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At the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), foundation model company StepFun and Alipay announced a system-level partnership, further expanding the capabilities of AI agents from conversations to complete complex tasks in everyday life.
Under the partnership, users will be able to access AI-powered daily life services through Alipay’s Ah Bao by speaking to the AI agent on StepFun’s AI-native terminal or via its large model.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:56:09 +0000
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Mirai, a company specializing in technology to boost hotels’ direct sales, announces that Sarai, its AI assistant and conversational booking engine, now handles bookings for two or more rooms within a natural conversation (“I need two rooms for a family with children”), with no forms or intermediate steps. This feature is available across all channels where Sarai operates -webchat, WhatsApp, email, Instagram and phone, as well as ChatGPT (via Apps) and Claude (via MCP)- and is included at no extra cost for all Mirai booking engine clients.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:54:31 +0000
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Dubai-born AVENEW Development announces plans for The Ritz-Carlton Residences Dubai, The World Islands, the latest addition to its growing portfolio of distinguished addresses and its second collaboration with Marriott International. The project reflects AVENEW’s founding principles of thoughtful design, distinctive location selection and timeless quality.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:49:37 +0000
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Virgin Voyages has announced the return of its True Crime Voyage for 2027, following the sell-out success of its inaugural sailing in 2025.
Created in partnership with iHeartMedia – America’s largest podcast publisher - the cruise will feature a new line-up of true crime podcasts including:
Disgraceland - hosted by Jake Brennan, who explores the criminal stories behind some of music’s most famous names.
Buried Bones - journalist Kate Winkler Dawson and forensic investigator Paul Holes revisit compelling historical crimes, using modern investigative techniques to uncover new perspectives on old mysteries.
Wisecrack - a true crime series produced by Jodi Tovay about a comedian whose disturbing stage routine sparks an investigation into a real-life case.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:45:41 +0000
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Frasers Hospitality, a business unit of Frasers Property, announced the soft opening of Fraser Residence Wuzhen. Located in the heart of the historic 1,300-year-old water town dating from the Tang Dynasty, the property marks Frasers Hospitality’s first entry into one of China’s renowned cultural and tourism destination.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:39:11 +0000
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Maureva, a trusted provider of airline revenue accounting and financial solutions, is pleased to announce that Basra Airlines, Iraq’s newest private airline, has selected EDGAR solution to manage its revenue accounting operations. As the airline expands its activities, the partnership will provide the financial expertise, operational discipline and scalable processes needed to support its continued growth.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:36:11 +0000
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Mews, a hospitality operating system used by 15,000 properties globally, today announced three new features designed to help hotels capture revenue: Recurring Payments, the expansion of Multicurrency to the US and Canada, and Accounts Receivable. The new releases are further ways that Mews’s one connected operating system can secure revenue and enhance cash flow for hotels before arrival, during the stay and after checkout.
These feature releases combat real business problems and are the latest step in Mews’ broader strategy: an operating system built not just to run a hotel, but to act as its financial partner. They’re designed to help properties capture revenue, reduce manual work, and grow their business.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:17:07 +0000
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Nearly 20,000 people across five countries took part in a worldwide survey inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s extraordinary travels, revealing the UK’s enduring passion for exploration, wildlife and conservation.
To celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday earlier in the year, adventure travel specialist Explore Worldwide invited people from around the globe to discover just how closely their own travels mirror those of Britain’s greatest natural historian.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:13:27 +0000
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Alpaca Expeditions, Peru’s 100% Indigenous-owned and operated travel specialist, invites travelers to rethink the best time to visit Peru. While many travelers plan their journeys during the traditional peak season, Peru’s quieter months offer a unique opportunity to experience the country at a different pace, with fewer crowds, greater flexibility, deeper connections with locals and the chance to marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes and lush tropical forest.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:11:21 +0000
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Thailand is introducing a series of updated visa measures designed to simplify entry arrangements while strengthening security and making the system easier for international travellers to understand. The revised measures have been approved by the Thai Cabinet and will come into effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, with current entry requirements remaining in place until then.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:09:53 +0000
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With around three-quarters of UK overseas holidays taken in Europe, South Lake Tahoe is inviting British travellers to look beyond the continent’s best-known alpine lakes and discover California’s spectacular mountain escape instead and here is 5 reasons why:
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:54:38 +0000
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Just in time for the start of the summer holiday season, Eurowings is expanding its range of in-flight services for children and families. From exciting facts for young aviation enthusiasts to a fluffy travel companion – when flying with the value airline, the holiday experience begins not just after landing, but whilst still in the air.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:53:37 +0000
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The rise of the ‘wed-cation’, a trend that merges a destination wedding with a holiday, is a growing priority for couples, according to new research commissioned by Hyatt¹, providing major opportunities for hotels, travel agents and event planners.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:48:57 +0000
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Amari, the upper-upscale hotel brand under ONYX Hospitality Group, invites travellers to discover stays that go beyond the beauty of a destination, creating meaningful moments that become lasting memories through authentic local experiences, genuine connections with people and culture, and the warmth of Thai hospitality.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:45:55 +0000
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Portugal’s top destination has emerged as the cheapest of 22 European holiday hotspots surveyed for the latest Post Office Travel Money Family Holiday Report. Published in the week that schools break up for the summer holidays, the annual report, produced in partnership with leading travel and leisure operator TUI, found that meals, drinks and other tourist items are likely to cost least in the Algarve. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria was a close runner-up, while six Spanish resort areas feature among the best value top 101.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:41:33 +0000
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City Express by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of City Express by Marriott Port Hope, marking the brand’s highly anticipated debut in the Canada region.
Located along Highway 401, one of Canada’s busiest transportation corridors, the hotel serves as a convenient gateway to destinations across Ontario, connecting travelers to Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, Prince Edward County, the Kawarthas, and the Niagara Region.
at Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:34:09 +0000
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Quarterly hotel revenues in Oman rose 8.4% year-on-year to OMR85.4 million in Q1 2026, says leading real estate advisory and hospitality sector property consultant, Cavendish Maxwell.
The sustained revenue growth – achieved despite a softer hospitality sector performance during the quarter – was primarily driven by room revenues, which climbed 13% to OMR53.2 million, the company said.
Revenue performance was strongest at the start of the year, increasing almost 27% in January and nearly 9% in February compared to January and February last year. March revenues declined 21% against March 2025.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:11:38 +0000
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UKinbound has released the results of its latest Business Barometer member survey, undertaken by Navigator Insight, showing a broadly stable outlook for the summer season across the UK’s inbound visitor economy.
One-third (33%) of respondents expect bookings, visitor numbers or customer orders between July and September 2026 to remain at similar levels to the same period last year, while 29% expect them to increase.
Similarly, 34% of respondents expect revenue yields between July and September 2026 to remain in line with the same period in 2025, while 32% forecast higher yields.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:31:32 +0000
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Expedition Micro Cruise specialist Secret Atlas has unveiled two exclusive Northern Lights photography tours to the Arctic this September, offering just 12 guests the opportunity to experience one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena.
