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Dubai’s mid-market hotels maintained comparatively higher occupancy than those in the premium sector in H1 2026 as regional airspace disruption and heightened geopolitical uncertainty weighed on hotel demand, says leading real estate advisory and property consultancy, Cavendish Maxwell.
Hotels in the Upper Midscale category secured the highest occupancy rates at nearly 66%, while Midscale properties recorded rates of almost 64%. By contrast, Luxury and Upper Upscale hotels and resorts averaged 51% and 52% respectively, according to Cavendish Maxwell’s Dubai Hospitality Sector H1 2026 Market Performance report.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:42:05 +0000
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PATA Travel Mart 2026 (PTM 2026) officially opened today in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia bringing together over 1,100 tourism delegates from 48 countries and destinations for one of Asia Pacific’s leading international business-to-business travel trade events.
Hosted at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from August 18-20, PTM 2026 marks the first time that PATA’s flagship travel trade event has been held in Sarawak. The event brings together 221 buyers, representing 215 companies, from 29 source markets and over 365 sellers representing over 200 organisations and destinations, creating opportunities for tourism businesses and destinations to connect with international markets and develop new partnerships.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:49:14 +0000
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VIVA Boutique - part of VIVA Cruises - has unveiled the shore excursion programme for its 2027 Italy programme.
The operator will begin sailing on the Venetian Lagoon and the Po River in May on new ship VIVA UNIQUE, the second vessel in the VIVA Boutique brand.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:45:39 +0000
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voco Bonnington Dubai is proving that a proper break doesn’t need weeks of planning, a packed itinerary or even a flight. Tucked into Jumeirah Lake Towers, the hotel is positioning itself as the escape that’s ready whenever guests are, whether that’s a spur-of-the-moment staycation or an easy Friday night out.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:18:49 +0000
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TAP Air Portugal is set to connect Porto directly to the island of Sal in Cape Verde. From 25 October, Porto will have another intercontinental route operated by the airline, which already connects the city to New York, Boston, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Luanda and Praia, as well as London, Paris, Zurich, Geneva, Terceira and Funchal.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:16:04 +0000
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Ser Casasandra introduces Retiros del Ser, a new collection of intimate transformational retreats designed to guide guests on a journey of self-discovery, emotional healing and inner awareness. Taking place throughout September, October and November, the programme brings together internationally recognised facilitators, each offering a distinct methodology while sharing one common purpose: helping participants reconnect with their true nature.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:12:15 +0000
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Europcar Mobility Group UK has welcomed the government’s decision to bring forward the review of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
Gavin Morgan, Commercial Director at Europcar Mobility Group UK, said:
“We welcome the government’s decision to bring forward the review of the ZEV mandate from 2027.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:48:07 +0000
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With experience-led travel on the rise, Aspen and Snowmass Village should be next on your travel list. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, keen to uncover the area’s interesting history, or simply looking for different ways to experience the mountains, these towns offer no shortage of guided adventures throughout the summer months. From whitewater rapids and overnight backcountry hikes to Ice Age discoveries and sunset dinners, here’s ten of the best guided experiences this season.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:46:07 +0000
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A beach vacation can be more than beautiful. It can leave travellers with a deeper understanding of the people, traditions and natural environments that make a destination worth visiting in the first place. That desire is growing: according to Booking.com’s 2025 global research, nearly seven in 10 travelers (69%) want to leave the places they visit better than when they arrived. Across four resorts in Koh Samui, Khao Lak, Phi Phi Island and Phuket, OUTRIGGER brings that intention to life through locally shaped experiences centered on ocean health, cultural connection and the well-being of beach communities.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:44:50 +0000
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China Eastern will now be available for travelers directly via KAYAK.co.uk as they compare flight options, as well as discoverable through Ask AI, KAYAK’s conversational travel planning experience that helps travelers search, compare, and book trips.
With KAYAK’s reach spanning over 60 countries and territories, the partnership will broaden China Eastern’s visibility and help the airline showcase its global route network, services, and products to travelers abroad.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:39:56 +0000
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British holidaymakers are being warned not to assume Europe’s newly announced cabin baggage rules are already in force, as millions prepare to travel during the peak summer holiday period.
