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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Boutique Group, the hospitality company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, has announced the unveiling of The Red Palace’s visual identity, introducing the first chapter of its story to the world ahead of its highly anticipated opening. Rooted in the palace’s royal heritage, the identity is more than a brand mark: it is an early expression of the values, craftsmanship and cultural legacy that will come to define the future guest experience.
Drawing directly from the palace’s authentic architecture and historic character, the identity translates the building’s design language into a visual system that speaks to its origins. Every element, from its form to its detailing, has been developed to reflect the craftsmanship embedded in The Red Palace itself, offering a first glimpse of the sensibility guests can expect once its doors open.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:11:49 +0000
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Qatar Airways has reconnected Doha and Philadelphia with the launch of a daily non-stop flight between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), its 14th destination in North America, which resumed on 1 August 2026.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:01:50 +0000
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Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled Extraordinary Expeditions, a new collection of immersive extended voyages aboard Atlas Adventurer, the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht debuting in November 2028.
Designed for travellers seeking deeper cultural discovery, each Extraordinary Expedition offers an enriched journey across Asia and Africa, paired with exclusive privileges available only to guests sailing these longer itineraries.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:56:11 +0000
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Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey isn’t just dominating the box office – it’s driving the travel trends too.
New data from the travel connectivity brand Holafly reveals a massive spike in travel interest to Greece following the film’s release:
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:53:43 +0000
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Ireckonu, a leading provider of hospitality technology solutions, warns that AI adoption in hospitality risks falling short without a strong guest data strategy. As hotels accelerate the adoption of AI, the real challenge is not the technology itself, but the quality of the data powering it.
According to Jan Jaap van Roon, CEO of Ireckonu, hospitality is largely operating with guest information that is fragmented across multiple systems and platforms. This fragmentation prevents hotels from building a single, reliable digital profile of each guest, which is a requisite for successful AI implementation.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:51:58 +0000
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As the final days of summer approach, Minos Palace Resort, Crete invites guests to immerse themselves in five days dedicated to movement, recovery, and longevity with a new Yoga Retreat, taking place between 24th - 28th September 2026. Led by yoga expert Christina Exarchou in collaboration with the resort’s Nao Longevity Hub, which opened in 2025, the retreat blends yoga, personalised longevity assessments, restorative therapies, and nourishing gastronomy to encourage guests to reset the body, restore energy and embrace lasting wellbeing.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:45:11 +0000
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The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, transforms Scotland’s capital each August into a global stage, welcoming thousands of performers and millions of visitors for three weeks of theatre, comedy, music, dance and cultural events.
New Amadeus Travel Intelligence data reveals that demand for travel to the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe is growing double-digit, with international visitors expected to drive a significant increase in air arrivals while domestic travelers continue to show interest in attending the festival.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:41:50 +0000
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UK’s aviation regulator publishes its annual Airport Accessibility Report for 2025/26, which assesses the quality of assistance services provided to disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility at the UK’s largest airports.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:38:18 +0000
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Portugal’s food is as diverse as its landscapes. From Atlantic seafood and Michelin-starred restaurants to rustic regional cooking and world-renowned wines, every destination serves up its own distinctive flavours.
While summer brings an abundance of seasonal produce and vineyard harvests, the culinary calendar only gets richer as autumn and winter arrive, making now the best time to plan a food-focused escape.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:29:32 +0000
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Sound baths may be the wellness trend of the moment, but above the village of Cotignac they have been sung for centuries. This November, Lou Calen, the hotel at the heart of Cotignac, officially one of France’s most beautiful villages, will host a three-day Sound Therapy & Qi Gong Retreat, and at the centre of the programme sits something no wellness menu can manufacture: a walk up to the Saint-Joseph monastery, where the sisters perform live Gregorian chant for the group.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:26:36 +0000
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Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa invites padel aficionados and active travellers to trade the city court for an extraordinary island escape with The Maldives Padel Retreat, from 13 to 23 December 2026. Led by former World No. 1, Juani Mieres, the retreat invites guests to refine their game with a legend of the sport while embracing the pleasures of island life.
The 10-day retreat brings together expert coaching on a state-of-the-art padel court overlooking the turquoise lagoon, island discovery and a curated programme of wellness, recreation and exploration.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:21:10 +0000
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Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, announces the upcoming opening of Avani Queenstown, a premium lifestyle hotel set to welcome guests from September 2026. Marking Avani’s debut in Queenstown, its New Zealand flagship and the brand’s second property in the country after Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences, the hotel continues Avani’s growth in New Zealand and across Australasia.
Formerly Oaks Shores Resort, the property has undergone a significant transformation, reimagining the guest experience from serviced apartments into a full-service hotel aligned with Avani’s global design vision. The repositioning reflects a shift towards more connected, lifestyle-led stays, where design, functionality and social energy come together seamlessly.
at Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:17:41 +0000
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The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi today announced the appointment of Dr. Valerie Hillings as the inaugural Director of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is a cornerstone of Saadiyat Cultural District, one of the world’s greatest concentrations of cultural institutions. Alongside Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, it affirms Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:36:29 +0000
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ITB Americas, taking place 10 - 12 November 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico, continues to gain momentum. With 70% of exhibition space already secured, the inaugural event has confirmed highly qualified buyers from more than 30 countries. Supported by a strong Hosted Buyer Program and the exclusive Premier Buyer Network, ITB Americas is bringing together senior decision-makers from across the travel industry and is set to become the leading Pan-American B2B travel marketplace, complemented by the ITB Americas Conference taking place alongside the exhibition.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:55:55 +0000
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National flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines, is delighted to announce its role as the official travel partner for reigning Miss England, Grace Richardson, as she travels nonstop from London Heathrow to Vietnam for the 75th Miss World Festival from 29 August to 5 September 2026. Grace will fly in style and comfort with one of Asia’s leading international airlines, ensuring she will arrive refreshed and ready to represent England on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:38:32 +0000
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Baoase, one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated boutique resorts, today unveiled the next chapter in its evolution with the introduction of Baoase Curaçao and a thoughtfully designed resort expansion scheduled to open in early 2027.