Designed for travellers seeking an alternative to conventional expedition cruising, Secret Atlas voyages are limited to just 12 guests onboard, offering one-to-one photography tuition, wildlife encounters and expert-led exploration in one of the world’s most remote destinations.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:28:20 +0000
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Increasingly, parents are choosing to become part of their children’s gap years and long-term travels, flying out to join them overseas rather than simply waving them goodbye at the airport. Instead of travelling together for months, families are planning carefully timed reunions, meeting children halfway through their adventures for unforgettable experiences.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:22:45 +0000
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Accor has announced the appointment of Gilles Cretallaz as Senior Vice President Operations, South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and Maldives for Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:20:05 +0000
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Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, and Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited (SCB) have joined forces to strengthen Thailand’s economy and tourism industry through a shared commitment to sustainable value creation through the arrangement of a Sustainability-Linked Loan within a total package of THB 40.5 billion financing package. This package aims to support AWC’s long-term Sustainable Growth-Led Strategy through the continued development of its quality asset portfolio.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:17:00 +0000
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As part of its ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings and exceed traveler expectations on high-demand routes, Avianca, a member of Abra Group, announced today that its INSIGNIA business-class experience will be available on flights to and from New York operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Passengers can now purchase this service, and the first flights under this concept will begin operating on August 4.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:15:46 +0000
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3HB Hotels has renewed its Green Key certification across all its hotels until 2026, reaffirming the group’s ongoing commitment to implementing good sustainability practices. The renewal of this international accreditation demonstrates the consistency of 3HB Hotels’ environmental strategy and its ongoing investment in improving its management practices, promoting more sustainable tourism in line with the sector’s highest standards.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:14:48 +0000
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Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has strengthened its focus on resource efficiency and circularity across its hotel portfolio, with each property implementing creative solutions to minimise food waste. Driven by its ongoing sustainability mission, this initiative invites culinary and bar teams to develop unique food and drink items that directly address location-specific excess. It is designed to support more responsible kitchen practices by maximising the use of ingredients, while preserving the quality and sense of enjoyment that define LHG’s dining experiences.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:11:56 +0000
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Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, the Michelin-starred restaurant at the iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, is introducing a new lineup of immersive culinary and wine offerings, inviting guests to go behind the scenes of its acclaimed kitchen and experience four exclusive wine dinners this fall
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:09:36 +0000
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With China’s inbound visa-free policies continuing to be optimized, the Suobuya Stone Forest Scenic Area, located in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province, is welcoming Southeast Asian tourists with a refreshed experience. Known as the “World’s First Ordovician Stone Forest,” this 460-million-year-old geological wonder has introduced a series of diverse cultural experiences and interactive programs in 2026, offering Southeast Asian visitors a journey through natural and cultural wonders spanning hundreds of millions of years.
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:07:33 +0000
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Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Recognized Globally for Leadership in Resilience, Peace and Diaspora Service
at Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:14:26 +0000
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Omio Group, the world’s leading multimodal travel company, has today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Rail Europe, the globally renowned rail distribution platform.
Upon completion, Rail Europe will become part of Omio Group, joining Omio’s B2C booking platform, its B2B distribution business, and its travel discovery brand, Rome2Rio. With the addition of Rail Europe, Omio Group (OG) would sell 22 million train tickets per year, work with over 28,000 transport operators and travel sellers, and offer the world’s most comprehensive ground transportation proposition.
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:25:50 +0000
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Oceania Cruises® is inviting travellers to discover the Caribbean’s vibrant cultures, sun-drenched islands and diverse coastal destinations aboard the line’s newest and most recently refreshed ships, all offering a sophisticated, adults-only environment. Each itinerary, ranging from seven to 14 days, is designed for guests to explore the region from a new perspective.
For a limited time, guests who book by 8 September 2026 can enjoy remarkable added value, with complimentary airfare and one night pre-cruise hotel on select itineraries from the United Kingdom and chosen European departure points.
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:29:08 +0000
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Life aboard EXPLORA II takes on a distinct character for the Winter 2026-2027 season, bringing the charm of the Mediterranean’s quieter months directly into the guest experience. Focusing on discovery, reflection and renewal, the programme for A Serene Mediterranean takes inspiration from the region’s quieter seasonal rhythm – softer light, milder temperatures and an unhurried pace, transforming time between destinations into a meaningful opportunity for enrichment and pause.
“Our Serene Mediterranean Journeys reflect the way today’s discerning guests increasingly want to travel,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “They are seeking experiences that feel more connected, more immersive and more personal. Every element of the journey has been designed to reflect the character of the destinations we visit, from seasonal gastronomy and Ocean Wellness to enriching cultural encounters.”
