Hospitality
Turkish Airlines and Airlink Launch Strategic Codeshare to Boost African Connectivity
Turkish Airlines and South Africa-based Airlink will launch a new codeshare agreement that enhances seamless travel across Türkiye and southern Africa. This collaboration goes beyond a standard commercial deal. It’s a strategic effort to bridge continents, connect cultures, and offer smoother, smarter air travel experiences.
A Unified Network That Puts Passengers First
The agreement, signed at Airlink’s Johannesburg headquarters, marks a key milestone in both airlines’ global expansion plans. Senior executives from each carrier attended the event, which further emphasized the importance of this partnership. In a region where better connectivity is increasingly vital, this collaboration aims to close long-standing network gaps.
As part of the codeshare, Turkish Airlines will place its “TK” flight code on a wide selection of Airlink-operated routes. As a result, travelers arriving on Turkish Airlines’ long-haul flights can connect—on a single ticket—to multiple regional and domestic destinations across South Africa and its neighboring countries.
What This Means for Travelers
The new codeshare significantly improves the overall travel experience. It introduces several benefits that make journeys more convenient and flexible:
- More destinations available on a single ticket
- Simplified connections via Johannesburg and Cape Town
- Flexible schedules with better-coordinated flight times
- Consistent, high-quality service across both airlines
By combining Turkish Airlines’ global reach with Airlink’s regional strength, the partnership gives travelers more choices and smoother travel flows. As a result, passengers will enjoy better timing, fewer hassles, and greater comfort when flying across continents.
Strategic Growth with Regional Impact
Levent Konukcu, Turkish Airlines’ Chief Investment & Strategy Officer, emphasized the broader benefits of this collaboration:
“We give importance to this cooperation with Airlink to enhance our connectivity in South Africa and the region. We aim to improve our partnership to maximize the travel opportunities offered to our guests. We believe this partnership will bring benefits to both carriers commercially and strengthen cultural and tourism ties between our countries.”
De Villiers Engelbrecht, CEO of Airlink, shared a similar outlook:
“This collaboration represents a significant opportunity to deepen ties between our airlines. For customers, it means more convenient travel options, world-class service, and better access to destinations across our combined networks.”
It’s clear that the partnership is about more than connecting flights—it’s about connecting economies, travelers, and experiences.
A Boost for Regional Travel and Tourism
This move is expected to stimulate travel in both directions. South African travelers can now explore Türkiye and beyond with greater ease, while visitors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East gain simpler access to southern Africa’s top destinations.
For the tourism sector, the timing couldn’t be better. With increasing demand for long-haul leisure travel and multi-destination itineraries, seamless routing through Johannesburg and Cape Town could drive more inbound travel and longer stays.
Looking Ahead: More to Come?
While the codeshare begins with Turkish Airlines placing its flight code on Airlink services, this may be just the beginning. With mutual interest in expansion, the partnership could eventually evolve to include reciprocal benefits, frequent flyer integrations, or joint marketing initiatives.
As airlines continue rebuilding stronger post-pandemic networks, collaborations like this one represent a smarter path forward—one that values efficiency, customer experience, and regional integration.
If you’re interested in how other industries are enhancing the travel experience, check out how hospitality brands are designing for the modern traveler.
Hospitality
AVANI+ LANEXANG VIENTIANE HOTEL OPENS IN THE HEART OF THE LAO CAPITAL

Avani Hotels & Resorts has opened Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel, introducing the brand’s premium lifestyle hospitality to the Lao capital. Set on Fa Ngum Road, overlooking Chao Anouvong Park and the Mekong River, the 197-key hotel offers a fresh base for business trips, city breaks and riverside stays in Vientiane.
The opening marks Avani’s second hotel in Laos, following Avani+ Luang Prabang, and brings the brand’s practical, upbeat approach to the country’s capital. Designed for travellers who want comfort, flexibility and a sense of place, Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel combines smart Page 1 of 5 guestrooms, connected social spaces, relaxed dining, wellness facilities and meetings and events spaces designed for both local and international guests.

