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Virginia Messina, Group CEO of ATTA® said:
“WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research reinforces Africa as a major global player within travel and tourism, and one of the fastest growing regions following Asia and the Middle East.
“International visitor spending to Africa was up by 5% in 2025 and the continent is outperforming mature markets like Europe (+1.3%) and North America (still below pre-pandemic levels).
“According to the report, Travel & Tourism contributed a total of $211 billion to the region’s GDP in 2024, representing 7.8% of the African economy which was an increase of 9.8% compared to 2019. The sector also supported 27.9 million jobs across the continent, a share of 5.6% of total employment.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:47:03 +0000
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Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding today announced the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is set to undergo a carefully phased and thoughtful restoration programme, designed to safeguard its legacy for generations to come. With an odyssey of over twenty-five years of continuous operations, the conservation of the architectural masterpiece will see its distinctive interior décor enhanced with the same attention to detail as preserving a work of art.
Since opening in 1999, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab has stood as an architectural and cultural icon of modern luxury, with its dhow sail silhouette shaping the identity of the skyline of Dubai. From its launch, it set new international standards, pioneering personalised butler service and changing the face of luxury hospitality.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:33:23 +0000
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Dubai launches a new program to help government employees use AI in daily tasks, focusing on practical skills rather than theory. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the latest AI technologies, including large language models, applicable across various industries. The initiative fits into Dubai’s broader vision of integrating AI into government services and operations, enhancing efficiency and user experience. The program aims to build employee confidence in using AI through structured training and real-world applications. This effort supports the UAE’s ambition to be a global AI hub by fostering growth in both public and private sectors.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:07:36 +0000
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Some 74 per cent of travellers say they want their trips to be personalised, and the results suggest that if modern retailing opportunities like room attributes are pitched strategically, they can deliver significant returns
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:49:51 +0000
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Lighthouse, the AI commercial operating system for the travel and hospitality industry, today announced the launch of The Hotels Network app, the first direct booking app for hotels available inside ChatGPT. Powered by Lighthouseʼs Connect AI engine, the app gives hotels a direct presence in AI conversations for the first time.
The app is available to hotels of every size worldwide on a flat fee subscription with zero booking commissions.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:49:19 +0000
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CapeTownMagazine.com (CTM) has launched its Secret Season Campaign – an open invitation to owner-run businesses, brands, and tourism bodies to come together around a shared opportunity: Rethinking how Cape Town and the Western Cape are experienced in winter.
Secret Season positions winter as a secret season worth seeking out and leveraging through real connection.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:47:22 +0000
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The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC), held on 14 April 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), stands as a defining moment for the African tourism industry. This one-day conference, produced in partnership with JLL Africa and an affiliate member of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO), brought together key stakeholders from across the continent. Investors, policymakers, tourism authorities, and leaders from the private sector gathered with a shared mission: to ignite high-level discussions about unlocking tourism investment opportunities across Africa.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:41:44 +0000
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Companies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are treating supply-chain modernization as a long-term business priority rather than a temporary response to disruption. Recent reporting points to rising interest in artificial intelligence, automation, and real-time data tools as firms look for stronger logistics performance and better resilience.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:46:49 +0000
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The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) today announced details for the Caribbean Travel Forum 2026, a reimagined working session designed to advance commercial alignment across the region’s hospitality and tourism industry. The Forum will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa in Antigua & Barbuda, immediately preceding the opening of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:58:39 +0000
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One Planet Group, a closely held private equity firm that owns and operates a portfolio of technology and media businesses, today announced the upcoming launch of Quite Remarkable, a new travel and lifestyle company built to redefine the standards of modern luxury through technology, service, one-of-a kind properties, experiences and intentional design. The platform is slated for initial launch in Fall 2026.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:47:28 +0000
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TLC Jet, a leading private aviation charter provider renowned for providing the smartest way to fly private, today announced a partnership with American Airlines. This collaboration integrates American’s award-winning AAdvantage® program, enabling TLC Jet clients who are AAdvantage® members to earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points when flying private with TLC Jet. Customers who are not yet AAdvantage® members can join for free by visiting American’s website.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:45:23 +0000
