Emirates and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner on key initiatives advancing Dubai’s ambition to become a leading global destination for higher education, international students, and lifelong learning. The partnership supports the goals of Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) strategy by enhancing student accessibility, strengthening international connectivity, and promoting the City of Students game changer and Study Dubai programme in key global markets.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:57:41 +0000

Emirates has signed on three more destination partners and is deepening relationships with travel technology and sporting platforms, cruiseliner companies, business councils and bank partners. The partnerships aim to widen the airline’s customer base and ability to build targeted propositions around the distinct priorities of each segment.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:53:23 +0000

The global hospitality technology provider, Unifocus, has announced the launch of its newest AI platform, Unifocus Claira. Unifocus Claira is an industry first end-to-end workforce management and operations platform, purpose-built to give hoteliers and above-property hospitality organizations complete visibility across the workforce lifecycle through one cohesive system.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:50:05 +0000

Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading destination- and culinary-focused luxury cruise line, is opening for sale today 12 distinct segments of Oceania Aurelia’s inaugural 180-day Around the World voyage in 2028. Ranging from 10 to 19 days, each segment offers travellers a curated slice of the ship’s extraordinary global itinerary which departs Miami in January 2028 and includes an 18-day sailing from Los Angeles to Papeete, a two-week voyage from Sydney to Bali and a 12-day itinerary from Taipei to Tokyo.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:47:37 +0000

This winter, Zuma will make its Saint-Barth debut, opening in the heart of Gustavia in late November. Bringing its contemporary Japanese cuisine, signature energy, and distinctive style of dining to one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations, Zuma Saint-Barth will offer a new social address for the island’s international crowd. Set against the backdrop of Gustavia’s harbour, Zuma Saint-Barth pairs sweeping views with an intimate setting designed to take guests seamlessly from sunset drinks through dinner and into late-night celebrations. Open seven days a week from 6pm to 1am, the restaurant will operate seasonally through April 2027, becoming part of the island’s glamorous winter social scene.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:38:37 +0000

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s contemporary French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu introduces the latest chapter in its celebrated ‘Rendez-vous’ dining series with an exceptional culinary collaboration on Sept. 25-26. Chef Charles Degrendele of Le Beaulieu, the 125-year-old French fine dining institution, joins forces with Christian Chu, owner and Chef Patron of the Prague-based MICHELIN-starred restaurant LEVITATE and the Czech Republic’s first MICHELIN-starred chef of Vietnamese origin. Born in Hoa Binh, Vietnam, and later establishing his career in Europe, Chef Christian brings a distinctive approach that blends Nordic techniques, seasonal ingredients sourced locally and internationally, and refined Asian influences drawn from his Vietnamese heritage.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:35:08 +0000

Digital travel platform Agoda has begun the beta rollout of its new AI Assistant, designed to help travelers turn their travel ideas into personalized, bookable trips. Available initially to a select group of Agoda mobile app users, the AI Assistant marks a new chapter in how travelers can plan, book, and manage an entire trip in one place.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:33:22 +0000

Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, together with Central Group Capital, the fund management arm of Central Group – one of Thailand’s leading international conglomerates – today announces the signing of Rixos Water World Phuket, marking the debut of Rixos, the pioneer of the luxury all-inclusive concept, in Thailand. Bringing Rixos’ distinctive all-inclusive offering to a new destination, the signing underscores Ennismore’s continued focus on Asia as a key growth region for its all-inclusive platform.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:15:04 +0000

Villa Argentina reopened today following an extensive renovation of one of the city’s most iconic hotel complexes. Located just moments from Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town, the hotel brings together contemporary Croatian architecture and design with its carefully preserved cultural and artistic heritage, Mediterranean gardens and spectacular views of the city walls and the Adriatic Sea. The renovation encompassed more than 10,000 square meters. Together with Villa Orsula, the renewed complex now comprises 109 rooms and suites, combining its distinctive historic character with the highest standards of luxury hospitality.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:11:33 +0000

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has introduced four distinct categories for its 17 suite types. The new Oceanview, Veranda, Residence, and Villa categories will provide their own set of comforts, with every suite continuing to include Silversea’s signature benefits. Residence and Villa guests will also gain a new selection of benefits, extending the brand’s personalised service across Silversea’s intimate fleet. The new benefits apply to sailings departing on or after 1 January, 2027.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:06:35 +0000

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards is coming back to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, for its fourth showcase in the destination, marking another landmark chapter in IIFA’s global journey. The highly anticipated 27th Edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards returns to Abu Dhabi in 2027 and will take place at the iconic Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:58:54 +0000