The warning follows widespread coverage of new EU air passenger rights approved in July, including changes relating to hand luggage and greater transparency around baggage costs.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:34:11 +0000
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Leading UK based travel wholesaler, Major Travel, has launched a new function to enable travel agents to make cruise bookings on their digital portal, Major Go. The new launch gives agents a new way to create, price and book tailor-made cruise holidays across the entire journey using one single booking interface.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:32:39 +0000
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Cruise holidays are witnessing growing popularity among Indian travellers, driven by a rising preference for immersive, experience-led vacations that combine multiple destinations and luxury hospitality. Recognizing this growing trend, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have strengthened their luxury cruise holiday portfolio with curated ocean and expedition voyages across Europe, the Mediterranean, Antarctica and the Arctic.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:29:25 +0000
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Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, will be the setting for a truly special celebration on 10 September. To mark the 25th anniversary of the Anantara brand, the resort will pay tribute to the country where the brand was born with an event that will bring the essence of Thailand to the heart of the Costa del Sol.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:26:48 +0000
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Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands and highly awarded travel program, invites its hotel guests and local residents to experience the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Thailand this year, with a series of auspicious mooncake collections at seven hotels in Bangkok and Phuket, inspired by the “Year of the Fire Horse.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:24:24 +0000
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NEMA Design Hotel & Spa in Analipsi, Crete unveiled an exclusive new level of guest experience on 1 August, marking a transformative new chapter for the property. This exciting expansion features an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury villa-style suites alongside the new NÁ LE MA dining experience, cementing NEMA’s status as a premier design destination and elevating its offering to the highest tier of Mediterranean hospitality.
at Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:22:14 +0000
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As millions of travellers head abroad during the peak summer holiday season, Europe has reinforced its position as the world’s leading leisure travel destination, capturing one-third of all global leisure travel spending in 2025, according to new 2026 EIR data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.
The latest figures show that global leisure travel spending reached $6.15TN in 2025, up 3.5% year-on-year and accounting for 80.5% of total global travel expenditure. Of this, Europe attracted $2TN, equivalent to $1 in every $3 spent worldwide on leisure travel, highlighting the region’s enduring appeal as travellers embark on this year’s summer holidays.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:24:42 +0000
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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) welcomes the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) as a Destination Partner, strengthening collaboration with one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
The partnership will enhance cooperation between WTTC and the ETA to promote sustainable tourism growth, strengthen public-private collaboration, and showcase Egypt’s diverse tourism experiences to travellers, investors, and industry stakeholders worldwide.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:22:57 +0000
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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Governments Summit Organization (WGS), an initiative of the Prime Minister’s Office of the United Arab Emirates, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks a new era of public-private sector collaboration to shape the future of Travel & Tourism.
By bringing together WTTC’s global network of private sector leaders and the World Governments Summit’s unique convening power among governments and policymakers, the partnership creates a platform for stronger cooperation on the key issues influencing the sector’s long-term growth, resilience and competitiveness.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:21:30 +0000
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PATA Nepal Chapter has been selected as the winner of the PATA Award of Excellence, presented by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA HQ) during the PATA Chapter and Student Chapter Awards Ceremony held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Commons Café, Old Court House, Kuching — a day ahead of PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:12:21 +0000
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Alipay today launched China’s first full-stack agentic commerce platform at its AI Ecosystem Partner Conference in Hangzhou, providing merchants with the tools to shift from digital operations to AI-powered operations.
“Agentic commerce is poised for rapid growth over the next 6 to 12 months. AI agents will become a new interface connecting hundreds of millions of users with tens of millions of merchants, unlocking a new intent-driven commercial ecosystem. Through trust, connectivity, and an open ecosystem, Alipay will help build a new generation of AI-powered services and support agentic commerce growth,” said Cyril Han, CEO of Ant Group.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:08:32 +0000
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Qatar Airways Holidays is set to elevate the Qatar stopover experience with the launch of exclusive FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2026 packages. For the first time, three-day Formula 1® race tickets have been integrated into Qatar Stopover packages along with flights and hotel accommodation, allowing passengers transiting through Hamad International Airport to transform their journey into an unforgettable Grand Prix getaway.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:06:26 +0000
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The CTO Chapter U.K. & Europe has appointed hospitality veteran Nadine Rankin as its new chapter manager.
