Virgin has offered a first glimpse of its plans to reimagine cross-Channel travel, releasing a new image of a striking black and red train and sharing some early clues about what customers can expect on board. Under a landmark agreement with French rail group Alstom, spanning the delivery of 12 trains, Virgin will operate a fleet of Avelia Stream trainsets capable of travelling at speeds of up to 300km/h, with customised interiors designed for cross-Channel travel.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:55:59 +0000

O2 Beach Club & Spa, part of Ocean Hotels Group Barbados, announces the appointment of Natalie Gonzalez as General Manager. In this role, Natalie will lead her teams in creating and delivering in all aspects of hospitality at O2 Beach Club & Spa.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:49:49 +0000

VFS Global today announced the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) with the Government of Malta, marking a significant expansion of a longstanding partnership spanning nearly two decades. The agreement brings together Malta’s Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs (MFEA), Identità, the country’s identity management agency, and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) under an enhanced framework of cooperation.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:47:16 +0000

A group of 30 UK participants has successfully completed the Sandals Foundation’s fourth annual Island Challenge, raising over £100,000 for children’s healthcare in the Caribbean. The four-day fundraising adventure, which took place from 2nd- 5th October 2026, started with a 10-kilometre run from St. Mary to St. Ann followed by an hour-long kayak through the White River Fish Sanctuary and culminated in scaling Dunn’s River Falls. Over subsequent days of the Island Challenge, participants endured an eight-kilometre trek through the Jamaican rainforest, a gruelling, hilly half-marathon from Falmouth to Good Hope where they were joined by local athletes, a hike up the famous Blue Mountains, and even an intense military endurance test led by the Jamaica Defence Force. The group helped conservation efforts on the island by planting trees at the Bogue 2 Forest Reserve and participated in a Reading Road Trip to Chalky Hill Primary School, where they met local children, whose families will benefit from the money raised by the initiative.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:43:38 +0000

DFDS is strengthening its presence in the Strait of Gibraltar by adding a combined freight and passenger ferry on the Algeciras-Tanger Med route, increasing capacity and flexibility for customers travelling and transporting goods between Europe and North Africa.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:41:47 +0000

Viking® announced it has taken delivery of the Viking Rota, the company’s newest Viking Longship®. The 190-guest Viking Rota joins its growing fleet of state-of-the-art sister ships and will sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. “The delivery of the Viking Rota marks another milestone for our award-winning river fleet,” said Leah Talactac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking. “As interest in river travel continues to grow, we remain focused on creating more opportunities for curious travellers to explore the world in Viking comfort. We look forward to welcoming guests on board this elegant new river vessel.”
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:37:38 +0000

Duetto, a leading provider of revenue and profit software for hotels, today announced it has acquired FLYR Hospitality, a provider of automated revenue management and business intelligence for hotels. This expands Duetto’s Revenue & Profit Operating System to now include FLYR Hospitality’s AI-first revenue strategy platform, inclusive of its best-in-class business intelligence tool, and advanced AI capabilities. This bolsters Duetto’s already strong product suite that includes tools for revenue management, group business, AI-powered insights, and profit benchmarking (through HotStats, which Duetto acquired in 2025).
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:34:08 +0000

Sunlife has launched Estella by Sunlife, a new lifestyle hospitality concept designed for travellers who want the space and independence of a private home, without giving up the service, facilities and experiences of a luxury resort. The first Estella property, Estella at La Pirogue, has opened on the west coast of Mauritius, offering a collection of spacious apartments and penthouses within La Pirogue, with privileged access to selected facilities and experiences at both La Pirogue and neighbouring Sugar Beach.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:32:36 +0000

Pegasus Innovation Lab, which leads Pegasus Airlines’ innovation-driven transformation, has entered into a strategic partnership with Zingly.ai as both an investor and design partner to bring agentic voice AI to its guest service operations. The first use case is now live, marking the start of a phased roadmap that will run through mid-2027 and is planned to cover the top 10 guest service use cases, which account for the majority of relevant contact centre volume. Pegasus served approximately 43.3 million guests in 2025 across routes spanning Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:31:43 +0000

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has announced strong results for Q3 2026, with double-digit growth across key commercial and loyalty metrics, building on its strong first half and cementing summer 2026 as a resounding success. Total revenue reached US$1.04 billion, up 27% year-on-year, while total room revenue rose 28% to US$843 million. The performance was driven by a 33% increase in room nights and a 6% rise in average length of stay.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:25:43 +0000