Luke Dale Roberts opens Boscia at Tswalu: built into the earth, beside an ancient forest, under celestial skies. The five-course menu is led by head chef Dillan Kannemeyer and his team. Luke Dale Roberts’ classical European training and Asian influences sit alongside venison, tsamma melons, Kalahari salt, local dates and wild rosemary. Preservation is at the centre of the kitchen’s philosophy. Meat is predominantly sourced, as much as 90 percent, from a butcher based in the Kalahari itself. South African wine pairings and non-alcoholic herbal infusion pairings are available throughout. At the close of the evening, guests are collected beneath a large boscia tree that gives the restaurant its name. By then, the restaurant has receded to a narrow strip of light behind them, and the night sky has widened overhead. “Tswalu got under my skin very quickly. There is enormous respect for the landscape, for conservation, for creating something meaningful rather than simply impressive. At this stage of my career, that matters to me.” – Luke Dale Roberts Every object on the table was commissioned for a specific dish, emerging from conversations between the chefs and South African artists and craftspeople including Conrad Hicks, Roché Muller, Wim Botha, Anton Kock and Hadley Craig. “Tswalu has always been a place that rewards patience. Boscia is an expression of that same philosophy. Nothing about it is obvious. Everything about it, we hope, is worth the journey.” – Jonathan Oppenheimer A dinner at Boscia is included for guests staying two or more nights at Tswalu. From October 2026, Boscia will also open to the public for Saturday lunches. Bookings open on the first of each month at 08h00 for the following month. For Saturday lunch reservations: book through Dineplan or contact boscia@tswalu.com. For in-house guest reservations: reservations@tswalu.com.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:53:14 +0000

Rotana La Reserva, a five-star private country estate set across 200 hectares in the hills above Manacor enters a new chapter this month. The storied property unveils its thoughtful evolution, encompassing reimagined interiors within its 17th-century manor house and a collection of new experiences across the vast estate that invite guests to explore its land, flavors, traditions and rural rhythms.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:45:58 +0000

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has entered into a strategic partnership with Plaza Premium Group (PPG), a global leader in integrated airport hospitality experiences, to introduce enhanced travel benefits for CentaraThe1 members and create added value across both brands’ loyalty programmes.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:41:42 +0000

Legacy Hotels Holding, a leading regional hospitality group, is accelerating its growth plans across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with four new properties across the UAE, Egypt and Georgia signed at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. These signings bolster the group’s portfolio and drive its expansion with approximately 20 additional hotels and more than 1,200 keys as it works towards its target of 65+ hotels by 2027.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:35:51 +0000

As the Middle East, Africa and emerging global markets continue to reshape the hospitality landscape, independent hotel management is taking on a new significance. At the forefront of this evolution is Aleph Hospitality, the Dubai-based hotel management company founded by Bani Haddad, which has built a growing portfolio across some of the world’s most dynamic destinations. In this Breaking Travel News Q&A, Bani Haddad discusses the changing dynamics of hotel investment and management, the opportunities emerging across the Middle East and Africa, the evolving expectations of owners and travellers, and why flexibility and local expertise are becoming increasingly important in a rapidly transforming global hospitality sector.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:26:07 +0000

Allo Beirut, the Lebanese dining concept owned and operated by Prime Blackspoon Holdings, is entering its next phase of regional growth as it celebrates eight years since its launch in Dubai. The milestone comes at a time of significant expansion across the GCC and wider Middle East, alongside the continued evolution of its brand experience and guest journey. Founded in 2018, Allo Beirut has grown from a single homegrown restaurant into a recognized regional concept, bringing the authentic flavors, energy, and nostalgia of Beirut to guests across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:23:23 +0000

A wellness retreat aboard Orient Express Corinthian, designed by architect and Artistic Director Maxime d’Angeac, during a transatlantic crossing. A restorative pause dedicated to calm and regeneration, offering an invitation to reconnect with what truly matters. Ocean Rebirth builds on the partnership between Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Guerlain, whose expertise is already brought to life on board through the Spa.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:11:36 +0000

Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has signed a management agreement with Trading Construction Works Organization to operate Avani+ Hanoi, a 310-key hotel in Hanoi’s Bach Mai Ward. Scheduled to open in 2028, the hotel forms part of a mixed-use precinct anchored by Hinode City, a new lifestyle mall, alongside 1,099 residential and serviced apartments. Located at the intersection of Minh Khai and Kim Nguu Street, the development benefits from a vibrant neighbourhood and convenient transportation links with the city’s Old Quarter a 10-minute drive away.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:05:33 +0000

