Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the hospitality industry, helping hotels move beyond traditional revenue management to deliver more personalised guest experiences, smarter commercial decisions and stronger financial performance. As luxury hotels increasingly embrace data-driven technology, AI is becoming a key competitive advantage. In this exclusive Q&A, Breaking Travel News speaks with Joe Watkins, the newly appointed Head of AI and Data at Journey, the hospitality performance platform trusted by more than 750 hotels worldwide, including Chewton Glen, Grantley Hall and The BoTree. Joe discusses how AI is transforming hotel operations, the opportunities and challenges facing hoteliers, and what the next generation of intelligent hospitality technology will look like.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:40:37 +0000

Virgin Voyages will operate its inaugural Scandinavia and the Baltics season in summer 2028, with Valiant Lady homeporting in Amsterdam for the first time. The adults-only cruise line will offer six sailings between July and September 2028, ranging from seven to 12 nights, with 15 maiden ports. The programme includes two Western Europe voyages between Barcelona and Amsterdam, four Northern Europe sailings roundtrip from Amsterdam and an itinerary crossing the Arctic Circle.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:38:02 +0000

Silversea has appointed Nicola McNeish as Senior Director of Sales, UK & Ireland, effective from the end of September 2026. Reporting to Andreas Nuessel, Silversea’s Managing Director, UK and EMEA, Nicola will lead Silversea’s UK & Ireland trade sales strategy, nurturing the brand’s strong relationships with local trade partners while strengthening its position within the luxury cruise market.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:35:30 +0000

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, United Airlines and the U.S. Department of Transportation today announced a landmark transformation for Washington Dulles International Airport with a capital investment program of more than $20 billion. The project will transform the airport over the next decade into a modern, world-class gateway reflecting the importance and global reach of the nation’s capital and enhancing the experience for millions of travelers.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:33:38 +0000

Passengers of TAAG Angola Airlines will now benefit from a new international mobile connectivity solution, allowing them to purchase international mobile data plans simply, quickly, and entirely digitally, guaranteeing immediate internet access in over 190 destinations without needing to replace their physical SIM card. Already in effect since 3rd July, the initiative is the result of a strategic partnership established between the airline and Kolet, a technology company specializing in eSIM services.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:09:01 +0000

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for June 2026 global passenger demand: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was down 1.7% compared to June 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand declined by 0.6%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), decreased 1.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.2% (-0.4 ppt compared to June 2025).
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:06:52 +0000

Large-scale events generate 51% of the incremental tourist spending linked to summer events despite representing less than 1% of all events scheduled in South Mediterranean, according to The Data Appeal Company / Almaviva Group based on insights from Data Appeal Mabrian, its travel intelligence solution. Overall, between May and September, total incremental tourist spending generated by events in Spain, Italy, France and Greece is forecast to reach €3.7 billion.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:03:49 +0000

AROYA Cruises, the first Arabian cruise line, launched by Cruise Saudi, a Public Investment Fund owned company, has renewed its sponsorship agreement with Al Nassr FC for the 2026-27 season, reinforcing a successful collaboration that reflects the growing international profile of both brands and Al Nassr’s position as one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential global platforms for sport, entertainment and tourism. As part of the renewed agreement, AROYA Cruises will continue to feature on Al Nassr FC’s official playing kit throughout the 2026-27 season, while both organizations collaborate on a new programme of fan experiences, campaigns and digital content designed to engage supporters across Saudi Arabia and international markets.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:27:50 +0000

Alexa MGMT has selected Mews, the operating system for hospitality, to power operations across its growing portfolio of six boutique hotels across Texas. Alexa MGMT, headquartered in Austin, operates a collection of independent leisure properties across the state, from a midcentury-modern boutique hotel in Round Rock to historic inns in the Big Bend region. As the portfolio expands, the company needs a modern, flexible platform to manage payments, reservations and operations consistently across all locations and set the stage for future growth.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:26:27 +0000

