The travel company Rakuten Travel uses artificial intelligence (AI) to bring about improvements in hotel bookings with a new agent designed to recommend hotels. Such improvements promise more personalized travel booking for its customers.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:07:28 +0000

A century after the golden age of ocean liners, a new icon has taken shape on the Atlantic coast. In Saint-Nazaire, within one of France’s most storied shipyards, the Orient Express Corinthian—the world’s largest sailing yacht—was officially named, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of luxury travel.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:54:49 +0000

Argentina stepped confidently onto the global stage once again — not just as a footballing giant, but as a destination redefining its place in the world of luxury travel, gastronomy, and experiential tourism.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:13:34 +0000

Recent ABTA travel research reveals that one in five adults now prioritise travelling alone, the highest proportion seen this decade. With independent exploration firmly on the agenda, this growing appetite for solo travel aligns perfectly with National Walking Month in May. From two routes spotlighted in Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When: Hiking to experiences ranging from luxury stays across the country to journeys that support local communities, Peru emerges as an exceptional destination - both for solo adventurers and for travellers keen to indulge themselves.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:07:28 +0000

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces its partnership with PAYBACK, Germany’s leading consumer loyalty programme with more than 35 million customers. The collaboration introduces a new way for German guests to earn rewards when staying at any of IHG’s 7,000+ hotels worldwide.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:45:45 +0000

The Route 66 Golf Trail, The World’s Longest Golf Trail, will be unveiled at a news conference at LaFortune Park Golf Course on Thursday, April 30 at 10 a.m. “It is an honor to launch this permanent golf trail, celebrating the Centennial of Route 66 in 2026,” said Gary Sparks, founder of the Route 66 Golf Trail.” Playing these designated courses, as a bucket-list or golf road-trip, will create lasting memories for millions of golfers as they travel this iconic highway.”
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:39:01 +0000

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the classic American road trip is making a comeback. More families are opting for drivable vacations this summer that combine value, flexibility and meaningful experiences—trading crowded itineraries for time together on the open road.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:09:22 +0000

Southwest Airlines Co. celebrates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with the introduction of Independence One, a special new livery from the airline that is known for democratizing the skies. Independence One will join two additional Southwest® America-themed planes—Freedom One, which has been in the fleet since 2021, and Liberty One, a second newly-introduced aircraft painted in an American flag theme.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:06:22 +0000

This week, United Airlines will kick off its summer schedule with service to new European destinations in Croatia, Italy, Scotland and Spain. The new routes begin launching April 30 — giving customers even more options to reach unique, culturally rich destinations across Europe. In 2026, United will offer up to 210 flights daily during peak travel times between the U.S. and 36 destinations in Europe including Greenland – including 14 that no other U.S. network carrier serves – giving travelers more options at the times they want to travel most.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:04:16 +0000

Off Grid presents the most exclusive way to experience Miami Race Week, May 1 - 3, 2026. Off Grid Hospitality returns to the Miami Grand Prix with an unprecedented custom-built trackside environment, fueled by Imperial Moto, alongside premium cocktail service and luxury tasting experiences courtesy of Diageo Rare & Exceptional. Located at Turn 8, the suite is designed for a curated audience of like-minded racing enthusiasts and lovers of life who value experience and community above all else.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:02:01 +0000

Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has officially achieved a new Guinness World Records™ title for the Highest speed achieved by a rollercoaster launch for its iconic ride, Formula Rossa. The legendary attraction accelerates from 0 to 240 km/h in just 4.9 seconds in a single high-powered launch, setting a remarkable benchmark in rollercoaster engineering and further cementing its place in global theme park history. The park was named World’s Leading Theme Park 2025 at last years World Travel Awards.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:34:38 +0000

Boeing and SCAT Airlines today announced the carrier will expand its fleet and boost capacity with the fuel-efficient 737 MAX. The airline’s previously unidentified order for five more 737-9 jets will support operational efficiency and expand longer-range single-aisle service, including more routes to Europe. SCAT also converted five 737-8 jets from a previous order to the larger 737-9
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:32:53 +0000

