Hosteltur

📱 Ryanair introduces digital-only boarding passes this week, affecting travel agencies. Despite using the Travel Agent Direct (TAD) platform, agencies face operational challenges, as they must capture and forward QR codes, complicating the process. ACAVE confirmed no restrictions on issuing boarding passes, yet the approach is labor-intensive. Catiana Tur of ACAVE states the system isn't agency-friendly but aimed at end-users. Agencies may propose a solution to Ryanair in the future.

💸 Sonder, a U.S.-based hotel and apartment manager with nine properties in Spain, declared bankruptcy due to financial struggles and strategic issues with Marriott. On November 9, 2024, Marriott ended their licensing agreement over unpaid fees. Sonder operated five hotels in Barcelona, three in Madrid, and one in Málaga. The company ceased operations last Sunday and plans to liquidate assets. Former Spain director Leda Zanlungo mentioned all Spanish assets were profitable until her departure in December 2024.

🚂 En 2025, Ouigo en España logrará su primer EBITDA positivo desde su llegada en 2021. Generará 159 millones € al PIB español y un impacto turístico de 610 millones €. Ofrecerá 8+ million seats, 40% more than in 2024. Ouigo created 460 direct jobs, over 50% held by women. 92% users noticed fare reduction, with Madrid-Barcelona tickets 40% cheaper. Since 2021, it paid 205 million € in network fees, expecting 1 billion € in the next decade.

🎠 PokéPark Kanto, opening on February 5, 2026, inside Yomiuriland, Tokyo, is Japan's first permanent Pokémon theme park. Spanning 26,000 sq meters in Tama Hills, the park features Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. Attractions include Vee Vee Voyage and Sedge Gym. Tickets go on sale November 21, 2025, with Trainer’s Pass and Ace Trainer’s Pass options. The park will host over 600 Pokémon, enhancing Japan's experiential tourism offerings.