Meliá Hotels International Expands in Greece with INNSiDE Crete Elounda

Meliá Hotels International Expands in Greece with INNSiDE Crete Elounda

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 8, 2024

Spanish hotel chain Meliá Hotels International is expanding its footprint in Greece with the introduction of INNSiDE Crete Elounda. This new addition marks the company's fifth property in Greece and the first under the INNSiDE by Meliá brand in the country.

The agreement to launch INNSiDE Crete Elounda was signed on May 24, 2024, and represents a significant step in lifestyle travel for Greece. This move strengthens Meliá’s partnership with Zeus Hotels, bringing their combined offering to over 1,050 rooms.

Located in the picturesque town of Elounda on Crete's northeastern coast, the hotel will occupy the site of the current Elounda Ilion. The property, perched atop a hill with panoramic sea views, will undergo a complete renovation and rebranding to meet INNSiDE’s high standards. Set to open in May 2025, the 5-star INNSiDE Crete Elounda will blend traditional Greek charm with luxurious modern amenities, offering guests an unparalleled holiday experience.

INNSiDE Crete Elounda: More Than a Hotel

INNSiDE by Meliá is designed for modern, adventurous travelers. Each property reflects the essence of its location, fostering a sense of community among guests. INNSiDE Crete Elounda will feature:

Luxurious Accommodations: 85 rooms that combine contemporary luxury with comfort.

Integrated Common Area: A seamless space that includes the lobby, reception, and bar, ideal for both work and relaxation.

Top-Notch Amenities: From in-room facilities to the innovative Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges, and fitness centers.

Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing eco-friendly initiatives with minimal paper and plastic use, organic toiletries, and events featuring local culture and artists.

This holistic approach ensures guests enjoy a sense of freedom and creativity, designed for independent travelers with a spirit of adventure. Sustainability is a core focus, ensuring minimal environmental impact while providing a luxurious experience.

Lefteris Papakaliatis, CEO of Zeus Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Meliá Hotels International. The new hotel in Elounda reinforces our commitment to raising Greek hospitality standards and offering exceptional experiences to our guests.”

Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman & CEO of Meliá Hotels International, added, “We are excited to introduce INNSiDE by Meliá to Greece. This partnership allows us to combine Meliá Hotels International’s industry expertise with Greece’s unrivaled hospitality, strengthening our presence in both the Greek market and the wider Mediterranean region.”

INNSiDE Crete Elounda joins Meliá’s expanding portfolio in Greece, which includes Sol Marina Beach, Sol Cosmopolitan, and Blue Sea Beach, all in partnership with Zeus Hotels, as well as the Meliá Athens hotel in the capital.

About Meliá Hotels International

Founded in 1956 in Mallorca, Spain, Meliá Hotels International operates more than 400 hotels in over 40 countries under nine brands. Known for its commitment to responsible tourism, Meliá has been recognized as Europe’s most sustainable hotel company. The group's Mediterranean roots and extensive experience in leisure-inspired urban hotels make it a leader in the global hospitality industry.


Novotel Cairo Airport Invites Families to Celebrate Eid with Meaningful Moments

Novotel Cairo Airport Invites Families to Celebrate Eid with Meaningful Moments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2026

This Eid El Adha, Novotel Cairo Airport is inviting guests to slow down and enjoy meaningful family moments through a peaceful and relaxing holiday experience. Designed as a calm urban retreat, the hotel offers families a comfortable setting to reconnect and spend quality time together away from the rush of everyday life.

At the heart of the experience is the idea of togetherness. The hotel’s guest rooms and suites have been thoughtfully designed to create a warm “home away from home” atmosphere, allowing families to enjoy a comfortable and relaxed stay during the festive season.

The celebration continues through a wide range of dining experiences featuring seasonal favourites and international dishes. Whether over breakfast, lunch, or dinner, every meal is designed to encourage conversation, shared moments, and festive joy around the table.

Guests can also unwind with leisure experiences across the property, including relaxing by the pool or spending time at the gym. The overall atmosphere focuses on creating simple yet memorable moments where families can truly enjoy being together.

