Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Josh Littman as Head of Development – EMEA. Based in London, Littman will lead the Group’s expansion efforts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a focus on securing new hotel and branded residence contracts for The Langham Hotels & Resorts, Cordis Hotels & Resorts, Eaton and Ying’nFlo. BTN recently had the opportunity of putting several questions to Josh as he takes up his new position within the company.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:31:51 +0000

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) has hosted its third annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill. The event served as the backdrop for honoring Congresswoman Young Kim (R‑CA) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D‑WA) with Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award, recognizing their work to advance transparency, competition and innovation across the travel ecosystem. The event, sponsored by Chase Travel Group and Booking Holdings, brought together Travel Tech member companies, policymakers, congressional staff, and industry stakeholders to highlight the role of travel technology in creating a more transparent, competitive, and innovative travel experience for consumers. 
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:26:46 +0000

Emirates has become the first airline in the world to offer Comprehensive Travel Cover, an industry-first travel insurance product that handles it all, including medical cover for conflict-related incidents, backed by airline-managed hotel accommodation and extended-stay support across a range of disruption scenarios. When itineraries include connecting on other airlines or Emirates services are unavailable, Emirates will also rebook disrupted customers to their destination at no additional cost, including where flights have been cancelled due to conflict-related disruption.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:24:57 +0000

Marriott International, Inc. today announced the beta launch of Ask Bonvoy™, a new conversational, natural language search experience designed to help travelers more intuitively discover incredible destinations across the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio of approximately 10,000 properties in 146 countries and territories. Ask Bonvoy is designed to help travelers search for stays and plan their trips using conversational language, delivering customized results that lead to unforgettable experiences.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:15:01 +0000

As football fever hits new heights, Virgin Atlantic is teaming up with IMG to bring live sport to the skies via Sport 24, helping customers stay connected to the moments that matter most, wherever they are in their journey. Available on Starlink-equipped aircraft, customers can access the Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra channels on their own devices for free by connecting to Virgin Atlantic’s streaming-quality Wi-Fi. Whether settling into their seat before take-off, cruising at 35,000 feet or counting down the minutes to landing, fans can enjoy live sports content such as FIFA World Cup 26™ on Sport 24 from boarding to arrival.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:06:27 +0000

This Father’s Day, Indian families are increasingly swapping conventional gifts for shared experiences and meaningful journeys. Instead of celebrating with material presents, travellers are choosing holidays that allow them to spend quality time together, pursue common interests, and create lasting memories. Insights from Thomas Cook India Ltd. and SOTC Travel reveal that Father’s Day travel is evolving into a celebration of experiences—whether it’s conquering a mountain trail together, embarking on an epic road trip, watching a sporting event, enjoying a wildlife adventure, or simply unwinding over a long weekend.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:54:23 +0000

Visit Maldives Corporation has appointed Event Maldives and Print Lab as the official Event Partner and Print Partner, respectively, for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026, further strengthening preparations for one of the travel industry’s most prestigious events.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:21:11 +0000

Choose Chicago today announced that Chicago will be featured as the exclusive bookable travel destination through a first-ever partnership with Amazon during Prime Day, June 23 - 26, one of the largest online shopping events in the world. Through the partnership, Chicago hotels offering discounted rates of 20% off will be featured across Amazon’s Prime Day Travel Deals experience, with bookings powered by Expedia. Booking availability will extend into the first quarter of 2027. Ahead of June 23, select Choose Chicago hotel partners are also participating in Early Prime Deals offering 10% off.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:21:02 +0000

Accor has announced a new chapter for one of Melbourne’s most iconic coastal addresses, with Saint Kilda Beach Hotel currently undergoing a landmark transformation led by owner ERDI, ahead of its reopening as Novotel St Kilda in October 2026. The transformation of the former Saint Kilda Beach Hotel will see 80 redesigned guest rooms debut, featuring a contemporary coastal palette to create calming spaces that support restorative sleep and everyday balance - core to Novotel’s design philosophy.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:52:08 +0000