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:27:34 +0000
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Wilderness Reserve, the extraordinary 6,000-acre private estate nestled within Suffolk’s Yox Valley, is proud to announce its partnership with Relais & Châteaux, joining the internationally renowned collection of independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants. Spanning three adjoining estates, Sibton Park, Chapel Barn and the recently unveiled Blyth Estate, Wilderness Reserve offers an exceptional portfolio of 28 houses and cottages set amongst ancient woodland, lakes and parkland. Accommodation ranges from one-bedroom ‘lost’ cottages, complete with private lakes and rowing boats, to expansive Spa Houses designed for larger gatherings, featuring hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. Together, they offer complete privacy, flexibility and immersive countryside experiences.
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:24:08 +0000
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Following heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, new data reveals a significant shift in British holidaymakers plans. With more than 800 respondents, primarily travel agent and tour operator sales staff agents based across the British Isles, the research* highlights a clear trend towards closer-to-home travel. Carried out by Travel Uni, the largest global training and engagement platform for the travel trade, and run in partnership with Discover Ferries, which represents 12 passenger ferry operators; the findings also highlight a growing preference this year for flight-free routes and domestic escapes.
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:22:27 +0000
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Gastronomy takes centre stage on Ibiza’s wild west coast this season, as 7Pines Resort Ibiza unveils its new headline restaurant offering, IKISAKI, a new Nikkesi restaurant perched cliffside hosting uninterrupted ocean views, and where Japanese precision meets the bold, sunlit flavours of Peru.
The launch anchors a wider culinary reinvention at the all-suite 5* resort, joined by the return of fire-inspired Nela with Óscar Salazar, the reimagined Cone Club, and the debut of the immersive, garden-to-table INODEQ Garden, alongside a new poolside Taittinger Champagne Bar.
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:17:02 +0000
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Marine protected areas are increasingly recognised as critical refuges for humpback whales, offering rare stretches of ocean where they can communicate, navigate and breed without the growing pressures of shipping noise and military sonar. Annual migrations along South Africa’s east coast have been growing for over three decades, with iSimangaliso Wetland Park recording more than 11,000 whales in a single migration season, highlighting the importance of protecting these increasingly rare quiet corridors.
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:14:26 +0000
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Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has introduced a new collection of golf-focused voyages in partnership with PerryGolf, a leading provider of international golf travel. These new voyages grant guests access to some of the world’s most iconic courses, from the legendary host course of The Open, Royal Liverpool, to the future host of the Ryder Cup, Camiral. Guests can enjoy guaranteed tee times, equipment care, and green fees included, while journeying aboard Silversea’s intimate, luxury ships.
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:12:41 +0000
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GuruWalk, the world’s largest free tours platform, has reviewed its free tour bookings for the coming months to build a unique interactive map showing the global movements of travellers worldwide, including Britons.
The map also reveals the movements of travellers from many other countries. In Ireland, Spain leads preferences with 13.8% of bookings, followed by Italy with 12.1%. In Poland, however, Italy takes the top spot with 10.9%, followed by the UK with 8.8%, while Spain trails at just 4.7%. In Taiwan, travellers prioritise destinations such as Germany (10.9%) and Czechia (9.1%), while in the Dominican Republic the favourite is Colombia, with 18%, followed by Peru (13.1%) and Canada (11.5%).
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:08:12 +0000
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Nestled between the pristine shores of Layan Beach and the protected landscapes of Sirinat National Park, Radisson Resort Layan Phuket welcomes guests to experience one of Phuket’s most peaceful coastal destinations. The contemporary 300-room resort strengthens Radisson Hotel Group’s growing presence in Thailand, combining modern tropical design, diverse lifestyle experiences and authentic Thai hospitality with effortless access to the island’s beaches, nature and vibrant lifestyle attractions.
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:06:02 +0000
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Holidaymakers planning trips to Europe this summer are being urged to check their passports and travel documents well before they travel, as new digital border checks continue to cause delays and confusion at some European airports.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operating across the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps with a digital record of when non-EU travellers enter and leave participating countries. The system applies also to British passport holders travelling for short stays and records facial images, fingerprints and passport details at the border.
at Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:04:10 +0000
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We wrote about Airbnb and its business model some time ago, and that’s really an interesting business textbook case study, but there is much more to explore regarding how this platform has influenced markets and economies.
at Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:55:39 +0000
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