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As the first leaves return to the vines, Charentes slips into one of its most appealing seasons. Spring remains something of an insider’s secret. Between April and June, this quietly compelling French destination near Bordeaux offers something increasingly rare: space, authenticity and the freedom to savour it at your own pace. The roads are quieter and the experiences – from tastings to tours – feel more personal. With seasonal direct flights from the UK to La Rochelle, just a 2h30 train ride from Paris, and straightforward rail connections between Angoulême, Saintes and Cognac itself, exploring the region is sustainable and effortless.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:33:30 +0000
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This summer, Gaylord Hotels invites guests to step into a season of spectacular experiences with the announcement of Super Hero Summer featuring DC and All-American SummerFest. From exclusive DC Super Hero activities to festive firework shows and water park celebrations, Gaylord Hotels delivers the ultimate summer destination for families and guests of all ages. Spanning coast to coast across six iconic resorts, Gaylord Hotels builds on its legacy of all‑under‑one‑roof immersive entertainment across its signature atriums, water parks and dining venues designed to create unforgettable moments together. To book rooms and buy activity tickets, visit www.gaylordhotels.com.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:58:40 +0000
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Vicuna Air, the in-cabin pet travel company redefining how pets fly, today announces the expansion of its North American network with new routes between New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The launch gives more pet owners access to seamless domestic travel within the U.S., while also making it easier for travellers across North America to connect onwards to the company’s existing international services from New York to London and Paris.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:57:44 +0000
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With the United States Semiquincentennial approaching on July 4, 2026, interest in historic sites and Revolutionary War–era destinations is building, with early booking trends pointing to increased demand—and growing concerns about overcrowding at iconic locations.
Award-winning author and travel expert Jessica James has released a timely solution: The Patriot’s Journey: 250 Sites to Visit for America 250, a comprehensive travel guide designed to help visitors experience America’s founding story—without fighting the crowds.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:54:56 +0000
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Puerto Rico isn’t just a place to vacation; it’s an oasis for deeper connections with the natural world and with yourself. Discover Puerto Rico and their agency of record R&R Partners teamed up with Matador Network to present the island through the eyes of a local in a three-part series, “Puerto Rico: Mountains to Coast,” streaming now on Matador Network and Roku.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:53:43 +0000
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The Abaco Club, a 500-acre private club community on Great Abaco Island in The Bahamas, ushers in an exciting new era by unveiling a significant $350 million transformation, one of the largest private club investments in the Caribbean. Developed, owned and operated by Southworth, a family-owned leader in private clubs, this investment – the current phase of a ten-year investment plan – reflects a long-term commitment to elevating an already exceptional member experience while thoughtfully expanding the community through new amenities and residential offerings.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:51:56 +0000
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Marking a decade of redefining Caribbean luxury, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa introduces “Come Celebrate Your 10 With Us,” a year-long celebration inviting guests, families and friends to commemorate their own milestones in one of the Caribbean’s most coveted beachfront destinations.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:48:01 +0000
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Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has unveiled its World Cruise 2029, A Pacific Awakening. Sailing from San Diego on January 5, 2029, the 125‑day odyssey on board the intimate Silver Whisper will take guests through the world’s largest ocean, exploring more than 60 destinations in 19 countries – with six signature events and one included overland experience. Guided by themes of wonder, wayfinding, and cultural awakening, the voyage spans Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Asia, and New Zealand – inviting guests to experience the richness of the Pacific.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:46:32 +0000
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Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics) has today announced that Air India has selected Panasonic Technical Services’ (PTS) Total Care Package to maintain the airline’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems across 74 aircraft.
The systems are installed on aircraft across Air India’s fleet including the Boeing 787-9, Airbus A350-1000, A350-900, and A321neo.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:44:43 +0000
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WorldHotels™, a global brand of independent luxury and lifestyle hotels within the BWH® Hotels portfolio, today announced the launch of WorldHotels Backdrop, a new collection of upscale glamping retreats and outdoor escapes located in scenic destinations around the world. Backdrop includes accommodations such as canvas-tented rooms and riverside cabins set amid mountains, along coastlines and at the gateway to national parks.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:42:49 +0000
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Emerald Cruises has announced the launch of Emerald Kaia with the departure of its inaugural cruise.
