Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today celebrated the inauguration of its 3rd official destination, starting daily service connecting Riyadh and Dubai, operated on one of its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The daily service, flight RX243, scheduled for departure from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at 14:05 with arrival at Dubai Airport (DXB) at 17:00, marking a major milestone in the airline’s evolution and continuing to build a new era of travel and connectivity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:57:12 +0000

Verdura Resort unveils the redesign of 58 accommodations, marking the first chapter of a three-year room renovation programme at Rocco Forte Hotels’ destination in the Agrigento area. Developed in collaboration with Studio Moschino, the new interior concept has been introduced across 10 Grand, Family and Pool Suites and 48 Double Deluxe and Seafront rooms elevating the guest experience through a renewed focus on comfort, craftsmanship and connection to the surrounding coastline.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:44:16 +0000

As the city gears up for the highly anticipated Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026, ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan has officially announced the launch of its value-packed summer campaign. Designed specifically for families, couples, and UAE residents seeking a smart, comfortable, and affordable getaway, the hotel is introducing the “ECOS Summer Escape 2026 with Half Board” package alongside an exclusive citywide DSS direct-booking promotion.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:51:02 +0000

Arriving at JA Manafaru is like entering another realm of luxury. This enviable destination gives new meaning to the notion of an idyllic island escape, and now, the property has unveiled its extraordinary new Three Bedroom Residence, setting a new benchmark for intimate island experiences in the Maldives. Boasting unmatched space, privacy, and personalised service, the residence combines expansive beachfront living with world-class amenities and the resort’s signature warm hospitality. Offering a rare sense of seclusion in one of the Indian Ocean’s most breathtaking settings, it is an elevated way to enjoy the Maldives in complete comfort and style.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:47:05 +0000

Phocuswright Europe opened this week with a clear message: AI is no longer a side conversation, it is the gravitational centre of travel’s next era.  Across the main stage, speakers warned that the industry’s economics, interfaces and power structures are shifting faster than many companies can adapt. OAG CEO says travel’s next operating system will be built on “trusted intelligence”
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:25:12 +0000

As anticipation builds for the launch of EXPLORA III on 24 July, Explora Journeys looks ahead to next summer, when the ship will sail the brand’s highly anticipated debut season in Alaska. Summer is one of the most compelling times to experience the region, when its wilderness is at its most vivid, alive and expressive, while the unique perspective of discovering Alaska by sea reveals a side of the destination that few experience. With the inaugural season now less than a year away, this is the perfect moment to begin planning an extraordinary journey, complemented by a thoughtfully curated collection of destination experiences, created for guests who have long dreamed of experiencing the awe-inspiring grandeur of the region.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:24:52 +0000

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has reimagined its Wyndham Rewards® credit card portfolio in partnership with Barclays, reshaping how members earn, redeem and engage with the award-winning hotel loyalty program while introducing a new premium-tier option with the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Premier Card.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:20:30 +0000

Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global sporting destination is reshaping far more than its events calendar. As the Kingdom prepares to host a growing portfolio of international tournaments, from Formula 1 and international football to golf, boxing and e-sports, sport is increasingly recognised as a powerful driver of tourism demand, investment attraction and long-term destination positioning. As David Thomson, Senior Vice President – Development, The First Group Hospitality, puts it: “Mega-events can put a city on the map. When managed well, they reposition a city in the minds of investors and travellers.” Four leading hospitality executives share their perspectives ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS Saudi Arabia, taking place from 22-24 June at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:19:50 +0000

From June 15th to 17th, Evian Resort and Hôtel Royal had the honor of welcoming Heads of State and official delegations gathered for the G7 Summit, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. This selection reflects the trust placed in Hôtel Royal’s expertise and its ability to meet the highest standards of hospitality, security, and discretion.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:15:21 +0000

Summer Sizzle BVI, the Caribbean’s premier fashion and lifestyle event, returns for its landmark 16th edition from July 15 20, 2026, bringing together world-renowned designers, celebrity guests, industry leaders, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts for an unforgettable week of luxury, culture, and island experiences in the British Virgin Islands.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:09:40 +0000

The Speakeasy at the legendary San Ysidro Ranch, a Ty Warner Property, was named one of the world’s best hotel bars in Forbes Travel Guide’s (“FTG”) 2026 list of Hotel Star Bars. As one of only five bars in the United States to earn the distinction, The Speakeasy joins an elite collection of 37 hotel bars recognized among the finest destinations for cocktail culture worldwide.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:04:01 +0000