The announcement reflects the resort’s continued commitment to excellence, building on nearly two decades of international recognition for its personalized service, intimate atmosphere, and unwavering commitment to excellence. It represents an investment in the future while preserving the intimate character and exceptional guest experience that have defined Baoase since its founding.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:33:57 +0000
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London’s cable car has welcomed 20 million passengers. To celebrate this milestone, Transport for London (TfL) is hosting a free competition offering customers the chance to win an exclusive 20-year cable car Golden Ticket one-way or round-trip pass. To be in with the chance of winning, entrants can scan a QR code on site at the Cable Car terminals.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:21:41 +0000
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British Airways has announced the appointment of Patrice Gordon as Director of Global Sales. Taking up her new post in September 2026, Patrice will lead the airline’s global sales, distribution and account management teams, with responsibility for driving revenue growth and strengthening commercial performance worldwide.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:20:46 +0000
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The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) has appointed Taimur Mansour to the role of Consul, Director of Tourism for Canada, based in Toronto, effective August 2026. A proud member of the Druze community, Taimur is passionate about representing his heritage and sharing Israel’s diverse mosaic of people, religions and cultures with the world. In this position, he will direct the Ministry of Tourism’s initiatives to expand travel from the Canadian market to Israel. His mandate includes building strategic collaborations with the local travel industry, tour operators, media, and airlines, as well as managing roadshows, targeted marketing campaigns, and content projects designed to connect Canadians with the authentic Israeli experience.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:15:03 +0000
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Sabàtic Formentera, Autograph Collection has opened on Formentera, introducing Marriott Bonvoy’s one-of-a-kind Autograph Collection Hotels to the Balearic island. The new beachfront retreat joins more than 300 independent hotels that make up Autograph Collection Hotels, each celebrated for its individual character and story.
Located on the island’s northern coast, just a 15-minute drive from Puerto Formentera, Sabàtic Formentera, Autograph Collection offers easy access to Formentera’s beaches, pristine sea and laid-back restaurants, bars and boutiques. Inspired by Formentera’s landscapes and slower rhythm of life, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat where the island itself shapes the guest experience.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:12:53 +0000
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One of the world’s rarest Northern Lights experiences is returning to the Yukon, with an exclusive Aurora360 flight taking to the skies in February 2027. Following exceptional demand, the Aurora360 Flight will once again take off in February 2027, offering travellers a rare opportunity to witness the aurora borealis from 30,000 feet aboard a private Air North (Yukon’s airline) charter aircraft, and the unique chance to experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles from above the Arctic Circle.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:09:58 +0000
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The Catalan Tourist Board (ACT) has launched its new international tourism campaign, “Feel Our Culture. Live Catalonia”, a year-long initiative designed to position Catalonia as one of Europe’s leading cultural tourism destinations.
Presented by the Minister for Business and Labour, Miquel Sàmper, at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya in Barcelona, the campaign forms part of the ACT’s new tourism strategy, “(+) Catalonia, Better Tourism”, which promotes a more sustainable, higher-value and territorially balanced tourism model.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:06:42 +0000
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This August, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal presents a collection of dining and wellness experiences that celebrate exceptional cuisine and refined hospitality. From exclusive pours of Barons de Rothschild Brut Réserve at MICHELIN Guide-recommended Li Jiang and the much-loved Chef’s Brunch at Giornotte to the tranquil Lotus High Tea served within The Ritz-Carlton Spa Suite, each offering has been thoughtfully designed to encourage guests to savour unhurried moments in one of Abu Dhabi’s most elegant settings.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:57:26 +0000
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OurAfrica.Travel is delighted to announce that its next virtual trade show will take place from 22 – 26 February 2027, so please “Save the Dates” now in your tourism calendars and feel free to register your interest in attending as an exhibitor or buyer on their website now.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:55:42 +0000
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Martinique offers one of the Caribbean’s most rewarding sailing experiences, inviting boaters to moor beneath the towering slopes of Mount Pelée one day and anchor among the tranquil islets of the Atlantic coast the next. This remarkable diversity of landscapes, combined with the island’s distinctive French-Caribbean culture and first-class marine facilities, makes Martinique an exceptional destination for seasoned sailors and first-time charter guests alike.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:54:48 +0000
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On Baja’s untouched East Cape, where the Sea of Cortés, the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and dramatic desert landscapes converge, Aman’s newest sanctuary welcomes guests to one of Mexico’s most extraordinary coastlines for the very first time. Home to 18 Casitas and a limited collection of private homes, Amanvari invites transformative experiences rooted in the region’s ancestral wisdom and the elemental beauty of its surrounds.
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:46:15 +0000
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Explora Journeys officially named EXPLORA III in Barcelona, welcoming the brand’s first LNG-powered ship to the fleet and marking the halfway point in its vision of six extraordinary ships redefining ultra-elegant ocean travel.
Following her early delivery in Genoa on 23 July 2026, EXPLORA III embarked on an exclusive Prelude Journey through the Mediterranean before arriving in Barcelona for today’s official Naming Ceremony. The Journey welcomed Explora Journeys Global Brand Ambassador Jannik Sinner onboard as the ship’s very first guest. Building on the excitement of this inaugural Journey, today’s celebrations brought together distinguished guests and senior leadership from Explora Journeys and MSC Group to commemorate the fleet’s newest milestone
at Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:43:34 +0000
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