The 128-guest superyacht sailed from Limassol, Cyprus, on an 11-day itinerary, calling at Rhodes, Kos, Spetses and Athens.
at Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:40:07 +0000
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Virgin Atlantic has touched down in Seoul, South Korea, marking the launch of its new daily service between London Heathrow and Incheon International Airport, opening up a vibrant new destination for UK travellers.
Today’s VS208 was met on the tarmac in Incheon with celebrations alongside Corneel Koster, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Atlantic, representatives from Incheon International Airport Corporation and the Korea Tourism Organisation.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:36:06 +0000
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Travel & Tourism has strengthened its position as the world’s fastest-growing sector in 2025, with new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner, revealing the sector significantly outpaced global economic growth.
According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), Travel & Tourism’s global GDP contribution reached arecord US$11.6 trillion in 2025, accounting for 9.8% of the global economy. The sector’s growth (4.1%) exceeded overall global economic growth (2.8%) by almost 50%, underscoring its role as a primary engine of global expansion.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:32:02 +0000
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NEIT proudly presents Sin Plan, the first chapter of the NEIT OUT format, during Salone del Mobile where installations, openings, and events follow one another at a relentless pace. As part of this presentation, NEIT Whiskey offers a moment to slow down, coinciding with the launch of a new limited edition expression, matured in a mezcal cask.
Conceived as an open and flexible platform, NEIT OUT was created as a series of pop-up moments in which the brand connects with people, places, and conversations. Each edition takes shape from its own context, while keeping curiosity, sharing, and freedom at its core.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:30:13 +0000
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Cycling tourism has grown far beyond hardcore riders chasing mountain passes and personal records. More people now see cycling tours for what they really are: a rewarding way to travel, slow down, cover real ground, and experience places more closely than you ever could from a car or bus window. It is active, scenic, and often surprisingly freeing.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:19:45 +0000
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Who will control travel in 2046: AI companies, governments, or the travelers themselves? What will determine value in an AI-driven industry? And will travel remain accessible to all, or become a privilege?
These questions were at the heart of the inaugural Leadership Exchange, hosted by Phocuswright, a leading global travel research and events company, and ITB Berlin, on March 3, 2026, at CityCube Berlin.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:58:42 +0000
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AYANA Midplaza Jakarta proudly announces the appointment of Morris Tiedemann as its new General Manager. Bringing nearly three decades of international hospitality leadership across Europe, the Middle East, and China, Mr. Tiedemann steps into the role with a clear vision to further elevate the hotel as one of Jakarta’s most distinguished urban destinations.
Strategically positioned in the heart of the capital, AYANA Midplaza Jakarta has long been recognised as a sanctuary within the city where business, culture, wellness, and refined dining converge. Under Mr. Tiedemann’s leadership, the hotel enters a new chapter focused on thoughtful growth, authentic guest experiences, and people-centric excellence.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:56:50 +0000
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Valpas and Select Green Hotels are bringing bed bug-safe certification into the booking experience for the first time. Travellers using the sustainable hotel platform will now be able to see which hotels hold Valpas certification making “bed bug-safe” a visible, verifiable attribute before a reservation is made.
“Bed bug safety belongs where every other hotel standard already lives: in the booking flow, visible to the traveller before they decide” says Martim Gois, Co-Founder and CEO of Valpas. “Select Green Hotels shares our belief that trust should be built before not after arrival. This is what it looks like when a new hotel category becomes real and bookable.”