Rankin’s appointment marks an important new phase for the CTO Chapter U.K. & Europe as it continues to strengthen its support for members, expand its program of activities, and champion Caribbean tourism across the U.K. and European markets.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:00:06 +0000
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The recently renovated Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences has appointed Almando Rigby as general manager of the highly rated St. Lucia property.
Rigby, who most recently served as executive assistant manager at Rock House Resort, part of Grace Bay Resorts, Turks & Caicos, brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury resort operations across the Caribbean
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:56:37 +0000
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Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, announces the appointment of Rob Kucera as Regional Vice President for East & South Africa. Based in Nairobi, Rob joins Aleph Hospitality as the company continues to expand its regional presence and grow its hotel portfolio across the continent.
In his new role, Rob will oversee the operation of 25+ hotels, six brands in 20 destinations across nine countries in East and South Africa. He will also lead the development of future hotels for the group, growing Aleph Hospitality’s portfolio in the region. Rob’s mandate includes driving the region’s financial, commercial and operational performance, strengthening relationships with the hotel owners, overseeing regional HR to grow talent and build high performing teams, while driving investment in the communities surrounding each of the group’s hotels
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:38:18 +0000
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IHG One Rewards, the global loyalty programme of IHG Hotels & Resorts, today announced a partnership with Live Nation Asia across the Greater China region, bringing together hospitality with live entertainment. As part of this, new and existing IHG One Rewards members will have access to exclusive travel experiences in Hong Kong and Taiwan markets that pair stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts with select concerts, along with member-exclusive ticket giveaways and promotions across IHG One Rewards platforms and social media channels.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:36:00 +0000
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Hilton Istanbul Airport opens its doors today, redefining the airport hospitality experience by combining the convenience of an airport location with Hilton’s iconic hospitality. The 485-room hotel is the latest addition to the growing Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio, marking the 100th Hilton hotel in Türkiye, and is ideally positioned as the first internationally branded hotel next to the airport grounds in Türkiye.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:29:52 +0000
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Back by popular demand, Niva Kuramathi Maldives - available exclusively through Kuoni in the UK - is thrilled to announce the return of Campioni Soccer Academy for 2027. Taking place over Easter ‘27 and Summer ‘27, the football camp for boys and girls of all abilities aged 4–16 promises an unforgettable island escape, with memories for the whole family and a truly exclusive experience for children.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:26:42 +0000
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This autumn, experience a taste of Bavaria in the Texas Hill Country as Fredericksburg hosts its annual Oktoberfest, returning Friday, 2 October – Sunday, 4 October 2026, to the historic Marktplatz.
Built on more than four decades of tradition, Oktoberfest brings a three-day Texas taste of German heritage including music, food and dancing to the heart of Fredericksburg. It remains one of the region’s most beloved community events, blending authentic German customs with Texas hospitality. The festival offers flexible single-day and multi-day passes for adults, with discounted admission for children aged 12 and under and free entry for children under 6.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:09:41 +0000
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Daily summer-season service will operate between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Austin (AUS) starting March 2027. Delta’s seasonal Austin-Paris nonstop flight will operate daily on an Airbus A330-900 with Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main cabin offerings.
March 27, 2027, Delta will launch the first-ever non-stop service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Austin, giving direct access to the Live Music Capital of the World®. It’s about to be quicker and easier than ever for French travellers to experience the thrill of the US Formula 1, a year-round offering of festivals, MICHELIN-starred BBQ and the Texas Hill Country.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:08:50 +0000
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Seaside Collection is delighted to showcase its portfolio of luxury properties at IMM LUX UK, with a focus on Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, and its hotels in the Canary Islands, all known for exceptional design, wellness and gastronomy.
