There are some iconic destinations that will simply never go out of style. But in recent years, the desire to escape crowded tourist hotspots has grown just as quickly as the queues. UK travellers are increasingly looking to enjoy the same breathtaking scenery, cultural richness, and vibrant nightlife without the elbow-bumping, the photo-bombers, or the heavily inflated prices. This summer, the biggest travel trend isn’t just swapping one crowded destination for a quieter village down the road, it’s crossing borders entirely. Enter the destination dupe.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 07:24:23 +0000

In today’s aesthetic-driven society, travellers make booking judgements within milliseconds. That’s why new research by Bókun, a Tripadvisor company, is highlighting the importance of high-quality and authentic images in driving trust and bookings for tour and travel experiences, especially within the current AI landscape. On-site images have evolved to be more influential drivers for bookings than the trip details themselves or even customer reviews. In fact, Bókun’s survey of 2,000 adults across the UK and Italy revealed that over half (57%) admit they would be tempted to book a tour or experience based primarily on how appealing the photos look.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 07:21:15 +0000

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) tourism industry is preparing for the gradual return of Chinese visitors as outbound travel from China continues to strengthen despite recent geopolitical disruption. According to new research from Dragon Trail International, an Official Research Partner of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), destinations across the region are now focusing on rebuilding traveller confidence and positioning themselves for recovery. The latest findings show that Chinese outbound travel remains robust. Seventy-seven per cent of surveyed travel agents reported higher demand for outbound travel during the first half of 2026 compared with the previous year, while 70% said demand for outbound summer travel had increased year-on-year. Official data from China’s National Immigration Administration also showed that border crossings by mainland Chinese citizens increased by 10.7% in the first half of 2026, underscoring the continued strength of outbound demand.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 07:17:13 +0000

AmaWaterways today unveiled a first look at AmaNubia, its new luxury river ship debuting on the Nile River in November 2026, and shared updated renderings of the reimagined AmaDahlia, which will debut in its new form in September 2026. Together with the award-winning AmaLilia, the ships underscore the company’s continued investment in Egypt as demand for luxury travel to the destination continues to grow. Home to some of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures, breathtaking landscapes and thousands of years of history, the country continues to captivate travellers eager to experience the wonders of the Nile in comfort and style.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:45:14 +0000

Nestled beneath the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Faraglioni, on one of Capri’s most secluded bays, the renowned Torre Saracena Beach Club is inviting a new generation to discover the allure of Capri. As one of the island’s most beloved beach clubs – opened in 1906 and celebrating its 120th anniversary this year – Torre Saracena embraces an understated philosophy based on old world charm and classic Caprese style. With direct views of the Faraglioni and the 16th century watchtower built to keep Saracen and Ottoman invaders at bay, and which gave the club its name, Torre Saracena offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, tranquillity, and authentic Caprese hospitality.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:40:58 +0000

22 new rooms and suites. That’s the next step for The Kontiki Beach Resort. Easy and full of life, exactly as the resort has welcomed guests since 2006. An expansion that marks the resort’s growth, without losing sight of what has set The Kontiki apart for twenty years: a barefoot jungle chic atmosphere where nature, calm, and hospitality come together. Since opening in 2006, The Kontiki has grown into a mainstay of Curaçao’s hospitality scene. Where many resorts opt for a polished, uniform look, Kontiki has deliberately built on its own identity: lush greenery, open architecture, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:35:21 +0000

SriLankan Aviation College (SLAC), the training arm of SriLankan Airlines, has been recognised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as an IATA Authorised Training Centre (ATC) Preferred Partner for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in aviation training and further strengthening its position among IATA’s leading global training partners. The College, recognised as one of the 10 best-performing IATA Training Centres in the world, has received this award for the second consecutive year.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:34:50 +0000

This winter, Royal Hideaway Corales Resort in Tenerife will launch the first edition of Inspirational Chef Stories, running from 28th & 29th November 2026. Albert Adrià of two-Michelin-starred Enigma in Barcelona will join resident chefs Juan Carlos and Jonathan Padrón for an astronomy-themed six-hands menu collaboration at the resort’s two-Michelin-starred, three-Repsol-Sun El Rincón de Juan Carlos.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:31:30 +0000

