Here's a quick update of what's happening on the travel scene in early 2025:
DigiZoo, the world's largest holographic zoo and digital experience center, has opened in the Mall of Istanbul. Spanning 1,500 sqm, DigiZoo offers an immersive journey through interactive exhibits, virtual reality experiences and holographic displays featuring over 50 species designed to captivate children and adults.
A collaboration between Türkiye's leading design studio, PolyVision, and Katılım Emeklilik pension fund, the project combines advanced imaging techniques with artificial intelligence algorithms. DigiZoo brings prehistoric creatures and modern animals to life, highlighting the wonders of nature and pressing global issues like the climate crisis.
As a new year dawns, so does the need for those visiting Thailand to adopt a new Visa system. To be able to apply for a Thai e-Visa, visitors will have to go through the official website starting this month (January).
The Thai e-Visa system was previously available only for travellers in select locations. Starting in January, applicants from any part of the world can now complete the entire process online.
This global rollout will activate the electronic visa system (e-Visa) across all 94 Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General worldwide. The Thai e-Visa initiative is designed to simplify and speed up the visa application process.
United Airlines is preparing to offer high-speed internet service during flights. Being implemented with SpaceX's Starlink system, it could pioneer digital transformation across aviation.
The company will begin testing the new technology in early 2025. Initially, two-cabin aircraft will be equipped with the Starlink satellite system, with the ultimate aim to make the first commercial flights with this system by spring.
United Airlines officials announced that if the project is successful, they plan to equip the entire aircraft fleet.
Thailand's Transport Ministry has unveiled plans for Hua Hin Airport to accommodate international flights. Transport Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri has called on government ministries and agencies to ensure international airport certification is achieved.
Danai Ruangsorn, the Director General of the Department of Airports, outlined the plan, comprising two major projects. The first involves expanding the runway to meet international standards with a width of 45 metres, accommodating larger aircraft. This expansion has been completed and is undergoing a standards inspection by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
Cunard is to host music collaborations across 2025 with renowned music artists Jools Holland OBE and Jamie Cullum headlining exclusive performances on Queen Victoria.
Jools Holland will join guests on Queen Victoria's eight-night Spain and Italy voyage from Southampton on 4 May, and Civitavecchia on 12 May. He will perform two shows in the ship's Royal Court Theatre.
Britain's best-selling jazz artist and BBC Radio 2 presenter Jamie Cullum will join the 2,000-guest Queen as part of her 13-night roundtrip Atlantic Islands voyage departing Southampton on 21 April. The MOBO Award-winner will play some of his best-known hits, including songs from breakthrough album Twentysomething. The April-May sailing features port calls to Madeira, Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Cadiz.
Hong Kong-based carrier HK Express Airways has announced it has grown passenger numbers by 40% year-on-year, welcoming its sixth-millionth passenger for 2024 on New Year's Eve.
This rapid growth has garnered strong industry recognition for HK Express and earned it the title of the World's Fastest Growing Airline of 2024 from OAG, the leading data platform for the global travel industry.
"This year has been significant for HK Express as our team meticulously expanded our network of destinations, fleet and team," said CEO Jeanette Mao. "As Hong Kong's only low-cost airline, we will continue to offer affordable fares and introduce exciting new destinations, enabling travellers to embrace the freedom to travel anytime, anywhere."
Accor's MGallery Collection has expanded its presence in Greater China with three new hotels in Shenzhen, Wuxi, and Nanjing. It brings the number of MGallery properties in the region to nine, with several more under development.
The Fashion Town Hotel Shenzhen, the Dangkou Ancient Town Hotel Wuxi, and the Ming Hotel Nanjing promise to provide guests with luxurious, sustainable, and personalized service. These follow the recent launch of the Chengdu Expo Waterfall Hotel, another MGallery property.
Gary Rosen, CEO of Accor Greater China, described MGallery as one of the region's fastest-growing hospitality brands. He emphasized the brand's commitment to creating unique guest experiences that resonate with local culture and incorporate strong design identities and sustainable practices.
Andy Probert is an independent PR writer and journalist who writes about travel experiences, airlines, airports, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph, The Sun, Daily Mirror, as well as many newspapers/magazines globally.
