and from the upcoming Winter Games.

The carrier has applied a dedicated Team Canada design to Fin 940, an Airbus A330, as a visible symbol of its role as Official Airline of Team Canada. The aircraft features images of Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors and will be deployed on international routes, with its first scheduled flight, AC894, operating today to Milan.

According to the airline, Air Canada will transport more than 750 athletes and delegation members to and from the Games. This movement will be supported by its employee-driven Going for Gold program, designed to help ensure a smooth travel experience for Canadian Olympians and Paralympians.

“This special livery is more than a design – it’s a tribute to the strength, resilience, and heart of the athletes representing Team Canada. As the official airline of Team Canada, we are honoured to support our athletes on their journey to Milano Cortina 2026. Our partnership with the COC and CPC reflects our shared commitment to excellence and to celebrating the power of sport that unites our nation,” said Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada. “Bringing Canada’s Olympians and Paralympians to compete on the world’s greatest sporting stage is a point of pride for all of us at Air Canada.”

From a branding and visibility perspective, the special livery offers additional exposure for both Air Canada and Team Canada at key hubs and gateway airports in the lead up to Milano Cortina 2026. It also reinforces the airline’s long-term partnerships with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC).

Also read → Air Canada and Emirates extend strategic partnership with multi-year expansion to 2032

“We’re so excited to see the Milano Cortina 2026 Air Canada livery take to the skies,” said Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the COC and CEO of the Canadian Olympic Foundation. “Air Canada has been a longtime supporter of Team Canada, and this design emphasizes the strength and soaring ambitions of Canadian athletes. The new livery will no doubt inspire Canadians and help rally us all together on the road to Milano Cortina 2026.”

“It is so exciting to see Canada’s Paralympic and Olympic athletes celebrated with this new livery, and it definitely makes the Games feel even closer,” said Karen O’Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “Thank you to Air Canada for their incredible commitment to Team Canada and for their support and care in providing the athletes, coaches, and all team staff with a comfortable journey to the Games – we can’t wait until we head to Italy.”

The airline also announced the list of Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors whose images appear on the aircraft:

• Marie-Philip Poulin – Ice Hockey (Beauceville, Québec)
• Mikaël Kingsbury – Freestyle Skiing (Sainte-Agathe-des-Mont, Québec)
• William Dandjinou – Speed Skating (Sherbrooke, Québec)
• Cassie Sharpe – Freestyle Skiing (Vancouver, British Columbia)
• Tyler McGregor – Para Ice Hockey (Forest, Ontario)
• Ina Forrest – Wheelchair Curling (Spallumcheen, British Columbia)
• Alexis Guimond – Para-Alpine Skiing (Gatineau, Québec)
• Mollie Jepsen – Para-Alpine Skiing (West Vancouver, British Columbia)

For the athlete delegation, Air Canada has detailed a benefits package linked to its loyalty and onboard experience. Team Canada athletes will receive complimentary 35K Aeroplan status and 10,000 Aeroplan points through the Podium Program, along with care & share packages for athletes departing Canada, including amenity kits and memorabilia for added comfort in-flight.

For travel and aviation professionals, the initiative underlines how major carriers are using tailored liveries, loyalty benefits and dedicated operational planning to support large-scale sports movements and national teams ahead of global events.

Air Canada has served as the Official Airline of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1988 and the Canadian Paralympic Team since 2007. This partnership is set to continue through the 2028 and 2030 Games, with further athlete endorsements planned.

The article Air Canada unveils Milano Cortina 2026 Team Canada livery and athlete travel plan first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Bahrain lowers minimum real estate investment for Golden Residency to USD 345,000

Bahrain has reduced the minimum real estate investment for its Golden Residency to USD 345,000, adjusting eligibility conditions for investors, retirees and skilled professionals and reinforcing its long-term residency offer.

The article Bahrain lowers minimum real estate investment for Golden Residency to USD 345,000 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has reduced the minimum real estate investment required to obtain the Golden Residency from 530,555 (BHD 200,000) to USD 345,000 (BHD 130,000). The change, announced by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) at the Ministry of Interior, is intended to support demand in a competitive property market while maintaining the high standards of the Golden Residency Program.

By lowering the investment threshold, the authorities aim to stimulate growth in the real estate sector and make it easier for more foreign investors to access Bahrain’s long-term residency options. The decision is presented as part of a broader national strategy to position Bahrain as a regional hub for long-term residency, business, and investment, and to support sustainable investment and economic growth.

The announcement comes as Bahrain hosts the “Cityscape” exhibition, underlining the link between the updated Golden Residency rules and efforts to develop a dynamic regional and local real estate market recognised for innovation and sustainable value creation.

Also read → Bahrain unveils the Middle East’s first Surf Park in 2026

His Excellency Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, highlighted the significance of the policy update, stating that “reducing real estate investment requirements reflects Bahrain’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for global investors seeking stability and long-term opportunities in the region.” He further noted that the revision “enhances the competitiveness of the Golden Residency Program while preserving its exclusivity and ensuring its continued ability to attract foreign investors.”

Under the current framework, the Golden Residency is granted to property owners and to those who have worked in Bahrain for at least five years with an average monthly salary exceeding BHD 2,000 (USD 5,306). The scheme also applies to retirees who have worked in Bahrain for a minimum of 15 years and receive an average monthly pension of at least BHD 2,000, as well as non-resident retirees with an average monthly pension exceeding BHD 4,000 (USD 10,624). In addition, the Golden Residency is offered to talented individuals such as entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and those who make significant contributions to the national economy or society.

The Golden Residency provides holders with long-term residency, ease of establishing businesses, multiple-entry privileges, and the ability to sponsor family members. According to the announcement, the updated investment threshold “further strengthens Bahrain’s position as one of the region’s most open, and attractive destinations for investors, reinforcing its reputation as a location for high-net-worth individuals and professionals seeking a welcoming environment and high quality of life.”

For travel trade professionals, the revision of the real estate investment requirement is relevant to long-stay and relocation demand, particularly in segments such as high-end residential developments, branded residences, and serviced accommodation. The updated Golden Residency rules may support new products targeting investors, expatriate professionals and retirees considering Bahrain as a base within the GCC region, with potential knock-on effects for hospitality, real estate services and related tourism infrastructure.

The article Bahrain lowers minimum real estate investment for Golden Residency to USD 345,000 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.