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has officially unveiled its new Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and Slide, the resort’s most ambitious villa transformation to date. In total, there are 50 of these new overwater villas, in 48-one bedroom and two two-bedroom configurations.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:25:41 +0000

There was a time when the most valuable item in your suitcase was probably a camera. Today, many travellers are boarding flights carrying a smartphone, laptop, tablet, smartwatch, wireless earbuds, camera and portable charger, often without realising the combined value of what they’re taking away. Insurance experts Everywhen say the modern holiday has undergone a major transformation, with technology becoming as essential to travel as sunglasses and sunscreen. As a result, many holidaymakers could now be travelling with thousands of pounds worth of personal belongings packed into a single backpack or cabin bag.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:23:45 +0000

See out the summer in style at Rove Hotels, where Rovers can stay, dine, play and connect with a packed calendar of experiences across its hotels in the UAE. From family-friendly staycation offers and extended hotel escapes to dining experiences, creative workshops and exclusive partnerships, there’s something for every kind of Rover to enjoy throughout the month. Rove will also welcome back its popular Geek Stay at Rove At The Park, transforming the hotel into a vibrant hub for gaming, tabletop adventures, cosplay and pop culture. Bringing together hundreds of fans for an unforgettable community weekend, the event is set to be the ultimate finale to the summer.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:13:23 +0000

Spice Traders Brings China’s Eight Great Cuisines to the Goan Coast
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:10:41 +0000

Eurowings has completed the first half of 2026 with stable operational performance and high customer satisfaction ratings. Despite weather-related disruptions to flight operations at the start of the year and strikes by the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) trade union, Eurowings operated 75,000 flights with a regularity rate of nearly 99 per cent. Eurowings was forced to make significant last-minute adjustments to its schedule due to the conflicts in the Middle East. In total, more than ten million passengers chose Germany’s largest holiday airline in the first six months of 2026.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:08:50 +0000

Hilton is expanding its presence in Ireland with a range of signings, openings and brand debuts, marking a significant step in its growth and building on its existing portfolio of eight hotels across six brands. The upcoming openings will create more than 150 jobs and will bring the number of team members working at Hilton hotels in Ireland to nearly 1,000.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:58:50 +0000

Hilton has opened Canopy Bangkok Sukhumvit, marking the debut of its lifestyle brand, Canopy Hotels, in South East Asia. Set in Bangkok’s vibrant Asoke neighbourhood, the hotel brings together public spaces by award-winning interior design studio AvroKO, four distinctive dining concepts and city-curated experiences that reflect Bangkok’s layered character and creative energy. The opening represents another milestone in Hilton’s expanding lifestyle portfolio across Asia Pacific.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:51:52 +0000

At GBTA Convention 2026, Oversee introduced a conversational AI chat experience for consultants within AgentSee and a full redesign of its platform, bringing air and hotel reshopping, sourcing analytics, and agentic AI reporting into one cleaner view.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:48:48 +0000

dailypoint, the Central Data Platform for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) & Loyalty in hospitality, has expanded its customer portfolio with two new properties in the Americas. Now Now NoHo, the first sleeper cabin hotel in New York City designed specifically for solo travelers, is implementing, among others, the Campaign Manager, Message Center, and Loyalty Program solutions to consolidate guest information within a single Customer Data Platform (CDP) and use unified data across marketing, communications and loyalty activities.  With the Campaign Manager tool, the hotel owned by Dovetail + Co. will be able to turn centralized guest data into targeted and automated communications and to move away from generic mass mailing campaigns. While the Message Center solution will provide the hotel team with a central place to manage guest communications, the Loyalty Program tool will support
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:47:53 +0000

Janelle Hopkin, president and managing director of Spice Island Beach Resort, has been honored with the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD) Hank Thomas Trailblazer Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the hospitality industry.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:43:46 +0000