Namron Hospitality will debut La Valise Bacalar on December 15, 2026, marking the arrival of its La Valise collection on the shores of Bacalar’s famed Lagoon of Seven Colors. The opening represents the transformation of Boca de Agua, the acclaimed MICHELIN Key hotel designed by celebrated Mexican architect Frida Escobedo, into the newest expression of La Valise, expanding Namron’s presence in the region. Set within 36 hectares of protected jungle, more than 90 percent of which remains in its natural state, La Valise Bacalar features just 22 elevated treehouse suites and villas positioned between the dense Yucatán forest and the crystalline waters of Bacalar Lagoon. The accommodations were conceived to sit lightly on the land, preserving the forest floor and allowing the surrounding ecosystem to remain largely undisturbed.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:48:37 +0000

New data shows AI engaged sessions across travel websites are up 168% over the year, meaning travel business need to be AI-ready before the peak booking season takes hold. AI visibility preparation is now key as travellers are increasingly turning to AI to research, compare and plan holidays, according to IDHL’s State of AI Search report analysing 1.5 million AI engaged sessions across 175 websites.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:46:41 +0000

Arctic Boutique Collection, a hand-curated portfolio of unique retreats across Lapland and the Arctic Lakeland, is adding four new openings and expansions for the 2026/27 winter season. Between October and December 2026, the collection will welcome an all-inclusive wilderness retreat on the Arctic Circle and two new glass igloo resorts near Rovaniemi, while a trio of design suites set hidden in private forest enters its first full winter.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:42:41 +0000

Hidden beneath a dense canopy of Zapote, Chechén and Chacá trees, a new kind of quiet luxury has emerged in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Sève, the first luxury hotel to open in the jungle community of Chemuyil, will welcome its first guests in December. Spread across more than 12 acres of pristine forest approximately 20 minutes north of Tulum, the nine-lodge retreat was conceived as an intimate sanctuary with architecture and an ambience that yields to the jungle. An independent, family-owned property, Sève blends experiential hospitality, sensory immersion, and holistic wellness within one of the Riviera Maya’s most preserved natural environments.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:38:04 +0000

On September 30, guests went to sleep at the Grand Bohemian Charleston, and woke up at Hotel Operis. Beginning October 1, 2026, the boutique hotel in the heart of Charleston is entering its next act while continuing its legacy as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. This evolution, which starts with a new name and builds with an inspired experience, invites guests to discover creativity, culture and the spirit of the Holy City. Updated branding and thoughtful enhancements throughout the property bring the Hotel Operis identity to life, giving guests even more to discover.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:26:00 +0000

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara proudly announces the fifth edition of the Al Baleed Culinary Festival, a month-long celebration of gastronomy taking place throughout November 2026. Salalah’s leading gastronomy festival brings together culinary talent from MICHELIN-recognised venues, acclaimed international chefs and Omani culinary voices from across Minor Hotels in Oman. Supported by key sponsors including the Experience Oman, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Dhofar Municipality, and Amouage; the programme spans seven signature dinner dates, artisan pastry experiences and collaborations between visiting chefs, resort talent and sister properties, creating a journey that moves from global technique to the flavours and traditions of Oman.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:21:59 +0000

WTM London, powered by RX Global, has reconfirmed its commitment to the next generation of talent with a range of offers for students and graduates wanting to attend the world’s most influential travel and tourism event. Its connection with the workforce of the future is primarily secured through its long-standing partnership with ITT Future You, part of the Institute of Travel and Tourism. Every year since 2009, WTM and ITT Future You have co-hosted a dedicated forum for students and graduates as part of the WTM London conference programme.
at Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:19:04 +0000

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today set out its ambition for one million Tourism SMEs to benefit from its Together in Travel Community, strengthening support for independent and growing businesses across the sector through free research and knowledge, practical guidance, a global community, enhanced advocacy, and a greater focus on understanding their priorities, addressing barriers to growth, and meeting their needs.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:31:48 +0000

As AI agents move into travel search and booking, airlines face a new commercial blind spot: losing customers before they ever enter the funnel.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 15:31:52 +0000

AA Media has launched The Great British Detour, a new campaign celebrating the best of Britain’s hospitality, heritage, landscapes and local experiences. The campaign is about reminding travellers that getting from A to B can be about more than simply reaching their destination, encouraging them to look beyond the obvious tourist trail and discover the places, people and experiences that can turn a journey into part of the holiday.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:05:51 +0000

UAE staycation bookings have increased by 31% year-on-year ahead of the October half-term break, according to the latest booking data from dnata Travel, highlighting growing demand for convenient getaways closer to home. The UAE is the top destination booked by residents for the school holiday period, as families increasingly opt for shorter breaks that offer quality time together without extensive travel. Outbound travel also remains robust, with the Maldives, Spain, France, Thailand, and Mauritius ranking among the most popular overseas destinations.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:02:13 +0000

