The World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025, recognising the achievements of the world’s leading travel and tourism organisations, will take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain on 6 December. Hosted at the landmark Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), the red carpet reception, organised in partnership with Official Host Destination Bahrain, will bring together travel and tourism leaders from across the world. The gala evening marks the climax of WTA’s Grand Tour 2025, a global search for the best travel and tourism organisations. Regional ceremonies were held earlier in Tanzania, Cancun (Mexico), Saint Lucia, Hong Kong, Sardinia (Italy) and Dubai. The Grand Final brings together these regional winners to compete for the prestigious World categories, the highest accolades in the annual WTA programme, spanning the entire industry, from hotels and resorts to airlines and tour operators.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:05:02 +0000

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island unveils an extensive line-up of festive and year-end dining experiences across its award-winning restaurants and lounges, including themed afternoon teas at Al Meylas, signature steak nights and Christmas celebrations at Butcher & Still, elegant Italian feasts at Café Milano, and indulgent brunches at Crust. Eclipse Terrace Lounge offers seasonal dinners under the stars, while Saikindō elevates New Year’s Eve with exclusive omakase and terrace celebrations. Throughout December, guests can enjoy curated menus, live entertainment, luxury hampers, wellness-inspired dining moments, and specialty retail offerings, making the hotel one of Abu Dhabi’s most vibrant culinary destinations for the holiday season.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:38:02 +0000

Ryanair, the UK’s No.1 low fares airline, today (Thurs, 4 Dec) announced a sixth based aircraft at Liverpool John Lennon Airport for Summer 2026, representing a US$600m investment from Ryanair in the Northwest. This additional aircraft will deliver +250,000 additional seats (+15% growth), 3 exciting new routes to Marrakesh, Tirana, and Warsaw, and extra flights on 11 popular existing routes to Alicante, Barcelona, Faro, Ibiza, Kaunas, Kraków, Malaga, Malta, Porto, Reus, and Sofia. Ryanair’s record Summer 2026 schedule offers customers in Liverpool and the Northwest even more choice at Europe’s lowest fares whilst also supporting over 2,000 local jobs.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:37:19 +0000

easyJet, one of Europe’s largest airlines, has agreed to acquire the Adria Tehnika maintenance facility based in Slovenia. The five-bay aircraft maintenance facility in Brnik has undertaken heavy maintenance for the easyJet fleet of aircraft for several years and the airline plans to invest in the facility over the long term
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:36:12 +0000

Air Canada recently and proudly unveiled a special livery honouring our Canadian Olympians and Paralympians competing in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This bold design on Fin 940, an Airbus A330, features images of Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors and embodies the strength, dedication and national pride of Team Canada. The first scheduled flight for this special Team Canada livery is flight AC894 today headed for Milan! As the Official Airline of Team Canada, Air Canada will once again Fly The Flag, transporting more than 750 athletes and delegation members to and from the Games. The airline’s employee-driven Going for Gold program, further supports Team Canada in ensuring a seamless travel experience for Canada’s top athletes.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:32:55 +0000

Qantas has welcomed its tenth and final A380 back to Sydney today after nearly six years in storage, marking the largest maintenance check in airline’s 105-year history. The return of the aircraft, named after one of the Qantas founders, ‘Paul McGinness’ will serve as an operational spare during the Christmas period and from 1 January 2026 will boost international capacity by allowing daily A380 flying on the airline’s Sydney – Dallas route.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:30:19 +0000

Emirates has officially activated an interline partnership with Bahamasair to provide connectivity to customers travelling to The Bahamas. The unilateral partnership between both carriers enables Emirates to expand its reach in the Caribbean, allowing its customers to connect on The Bahamas’ national flag carrier from two gateways in Florida to two destinations within The Bahamas - Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:28:22 +0000

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has officially signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration to join United for Wildlife’s global taskforces. Founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, the initiative aims to tackle illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species worldwide by disrupting trafficking routes and strengthening supply chain security.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:25:43 +0000