Tourism Australia has released its new 10-year strategic Tourism 2035 plan, aimed at creating future demand and competitiveness for Australia as a destination internationally and supporting the nation’s tourism sector. The strategy aims to grow total overnight high-yield traveller spend to between $61 and $69 billion by 2035, helping to boost the economic contribution of Australia’s second-largest export sector.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:42:25 +0000

Visitors to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) will have a rare opportunity to sit down with storytellers from AlUla, an ancient desert oasis in northwest Saudi Arabia, as two of the destination’s celebrated Rawis take up residence in the heart of Washington, D.C. From August 7 to 8, Atif Albalawi and Wedad Yaseen, expertly trained cultural interpreters from AlUla, will lead immersive programmes that bring to life the stories, landscapes, and living traditions of a destination often described as the world’s largest living museum.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:39:03 +0000

As sun-and-sand destinations compete for a new generation of health-conscious travellers, the Dominican Republic is tapping into one of travel’s fastest-growing movements - mindful drinking breaks. From zero-proof cocktail programmes at its all-inclusive resorts to Ayurvedic wellness retreats on its southeast coast, the destination is broadening its appeal well beyond the traditional rum punch, offering visitors ways to unwind without the hangover.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:33:38 +0000

Anantara Hoi An Resort has unveiled its most significant transformation since opening in 2013, introducing a new collection of riverfront suites, a reimagined pool experience and a vibrant new dining destination overlooking the Thu Bon River. The enhancement programme strengthens the resort’s connection to its riverside setting while elevating every stage of the guest journey, from accommodation and wellness to dining and relaxation.
at Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:28:51 +0000

Company demonstrates the strength of its operating model following the successful integration of Mare Nostrum Resort.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:31:49 +0000

Diamonds Thudufushi Resort Maldives has entered into the prestigious Lifestyle Collection by Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This partnership unites the resort’s unique Maldivian hospitality with the global reach of one the world’s leading collections of independent luxury hotels.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:19:30 +0000

If you’ve always wanted to explore the UAE’s storied past, Qasr Al Watan offers you a unique opportunity to embark on an immersive journey through the nation’s proud heritage and traditions. Whether it’s education, culture or entertainment you’re after, one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks offers something for everyone.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:24:38 +0000

A long-standing favourite for GCC travellers, Thailand is seeing record numbers of visitors from the region this summer as holidaymakers look to escape city heat for tropical breezes. To help Middle Eastern guests feel at home, SAii Hotels & Resorts has introduced two distinct island escapes that prioritise privacy, seclusion and family time. From the open, breezy setting of SAii Laguna Phuket to the secluded, nature-immersed calm of SAii Phi Phi Island Village, guests can escape the intensity of the city heat and enjoy more of their time outdoors, surrounded by tropical nature and wide-open spaces
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:52:39 +0000

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today unveiled its latest Economic Impact Research (EIR): Global Trends Report, highlighting how investment and policy support are key drivers of growth in the global Travel & Tourism sector. The research, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner, shows that global Travel & Tourism investment exceeded $1 trillion in 2025, growing by 8.5% year-on-year, as the whole sector outperformed the wider global economy and contributed a record $11.6 trillion to world GDP. The findings reinforce the importance of sustained capital investment in driving job creation, destination development, connectivity, and long-term economic growth.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:33:15 +0000

Virtuoso once again brings luxury travel’s most iconic event returns to Las Vegas this August as for its 38th annual Virtuoso Travel Week, often hailed as “the Fashion Week of Luxury Travel.” Taking place August 8-14 across Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Vdara Hotel & Spa, the weeklong event will bring together thousands of travel professionals from over 105 countries. As the leading global network for luxury and experiential travel, Virtuoso continues to shape the future of high-end travel, cementing its influence on a worldwide stage.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:31:08 +0000

This August, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi introduces a collection of new dining and wellness experiences alongside its signature seasonal offerings. From the debut of two restorative treatments at The Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and the new seafood-inspired taco collection at Catch at St. Regis to timeless Afternoon Tea, leisurely beach days, and elegant evenings across the hotel’s celebrated restaurants and bars, each experience reflects the refined hospitality and enduring traditions that define St. Regis.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:12:35 +0000