Tumodo, the UAE-based online business travel platform, reports on corporate travel demand, pricing and destination trends for Q3 2026. The region had a difficult beginning of 2026, but forecasters expect a recovery. International travel in MENA and South Asia will grow 17% in 2027, more than twice the global rate of 8%. Compared with Q3 2025, trips on Tumodo’s platform rose 112% and spend rose 132%. Against Q1 2026, trips were up 44% and spend was up 72%. A recent report projects that Middle East business travel spending will reach $16 billion in 2026.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:58:57 +0000

Local cuisine emerges as the region’s strongest dining force, as traditional restaurant settings give way to fluid, social spaces Marriott International has unveiled Future of Food 2027, its latest report exploring food and beverage trends across Asia Pacific excluding China. Drawing on conversations with leading chefs, hospitality experts and regional influencers, alongside insights from Marriott International properties across the region, the report reveals a pivotal transformation: the rise of place. As dining breaks free from traditional restaurant boundaries into fluid, social formats, diners increasingly seek experiences that are hyper-local, authentic and deeply connected to their destination.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:50:34 +0000

There are few destinations that can make remoteness feel quite as desirable as Namibia. Its vast desert landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and lodges seemingly suspended between earth and sky give the country a powerful proposition in luxury travel. The opportunity now is to turn that appeal into stronger international business, while protecting the qualities that make it worth travelling for.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:46:42 +0000

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has presented its prestigious WTTC Icon Award to Professor Francesco Frangialli, recognising his lifetime contribution to global tourism governance and his role in securing Travel & Tourism’s place within the United Nations system. The award was presented during a VIP Dinner at WTTC’s 26th Global Summit in Malta, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government ministers.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:45:50 +0000

Phoenix Hospitality Group (PHG), the UAE-born hospitality group with a growing portfolio across hotels, restaurants, nightlife and lifestyle concepts, has appointed Manish Ahluwalia as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective October 2026. Manish Ahluwalia will lead the Group’s growth and global expansion, strengthen its corporate structure, nurture a people-first culture and build a robust pipeline of new opportunities.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:43:14 +0000

Antoine Karam, the Beirut-born luxury linen house renowned for its bespoke home linen and refined lifestyle pieces, is opening a new boutique at Solitaire Mall, marking the latest step in its journey in Saudi Arabia. Present in the Kingdom since 2019 through its Mansard Hotel boutique, the brand has a loyal local clientele, including royal families and private clients who entrust Antoine Karam with bespoke projects for private residences, palaces, and diplomatic residences. The new boutique now brings Antoine Karam’s distinctive combination of Italian fabrics, Lebanese craftsmanship, and highly personalised service to more clients in Riyadh.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:11:05 +0000

Luxury specialist tour operator Simpson Travel has acquired South France Villas, bringing exceptional new properties across the Languedoc and around the Côte d’Azur/French Riviera to its France portfolio. The acquisition was completed on 4 August 2026. Simpson Travel has watched South France Villas grow over many years and is delighted to welcome the business as the next step in its growth strategy. The deal comes after Simpson added Affinity Villas to its collection in 2025, a move that introduced a highly successful Portugal programme.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:07:00 +0000

JA Manafaru, the private Maldivian island resort located in Haa Alifu Atoll, has earned a place in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection, bringing international recognition to the island retreat of Dubai-born JA Resorts & Hotels. On this island in the northern Maldives, hospitality takes its character from the destination: Maldivian flavours served among the branches of a living banyan tree, days spent exploring the surrounding waters, and a team whose personal welcome brings guests into island life.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:05:52 +0000

Emirates Holidays has launched the Thailand Pass, offering exclusive benefits across shopping, dining and leisure activities for customers travelling to and throughout Thailand. Available to Emirates Holidays customers traveling to Thailand, the pass unlocks exclusive offers of up to 40% off, with no minimum spend. In Kenya, travellers can reach Thailand through Dubai. Emirates operates 21 weekly flights between Nairobi and Dubai, with onward connections to Bangkok and Phuket.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 07:11:40 +0000

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has revealed new sailings within its Voyage Collection 2028-2029, ‘Let the World Surprise You.’ Itineraries are timed to the world’s most captivating cultural moments, from Carnival in Venice and Rio de Janeiro to New Year’s Eve in Funchal and Sydney, alongside new S.A.L.T. Culinary Voyages built around Europe’s truffle season and Southeast Asia’s iconic markets. Spanning September 2028 to May 2029, the programme comprises 103 voyages across 219 destinations in 56 countries, including 29 new ports of call across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and South America. General sales open on 8 October, 2026.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 07:08:48 +0000

JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the highly anticipated opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, marking a significant milestone as the brand’s first-ever all-inclusive resort worldwide. More than a traditional all-inclusive getaway, the resort introduces JW Marriott’s all-immersive approach to luxury hospitality, creating the space and freedom for guests to enjoy each moment fully, without distraction. Rooted in the brand’s commitment to well-being, the experience encourages guests to reconnect with intention through enriching culinary experiences, curated wellness rituals, and a profound sense of place along Costa Rica’s pristine northern Pacific coast.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:45:16 +0000

Festive season in the Maldives is getting a sporting upgrade, as Kandima Maldives welcomes some of the most acclaimed names in women’s football to its three-kilometre island this festive season, giving guests the chance to get closer to the game through coaching, matches, challenges and beachside experiences. The active lifestyle resort’s festive season will unfold in two chapters: Christmas in Paradise, from 20–25 December, followed by Showtime Fairground from 26–31 December, before culminating in a spectacular Kandima-style New Year’s Eve celebration.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:42:17 +0000

ITB Americas reaches 85% exhibition capacity ahead of its inaugural event in November. Nearly 300 companies are confirmed across main exhibitors and co-exhibitors, including Brazil, United Airlines and Miki Travel. International buyers, 40 conference sessions and more than 70 top-speakers, including Pierre Vandoorne (Netflix), Lourdes Hainlin (Forbes Travel Guide) and Salim Arkuch (Expedia), add momentum to the new Pan-American B2B travel trade show.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:41:24 +0000

Three years in the making, Anantara unveils Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, its first safari property in Africa, in the same year it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The intimate 13‑key camp embodies African modernism through clean lines, materials shaped by hand and landscape‑informed design, forming an off‑the‑grid sanctuary on the Kafue River in Zambia’s largest national park. By placing wellness on equal footing with conservation‑focused safari experiences developed in partnership with African Parks, the lodge reshapes expectations of what a modern safari experience can offer.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:37:26 +0000

Arbitrip, a leading travel technology platform transforming hotel booking through advanced AI, exclusive pricing, and elevated customer service, today announced strong early results from its landmark partnership with EL AL Airlines, following the launch of a fully white-labeled hotel booking platform embedded within EL AL’s digital ecosystem back in June. In its first month, the platform generated more than 35,000 hotel nights booked, while EL AL customers redeemed more than 130 million frequent flyer points on hotel stays.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:34:22 +0000

BEYOND Developments has announced the launch of The Yards Plaza by BEYOND, its second commercial development in Dubai. Located along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, the new workplace destination brings human wellbeing, business performance and work-life balance together through an integrated approach to design. Following the sell-out of BEYOND’s first commercial development, 31 Above in Dubai Maritime City, The Yards Plaza advances BEYOND’s commercial portfolio with a workplace integrated into a wider masterplanned community. It extends the company’s design philosophy into a commercial setting shaped around how people work, connect, move and spend time throughout the day.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:30:45 +0000

After ten years, countless coffees, cocktails, long lunches, late nights and plenty of stories later, The Hoxton, Amsterdam is unveiling a fresh new look. In The Hoxton’s 20th anniversary year, the hotel is celebrating ten years on the Herengracht with a refreshed aesthetic across its five historic canal houses, anchored by a completely reimagined Lotti’s Bar and new interiors across its ground floor and meeting and events spaces.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:25:26 +0000

Chapitre Six, a collection of independently owned hotels across France, has officially announced its arrival in Courchevel 1850 with the opening of Bourbon Hotel on 18 December 2026. Nestled in the world-famous Golden Triangle with direct ski-in, ski-out access to Les Trois Vallées, this intimate 28-room and three-suite hideaway brings an ultra-stylish alternative to standard alpine hospitality. Founded under the vision of Nicholas Saltiel, Chapitre Six continues its thoughtful expansion across France’s most coveted destinations - following acclaimed openings in Paris, including the recent revival of Bus Palladium, and ahead of a flagship project in Cannes, launching in 2027.
at Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:20:38 +0000

Unforgettable Travel Company has today launched Unforgettable Asia (unforgettableasia.com), a new luxury Asia specialist designed to make complex travel across the region easier to sell for agents. Launching with 11 destinations and 50 itineraries, Unforgettable Asia initially covers Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia, with further destinations to be added in late 2026 and 2027. The launch follows significant growth in demand for Asia travel at Unforgettable Travel Company, with enquiries increasing 226% between 2022 and 2025. Agent demand has accelerated particularly quickly and now accounts for 54% of the company’s Asia bookings.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:02:36 +0000