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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The world of Travel & Tourism has turned its attention to Malta this week, as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) opened its 26th Global Summit in Valletta, bringing together some of the most influential figures from across the international tourism industry.
Running from 7–9 October at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, the Summit is gathering government ministers, CEOs, investors, policymakers and senior industry figures to examine how the global Travel & Tourism sector must adapt to a rapidly changing world. This year’s Summit is being held under the banner FUTU[RE]SET, with discussions focused on the forces reshaping travel, from artificial intelligence and connectivity to investment, sustainability and changing traveller expectations.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:59:32 +0000
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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today convened ministers and global business leaders from 24 countries in Valletta for a high-level Global Leaders Dialogue, held as part of WTTC’s 26th Global Summit.
The session highlighted the critical role of public-private partnership in strengthening destination competitiveness and shaping the future of global Travel & Tourism. A clear message emerged: lasting success in the sector depends on governments and businesses working together to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:43:03 +0000
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Travel & Tourism is forecast to grow 3.1% across Europe in 2026, continuing to outperform the wider economy and exceeding the sector’s 2.6% growth recorded last year, according to the latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), released today at the opening press conference of WTTC’s 26th Global Summit in Malta.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:41:51 +0000
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Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) today, joined Kampala Serena Hotel in hosting the launch reception for the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa, marking the beginning of the countdown to the 2027 edition of the continent’s leading hospitality investment forum to be held in Uganda. The reception brought together hospitality investors, hotel operators, tourism industry leaders, government representatives, professional associations and private-sector stakeholders ahead of the summit scheduled for 2–3 February 2027 at Speke Resort Convention Centre, Kampala. As Host Partner, UTB’s participation in the launch reinforces Uganda’s growing profile as a destination for tourism and hospitality investment and its capacity to convene high-level industry stakeholders.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:40:34 +0000
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Vervotech has been declared as an Elite Partner by Expedia Group, which is a major milestone in the partnership between the two companies. The recognition places Vervotech among Expedia Group’s top-tier technology partners, a category that supports complex, high-volume integrations and is assessed across areas including evaluated for different aspects of integration such as integration competencies, mapping quality, connected partners, and overall service delivery.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:38:08 +0000
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Mirai, a technology company specializing in direct hotel sales, has begun rolling out the first plugins for its hotel clients on ChatGPT. Guests and users of the Emperador and Moderno hotels in Madrid, along with the Porcel Hoteles chain in Granada and Gloria Thalasso & Hotels in the Canary Islands, can now interact with them directly from ChatGPT using natural language.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:55:56 +0000
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eDreams ODIGEO, the world’s leading travel subscription platform, today announced a strategic collaboration with Alexa+, Amazon’s next-generation AI assistant, to power travel discovery and booking for the AI assistant.
The global travel subscription leader is bringing its pioneering artificial intelligence capabilities to the Alexa-enabled and connected devices, opening a new channel for customers to plan their trips.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:50:44 +0000
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Minor Hotels announces the signing of Anantara Siniya Island Resort and Anantara Residences Sobha Siniya Island, in partnership with Sobha Al Siniya FZC, a joint venture between Sobha Realty and Umm Al Quwain Properties. The groundbreaking was attended by His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, underscoring the significance of the development as part of the emirate’s continued growth as a distinctive coastal and tourism destination.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:13:16 +0000
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The Wolseley, the international luxury hospitality brand inspired by London’s iconic restaurant on Piccadilly, announces the launch of The Wolseley Members Club, opening within the flagship The Wolseley Hotel New York in Q2 2027.
For more than two decades, The Wolseley has been one of London’s most celebrated gathering places, welcoming a distinguished mix of leaders from business, culture, fashion, politics, media and the arts. Known for its timeless elegance, intuitive hospitality and enduring role in the social and cultural life of the city, it has become a modern British institution.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:09:49 +0000
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TransNusa, Asia’s premium service carrier, has announced a schedule increase to four daily flights between Jakarta and Singapore, reinforcing its position on this key international corridor.
The transition to a four-times-daily scheduled flight follows the recent expansion from two to three flights daily, reflecting steady passenger demand and the airlines’ operational capacity to support increased traffic on the route. With this enhanced frequency, TransNusa now offers seamless travel times tailored perfectly to the schedules of both business and leisure travelers.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:03:31 +0000
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Tourist is a free app for iOS and Android that works as a digital tourist card. Travelers show the card at local restaurants, cafés, tours, hotels and shops and get a discount on the spot, with no codes and no booking. A map in the app shows the deals nearby.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:01:34 +0000
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Marriott International Signs Landmark Agreement with FICO Corporation for Seven Hotels in Thailand
Expected to add more than 1,200 keys across Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, this signing includes
JW Marriott Bangkok Sathorn and the anticipated debut of citizenM, Four Points Flex by Sheraton and Series by Marriott in Thailand
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:49:40 +0000
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) marked the tenth anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assembly resolution to establish the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) with a call to governments to reinforce the foundations of this landmark step in aviation’s decarbonization.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:43:32 +0000
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Marasa Africa, Uganda has appointed Michael Rourke as Director of Tourism, bringing more than 30 years of hospitality experience and over two decades of working within Uganda’s tourism industry.
Mike’s career spans hospitality and safari operations across Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa. His experience includes hotel management, remote lodge operations, new product development, project delivery, conservation work and guest experience.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:42:43 +0000
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H10 Hotels has completed the renovation of one of its most iconic properties in the Canary Islands, H10 Playa Meloneras Horizons Collection. Following an ambitious three-year renovation project, the five-star resort has undergone a complete transformation of its facilities and an update to its offering.
These improvements, together with the evolution of its service standards, have enabled the property to become part of H10 Horizons Collection, H10 Hotels’ exclusive five-star premium holiday brand in Spain.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:39:19 +0000
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Luxury Boutique Hotel Hemingways Nairobi, has joined The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) portfolio. This affiliation integrates the hotel into a curated network of over 450 independent luxury hotels in more than 80 countries, giving international travellers direct access to Nairobi’s finest luxury boutique hospitality.
The Leading Hotels of the World Vice President of Member Success and Development Dean Bannon marked the partnership, noting: “Hemingways Nairobi is an important addition to The Leading Hotels portfolio, giving us our first and only member hotel in Kenya, and expanding our presence in East Africa with a property that is highly distinctive in its market
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:36:07 +0000
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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has unveiled a refreshed expression of its neo-classical Opera Wing, marking a new chapter in the storied hotel’s ongoing evolution during its ‘125 Years of a Legend’ celebrations.
“The Opera Wing has always captured the graceful neo-classical spirit of the Metropole. This refurbishment carefully preserves that character while introducing a brighter, warmer and more contemporary residential feel for today’s guests,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.
at Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:32:22 +0000
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