Fresh from being recognised at the Tatler Thailand Spotlight Awards 2026, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort are highlighting Northern Delights, a curated four-night luxury journey combining the cultural richness of Chiang Mai with the extraordinary landscapes and immersive experiences of the Golden Triangle. Designed for discerning travellers seeking both cultural discovery and meaningful adventure, the itinerary includes two nights at each award-winning destination, seamlessly connecting the riverside elegance of Chiang Mai with the jungle-clad hills of the Golden Triangle.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:48:19 +0000

Visit Maldives Corporation and CROSSROADS Maldives have signed an agreement to host the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean on 27 September 2026.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:28:11 +0000

Today, Royal Caribbean unveiled the next chapter of its Artist Discovery Program with its newest cohort of emerging artists on Legend of the Seas, the ultimate family vacation debuting July 2026 in Europe. This summer, six artists from across the Caribbean and Central America will debut original, destination-inspired artwork throughout the ship, bringing the spirit, color and culture of the region in bold new ways
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:17:59 +0000

As the world’s attention turns to South Florida with the start of the 2026 World Cup, Miami Beach is inviting travelers to look beyond the match and discover experiences, events and activities found only in Miami Beach. Combining world-class sporting energy with beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, celebrated restaurants, arts and culture and famous architecture, Miami Beach is the ideal home base for travelers looking to score an unforgettable summer vacation.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:57:00 +0000

American women are increasingly embracing solo travel for relaxation, personal freedom, wellness, and adventure — and Palm Springs stands out as one of the most approachable and comfortable U.S. destinations for independent travelers.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:13:50 +0000

Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s flag carrier, posted the strongest May in its history, reinforcing its rapid growth and expanding presence in the country’s aviation sector. According to data released by the Dominican Republic Civil Aviation Board (JAC), Arajet carried more than 163,000 passengers on flights to and from the country in May 2026, excluding connecting traffic. The performance allowed the airline to capture more than 10% of all passenger traffic entering or leaving the Dominican Republic during the month.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:58:41 +0000

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio, as well as Aquatica waterparks in Orlando and San Antonio, are launching the Fourth of July Sale, offering guests the best values of the year on tickets, passes and unforgettable summer experiences.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:23:22 +0000

In an increasingly fast-paced world, the pursuit of lightness, balance, and emotional ease has become essential. Along the tranquil banks of Liangma River, Four Seasons Hotel Beijing offers a refined sanctuary where families can rediscover the art of being together—away from distraction, and closer to presence. Designed as a thoughtful parent-child wellness journey, the experience blends movement, nourishment, and restoration, reimagining family time as something both grounding and deeply restorative.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:22:37 +0000

Italian music legend Maestro Andrea Bocelli has been announced as the first artist for Yasalam Classics, a new concert series within the Yasalam presented by e& entertainment programme during Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 race week.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:11:53 +0000

Despegar, Latin America’s leading travel tech company, and Civitatis, the world’s leading platform for the distribution of tours and activities in Spanish and Portuguese, have announced the signing of a global strategic partnership. Through this agreement, both companies will work on integrating Civitatis’ catalog into Despegar’s platform. Once this implementation is complete, Despegar’s more than 30 million customers will be able to access Civitatis’ full catalog of tours, excursions, and guided tours across all markets where the company operates. The collaboration combines Despegar’s well-established presence in the Latin American market with Civitatis’ expertise in the Spanish and Portuguese tours and activities segment.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:08:52 +0000

As the England squad prepares to take to the pitch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup today, Wednesday, Gold Medal, the flagship brand of Gold Medal Travel Group is riding the wave of wanderlust with a brand-new USA & Canada campaign. ‘In Focus: USA & Canada’ features a brand-new 132-page brochure plus a dedicated selling guide packed with practical hints, tips and talking points to assist with converting the anticipated client enquiries that major sporting events often generate. In addition to the book - available to order via Tradegate - a microsite with downloadable marketing assets, ready-made social content, and a curated selection of special offers with accessible regional routes into America’s most iconic destinations, is available for agents to use in their selling.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:06:25 +0000