With uninterrupted views and sunsets over the Andaman Sea and a sleek design, this contemporary space combines understated elegance with functionality. Nestled on the southern tip of Bangtao Beach, KALIDO provides the perfect backdrop for private events.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:23:18 +0000

Velassaru Maldives has officially opened Sora, a new overwater Japanese restaurant designed to enhance the resort’s culinary offering with a dedicated teppanyaki counter, robata grill and sushi and sashimi bar. Suspended above the lagoon and built with clean, minimalist lines, Sora takes its name from the Japanese word for “sky” and offers diners uninterrupted ocean views from both the indoor open-plan dining area and the outdoor deck. At the heart of the restaurant’s open-plan design lies the black-marble teppanyaki counter where guests can watch chefs preparing dishes to order. To one side sits a robata grill that adds a smoky depth to the menu, while the opposite counter houses a sushi and sashimi station. The interior design incorporates natural elements such as a thatched roof, rattan-strip ceilings and stone-patterned floors, paired with blonde wood furniture and folding doors that open to let in refreshing sea breezes, views of bright blue skies and colourful Maldivian sunsets.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:21:12 +0000

New global travel data from Polarsteps shows Brits travelling faster, further and more adventurously than ever, and posting more of it publicly than any other major European nation.
at Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:17:02 +0000

Looking ahead to 2026, the tourism landscape is evolving, with travellers seeking more profound, personalised, and purposeful journeys. From immersive cultural experiences to sustainable adventures and wellness retreats, the focus is shifting towards authentic connection and emotional resonance. Dubai, a city renowned for its innovation and hospitality, is perfectly positioned to embrace these emerging trends, offering visitors opportunities to experience the future of travel in truly spectacular ways.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:47:50 +0000

TAP Air Portugal introduces a new cabin that offers more space, more privacy, comfort, and a superior travel experience. Starting summer 2026, TAP Air Portugal will launch a new cabin, designed to give the consumer more choice between Economy and Business class. Available on long-haul flights aboard the A330 and A321LR fleets, this innovative product responds to evolving travel trends and the growing demand for enhanced comfort, privacy and differentiated services.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:57:56 +0000

Soundstorm is back and ready to electrify Riyadh this December, and trust us, you do not want to miss this unforgettable party under the stars. The three-day event, set against the backdrop of Banban, in the outskirts of Riyadh, brings together hundreds of thousands of attendees, global superstars, and emerging regional talent in the largest music festival in the region. Since 2019, Soundstorm has signaled a new rhythm for Saudi. It’s a celebration of sound, artistic expression, and creative energy that embodies an evolving musical identity and Saudi’s incredible trajectory as a major player in the entertainment and music space. From ground-breaking performances to Saudi’s evolving cultural landscape, here’s why Soundstorm 2025 is THE destination this winter:
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:54:01 +0000

Wizz Air today announces the launch of six new routes from London Luton Airport. From next spring, Wizz Air customers will be able to reach four new destinations across Greece: Chania, Mykonos, Rhodes, Zakynthos, alongside two additional routes to the European cities of Bordeaux and Dortmund.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:51:40 +0000

Design Hotels, a global community for independent, design-driven hotels, has announced the addition of more than 14 properties across Asia Pacific, with the region accounting for a record 28% of the brand’s overall portfolio global growth in 2025, a first for the brand. The strategic expansion underlines the brand’s commitment to strengthening its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets, while supporting pioneering hoteliers who redefine travel through design, culture, and authentic local connections.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:30:13 +0000

Keeping a fleet on schedule isn’t always easy. Delays occur, costs fluctuate, and drivers require clear direction to prevent downtime. For firms managing logistics or operating in the travel sector, better visibility over vehicle activity isn’t something to overlook. It enables teams to manage resources in real-time and make faster decisions, helping everything run more smoothly.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:28:08 +0000

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett wrapped up a recent Tourism Recovery Tour of Montego Bay with news that despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa last month, the destination area is on target to officially reopen for business on December 15, 2025. The announcement comes as Minister Bartlett also revealed that since the start of 2025 the sector has recorded tourism earnings of US$2.9 billion.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:17:56 +0000