Avani Hotels & Resorts has launched Avani Book Club, a new global initiative that helps guests connect with each destination through books, local stories and shared reading experiences. Designed for travellers looking for slower, more meaningful ways to spend their time away, the programme brings together curated reading lists, in-hotel book corners, book swaps, author-led events and relaxed reading moments across selected Avani hotels and resorts worldwide. The launch responds to the rise of online reading communities, from BookTok to Bookstagram, as books become part of how people plan, share and remember travel.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:43:08 +0000

On 25 July 2026, Courmayeur will host the start and finish of the second edition of the Randonnée du Mont Blanc, the cycling event organised by EPICDAYS.CC. The route circles Mont Blanc clockwise through Italy, France and Switzerland, offering participants a choice between a 330 km course with 9,000 metres of elevation gain and a shorter Express route of 100 km with 3,000 metres of climbing. Both options are available in road and off-road versions, including gravel and mountain bike formats. With no rankings and no timing, the event is designed as a journey, encouraging riders to rediscover the spirit of sharing and adventure.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:41:17 +0000

For the first time, Holland America Line’s flagship Rotterdam will sail a series of cruises in the Mediterranean, with bookings now open for fall 2027. The five itineraries span both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, offering a chance to experience the region through a relaxed, late-season lens. The 10- and 11-day voyages call at a mix of standout destinations, from Lisbon and Naples to Kotor, Rhodes and Alexandria. Select itineraries include scenic cruising through the Strait of Messina and past Stromboli, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Sailings can also be combined into longer itineraries, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the Mediterranean. The season concludes with a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:09:39 +0000

Southwest Airlines Co. is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider to modernize its technology foundation and evolve how the airline operates, builds, and is able to serve its Customers. As part of this partnership, Southwest will transition from a largely on-premises environment to a cloud-based, AI- and agent-enabled architecture on AWS by 2028—laying the foundation to operate with greater speed, flexibility, and reliability to support the business.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:07:02 +0000

With the start of hurricane season in the Atlantic, Sunset World Group announced that its hotels and staff are prepared to handle any weather-related event, thanks to the ongoing implementation of its Storm and Hurricane Prevention and Response Program. The program includes specialized training for staff at all of the group’s hotels to act before, during, and after the impact of a tropical storm or hurricane, with the primary objective of safeguarding the well-being of its members, guests, and staff.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:05:37 +0000

Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced a strategic partnership with Turespaña, Spain’s official tourism office, to showcase the country’s diverse summer experiences and inspire travelers across the MENA region to discover Spain’s unique blend of culture, gastronomy, coastal escapes, and vibrant lifestyle offerings.
at Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:01:27 +0000

Travelers increasingly expect the same payment flexibility when booking a trip as they do when shopping online, whether that’s paying in installments, using local payment methods, or combining loyalty points with cash. In fact, 60% of travelers are likely to abandon a booking if their preferred payment method isn’t available. Yet many travel payment systems weren’t built for that level of complexity. This is what John Lunn, CEO of Gr4vy and former PayPal executive, explores in his latest piece on why traditional payment service providers are struggling to keep up with modern travel commerce.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:04:02 +0000

VCT today announced that Delta Air Lines will install a finlet modification package from Vortex Control Technologies (VCT) across its Boeing 737-800 and 737-900ER fleet, bringing the enhancement to 240 aircraft once installation has been completed. The decision follows a comprehensive technical collaboration and in-service evaluation between the two companies, including analysis of flight test data, operational trends and engineering review of aerodynamic performance.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:03:45 +0000

As the school summer holidays approach, new research from Park Christmas Savings shows families across the UK are bracing for six weeks of financial strain — with food costs, days out and childcare all piling pressure onto already-stretched household budgets. With the school gates set to close for summer in the coming weeks, a major new survey of UK by Park Christmas Savings has laid bare the financial reality facing families this year.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:47:55 +0000

Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with Dogs 4 Wildlife, a UK-based charity that protects endangered wildlife in Africa through the deployment of specialist conservation dogs. The first phase of the partnership will see Emirates SkyCargo transport dogs from the UK to Southern Africa, where they will work alongside wildlife park rangers to track poachers and strengthen conservation efforts. The first two dogs, Vega and Kuda, both Belgian Malinois, are specialist human scent tracking dogs trained by Dogs 4 Wildlife for conservation operations. Selected for their exceptional drive, determination, and natural tracking abilities, Vega and Kuda will help form a new conservation K9 unit supporting wildlife protection efforts in Zimbabwe.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:43:18 +0000

Otherwander Soho, the newly opened 566-pod hotel in central London, has selected Apaleo, the API-first property management platform, to power its fully digitised guest journey and highly streamlined operating model. Opened on 1 June 2026 at 92 Dean Street in the heart of Soho, Otherwander Soho has built its technology ecosystem around interoperability, automation and real-time data flow. Rather than placing the property management system (PMS) at the centre of operations, the hotel has adopted a middleware-led architecture in which systems connect through open APIs and data moves across the business in real time.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:58:42 +0000

Barceló Hotel Group announces the opening of Barceló Roma, a new city hotel in the Italian capital and the result of a €41 million investment. Following a complete refurbishment, the hotel pays tribute to 20th century Roman Rationalist architecture and will set a new benchmark for contemporary hospitality in one of Europe’s most visited destinations. Perfectly situated near Rome’s historic centre and Vatican City, Barceló Roma is a dynamic destination where business, culture and modern city life come together. Its 352 rooms blend sophisticated design, comfort and high-quality finishes, offering something for all types of guests.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:51:42 +0000

IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of AI-powered hospitality revenue management software, today announced significant momentum in the adoption of its broader commercial strategy solutions, highlighting a growing industry shift toward connected decision-making that extends well beyond traditional revenue management. The announcement comes as hotel organizations face increasing pressure to navigate market volatility, staffing constraints, evolving traveler demand patterns, and growing expectations for data-driven decision-making across commercial functions. As teams are increasingly tasked with connecting revenue, marketing, sales and operational strategies, hoteliers are investing in technologies that provide a more unified view of business performance and market opportunities.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:43:42 +0000

As the height of the tennis season approaches, with global anticipation building ahead of Wimbledon (29 June – 12 July), Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve, invites guests to enjoy the thrill of the game first-hand at its Annabel Croft Tennis and Padel Academy. Reflecting demand for experience-led luxury holidays, the academy offers world-class coaching and exceptional facilities for all abilities, from beginners to seasoned players. Combining the timeless appeal of tennis with the rising popularity of padel, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, it is the perfect setting to refine skills, stay active and enjoy the Algarve’s stunning coastal surroundings.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:38:23 +0000

At a time when rising costs and the demand for flexibility are reshaping how South Africans travel, City Lodge Hotels, Avis, and Budget have responded with a new partnership deal. Guests checking into easy online at www.citylodgehotels.com can now also enjoy 15% off Avis car rental and 10% off Budget car rental. From quick business trips to family getaways, travel plans just became even more affordable. Together, these brands are committed to simplifying the travel journey from end to end and delivering meaningful value to both business and leisure travellers. (Terms and conditions apply.)
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:36:43 +0000

GoNexus Group, a leading experiences and mobility travel group, has announced a strategic partnership with TicketNetwork, a live-event ticketing technology and marketplace distribution company, to launch a new Sports & Live Events vertical within NexusCube, its B2B travel marketplace. The agreement represents a significant milestone in GoNexus Group’s evolution, expanding its portfolio beyond traditional travel products and reinforcing its strategy to diversify revenue streams and strengthen its omnichannel growth model across international markets.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:33:21 +0000

Two of Sub-Saharan Africa’s strongest unserved routes still have no direct flight: Johannesburg to Mumbai, and Brussels to Cape Town. Both appear in the Airbus Exploring the Horizons study among high-demand corridors where passengers continue to route through a third city because no carrier has yet launched a service. Some of the continent’s connectivity gaps have narrowed over the past year. Qantas added Perth to Johannesburg, Edelweiss introduced its A350 service to Windhoek, Air Congo announced a Brussels link to Kinshasa, and Ethiopian secured approval to serve Mauritius. If those routes can move from proposal to operation, why do others with similarly strong demand remain unserved? That question sat at the centre of a discussion at AviaDev Africa 2026 in Gaborone, the continent’s main route development forum, where airlines, airports and tourism bodies meet to build new air links. It was chaired by Natalia Rosa, Project Lead at the Southern Africa Tourism Alliance (SATA).
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:30:13 +0000

