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Turkish Airlines Opens First UK Airport Lounge in Major City
two prayer rooms. The lounge also includes an accessible restroom for the guests with reduced mobility, a baby care room and flight information screens. Turkish Airlines Chief Operations Officer M. Akif Konar said:
TURKISH Airlines has opened its first- ever European lounge outside of Türkiye. The new lounge, set in Edinburgh, will help elevate premium travel at the airport. Türkiye’s flag carrier has hosted a celebratory event at Edinburgh International Airport on 10 December to mark the opening of its eighth lounge outside of Türkiye. Spanning
673m² and accommodating
149 guests, the lounge offers facilities including an open buffet featuring a Turkish pide service at lunch and dinner; a luxury relaxation area with TVs and Wi-Fi; and
Iconic Belfast Venue Celebrates 90 Years on Ormeau Road
“The opening of our new Turkish Airlines Lounge at Edinburgh Airport marks an important
milestone for our airline. As
our first abroad lounge in Europe and our eighth outside of Türkiye, this investment demonstrates our deep commitment to our European operations… Looking ahead, we will continue to build on our presence in the region and bringing our award-winning hospitality closer to travellers here.” Edinburgh International Airport Chief Commercial Officer Stephanie Wear, said: “The opening of the new Turkish Airlines Lounge marks an exciting chapter for both us and the airline as they launch their first lounge
in abroad Europe at Edinburgh
Airport. It demonstrates Turkish Airlines’ commitment to the airport and to enhancing the travel experience for passengers. Open to all travellers, the lounge offers a relaxing space with fantastic runway views and some great food and beverage options whilst you wait for your flight.”
THE Errigle Inn will mark a major milestone this December as it celebrates 90 years on the Ormeau Road. To celebrate the occasion, the South Belfast
venue will host a full day of celebrations on Saturday 13 December. A packed programme of music, entertainment, and a fair few surprises has been designed to thank friends, family and regular customers.
The pub has also produced a limited-edition 90th anniversary commemorative glass, and a range of commemorative merchandise available exclusively at the venue, including t-shirts, tote bags and beer mats, featuring striking illustrations of the iconic pub, drawn by local designer Paul McNally. The Errigle has been a firm fixture on the busy South Belfast thoroughfare ever since. Under the stewardship of the McGurran family for three generations, Phil McGurran today continues a strong legacy of heartfelt hospitality, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, TJ and father, Philip McGurran. Embodying the evolution of Belfast’s social and cultural life, The Errigle has evolved with the changing needs of its customers. Growing from humble roots as a local public house to become a multifaceted venue offering great food, drink, live music, entertainment at the heart of a thriving neighbourhood community, today, The Errigle combines historic charm with modern amenities.
As The Errigle celebrates this landmark
year, plans are progressing for a significant redevelopment, which it is hoped will progress in 2026. A new ground-floor space is included in the plans, designed to respond to demand from local residents seeking places to meet, work, relax, and connect during the daytime. Commenting ahead of the milestone anniversary, Phil McGurran said: “Reaching 90 years is something we’re incredibly proud of as a family. The Errigle has always been more than a pub; it’s a gathering place, a part of people’s stories, and a fixture on the Ormeau Road. We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with the people who make the pub what it is, and we’re excited for what the future holds as we look toward our next chapter.”
Located on Level 2 near gate 16, the lounge will be available to Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers, Miles&Smiles members (Elite, Elite Plus and Elite Corporate Club) travelling in any class; and holders of the carrier’s Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature Card issued in the United States. Guests with a Paid Lounge membership card can also enter the lounge ahead of their flight.
Intrepid Travel Unveil 32 New Active Itineraries In Response to Rising Demand
INTREPID Travel has unveiled over 100 brand-new trips for 2026, featuring immersive adventures in more than 50 countries worldwide. The new trips sit across a variety of travel styles including Walking and Trekking,
Multi-active,
Cycling, Expeditions, Family, Rail and 18 to 35s, as well as new trip ranges including Premium Walking and Trekking. The latest additions include 32 new active itineraries, developed in response to rising demand for active, nature-based travel, with Intrepid seeing 14% year-on- year growth in its active trip bookings from UK customers in 2025. Highlights include rafting in Europe’s deepest canyon on the 7-day Croatia and Montenegro: Hike, Bike & Raft trip and an overnight volcano hike in Guatemala on the 9-day Central America: Hike, Bike & Kayak trip. Intrepid’s new Premium Walking and Trekking range offers higher-end active adventures in destinations including Vietnam, Jordan and Morocco.
Family travel is also a key focus for Intrepid in 2026, after seeing 36% year-on- year growth in family bookings from the
UK this year. Intrepid has introduced 10 new family trips, as well as a new children’s pricing policy, offering 20% off the total trip cost for travellers aged 17 and under. Other highlights include six new rail trips, and the introduction of new destinations including Sierra Leone Adventure and Explore Faroe Islands. Erica
Kritikides, General Manager of Global Experiences at Intrepid Travel, said “Intrepid has one of the most diverse trip portfolios in the world, and we’re always looking to create unique experiences for curious travellers who want to go beyond the surface of a destination and truly connect with the people and places they visit. Our
across
latest trips the
opportunities
globe, to
span
offering connect
destinations meaningful with
like-
minded travellers and engage with local communities. As we continue to expand our global offering, we remain dedicated to developing trips that create positive impact – building connection, enriching communities and leaving travellers with lasting memories.”
Thomas Cook Celebrates Biggest Black Friday Sale to Date Thomas Cook has recorded its largest Black Friday performance since transitioning
to an online travel agency back in September 2020. Revenue has also been confirmed at 274% year-on-year.
During the Black Friday window, Spain remained the most-booked destination, followed by Egypt and then the USA, highlighting continued demand for both short-haul sun and long-haul breaks. Nearly half of all escapes (44%) were booked on an all-inclusive board basis.
Longer stays also dominated, with 72% of bookings made during this period lasting
more than five days. Under one in five customers chose to depart within the next 8-12 weeks. Ryan Cotton, Chief Marketing Officer at eSky Group, parent company of Thomas Cook,
said:
“Black Friday continues to be a key moment for holidaymakers looking for value, and this year we saw the strongest response since relaunching as an online travel agency. Customers are clearly eager to secure great prices on longer breaks and all-inclusive holidays, and we expect this momentum to carry through into the January peaks period.”
January 2026
Palladium Hotel Group Set to Open
New Brand Hotel in New York PALLADIUM Hotel Group has announced the launch of Only YOU Hotel New York. Only YOU Hotel New York is planned to open it the end of 2026, becoming its first hotel in the United States.
Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa- Violán has designed the space to follow the same brand identity – with 138 rooms of different types, equipped with modern services and
premium amenities.
The hotel will offer a wide variety of services and experiences designed to ensure an exceptional stay. “The arrival of Only YOU Hotels in the United States marks a milestone in the global expansion of Palladium Hotel Group. With this opening in a city as strategic as New York, we reaffirm the brand’s commitment to solid and consistent growth, linked to differentiated offerings connected to
each destination. We arrive with the commitment to offer an authentic experience,
impeccable service,
and a team that will act as a true ambassador for the city, celebrating the vibrant spirit of Manhattan and elevating it through hospitality that puts people and the city at the heart of everything,” commented Juan Serra, General Manager of the Lifestyle and Luxury Business Unit of Palladium Hotel Group.
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