Pegasus Airlines, one of Europe’s leading low-cost airlines, launched a new direct summer route on 15 June 2026, between London Gatwick and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International, further strengthening its UK presence network and enhancing connectivity between the UK, Türkiye and beyond. The new London Gatwick route joins Pegasus Airlines’ existing daily service between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International and London Stansted, giving passengers across London and the Southeast greater flexibility and choice when travelling between the UK and Türkiye.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:02:49 +0000

As part of its strategy to promote sustainable tourism and ensure a positive experience for both residents and visitors, the Consell de Mallorca is encouraging holidaymakers to help preserve the island’s natural environment, cultural heritage and local communities during the summer season. By making responsible choices throughout their stay, visitors can contribute to the long-term sustainability and wellbeing of Mallorca as a destination. Already popular European destinations such as mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands are seeing increased bookings as the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East encourages travellers to holiday closer to home. According to recent data from travel agency lastminute.com, British holidaymakers are gravitating towards familiar and trusted favourites, with Spain accounting for five of the top ten fastest-growing destinations. Mallorca leads the trend, recording a 16% year-on-year increase in bookings.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:56:52 +0000

HunterMoss has launched its 2027 calendar, bringing together the company’s signature driving journeys across Europe and North America, alongside a pioneering new route: the Basque to Bordeaux Supercar Tour.  Running from 26thApril to 2nd May 2027, the seven-day journey traces from Bilbao through San Sebastián and Biarritz to the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, joining the dots between two of the most celebrated culinary and cultural regions in Europe.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:53:55 +0000

AI-driven conversations are becoming a primary interface for inspiration, booking, and service in the hospitality space. As traveler journeys increasingly start in these environments, hotels must remain visible, in control, and able to convert demand – all without adding operational complexity. Amadeus is uniquely positioned to orchestrate the AI-enabled travel ecosystem and is accelerating this transformation to AI-driven commerce and intelligence, in a neutral and embedded way. By helping hoteliers capture demand in emerging AI channels, Amadeus is empowering teams with an integrated, outcome-driven portfolio.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:50:07 +0000

Leading foreign exchange company Travelex has launched its new mobile store concept, Nomad, at Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, following a successful pilot at Zurich Airport earlier this year. Nomad combines complete in-store capabilities with a pop-up flexibility that allows it to be moved around to serve high passenger footfall. The mobile store offers customers convenience and accessibility and can be opened and closed within minutes to be securely stored outside of trading hours.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:36:18 +0000

Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept with nearly 60 resorts in some of the world’s most desired vacation destinations, and VICI Properties Inc. an S&P 500 experiential real estate investment trust, announced today the acquisition and planned redevelopment of the iconic Carambola Beach Resort, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, marking the return of Club Med to U.S. shores. The future Club Med St. Croix will reinforce the hospitality brand’s leadership in the premium all-inclusive category, while bringing a renewed spirit to the destination’s most historic beachfront property.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:34:31 +0000

Travellers heading to southern Italy now have an additional way to explore Pompeii, Herculaneum and Sorrento by train thanks to the addition of Campania Express to Rail Europe’s portfolio. For many travellers, Italy begins with Rome, Florence or Venice. Campania Express offers another reason to say “Ciao Campania”, inviting visitors to discover a different side of the country — from the ancient streets of Pompeii and Herculaneum to the sea views, lemon groves and laid-back atmosphere of Sorrento.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:31:45 +0000

Sharjah’s 102 hotels welcomed 2.1 million guests in 2025, an increase of 22% on the previous year, according to leading real estate advisory and property consultancy, Cavendish Maxwell. Annual revenues rose 20% to reach AED780 million, with the average length of stay at 2 nights. Sharjah’s hospitality sector is currently operating at 78% occupancy, with an average daily rate (ADR) of AED305, the company said
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:28:20 +0000