Opening its doors today, Bloom Arjaan by Rotana marks a new chapter for hospitality on Saadiyat Island. Developed through a partnership between Rotana, one of the region’s leading hotel management companies, and Bloom Holding, the contemporary lifestyle hotel introduces a fresh, neighbourhood-led approach to hospitality in the capital. Located in Saadiyat Island’s Marina District, Bloom Arjaan by Rotana sits at the heart of one of Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, just steps from the waterfront promenade, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques of Mamsha Al Saadiyat and minutes from the world-renowned Saadiyat Cultural District, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:19:11 +0000

Those dreaming of trading snow for sand can unwrap an early holiday gift with The Landings Resort & Spa’s Christmas in July promotion, offering savings of up to 40% on luxury accommodations for a limited time. Available for bookings made up to July 31st 2026, the special offer applies to stays through April 12th 2027, giving guests the opportunity to secure a luxurious Caribbean escape for the festive season, winter sun holidays, spring breaks and beyond.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:10:46 +0000

For architects designing in water-stressed regions, a new solution for clients demanding greater water independence and security has arrived. Ahbstra, a UK climate tech company, has launched the ARK, a plug-and-play machine that uses Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Nobel Prize-winning chemistry, to generate up to 500 litres of clean drinking water a day directly from the air, even in arid conditions. About the size of a shipping container, it is designed to be installed on-site as a standalone system, and is already being incorporated into architectural plans for high-end residences and boutique hotels across the Mediterranean.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:08:50 +0000

IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of AI-powered hospitality revenue management software, today announced Donkey Hotels & Resorts is continuing to strengthen its revenue performance and commercial approach through its use of IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System (RMS) across four properties within its portfolio of luxury and lifestyle hotels in Greece. Donkey Hotels & Resorts operates a portfolio of premium hospitality properties in Athens and Santorini, including boutique Design Hotels and internationally recognized luxury assets. Catering to a diverse mix of individual leisure travelers, luxury travel advisors, corporate guests and selected group business, the portfolio attracts visitors from key international markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and select Asian markets.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:06:19 +0000

Etihad Airways has signed three African partnership agreements in July: an interline agreement with Fastjet in Zimbabwe earlier this month, followed by agreements with Air Peace in Nigeria and Africa World Airlines in Ghana. Together with the six African destinations Etihad announced in April, the agreements mean guests will connect across the continent from the day the new routes begin.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:04:10 +0000

Saudia Cargo, Saudi Arabia’s leading national air cargo carrier, and Riyadh Cargo, the freight division of the Kingdom’s new national carrier Riyadh Air, a wholly-owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, today announced the signing of an interline agreement that will strengthen cargo connectivity, expand network reach, and provide customers with greater access through Saudi Arabia to international markets.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:02:11 +0000

The Lufthansa Group yesterday submitted a bid to Parpública, the Portuguese state-owned investment company, as part of the bidding process for TAP Air Portugal. The acquisition of an initial minority stake is intended to establish a long-term partnership between the Lufthansa Group and TAP Air Portugal in order to secure TAP’s successful future as Portugal’s national airline on a sustainable basis.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:00:07 +0000

Emirates Engineering has launched Material Futures Studio, a six-week programme that challenges university students to reimagine retired aircraft materials and transform them into new products. Led by the Upcycling department within Emirates Engineering, the Material Futures Studio brings students together with aviation professionals to work on real-world industry challenges, encouraging fresh thinking while helping develop the next generation of aviation talent.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:58:16 +0000

Emirates has officially launched Crypto.com Pay™, allowing its customers to use the digital payment solution on the airline’s website and app platforms. Customers with a Crypto.com account booking on emirates.com and the Emirates App can now select Crypto.com Pay™ at checkout, with transactions processed securely and in compliance with UAE regulatory standards. Crypto.com Pay™ is available to eligible UAE residents for bookings priced and settled in Emirati Dirham (AED).
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:54:48 +0000

Tenerife has long been synonymous with year-round sunshine, golden beaches and spectacular volcanic landscapes. On 12 August, however, visitors may discover that one of the island’s greatest attractions begins before sunset and continues long into the night. During the late afternoon and early evening, a partial solar eclipse will see around 70% of the Sun obscured by the Moon, before darkness gives way to the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, one of the most prolific displays of shooting stars visible anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:49:59 +0000