Farnek, the UAE’s leading smart and green facilities management (FM) company, has witnessed a sharp increase in enquiries over recent months, for the complete outsourcing of entire hotel departments – rather than the traditional supplementary staffing model. With continued disruption to air connectivity and regional uncertainty, hotel owners and operators across the UAE are re-examining the cost and efficiency of every function they manage in-house. This new trend marks a structural change in how UAE hospitality operates. Historically hotels kept a core team in-house for maintenance, housekeeping, stewarding and guest services and only used FM partners during peak periods.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:02:51 +0000

The Middle East’s travel and tourism community must prioritise aviation infrastructure and data-informed decision-making in preparation for a swift post-conflict rebound, according to ministers and industry experts speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. The 33rd edition of ATM is being hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday 17 September. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General, Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO), Schubert Lou, CEO, Trip.com, H.E. Laura El Khazen Lahoud, Minister of Tourism, Lebanon, and H.E. Nicola Amanda Bernstein, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Republic of Seychelles, met on ATM 2026’s Global Stage to discuss post-conflict connectivity and explore ways to future-proof operations. The session was moderated by Thomas Shambler, Head of Business, ITP Media Group.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:59:40 +0000

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the next generation of its global lounge experience, beginning with a transformed London Heathrow Lounge in summer 2027 and marking the start of a wider expansion of Etihad lounges around the world. The Heathrow lounge will be the first to introduce Etihad’s new Beyond Borders design language to the ground experience, beginning a new design cycle that will increasingly connect the airline’s lounges and aircraft through a recognisable Etihad look and feel.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:20:40 +0000

Portugal will return to the FIA Formula 1® World Championship calendar in 2027, with the FORMULA 1® PORTUGUESE GRAND PRIX taking place at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portimão, from 18 to 20 June 2027. The confirmation follows the official publication of the 2027 season calendar, released this Wednesday by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile - FIA. The race marks the return of the pinnacle of world motorsport to the country and follows the agreement signed between Formula 1® and the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in December 2025, which also secures the staging of the race in 2028.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:19:31 +0000

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates (www.Emirates.com) and flydubai, is giving members more reasons to plan their next getaway, with the chance to earn double Skywards Miles on eligible Emirates and flydubai flights across their global networks. From 15 to 30 September 2026, members must register for the offer (https://apo-opa.co/3Twl99S)and book an eligible Emirates or flydubai flight for travel until 30 November 2026 and then earn 100% bonus Skywards Miles on top of the Miles they would normally earn. The offer spans the extensive networks of both airlines and is available across all eligible cabins including Emirates’ increasingly popular Premium Economy experience, as well as Economy Class, Business Class and First Class. On flydubai, members can earn double Miles when travelling in Economy Class or Business Class.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:13:32 +0000

Air Canada has extended its Montréal-Guatemala City service through summer 2027 and confirmed its Toronto-Guatemala City route as a year-round service, offering UK travellers convenient one-stop connections to Guatemala through either Canadian hub. During the winter season, the extended and expanded service is particularly well timed for passengers connecting via London Heathrow, with a connection time of just over two hours* through Montréal, along with additional options from Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:09:20 +0000

GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Alex Warren has been announced as part of the star-studded Yasalam presented by e& entertainment programme of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, organised by Ethara Live. Beyond the racing, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week transforms Yas Island into a destination-wide celebration, with a packed programme of live music, dining and entertainment complementing the action at Yas Marina Circuit. For international visitors, the weekend also provides a gateway to discover more of Abu Dhabi, from its cultural landmarks and beaches to world-class attractions and experiences.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:06:21 +0000

Great songs have cover versions. Classic films are reinterpreted time and again. And dishes that achieve legendary status cross borders, inspire and evolve. This is the idea behind the new World Paella Day 2026 campaign: “When something becomes a legend, it is reinterpreted around the world”. The campaign, led by the Visit Valencia Foundation with the support of València City Council, Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and the València Provincial Council, puts Valencian paella at the heart of the story as an international icon of the region’s gastronomy. Born in Valencia, it has travelled the world and inspired countless interpretations across five continents.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:03:58 +0000

Jayasom, the global purveyor of wellness wisdom, has officially opened its highly anticipated flagship property, Jayasom Wellness Resort, AMAALA, on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The luxury integrative wellness sanctuary is committed to supporting guests to live well and age well through deeply personalised programmes. True to the meaning of its name - derived from ‘Jay’, meaning heart, and ‘Asom’, meaning place - Jayasom embodies “a place for the heart,” a sanctuary created to help guests feel deeply connected to themselves, their surroundings, and the pristine environment of Triple Bay. The opening supports the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to the Kingdom’s focus on preventative health and long-term wellbeing.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:02:44 +0000