This summer, two of Europe’s most iconic lakeside retreats come together to create an extraordinary cross-border journey. Il Sereno on the tranquil shores of Lake Como and Kulm Hotel overlooking Lake St. Moritz in the Engadin Valley introduce an exclusive “Lake to Lake” experience, seamlessly connecting the timeless elegance of Italy with the alpine grandeur of Switzerland. The launch comes at a particularly exciting moment for Il Sereno, which has recently been recognised as a Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown property. One of the most prestigious accolades in global hospitality, the distinction is awarded only to hotels that have achieved all three of Condé Nast Traveller’s most coveted honours: the Hot List, recognising the world’s best new hotels; the Gold List, celebrating editor-selected favourites; and the Readers’ Choice Awards, voted for by travellers themselves. The award places Il Sereno among an exceptionally select group of hotels worldwide recognised for excellence in design, service and guest experience.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:25:51 +0000

SH Minerva, the first of three ships in Swan Hellenic’s fleet, has earned the DCA ESG Certification from Dream&Charme, an internationally accredited certification body specialising in hospitality. Dream&Charme is accredited against ISO/IEC 17065 by ACCREDIA under the supervision of the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:21:06 +0000

Invest in Wellbeing, a new specialist consultancy helping hotels create profitable spa membership businesses from existing wellness facilities has been launched. This new venture is aimed at independent and boutique hotel operators looking to generate sustainable local revenue streams from underutilised pool, sauna and steam room facilities, while responding to growing consumer demand for wellbeing experiences.
at Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:10:34 +0000

As this summer’s global soccer tournament has kicked off, attendees are locking in travel plans well ahead of their national team’s first round. New data from Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, shows host cities such as Dallas rising up the table to become a record-growth city for luxury mobility. In fact, these travel trends are indicating a clear sign of how fans, executives and hospitality groups are planning around the event: earlier, more intentionally and with reliability top of mind.
at Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:47:54 +0000

Amadeus is taking a major step toward orchestrating agentic commerce in hospitality, connecting journeys across both AI assistant channels and hotel-owned touchpoints
at Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:04:44 +0000

Amadeus is taking a major step toward orchestrating agentic commerce in hospitality, connecting journeys across both AI assistant channels and hotel-owned touchpoints
at Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:33:29 +0000

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with Etihad Airways and leading tourism stakeholders, has concluded a C-level trade visit from India, reinforcing long-standing partnerships and setting a clear direction for the next phase of growth across one of the emirate’s most important source markets.
at Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:00:21 +0000

The Bench hosted the official launch reception for Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Egypt on 11 June bringing together senior hospitality, real estate and investment leaders to mark the countdown to FHS Egypt, taking place on 10–11 November 2026 at Sofitel Downtown Cairo Nile.
at Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:54:57 +0000

Air France is proud to celebrate 80 years of operations between Manchester Airport and Paris, marking eight decades of connectivity between the Northwest of England and France. Air France’s first flight to Manchester took place on 16 June 1946, when a Dakota aircraft F-BADX arrived from Paris Le Bourget Airport. The historic service dropped off one passenger that day and picked up a VIP party of 18 for the return journey. Shortly afterwards, Air France began operating the route three times weekly.
at Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:52:42 +0000

Qatar Airways continues to deliver on its commitment to network restoration, and is steadily expanding its reach to more than 160 gateways for the ease and convenience of international travellers. Starting today, the airline is returning to 26 destinations in key global markets. The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time, resumed safe and secure operations from March 2026 to over 60 destinations. It gradually began rebuilding its network to facilitate connectivity across the globe, and will now serve more than 160 destinations this summer.
at Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:45:59 +0000

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has today announced a new multi-year global partnership with Premier League and UEFA Women’s Champions League winners, Arsenal Football Club as its Official Destination Partner.
at Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:00:57 +0000

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has today announced a new multi-year global partnership with Premier League and Champions Cup winners, Arsenal Football Club as its Official Destination Partner.
at Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:00:45 +0000