Guestrooms and suites range from Deluxe Rooms to a Presidential Suite, with layouts that support both work and downtime. Clean lines, efficient space planning and warm contemporary details reflect Avani’s easy-going style, creating a stay that feels polished without being overcomplicated.
The hotel is opening in phases, with a curated selection of rooms, dining, leisure and meeting facilities available from launch. Additional venues and services will be introduced progressively in the months ahead.
Dining will play a central role in the hotel experience, with four venues launching in stages. Mekong Mosaic, opening on 1 July 2026, is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving international comfort cuisine alongside Lao-inspired dishes, live cooking stations, wellnessfocused options and flexible formats including in-room and poolside dining. Sabaidee Social will follow in Q3 2026, bringing a Mediterranean-inspired tapas and bar concept to Vientiane, with casual dining, drinks and live entertainment. The Pantry will offer a relaxed café and co-working space, serving specialty coffee, bakery items, desserts and grab-and-go options throughout the day. Salongxay, scheduled to open in Q4 2026, will present a refined Thai-Lao dining experience, with contemporary takes on traditional recipes, a strong wine programme and an intimate setting for dinners and special occasions.
Wellness facilities are also being introduced in phases. During the first stage of opening, guests can access the outdoor swimming pool and fitness facilities. AvaniSpa and expanded wellness experiences will be added as the hotel moves toward its full launch, bringing Avani’s balanced approach to wellbeing to the centre of Vientiane.
Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel is set to become a key address for meetings, events and celebrations in the capital. Lanexang Hall can accommodate up to 320 guests, supported by additional meeting rooms and outdoor event spaces. Select event facilities are available during the first phase of opening, with the full meetings and events offering to be introduced progressively.

Guests can also tap into curated local experiences and personalised concierge services, connecting them with Vientiane’s cultural heritage, riverside lifestyle and evolving urban scene. The hotel supports Avani’s sustainability ethos through the use of locally sourced ingredients, support for local producers and artisans, seasonal menus, the reduction of single-use plastics where possible and thoughtful operational practices.
Hospitality
SUSHI & BEYOND IS NOW FOUR NIGHTS A WEEK
Toshi, the Pan-Asian restaurant at Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, has its popular Sushi & Beyond promotion on four nights a week. Running every Thursday through Sunday from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the unlimited buffet is currently being offered at an exclusive limited-time price of AED 149 per person, making it one of the city’s most accessible evenings of quality Pan-Asian dining

Guests can expect the full Sushi & Beyond experience: the artistry of Sushi Master Chef Kot at the sushi and sashimi counter, alongside Mama Nata’s rotating menu of Pan-Asian appetisers, mains and desserts. The weekly schedule now makes it easier than ever to plan a visit, whether for a Thursday night dinner, a weekend outing, or a reason to end Sunday on a high.

Details at a glance:
- Days: Thursday to Sunday, weekly
- Timings: 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
- Price: AED 149 per person — unlimited (Exclusive offer for a limited time)
- Venue: Toshi, Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 423 4100
- WhatsApp: +971 50 494 2390
- Email: fbreservations.gmhd@millenniumhotels.com
Hospitality
LOOP OPENS ITS DOORS IN BUSINESS BAY, INTRODUCING A 24-HOUR MEDITERRANEAN SOCIAL DINING CONCEPT
LOOP has officially opened its doors in Business Bay, bringing a fresh Mediterranean-inspired all-day dining and lounge concept to the heart of Dubai. Located at Trillionaire Residences by Binghatti overlooking the Dubai Canal, LOOP is designed as a destination that seamlessly evolves with the city’s 24-hour lifestyle.
From early morning breakfasts to late-night gatherings, LOOP offers a contemporary Mediterranean experience centred around quality cuisine, shisha, tea rituals, and meaningful social connections. Inspired by the rhythm of Dubai, the venue transforms throughout the day, creating an inviting atmosphere for every occasion.

Guests can begin their mornings with specialty coffee and traditional Turkish breakfast spreads, enjoy relaxed business lunches and afternoon meetings, gather over dinner with friends, or unwind with premium shisha and handcrafted beverages into the evening. The concept is built around familiarity, comfort, and the idea of becoming a daily destination guests naturally return to.
LOOP places relationships at the heart of the experience, with a hospitality philosophy focused on recognising returning guests and creating personalised moments that foster a true sense of community.


The interiors feature warm natural textures, contemporary finishes, soft ambient lighting, and floor cooling throughout the terrace, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming setting that transitions effortlessly from day to night.
Situated within one of Business Bay’s newest residential landmarks, LOOP offers both residents and visitors a convenient destination for dining, working remotely, socialising, or simply taking in the canal views. Complimentary valet parking further enhances the seamless guest experience.

With its blend of Mediterranean flavours, elevated hospitality, and dynamic all-day atmosphere, LOOP aims to become one of Business Bay’s new social hubs.
- For reservations and updates, follow @loop.dubai on Instagram or visit www.looprestaurant.ae. | For reservations and updates, follow @loop.dubai on Instagram. | Website: www.looprestaurant.ae
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