Travel tests longer flights as airlines trim leisure access

Summary

Kerzner International appointed Céline Assimon as chief commercial officer. Assimon previously led De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark, and Kerzner’s portfolio includes One&Only, Atlantis, and Rare Finds.

Why it matters

A new chief commercial officer can quickly change how Kerzner sells, prices, and partners, directly affecting revenue growth and brand equity across its flagship resorts.

Summary

RMS is partnering with SUNY Niagara's Hospitality Management Program to embed its property management platform into the curriculum. Students at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute will use the software across hotel functions such as reservations, front desk, housekeeping, sales, revenue management, and reporting.

Why it matters

Curriculum-level adoption of industry software tightens the link between degrees and employable skills and can lock in vendor advantage in the talent pipeline.

Summary

Air New Zealand’s CEO frames AI as a lever to improve operations and customer experience, but he stresses it cannot offset the airline’s biggest pressures. Fuel costs, engine availability issues, and a weak New Zealand dollar remain the dominant drivers of financial performance.

Why it matters

Airlines can digitize fast, but their margins still hinge on fuel, currency, and aircraft availability, and that shapes pricing, capacity, and profitability across the market.

Summary

AlUla has revealed the design for Manara, a new astronomy and science discovery destination located under some of the darkest skies on Earth within the world’s third-largest Dark Sky Park. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, it aims to link the region’s celestial heritage with hands-on learning and astrotourism.

Why it matters

Purpose-built astronomy destinations can turn dark-sky protection into durable economic and educational leverage, influencing where astrotourism investment and public science engagement concentrate.