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts today unveils St. Regis Estates, an ultra-exclusive brand expression reserved for legacy-rich, leisure-led estates – rarified hotels defined by significant history, expansive grounds, and extraordinary amenities. Born from a rising desire for privacy, authenticity, and a deeper emotional connection to place, St. Regis Estates brings the House of Astor’s tradition of grand estate living into the modern era. Just as generations of Astors cultivated extraordinary homes both within the city and across the countryside, their retreat estates offered another expression of their lifestyle – places where natural beauty, refined simplicity, and cultural connection created space for meaningful celebration. St. Regis Estates continues that legacy for today’s luxury traveler, introducing destinations shaped by character, setting, and heritage rather than spectacle or trend.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:02:54 +0000

Lufthansa joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program on December 1. The global program to support people with invisible disabilities enables affected individuals to discreetly indicate their needs in public spaces. The symbol is a yellow sunflower on a green background, usually in the form of a lanyard with a pendant. The “Sunflower” is used in many public, high-traffic locations such as airports, train stations, supermarkets, theaters, and universities. The Lufthansa Group’s goal is to have all its airlines join the program by the end of 2026. Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, SWISS, and now Lufthansa are already on board.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:29:15 +0000

Etihad Airways is preparing for one of its busiest winter travel seasons to date, with December expected to welcome more than 2 million guests through Abu Dhabi as travellers celebrate the festive season. While UAE residents take advantage of extended school holidays to travel, the capital’s expanding cultural and leisure offerings are attracting visitors from around the world. The strong demand reflects Abu Dhabi’s rising appeal as a global destination and Etihad’s accelerated network growth throughout 2025. With newly launched routes, additional frequencies across high-demand markets, and enhanced connectivity through Zayed International Airport, guests flying to or transiting through Abu Dhabi this December will benefit from a smooth, efficient, and well-coordinated airport experience. Etihad continues to enhance the end-to-end journey in collaboration with its airport partners, ensuring guests enjoy reliable and seamless travel throughout the peak season.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:38:10 +0000

Jetstar’s first-ever direct flight between Hamilton and Christchurch took off Monday, as the airline celebrated 20 years of operations in Christchurch. The new daily service, operated by Jetstar’s A320 aircraft, will provide more than 135,000 new low-cost seats annually on the route
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:34:02 +0000

TAAG Angola Airlines and South African Airways (SAA) proudly announce a strategic codeshare agreement to enhance regional and intercontinental connectivity. This partnership strengthens the networks of both airlines, leveraging Luanda, Johannesburg, and Cape Town as key hubs for seamless travel across Africa and beyond.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:31:34 +0000

The Lufthansa Group is further expanding its group-wide fuel efficiency program, “OPS Sustainability.” The aim is to make the operational processes of all Lufthansa Group airlines more sustainable by increasing efficiency. Since 2022, more than 90 individual measures have helped to save a total of around 54,000 metric tonnes of kerosene, thereby permanently avoiding around 170,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. This corresponds to the fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of 640 round-trip flights on the Munich–New York route with an Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Now, further measures are being added: The company has set itself the goal of avoiding around 50,000 additional tonnes of CO₂ annually across the group by the end of 2028, among other things by using new digital tools and data-based decision models. This corresponds to an additional annual fuel saving of over 15,200 metric tonnes.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:27:28 +0000

WHY IRAQ? WHY NOW? Long overlooked and often misunderstood, Iraq is re-emerging as a destination of profound cultural and historical significance. Known as the heart of ancient Mesopotamia - where writing, law, and urban life first took shape - Iraq has thousands of years of human history. Today, as the country gains interest in the tourism industry, travellers have a chance to witness a place where ancient legacies and modern resilience coexist.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:25:17 +0000

Portrait Milano, part of the Lungarno Collection, has transformed its Piazza del Quadrilatero into a winter destination with the launch of The Gift: Portrait of a Winter’s Tale - a large open-air ice-skating rink set in the heart of Milan. Open daily from 11am to 7pm until 6 January 2026, the rink invites residents, families, and visitors to experience the festive season in a uniquely atmospheric setting. Admission is €15, with all proceeds donated to Fondazione Mente, the Milan-based organisation supporting children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:22:54 +0000