Wego, the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced a strategic collaboration with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) to enhance how travellers across the region discover, explore, and plan trips to Türkiye.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:30:58 +0000

In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, Resort for a Day, the largest provider of resort day passes for cruise travelers, is launching a 10% military discount program May 1, 2026. Verified active-duty service members and veterans will receive 10% off all Resort for a Day passes.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:24:18 +0000

Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Chongqing Nan’an District, marking 100 hotels in Greater China and underscoring its continued growth momentum in the region. Nestled in the heart of Nan’an District in Chongqing, China’s famous “3D Magic City,” the hotel is designed to provide a warm and comfortable stay for both business and leisure travelers, bringing to life Fairfield’s “beauty of simplicity” through its signature heartfelt hospitality.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:22:27 +0000

At a time when overtourism is reshaping global travel, the Yukon offers something increasingly rare: space, silence and the freedom to explore without limits. Vast, remote and deeply connected to nature, this is a destination where the journey is shaped not by crowds, but by the landscape itself. With just 46,000 residents across a territory the size of Spain, the Yukon delivers an extraordinary sense of scale, where wilderness dominates and moose famously outnumber people. Reached via Whitehorse, the territory’s main gateway, around 80% of the region remains true wilderness, creating a setting where travel unfolds at a slower, more considered pace.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:20:04 +0000

Orlando is serving up vacations filled with unforgettable moments this summer with headline-worthy concerts, nighttime water park takeovers, character-driven moments, food and music festivals, and international sporting events, including a World Cup friendly match. Recently named the No. 1 Summer Travel Destination for 2026 by WalletHub, Orlando continues to expand its mix of entertainment offerings, giving travelers more reasons to return — again and again.  “Our unmatched combination of world-class theme parks, live entertainment and year-round sunshine, plus our exceptional dining scene, is why families, music lovers and adventure seekers continue to choose Orlando for their summer getaways,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:18:08 +0000

This summer, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort introduces its Collection of Emotions, a curated series of artist residencies, culinary moments, and wellness experiences designed to connect guests more deeply to place. Set between desert and sea, the program highlights both contemporary Mexican artistry and time-honored techniques through immersive, property-wide activations. At the center is a rotating roster of resident artists, including Los Cabos muralist Rodrigo Azanza, designers Salvador and Enzo Compañ of Lørdag & Søndag, and textile artist Daniela Chiñas. Contemporary works chosen by Lørdag & Søndag and created in collaboration with Mexican artisans will be installed throughout the resort to engage directly with the landscape. Each piece is informed by native materials, regional craft techniques, and the distinct visual language of Baja California Sur.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:15:21 +0000

Day 1 of Arival 360 Valencia 2026, the world’s leading conference for the tours, activities and attractions sector, brought together operators, distributors, technologists, and brand innovators to explore the forces reshaping the global experiences industry.  With thousands of delegates from more than 70 countries, Arival opened with a clear message: the experiences sector is entering a new era defined by AI‑driven discovery, multi‑day transformation, open connectivity, and the rapid evolution of traveller expectations. Across the day’s keynotes and panels, industry leaders unpacked the shifting dynamics of customer acquisition, the rise of multi‑day travel, the growing power of culinary and brand‑led experiences, and the technologies that will define the next decade of growth.
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:13:38 +0000

Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique today celebrate the baptism of Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, at the Joubert graving dock in Saint-Nazaire.  Following the ceremony, the ship, a feat of engineering and a showcase of French craftsmanship, will sail from Saint-Nazaire on 2 May 2026, bound for the French Riviera ahead of her inaugural Mediterranean season. Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, says: “For more than one hundred and sixty years, Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been building ships that define their era. Orient Express Corinthian is the latest proof of this: 720 feet, 15,000 tonnes carried by the wind, three SolidSail sails… the fruit of ten years of research and development. It is a concrete, technical response to the decarbonisation challenges facing maritime transport. But above all, it is the work of men and women of exceptional dedication and passion. To them I owe this humble pride. And I thank Orient Express for the trust they placed in us from the very first day of this extraordinary project.”
at Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:10:43 +0000