With comfort, warmth, and togetherness at its core, Novotel Cairo Airport aims to offer guests a meaningful Eid escape filled with relaxation and family connection.


adidas and Saudia Launch ‘Made to Fly’ Travel Pack

adidas and Saudia Launch ‘Made to Fly’ Travel Pack

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 6, 2026

adidas and Saudia have come together to introduce the ‘Made to Fly’ travel pack, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration that brings sportswear and aviation into one space. The collection officially launched in retail on April 20 across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Morocco.

Saudia, as the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has played an important role in shaping the region’s travel experience over the years. By partnering with adidas, the collaboration aims to connect travel with modern sportswear, while appealing to a younger generation that sees travel as part of their lifestyle.

The collection is built on adidas’ SOFT LUX line, which focuses on clean design, premium materials and a refined look. With this collaboration, the classic tracksuit is reimagined as a modern travel essential, designed to suit both comfort and style.

Subtle design elements inspired by aviation and Saudi culture are woven into the collection, giving it a distinct identity while keeping the overall look minimal and contemporary. The idea is to create pieces that feel easy to wear, yet polished enough for different travel moments.

The garments are crafted using peached spacer fabric with modal and enhanced with a liquid cotton treatment, giving them a smooth texture and a soft feel. This makes the collection suitable for long journeys, airport transitions and everyday wear.

Speaking about the collaboration, Bilal Fares, SVP and GM, adidas EMC, said, “This collaboration allowed us to reinterpret one of adidas’ most refined sportswear lines through the lens of travel, alongside a brand that has shaped the Kingdom’s travel culture for generations. By bringing together Saudia’s connection to movement and adidas’ sportswear heritage, we created a collection that feels elevated, effortless and relevant to today’s consumer.”

The ‘Made to Fly’ pack blends elements of fashion, travel and movement, positioning the tracksuit as a modern-day travel uniform. It reflects how today’s travellers see their journeys not just as a way to move, but also as an expression of identity and personal style.

Khaled Tash, Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer, added, “For 80 years, Saudia has connected the Kingdom to the world. Today, travel is no longer defined only by destinations, but by identity, culture, and self-expression. Building on our 2023 rebrand, which marked a new chapter in our global journey, we are expanding our brand presence beyond aviation into culture and lifestyle. Our collaboration with adidas brings these elements together, transforming movement into a statement of modern Saudi ambition and capturing the confidence and creativity shaping the Kingdom today.”

The adidas x Saudia ‘Made to Fly’ travel pack is available at select adidas stores across the region and online, offering a fresh take on travel-ready fashion.


Emirates Restores 96% of Global Network, Strengthens Dubai Hub

Emirates Restores 96% of Global Network, Strengthens Dubai Hub

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 6, 2026

Emirates has announced a near-complete return to its global operations, with 96% of its network now restored after a period of disruption. Over the past few weeks, the airline has gradually resumed services across key regions including the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East/GCC, the Far East, and Australasia.

At present, Emirates operates flights to 137 destinations across 72 countries, with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. This accounts for around 75% of its pre-disruption capacity, as the airline continues to increase flights, seat availability, and travel options for passengers. The move also reinforces Dubai as a major global hub connecting international travellers.

Even during the disruption period, Emirates carried 4.7 million passengers between 1 March and 30 April, reflecting steady demand for travel and continued trust in the airline’s services.

Passengers flying with Emirates can expect a consistent and high-quality experience both onboard and on the ground. The airline offers regionally inspired, multi-course meals prepared by experienced chefs, along with a wide range of premium beverages. Its inflight entertainment system, ice, features over 6,500 channels across nearly 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and more. High-speed Wi-Fi is also available, with Starlink connectivity currently live on 28 aircraft, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey.

To make travel more convenient, Emirates has introduced several customer-friendly benefits. Bookings made from 2 April include one free date change across all cabin classes, and travellers can hold fares for up to 24 hours at no cost. The airline’s Dubai Connect programme offers added comfort for passengers with transit times between 6 to 26 hours, providing complimentary hotel stays, airport transfers, meals, and visa support where required.

Additionally, Emirates Skywards members can benefit from faster tier upgrades and Bonus Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights between 1 May and 31 August 2026.

For Indian travellers, Emirates continues to maintain strong connectivity with 167 daily flights between Dubai and nine cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, ensuring smooth and reliable travel options.

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