Cavallino Bianco Caorle – Venezia, Italy’s new five-star family resort, is inviting guests to embrace its philosophy of “It’s Family Time – Live it Now” offering a range of Outdoor Family experiences designed to discover Caorle and its surroundings, through nature, sports and local traditions.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:46:43 +0000

The inaugural Syria Travel Show (STS) 2026 will take place from 28–30 September 2026 at Al Moutanbi Hall, Dama Rose Hotel, Damascus, creating a dedicated international platform for exploring the commercial potential of Syria’s travel, tourism and hospitality economy.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:42:22 +0000

An estimated £3.5 billion* in UK hotel revenue could be at risk each year as frustrated travellers abandon online hotel bookings, according to new research from Profitroom. The study found that more than one in four travellers (26.4 per cent) have “rage-quit” a hotel booking after encountering problems during the booking journey and never gone back to complete their reservation.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:08:10 +0000

Radisson Hotel Group has collaborated with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) in launching an AI-powered hotel discovery app in ChatGPT, helping travelers move from trip intent to search, comparison and planning through natural conversation. Available as @RadissonHotels in ChatGPT, the app enables travelers to search for Radisson Hotels properties across over 100 countries, and more than 1,000 hotels through natural conversation.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:03:39 +0000

In the Karoo town of formerly Graaff-Reinet, a national monument is doing something unusual with its five stars. Drostdy Hotel, known for its Cape Dutch architecture, is owned by the South African College for Tourism (SACT) and functions as the college’s training ground. SACT was founded in 2001 by Dr Anton Rupert, with a specific mandate: economic empowerment and professional development for unemployed young women from rural South Africa. Now the hotel and the college sit under one leadership structure, pairing five-star operations with grassroots education.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:01:09 +0000

BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia has long been ahead of that shift. The award-winning all-inclusive wellness resort welcomes solo guests throughout the year, but its dedicated September Solos programme, running from 28 August to 26 September 2026, has become one of its most distinctive annual offerings: a month designed for travellers who want to come alone, but not feel alone.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:52:01 +0000

Samara Lombok has been selected as the home of the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Southeast Asia, bringing Rafa Nadal’s globally respected training methodology to the region for the first time. The Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, which operates flagship academies in Mallorca and Kuwait, has chosen to establish its first Southeast Asian outpost at Samara Lombok, a significant endorsement of both the destination and Lombok’s long-term potential.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:50:05 +0000

Forget ordinary beach resorts. Red Sea Holidays, the UK’s largest independent tour operator to Egypt, is inviting holidaymakers to step straight into Bedrock with a stay at Egypt’s quirky Caves Beach Resort, where prehistoric surroundings meet all-inclusive luxury on the shores of the Red Sea. Located in Hurghada, just a short drive from Hurghada International Airport, Caves Beach Resort transports guests millions of years back in time with towering rock formations, cave carved architecture, cascading waterfalls and playful prehistoric details throughout. Its prime Red Sea location also makes it the perfect base for exploring world famous coral reefs, snorkelling and diving sites, desert landscapes and nearby islands.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:48:05 +0000

The UK’s newest long-distance walking route, the Westmorland and Furness Way, will be officially launched on 15 September 2026. The 120-mile Westmorland and Furness Way will showcase stunning and varied landscapes, guiding walkers through the North Pennines National Landscape, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Lake District National Park and the expanse of Morecambe Bay.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:41:44 +0000

Iberostar Beachfront Resorts is proud to announce a new partnership with acclaimed Spanish chef José Pizarro. This partnership marks Pizarro’s first collaboration of this kind in Spain and brings together two leading Spanish names, united by a shared passion for gastronomy, authenticity, and quality. Chef José Pizarro marks 15 years since opening his first restaurant in 2026, a milestone that sits within a wider culinary journey spanning almost 30 years since he moved to the UK and began shaping the British appreciation of Spanish cuisine. Widely regarded as the “Godfather of Spanish cuisine” in the UK, José has become one of the most influential voices in modern Spanish dining.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:37:46 +0000