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has opened Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, restoring the former Grandhotel Hessischer Hof – one of the city’s most prestigious and storied luxury hotels – to the local hospitality landscape. Following its closure at the end of 2020, the landmark property returns this summer as the Taj brand’s first hotel in Continental Europe.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:07:47 +0000

New operator itineraries strengthen England’s historic cities offer for the international travel trade. England Originals, the international travel trade brand representing the England’s Historic Cities consortium, has strengthened its global distribution with a growing portfolio of bookable multi-city programmes developed in partnership with international tour operators and destination management companies.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:04:04 +0000

For HOSHINOYA Bali, sustainability is not simply a business objective; it’s a philosophy woven into the way the resort operates, connects with its community and welcomes guests. Guided by the Balinese Hindu principle of Tri Hita Karana – the harmonious relationship between people, nature and the spiritual world – this long-term approach respects the resort’s unique setting on the ancestral lands of the ancient Bedulu Kingdom where the sacred Pakerisan River flows and nurtures the lush landscape of eastern Ubud.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:59:35 +0000

As airlines seek to use state-of-the-art APIs to provide unique fares, on-demand offers, and bountiful ancillary offers directly, they are pursuing the New Distribution Capability rollout at an increased pace. Many carriers impose surcharges by waiving content availability on traditional EDIFACT-based global distribution systems at the same time.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:03:54 +0000

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, announced the launch of direct flights between Madinah and Brussels, the capital of Belgium, starting October 5, 2026, as part of its efforts to strengthen its network and provide its guests with more travel options.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:11:03 +0000

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, will host its UAE National Careers Open Day on 16 August at the flydubai Campus, inviting UAE nationals to explore rewarding careers with one of the region’s fastest-growing airlines and learn more about the carrier’s specialised training and development programmes.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:05:57 +0000

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, and The Walt Disney Company, are bringing some Disney joy to the skies. Created for Riyadh Air, young travelers will be treated to amenity kits featuring Disney’s Mickey & Friends characters, with several bespoke designs depending on age group.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:04:38 +0000

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has announced the launch of three additional employment-linked scholarship programs under the “Wa’ed” track of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program. Delivered in collaboration with leading specialized educational institutions in the United States, the initiative reflects the airline’s commitment to developing Saudi talent and preparing national capabilities in high-demand aviation disciplines that support the future of the Kingdom’s aviation sector.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:01:42 +0000

Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) today announced an expansion of their codeshare partnership, enabling access to nine cities and establishing the start of a reciprocal codeshare agreement between both carriers. The expanded partnership opens more destinations across central and southern Africa, simplifying connectivity for customers. Since launching their codeshare agreement, Emirates and SAA have operated on a unilateral basis, with SAA placing its code on Emirates-operated flights between Dubai and Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, as well as interline access to 68 Emirates destinations worldwide via Dubai. With regulatory approvals secured, the new agreement will see Emirates place its code on SAA-operated flights, extending its network deeper into South Africa and neighbouring countries.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:58:05 +0000

WTM London, part of RX Global’s exhibition portfolio, has given its largest ever donation to international safe water charity Just a Drop, thanks to record-breaking generosity at last year’s show. The 2025 event raised £8,300 through exhibitor donations, which was then doubled by WTM London with match funding, bringing the total to £16,600. With visitors also encouraged to donate directly via the WTM London registration form, the show’s overall financial contribution will be even higher. The charity was also gifted stand space to host meetings and raise its profile among those attending.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:28:56 +0000

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara has unveiled a collection of seasonal offers, creating more ways for guests to experience the beauty of the Empty Quarter through exclusive savings and thoughtfully curated inclusions. Available for stays booked until 30 September 2026, the Dune Oasis Escape and Dune Villa Escape pair luxury accommodation with a range of added benefits, creating greater value for families, couples and friends seeking a desert escape.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:22:11 +0000