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:53:22 +0000
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Travelers seeking a Disney spring fling can find special rates starting at $92 per night plus tax, available to book and stay now through June 30, at Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:41:49 +0000
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A beach trip sounds relaxing until you find yourself squinting under intense sunlight or dealing with glare reflecting off the water. The right sunglasses can completely transform your experience, offering both protection and comfort while enhancing your overall style. Whether you’re lounging on the sand, swimming, or exploring coastal spots, choosing the ideal pair of sunglasses is more important than many people realize.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:14:07 +0000
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According to the National Geographic Institute, Costa Rica’s marine territory is ten times larger than its land area, yet this reality is not always part of the country’s collective awareness. In response, and with the goal of promoting conservation and education, the essential COSTA RICA country brand launched Costa Rica Blue, a digital platform designed to bring Costa Ricans closer to the knowledge and importance of their oceans.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:06:42 +0000
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Omio, the world’s leading multimodal travel platform, has today announced the launch of its ChatGPT app to enable passengers to search and compare travel options in real time through conversational AI.
The launch represents a key step in Omio’s ambition to become a leading AI-native platform. It brings Omio’s global transport network of over 3,000 partners to ChatGPT’s 900 million weekly users, marking a significant shift in how travel is planned and booked.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:03:24 +0000
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Couples seeking an extraordinary destination wedding can now exchange vows in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural settings with Bhaya Cruises, offering bespoke celebrations set against the dramatic limestone karsts and the emerald waters of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:01:13 +0000
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A new £500,000 forest adventure zone is sliding into action in the Scottish Highlands this summer, in a major family tourism boost for the Cairngorms National Park.
Work is now underway at Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, located between Aviemore and Inverness, including a new six-lane toboggan run-style attraction.
The first of its kind in Scotland, the new experience is expected to bring 10,000 more visitors to the park over a 12-month period.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:59:18 +0000
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Jet2 has marked the launch of its brand-new route to La Palma, after the UK’s favourite airline and tour operator’s inaugural flight departed from Manchester Airport on Friday (3rd April) afternoon.
Perfectly timed for the Easter holidays, the full flight signalled the start of Jet2 operating award-winning flights and holidays to La Palma for Summer 2026 – its fifth destination in the Canary Islands.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:56:43 +0000
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Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, a rainforest retreat in the shadow of Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano, has launched a new programme based around Sensory Luxury. Embracing the restoration of natural balance Sensory Luxury goes back to basics, showcasing how wellbeing doesn’t have to be engineered and can be activated organically through air, water, sound, texture and flavour. The program identifies both active and passive practices framed by natural settings around the resort that harness the power of nature to take guests a step beyond relaxation and guide them to tune into the frequencies and rhythms that recalibrate from the inside out.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:54:18 +0000
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IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of hospitality revenue management software, is expanding its RMS solution for the cruise industry by working with Miami-based Windstar Cruises, renowned for its intimate ships and yacht-like experiences, to modernize revenue strategy and accelerate growth. With a growing fleet and a wide range of stateroom categories and onboard experiences—from sailing yachts to all-suite yachts—Windstar’s team needs a more precise, scalable way to anticipate demand and calibrate pricing across its portfolio. For Windstar, the collaboration reflects and expands the company’s continued commitment to innovation, including investments in its fleet, renovations, guest experience, and operational improvement initiatives.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:52:25 +0000
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Hyatt Hotels Corporation and RLH Properties today announced the opening of Alila Mayakoba, a luxury retreat rooted in nature and wellbeing on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, marking a milestone moment for the Alila brand globally as it debuts in Latin America and the Caribbean through one of the brand’s most fully realized resort expressions. Defined by Alila’s place-led approach to hospitality, with wellbeing at its core, Alila Mayakoba brings the brand’s core principles to life through architecture open to nature, living Mayan traditions, and an intentionally crafted guest journey.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:47:59 +0000
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Marriott Bonvoy is bringing fans closer than ever to one of the most iconic voices in music with its partnership as the Official Hotel Partner for Celine Dion’s highly anticipated five-week limited engagement, CELINE DION PARIS 2026 beginning Saturday 12th September 2026. Through exclusive experiences, Marriott Bonvoy is set to deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments and packages to its members, celebrating the timeless artistry and global phenomenon of Celine Dion. As the official hotel partner, Marriott Bonvoy members can follow their passions, with access to stays and concert experiences over 10 unforgettable nights at Paris La Défense Arena, designed to bring them closer to the performances, while enjoying the very best of Paris.
at Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:45:26 +0000
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