Maison Sport, Europe’s leading booking platform for private ski and snowboarding lessons, has completed its first API integration with external travel partner Heidi, the UK’s second largest ski holiday company. The integration embeds Maison Sport’s booking technology directly into the Heidi platform, giving customers real-time access to instructor availability across Maison Sport’s resort network.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:00:02 +0000

Qatar Airways marked its participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a showcase of its latest advancements in premium travel and digital innovations. Visitors of Qatar Airways’ immersive pavilion were offered a closer look at how the airline is evolving the customer experience across every stage of their journey. Through a series of interactive screens highlighting the emerging technologies shaping travellers’ experiences, ATM attendees discovered and engaged with the airline’s digital and loyalty experiences, including ‘Q Search’, ‘Infinite Awards’, as well Qatar Airways’ first-ever digital destination, ‘QVerse Island’ in Fortnite.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:54:53 +0000

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Jones as General Manager, marking a return to the hotel where he first joined Mandarin Oriental more than two decades ago. Jones previously served as Hotel Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok from 2005 to 2008. His appointment comes as the legendary hotel celebrates its 150th anniversary, a milestone in the history of one of the world’s most celebrated hotels.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:50:41 +0000

Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) is expanding the use of technology and circular-economy practices across its managed hotel portfolio as the hospitality sector increasingly looks to reduce resource consumption while improving long-term operational efficiency. Across HMH-managed hotels, initiatives targeting food waste, water consumption, single-use plastics, and end-of-life materials show how sustainability is moving beyond corporate commitments and becoming part of everyday hotel operations.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:48:54 +0000

Apaleo, the open, API-first hospitality platform, and IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of AI-powered hospitality revenue management software, today announced the availability of an enhanced integration designed to simplify hotel operations and strengthen revenue performance and improve profitability.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:20:38 +0000

Emirates has closed the summer season ahead of expectations and enters winter with strong booking momentum across a broadening range of markets, as the airline continues to invest in its fleet and industry-leading products, in its global network, and in offering customers greater booking flexibility and comprehensive travel cover. Between July and August, Emirates carried more than 8.6 million passengers, maintaining healthy seat load factors across its network. The airline is currently operating at around 93% of its pre-disruption capacity, with demand continuing to build as the winter travel season approaches.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:14:54 +0000

Arabian Adventures, part of the Emirates Group, has announced an AED 8 million expansion of The Fort – Lisaili, unveiling the destination’s new concept and design vision at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026. The investment reflects growing demand for experience-led tourism among both international visitors and UAE residents and supports Dubai’s continued development as a world-class destination for leisure, entertainment, and outdoor experiences.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:11:41 +0000

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has updated its Airspace Change Process to reflect Government changes outlined in the Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance, which come into effect on 1 October 2026.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:07:18 +0000

Samson Sky, makers of the Switchblade Flying Car announced they have secured an investment of $80 million from Dubai-based Matin Group. According to Sam Bousfield, CEO and Founder of Samson Sky and designer of the Switchblade, these funds will be used to establish Samson Sky s first 180,000 square foot Switchblade production facility, to be located in the U.S. Samson Sky announced they have signed a Joint Investment Agreement with the Matin Group, and the two companies have begun setting up the Joint Venture to accelerate into commercial production, with $20M still remaining to be raised for full production funding.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:45:42 +0000

International visitor spending in the Middle East is forecast to increase by US$116 billion, or 57%, between 2025 and 2030, according to the newly unveiled ATM Travel Trends Report 2026, produced by Arabian Travel Market in association with Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company. Dave Goodger, Managing Director EMEA, Tourism Economics, presented the findings during ATM Annual Trends Report: Middle East Momentum & Market Shifts on the Global Stage at ATM 2026, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday 17 September.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:43:33 +0000

Sri Lanka is a destination that rewards curiosity. In a single journey, travellers can experience the energy and character of Colombo, journey by train through the island’s lush central highlands, follow the Indian Ocean coastline towards the historic streets of Galle, and venture into the wild in search of elephants, exotic birdlife and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. At Amari Colombo, that journey begins in the heart of the capital. Ideally positioned for discovering Colombo and travelling onwards across the island, the upper-upscale hotel combines Amari’s renowned Thai-inspired hospitality with the character, culture and warmth of its Sri Lankan setting.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:15:55 +0000

Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, and Meliá Hotels International (MHI), one of Europe’s leading hospitality companies, announced the expansion of their long-standing strategic partnership to develop luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts across Thailand’s most iconic destinations. As part of AWC’s long-term development pipeline in Thailand through 2036, AWC and Meliá Hotels International will expand their collaboration to grow the portfolio to more than 3,000 keys across key destinations under multiple luxury and lifestyle brands, including Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, Paradisus by Meliá, INNSiDE by Meliá, and Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:11:00 +0000