Paris has been named Official Host Destination for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2026, with the Gala Ceremony to take place in the French capital on 9 December 2026 as the culmination of the two-day World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Summit.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:30:32 +0000

As a UAE-born brand shaped by authentic hospitality and immersive experiences, JA Resorts & Hotels continues to evolve alongside the nation it calls home. Across the country, time is increasingly spent in ways that feel shared and intentional, with community-led and active experiences taking quiet precedence, a shift JA has long been part of through its distinctive blend of world-class hospitality and considered lifestyle experiences. Home to JA Palm Tree Court, JA Beach Hotel, and JA Lake View Hotel, the resort reflects how modern residents choose to stay, play, and unwind.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:35:58 +0000

TravelAI, the UpNext company pioneering the next generation of agentic AI for travel, today announced the appointment of Shie Gabbai and Brianna MacNeil to senior leadership roles. These hires mark a significant step in TravelAI’s mission to reshape how travelers plan, book, and experience travel through intelligent, autonomous AI agents.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:18:52 +0000

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already leaving its mark on global travel, with international interest climbing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—but not at the same pace. New analysis from Data Appeal and Mabrian (Almawave-Almaviva Group), in collaboration with PredictHQ— the leader in real-world context for AI and forecasting—shows that while demand is clearly building, converting that interest into arrivals will depend on air connectivity, domestic travel momentum, and how effectively destinations prepare for peak periods.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:10:54 +0000

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) has announced that exhibit floor space for the 2026 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) is officially sold out, with more than 360 companies exhibiting across 83,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space. With expanded exhibit floor space this year, attendees can explore a broad mix of companies and dive into dozens of technology categories and solution options. The HITEC 2026 exhibit hall will be open June 16–18, 2026, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio with more than 5,800 attendees expected. The event remains the world’s largest and longest-running hospitality technology conference and exhibition.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:08:14 +0000

Bombardier today celebrated fleet operator Vista, a longtime Bombardier customer, taking possession of its first Global 8000 aircraft at the company’s London Biggin Hill Service Centre. With this addition, Vista customers will soon be treated to the finest experience in business aviation today. This introduction marks the beginning of upgrades to Vista’s current Global 7500 aircraft, with two per month planned leading to the full fleet of 18 being operational as Global 8000 jets by year end and in turn marking the largest subscription fleet available of this revolutionary jet.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:48:08 +0000

Amazon is rolling out advanced agentic AI software to enable broad hiring, seeking to speed up and simplify recruitment in a surprisingly more human way.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:14:13 +0000

With global tourism now surpassing pre‑pandemic levels, 2026–27 is shaping up to be a big couple of years for international travel – but travellers aren’t just returning to the same old places. Industry lists from Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Forbes, and other major players show clear momentum towards countries that combine strong infrastructure with nature, culture, and sustainability.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:14:07 +0000

RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, a global leader in AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, today announced the appointment of Oscar Ganuza as Senior Vice President – Revenue, Europe. Based in Barcelona, Oscar will lead RateGain’s efforts to accelerate commercial performance and deepen strategic partnerships in the Europe market, supporting the company’s continued expansion in the region.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:59:13 +0000

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort introduces The Mae On – Mae Ping Atelier Afternoon Tea, a refined culinary journey crafted in collaboration with Skugga Estate, celebrating single-origin cacao grown in Mae On, located approximately 40 minutes east of Chiang Mai city. Rooted in the timeless British afternoon tea ritual, the experience draws inspiration from the resort’s heritage as the former British Consulate. Presented with contemporary finesse, the collection reinterprets tradition through a distinctly Northern Thai lens, where local terroir, artistry and flavour come together in harmonious balance.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:50:34 +0000

A new hospitality concept is quietly redefining the landscape of Los Angeles boutique hotels. Located in the heart of Koreatown, The Ivory is an intimate, 48-room urban sanctuary designed to offer guests a sense of belonging and considered design within one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:44:19 +0000