First Nations history runs as deep as the rivers in the Yukon. The territory has a rich and varied Indigenous culture, and visitors can experience this diversity in 2026 through vibrant events, historic attractions, and new immersive adventures. Here, travellers can step into a lifestyle dating back more than 12,000 years and learn about the 14 distinct First Nations, each with its own traditions and heritage.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:20:24 +0000

Shizuoka, just an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, is welcoming visitors with a host of new experiences that spotlight its scenery, flavours and culture. This season brings the opening of Bentenjima Cycle Gate on the shores of Lake Hamana, offering bicycle rentals and a new beginner-friendly route, the return of the popular Suruga Afternoon Tea and the debut of the Soratto Makinohara roadside station - making it an ideal time to explore the region.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:15:41 +0000

A New Cultural Beacon on Saadiyat Island Yesterday, Abu Dhabi unveiled a landmark that’s long been anticipated — the Zayed National Museum. Located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum rises like a modern monument, its sleek steel-winged towers reaching skyward as a symbolic tribute. Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Foster + Partners, the building’s shape is inspired by a falcon in flight — a nod to a deeply rooted cultural symbol in the UAE. From above you’ll see five soaring towers — each evocative of a falcon’s feather — that together create a dramatic skyline against the Abu Dhabi coast. As dusk settles, the museum glows, bridging the city’s past and its ambitious future.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:05:59 +0000

United Airlines and Travelport have entered into a strategic relationship that represents a new model of collaboration between an airline and a multi-source content provider. This marks a significant evolution from the traditional airline-distributor relationship, with teams from both companies working closely together to enable new capabilities and functionality for agency and corporate buying communities.
at Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:03:07 +0000

Any international hotel chains with properties in China, along with the global tech vendors they rely on, may be unknowingly violating Chinese data privacy laws, warns Ireckonu. At the heart of the issue are China’s data residency requirements, which mandate that guest data collected within the country must remain there. According to Ireckonu, a middleware and guest data platform provider for hotels, a significant number of global hotel tech providers are still storing or processing this data outside of China, exposing their clients to serious legal and financial risks if regulators decide to step in. Both international hotel groups and Chinese operators have expressed a growing concern about the possibility of a government crackdown. In today’s geopolitical climate, regulatory measures could arise at any time, potentially in response to foreign trade or data policies, which might result in fines, reputational impact, or, in extreme cases, affect the operation of their properties.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:41:22 +0000

Cultural and gastronomic experiences lead demand among American travellers, according to the report Mapping Activities and Experiences Supply and Demand in Spain*, which also highlights the high level of satisfaction these tourists express regarding the leisure activities they enjoy during their visits to Spanish destinations. The study, prepared by Mabrian, the global travel intelligence and tourism advisory partner, analyses the supply of tourist activities and experiences in Spain and the interests of demand for these types of products, leveraging data from Civitatis and GetYourGuide, the main online experiences sites. The analysis considered both the domestic market and five key international markets: the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, and the United States.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:37:41 +0000

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) today announces that Valpas, the company creating the new global standard for safe and sustainable hotel stays, has joined its network of leading hospitality organisations.  Through this collaboration, Valpas joins an association of industry leaders committed to accelerating positive change across the global hospitality sector. As awareness grows around bed bug risks and pesticide safety, Valpas sets a new category in hospitality standards and sustainability: Certified bed bug-safe, pesticide-free stays. The company certifies and guarantees a safe, non-toxic stay for every guest thanks to their seamless in-room technology, providing a digital proof of safety for every stay. With more than 300 certified hotels in over 70 destinations, Valpas enables travellers to sleep soundly, free from both bed bugs and harmful chemicals, while supporting hotels in protecting biodiversity and guest wellbeing.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:21:36 +0000