New data from Business Travel Show Europe, 24-25 June 2026, Excel London, reveals a marked increase in corporates using business travel as a benefit to attract and retain talent - from 18.57% to 20.17% in the last 12 months.  Of those, 5.88% are including a remit to take bleisure trips among their employee benefits offering and 1.68% allow workcations. While over half - 52.1% - don’t use business travel as a talent carrot, this is considerably lower than last year’s 57.14%.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:24:46 +0000

Ground has officially been broken for the expansion of the Healing Earth™ Transformative Wellness Spa at Brahman Hills, bringing a sanctuary to life where wellness is not confined to a treatment room, but woven into the very landscape that surrounds it.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:06:09 +0000

On June 16, the 2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events, under the theme of “Sunny Hainan · Heart’s Desire,” were held in Hong Kong. Leaders from Hong Kong’s cultural and tourism authorities, heads of industry associations, and representatives of key cultural and tourism enterprises from home and abroad gathered to explore new opportunities for cooperation and draw up a blueprint for the industry’s future.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:04:45 +0000

Qantas has today revealed the next evolution in the cabin design for Project Sunrise, which will launch with the world’s first non-stop services between Sydney and London from October 2027. The Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR has been configured with just 238 seats, the lowest seat density of any A350 around the world, giving every customer more space on board. Every element has been designed to help customers arrive at their destination feeling their best, drawing on a decade of research with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre and close collaboration with Caon Design Office and technology partners.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:51:16 +0000

Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch has opened reservations ahead of its highly anticipated debut, marking a defining milestone for Waldorf Astoria in the United Kingdom. Set within one of London’s most iconic Grade I listed monuments, the hotel will introduce overnight stays in Admiralty Arch for the first time in its history.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:14:26 +0000

The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show will take place in Berlin from 16 to 18 March 2027. With its new campaign it focuses on the developments shaping global tourism, i.e. changing travel habits, innovative mobility solutions and new technological, economic and social conditions. It shows how markets, destinations and business models are constantly evolving, creating new prospects for tomorrow’s world of travel.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:12:34 +0000

The Travel Trends Podcast today announced that its Virtual Summit V3 has expanded capacity to 2,500 free registrations, driven by overwhelming support from partners across the global travel industry. Taking place October 28 & 29, 2026, the Travel Trends Podcast Virtual Summit V3 will bring together travel leaders, innovators, technology pioneers, destination marketers, advisors, operators, and hospitality professionals to explore the future of travel through this year’s theme: Beyond AI.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:54:42 +0000

Maldivian-owned group Versa Hospitality today announces the launch of Versa Keys: a tiered loyalty programme designed to reward guests for their curiosity, loyalty and time spent across the group’s growing collection of destinations worldwide.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:49:45 +0000

dnata Catering & Retail Singapore has commenced inflight catering services for Air Macau at Singapore Changi Airport, further expanding its long-standing partnership with the Air China Group. Under the new agreement, dnata will support Air Macau’s daily operations in Singapore, producing an estimated 54,000 meals annually across business and economy cabins.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:47:49 +0000

The RuMa Hotel and Residences, a one MICHELIN Key awarded five-star property, introduces “The Kuala Lumpur Escape,” a thoughtfully curated stay experience that invites residents of ASEAN countries to step away from the everyday and rediscover Kuala Lumpur through a lens of calm, comfort, and understated luxury.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:43:50 +0000

Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced the opening of THE BARAI HUA HIN, marking the debut of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Thailand. Set along the historic Khao Takiap coastline in Hua Hin, a favored seaside destination for generations of Thai royalty, the 98-room beachfront resort brings together standout wellness tradition, locally-inspired design and the spirit of Sanook (สนุก) – the Thai expression for the joy of living.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:40:05 +0000

The iconic Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been named one of the “Best Global Hotel Bars” by Food & Wine magazine—one of just 10 venues selected worldwide. Long regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved watering holes, Elephant Bar in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is celebrated for its timeless French colonial elegance, extensive gin collection and rich history. The recognition, which appears in the magazine’s May 2026 issue, further cements the bar’s status as a global destination for discerning drinkers.
at Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:38:51 +0000