Artificial Intelligence is shifting power in travel distribution away from visibility and toward trust, redefining how travelers discover, evaluate and book experiences. Rather than eliminating intermediaries, AI is reshaping where value — and control — sits across the travel ecosystem. As travelers increasingly rely on AI assistants to plan trips, the industry is moving from a search-driven model to one where algorithms decide what gets seen — and what gets sold.
at Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:41:12 +0000

Michel Reybier Hospitality is pleased to announce the takeover of Château de Sacy, nestled in the heart of the Champagne vineyards, just a few minutes from Reims. This exclusive property, comprising 12 rooms and suites, is set on the hillsides of Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
at Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:34:44 +0000

La Fiermontina Ocean (lafiermontinacollection.com), the eco-retreat set within northern Morocco’s protected Sahel park, proudly announces the opening of its Community Hub. This innovative space marks a new chapter in the resort’s “circular hospitality” model, allowing guests to move beyond traditional tourism to directly interact with, learn from, and support the rural villages of Dchier and its neighbors.
at Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:32:51 +0000

RMS, a leading global hospitality technology platform, has announced a new partnership with Pride of Britain Hotels (PoB Hotels), a curated collection of over 50 of the UK’s finest independent luxury properties. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting independent hotels as they navigate rising guest expectations, operational complexity and increasing competition, while staying true to the individuality that defines them.
at Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:28:14 +0000

Wizz Air, a leading airline in Central and Eastern Europe, and HTS, a leading global travel technology platform, today announced a partnership to integrate a new solution to help customers navigate disruptions on wizzair.com and the Wizz Air app. Wizz Air, which aims to carry around 80 million passengers in 2026, is now the first European carrier to offer HTS’ novel rebooking service – Disruption Assistance. This product offers real-time rebooking options when disruptions occur and does not yet fall into the scope of EC261 regulation[1], helping travelers get to their final destination, saving time and money.
at Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:59:19 +0000

The RuMa Hotel and Residences, a one MICHELIN Key awarded five-star property, introduces “The Kuala Lumpur Escape,” a thoughtfully curated stay experience that invites residents of ASEAN countries to step away from the everyday and rediscover Kuala Lumpur through a lens of calm, comfort, and understated luxury. Crafted for the discerning regional traveller, The Kuala Lumpur Escape blends Kuala Lumpur’s energy with quiet luxury and culturally rooted experiences. Nestled in the heart of the city, The RuMa, whose name derives from the Malay word “rumah”, meaning home, is a tranquil sanctuary where every detail is meticulously considered to evoke the feeling of a private residence.
at Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:51:57 +0000

China Ready Workshop, a sold-out, two-hour premium paid training session was held on 15 April at WTM Africa 2026 in Cape Town, marking the first time the workshop has been staged in South Africa. The program was partnership between CBISN and WTM Africa. Attendance reflected the breadth of the industry, with registered participants spanning hotels, DMCs, attractions, wineries, transportation providers, MICE operators and luxury travel. Senior management from several tourism boards were also present.
at Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:50:54 +0000

Ireckonu, a leading provider of middleware and customer data platforms for the hospitality industry, today announces the appointment of Jamie Cole as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), reinforcing its leadership team as the company enters its next phase of global growth. Jamie is a seasoned industry professional with a strong hospitality background across global brands including InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Hilton, and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. He brings a valuable client-side perspective, with a deep understanding of how large hotel groups operate, the complexities they face at scale, and what they need to succeed in increasingly competitive and AI data-driven environments. Having known Ireckonu both as a client and now from within the business, he offers a well-informed view of how the platform is already differentiated and where there are opportunities to scale further.
at Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:32:32 +0000

Aer Lingus recently announced changes to its AerClub loyalty programme, making it easier for members to move up through the tiers and enjoy benefits like lounge access, priority boarding, and complimentary upgrades. AerClub has increased the Tier Credits earned on the best value Saver and Smart fares. Saver fares: Tier Credits will double from 7.5 to 15 on all flights within Europe Smart fares: Tier Credits will double from 25 to 50 on all Aer Lingus transatlantic flights These changes have been introduced since the start of April 2026 on eligible flights. The update makes it easier for members to move from Green through to Silver, Platinum and Concierge, unlocking more perks as they progress through the tiers.
at Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:30:40 +0000