Festivals
Eunhee Park to Keynote at the Extraordinary Travel Festival 2026
Eunhee Park, a North Korean defector, will share her compelling journey at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok this October.
Hospitality
Hotel101 Group Celebrates Lunar New Year with Expansion Plans
Hotel101 Group embraces the Lunar New Year with exciting announcements about new hotel openings across various locations.
Industry Reports
Insights from ABTA on COVID-19 Highlighted in Recent Report
A new report sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel industry, featuring insights from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
Tourism
North East England Aims for Group Travel Market
A promotional push by North East England will highlight its unique travel offerings at the upcoming British Travel Trade Show.
News
Launch of Revolutionary AI Travel Experience by Sabre, PayPal, and Mindtrip
A strategic partnership has been formed to introduce an innovative AI travel platform for seamless planning and booking.
Weekly Summary
This Week in Travel: Key Developments and Trends
This week brought significant advancements in the travel and hospitality sectors, from new airline routes to unique event collaborations that enhance tourism experiences.
Hospitality
Short-term Rentals Shift Focus to Experiences as Gen Z Emerges
Jasmine Marshall discusses the influence of Gen Z on the short-term rental sector during a recent conference.
Conferences
AIME 2026: Traditional Conferences Undergo Immersive Transformation as Attendee Expectations Shift
An analysis of the pivotal lessons from the AIME 2026 event reveals significant changes in the MICE industry, emphasizing the need for immersive experiences and innovative marketing strategies.
Weekly Summary
This Week in Travel and Leisure: Significant Developments and Trends
This week marks a significant period for the travel and leisure industry with new routes being launched, awards being celebrated, and exciting events on the horizon. Various airlines and hotels are adapting to market trends and enhancing customer experiences.
Italy
The Sense Experience Resort: Tuscan Beach Sanctuary Receives Nomination for 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
The Sense Experience Resort in Tuscany has been nominated for the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, highlighting its luxurious offerings.
Interviews
How Ellice Bugayong Drives Growth at OV Traveller
Ellice Bugayong, head of OV Traveller, discusses how experience fosters growth within the company.
Middle East
Dubai Experiences 11% Growth in UK Visitors for 2025
Dubai has reported an increase in UK visitors as part of its record-breaking tourism growth.
Europe
Challenges Await European Summer Travel as EES Tech Issues and Staffing Concerns Surge
With the imminent launch of the biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), the European travel sector braces for potential delays and disruptions this summer season.
Airlines
British Airways Introduces Avios-Only Flights to Europe
British Airways has launched a new service enabling customers to book flights exclusively using Avios points, targeting top leisure destinations in Europe.
Czech Republic
Czechia Expands Opportunities in India: Emphasizing Wellness and Wine Trails
Czechia is enhancing its presence in India's travel market with new wellness and wine offerings, aiming to boost its tourism sector.
Awards
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Management Achieves Recognition at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited has been awarded for promoting diversity through the implementation of Muslim-friendly facilities.
Airlines and Aviation
AirAsia X Unveils New Route from Kuala Lumpur to London via Bahrain
AirAsia X (AAX) launches a new international route connecting Kuala Lumpur to London via Bahrain, effective June 26, 2026.
Cruise
Azamara Ashore Revamps Land Programs for Enhanced Destination Engagement
Azamara Cruises is elevating its offerings with new land programs designed for deeper cultural experiences and connection at destinations.
Airlines
Virgin Atlantic Introduces Status Match for British Airways Members
Virgin Atlantic launches a temporary promotion allowing British Airways Club members to upgrade their loyalty status.
Asia
Marriott Bonvoy Unveils Unique Travel Experiences
Marriott International introduces an innovative travel programme focusing on community engagement and environmental sustainability across Asia Pacific.