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, an island synonymous with barefoot luxury and the art of refined romance, is delighted to announce its Valentine’s Day 2026 program — Through the Sands of Time. Designed as a poetic journey celebrating love in all its forms, this curated experience invites couples to pause, reconnect, and create memories that linger long after the waves have erased their footprints from the shore. Nestled among turquoise waters and powder-soft sands, the resort is acclaimed as one of the Maldives’ most romantic escapes, with accommodation that naturally lends itself to intimate moments. The Water Villa with Private Pool, perched elegantly above the lagoon, offers uninterrupted ocean views and complete seclusion—perfect for couples seeking privacy wrapped in Maldivian serenity. On land, the Beach Villa with Private Pool immerses guests in lush greenery with a private stretch of sand just steps away, making it an idyllic sanctuary for sunset rituals and slow, quiet mornings together. These villas form the perfect backdrop for Valentine’s escapes, honeymoons, proposals, anniversaries, and destination celebrations throughout the year.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:37:35 +0000

Dubai-born AVENEW Development is entering the branded residences space following a signed agreement with Marriott International to develop The St. Regis Residences at Dubai Islands. The upcoming project is designed for the modern connoisseur, reflecting the developer’s forward-thinking approach to residential living, where every detail, from interiors to communal experiences, is crafted to inspire connection, elevate lifestyle, and define what it means to truly come home. AVENEW Development’s selection of Dubai Islands for this seafront living project highlights its in-depth knowledge and established presence within this transformative area. With other major projects located on the islands, AVENEW possesses a proven understanding of the location’s potential, infrastructure, and growing appeal to residents.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:32:03 +0000

Today, CarTrawler, the leading B2B technology provider of car rental and mobility solutions to the global travel industry, announces a new car rental partnership with Ryanair, Europe’s No. 1 airline*. Ryanair operates one of the most extensive short-haul networks in the world, carrying 207 million passengers per year. Its relentless focus on low fares and high efficiency has made it the most commercially important airline in European aviation. Ryanair customers can enjoy exclusive rates, top-tier car rental options, market-leading customer service and a fully integrated booking experience through Ryanair’s website and on the myRyanair App.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:29:33 +0000

Qatar Airways’ resumption flight to Canberra touched down on 2 December 2025, officially marking the return of its daily service to the Australian capital via Melbourne. Qatar Airways now operates a total Australian network of six key cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra. The resumption brings enhanced global access, greater competition, and expanded travel options for passengers across the ACT and surrounding regions.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:05:14 +0000

Emirates has marked a historic milestone in its Australia operations by welcoming its first A350 to Adelaide starting 1 December 2025. In becoming the first city in Emirates’ global network to receive the ultra-long-range model, Adelaide now offers Emirates’ new Premium Economy and has become the fifth and final city in Emirates’ Australian network to feature the highly awarded cabin.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:07:23 +0000

Qatar Airways concluded an unforgettable Qatar Grand Prix weekend, delivering a vibrant showcase of sport, innovation, and culture both on and off the track. The airline and Title Partner of Formula 1® extends its congratulations to Max Verstappen as the winner of the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix. Ahead of Saturday’s Sprint race, thousands witnessed the Qatar Airways celebratory flypast over the Lusail International Circuit, after media and invited guests experienced a special preview of the airline’s new F1®-themed livery designed by Swizz Beatz. Media were invited to experience the flypast from inside the aircraft which was equipped by Starlink high-speed “gate-to-gate” Wi-Fi which provided the media live broadcast capability onboard the flight as it flew above the Lusail International Circuit.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:02:33 +0000

Virgin Atlantic, the airline known for its stylish design and flair, is bringing back one of Britain’s most iconic looks, the navy ‘Fly Virgin Atlantic’ jumper made famous by Princess Diana in the 1990s. Sales from the launch will help change children’s lives around the world, as part of Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing partnership with Save the Children. Timed to the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana wearing the original on 20 November 1995, the replica crewneck sweatshirt blends British style, nostalgia and purpose. An initial first drop of 250 jumpers will be available exclusively via Virgin Atlantic’s Retail Therapy online store, operated by Tourvest.
at Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:00:40 +0000