Developed as a living horror movie through the lens of Halloween Horror Nights, this non-traditional memorial to Ozzy Osbourne will span 45 years, transporting guests on a twisted journey through the artist’s outrageous and eccentric solo career in unique experiences across both coasts. Music from Ozzy Osbourne’s solo albums will guide guests through “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness”, including The Blizzard of Ozz (1980), Diary of a Madman (1981), Bark at the Moon (1983), No More Tears (1991), Scream (2010) and Ordinary Man (2020).
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:33:05 +0000

Cheval Blanc Randheli is delighted to welcome Christian Redl, one of the world’s most celebrated freedivers and a thirteen-time world record holder, from 17–24 August 2026. During his residency, Cheval Blanc will unveil a series of experiences inspired by the transformative power of breath, mindfulness, and the ocean. Thoughtfully curated for the Maison, the programme invites guests to discover Christian’s unique savoir-faire through immersive sessions designed to engage both body and mind.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:30:40 +0000

WTM Spotlight Riyadh will showcase the strength, resilience and rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, bringing together global industry leaders to strengthen partnerships, explore new opportunities and reinforce confidence in one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:28:46 +0000

OL Leisure presents a curated collection of six exceptional destinations across Namibia, each defined by heartfelt hospitality, immersive design and a deep sense of place. The group’s food and beverage offering is putting Namibian cuisine on the map, with a new Culinary School at Midgard now training the country’s next generation of chefs, a recently launched elevated dining experience above Etosha - SkyBoma, and a pioneering abalone farm on the Namibian coast.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:19:36 +0000

There are few pleasures more quintessentially Italian than travelling slowly through extraordinary landscapes, discovering exceptional cuisine, and lingering in places where beauty unfolds at every turn.  With its dedicated golf itineraries, La Dolce Vita Orient Express invites guests to experience Italy through this very lens, pairing the country’s most prestigious golf courses with the timeless elegance of grand rail travel.
at Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:06:27 +0000

Today, Unifocus, the global leader in hospitality workforce management technology, announced a series of enhancements across its workforce management and operations suites
at Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:27:46 +0000

As international travel continues to grow, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) encourages proactive and holistic destination stewardship, one that helps governments, destinations and the private sector work together to ensure tourism creates lasting value for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
at Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:05:15 +0000

Following the success of its inaugural edition in June, The RuMa Hotel and Residences in Kuala Lumpur continues its ATAS Key Tables series with Singapore-based modern Korean steakhouse GU:UM by MICHELIN-starred Chef Louis Han, for an exclusive four-month residency at ATAS.The residency follows Chef Han’s debut appearance at ATAS in 2025 where his cooking first connected with Kuala Lumpur diners and marks GU:UM’s first extended collaboration in the city.
at Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:50:59 +0000

Relationships continue to be at the heart of the travel business, and General Travel New Zealand’s latest India roadshow reflected exactly that. Bringing together an extensive delegation of tourism partners from New Zealand, the six-city initiative created opportunities for meaningful conversations, product updates, and stronger trade partnerships across India’s key outbound markets. Travelling across Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Indore, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad, the delegation interacted with more than 350+ travel planners and tour operators, creating a platform focused on business development, product education, and long-term partnerships.
at Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:54:56 +0000

Nubia Dahabeya introduces a new expression of Nile travel for the culturally curious luxury traveller. Available as an exclusive four-night private charter between Luxor and Aswan, the artist-designed sailing boat welcomes up to 12 guests for a slower, more personal journey through Upper Egypt, where culture, atmosphere and contemporary Egyptian hospitality come together. Every itinerary is owner-curated and can be tailored around the interests of each group.
at Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:39:07 +0000

The Hospitality Experience, a collection of three distinctive Italian properties, is inviting corporate travel planners, incentive specialists and event organisers to explore its meetings, buyout and incentive offering across Florence, Venice and Umbria. According to the 2026 Amex GBT Global Meetings & Events Forecast, 85% of meeting professionals are optimistic about the sector, with creating engaging experiences and improving attendee satisfaction their top priority for the second year in a row. Meanwhile, research from the Internova Index finds that more than half of C-Suite executives frequently combine business travel with leisure, underlining the growing demand for venues that offer more than a meeting room. All three properties within The Hospitality Experience are well placed to meet that demand, combining distinctive settings with a personalised approach to events and a culinary offer that draws directly on the character of each location.
at Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:19:08 +0000