Located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a member of Design Hotels, Finolhu features 125 beachfront and overwater villas set alongside the Maldives’ longest sandbank. Guests can enjoy four restaurants, a new luxury teens and kids’ club, unique experiences such as the Beach Bubble sleep-under-the-stars stay and bespoke overwater dining. In 2026, the resort will host a series of artist residencies as part of its art and design programme, including a residency by British designer Matthew Williamson.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:30:18 +0000
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QnA International, the organiser behind the world’s most prestigious B2B platform for destination weddings, today announced the 17th edition of the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress — marking a landmark moment as the Congress sets foot on Indian soil for the very first time. DWP Congress 2026 will be held from 6 to 8 October at the magnificent Fairmont Udaipur Palace, with Fairmont Udaipur Palace as the Host Palace Partner. The announcement follows a landmark success at DWP Congress Macao in April 2026 and signals India’s arrival as a premier global destination for luxury wedding events and trade. More than 350 of the world’s foremost luxury destination wedding planners, creative suppliers, hoteliers, tourism boards, and industry visionaries are expected to converge in Udaipur for three days of curated business meetings, networking, education, and immersive experiences.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:26:49 +0000
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The Hari London, The Hari Hong Kong and the forthcoming The Hari Singapore are partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection, a distinguished collection of independent luxury properties.
The repositioning, which is to take effect later this year, builds on a strategic relationship between the Harilela Group and IHG that spans more than five decades and extends their partnership to six hotels across Asia and Europe.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:23:08 +0000
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Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced that one of its affiliates has entered into a franchise agreement for Hyatt Regency Palace Berlin. The landmark Hotel Palace Berlin is expected to undergo a phased renovation and join the Hyatt Regency brand and World of Hyatt in early 2027.
Located in Berlin’s City West district, opposite the Berlin Zoo and within walking distance of Kurfürstendamm, the Europa-Center and the city’s major transportation links, the hotel will complement Hyatt’s existing portfolio in the German capital, joining Grand Hyatt Berlin, Me and All Hotel Berlin East Side, Lindner Hotel Berlin Ku’damm, which is part of JdV by Hyatt and five Mr & Mrs Smith hotels.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:20:14 +0000
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Son of a Fish, opening this November in Dubai Harbour, offers a bold new take on Greek dining, reinventing tradition through an experience that shifts effortlessly from seafood lunch to magnetic after-party. Brought to life by AlphaMind – the global lifestyle group formed by Addmind Hospitality and ADMO Lifestyle Holding (ADMO) – Son of a Fish is one of several concepts by the group opening this year at Harbour House, the new dining and entertainment destination at Dubai Harbour.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:02:39 +0000
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This year, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center celebrates 40 years as one of New York City’s defining landmarks–commemorating four decades, welcoming millions of visitors, generating billions in economic impact and serving as the backdrop for some of the city’s most memorable moments. The milestone honors not only Javits Center’s legacy of innovation and building connections, but also the community and people that have shaped its story since opening in 1986.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:59:01 +0000
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Doha is putting a new name in destination dining, earning recognition for exceptional dining, where traditional Qatari flavours sit alongside Michelin-recognised restaurants and globally inspired cuisine
What started in 2024 when the Michelin Guide arrived has evolved beyond luxury dining. Doha’s restaurant scene is unfolding as a collision between centuries-old tradition and borderless culinary ambition, where a single dish can tell the story of heritage and family tables while showcasing Michelin-star technique.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:56:11 +0000
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This month, Japanese Sumo makes its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with The Sumo Show from Hirakuza.
Following on from their huge success at the Adeleide Fringe in Australia, where they welcomed over 10,000 visitors and were honoured with the Pick of the Week award, Hirakuza are delighted to be bringing their
“Edu-tainment” show to an even bigger stage at the world’s largest performing arts festival.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:53:11 +0000
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Air India Express has introduced a specially curated Onasadya meal for guests travelling on international flights connecting Kerala and destinations across West Asia during the Onam season. The special festive meal was launched in Thiruvananthapuram by P. C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinema, Government of Kerala, in the presence of Sunil Suresh, Head-Marketing, E-commerce, and Loyalty, Air India group.
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:51:43 +0000
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As luxury travellers increasingly seek more meaningful ways to see the world, Oceania Cruises® is shining a spotlight on its portfolio of longer voyages, offering guests the opportunity to explore the globe’s most captivating destinations with greater depth, comfort and ease.
From Grand Voyages to epic 180-day Around the World journeys, Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading destination- and culinary-focused luxury cruise line, offers travellers the opportunity to experience multiple countries, cultures and landscapes in one seamless journey. With time to take in more of the world, guests experience the richness of slow travel, creating memories that last long after they return home
at Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:50:34 +0000
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