Global travel bookings surpass pre-pandemic levels
New report from the Mastercard Economics Institute “Travel 2022: Trends and Transitions” delivers critical insights across 37 markets about the global state of travel in a post-vaccine and…
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Family & Group Travel
How to Plan a Surprise Birthday Party for Your Spouse
Your spouse's birthday is the best time to show how much you love and appreciate having them in your life. The daily routine may keep you from spending more time together, which is vital in…
Tomorrowland to launch magical desert destination in Dubai
Tomorrowland, one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, is set to open Terra Solis, a brand-new unique desert destination in Dubai
Brits ditch staycation and dash for the sun in summer 2022
New consumer research into summer 2022 holiday trends has found that just 15% plan to holiday in the UK, a dramatic fall from pre-pandemic intentions at the end of 2019
Where is India heading this summer post lockdown?
In December 2021, as travel opened domestically, most respondents had preferred travelling mostly to meet their family and friends after a long time due to the pandemic
Dubai Food Festival to showcase emirate as global culinary capital
Celebrating Dubai as a global culinary capital, Dubai Food Festival is showcasing the city’s most exciting gastronomy offerings and remarkable epicurean experiences with a 14-day city-wide…
Cairo, Dubai and Istanbul ‘top Eid holiday cities’
Cairo, Dubai and Istanbul were the three most favoured destinations for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holidays
93% Indians planning to spend more on travel in 2022
Indian travellers are looking to adopt the new normal with more purpose as per the American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report
US consumers are packing bags for travel in 2022
Travellers are ready and eager to travel in 2022, according to a new survey report released by arrivia
Meet Maya! Kerala Tourism unveils new chatbot to enable travellers to access all information
Kerala Tourism launched its 24×7 WhatsApp chatbot ‘Maya’ to enable tourists to access all information and updates about the tourism ecosystem in the state
Meliá: Flowers, food and family fun on Koh Samui
As you wander through Meliá Koh Samui, one of the island’s most recognisable resorts due to its one-of-a-kind boat suites, you’ll notice flower motifs everywhere: as sculptures in the lobby,…
Rise of aparthotels: The future of travel in the post-Covid world
Ian Telford, General Manager at The Laslett and Living Rooms Apartments Collection talks about the rise of apart-hotels and how the future of travel is evolving
Tech-less travel, city-breaks and workations: Royal Caribbean’s travel predictions for 2022
Having been restricted and unable to create holiday memories during the height of the pandemic, travellers are embracing the “ultimate big trip” this year as Royal Caribbean chalks out 2022…
These are most embarrassing things about Brits when travelling
Research by hotel booking platform, hoo, has revealed what holidaymakers consider the most embarrassing traits about Brits abroad, as 2022 looks set to be the year that foreign holidays…
Say yes to staycation! Almost half of Brits to book UK hotel stay in 2022
Planday revealed almost half of Brits are likely to book a stay in a UK hotel next year (45%), meaning the industry could see over 30 million British holiday goers booking a staycation…
Eat clean and travel! Vegan tourism picks up steam in 2022
The Vegan Travel Association (VTA) has announced the 2022 Travelling in a New Vegan World Summit (NVW22) from January 15- 31
Dubai Tourism issues over 10K instant licences in first 10 months
Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai has announced that 10,707 Instant Licences were issued during the first 10 months of 2021, among which 63% were professional and 37% were…
World’s first Warner Bros hotel opens doors in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
First ever Warner Bros. themed hotel, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, has officially opened its doors to guests
Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City shuts down clubs again over Covid fears
Vietnam’s commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City has ordered bars, spas and karaoke clubs to shut two days after allowing them to reopen to stem another Coronavirus surge as cases climbed anew
82% travellers ready to hit the road and spend festivities with loved ones
Economy lodging brand with nearly 1,400 company owned and franchised locations throughout the United States and Canada, Motel 6 has released its fourth annual holiday survey
Maldives records 0.2 million Indians till 13 October
India continues to remain the top source market for Maldives in 2021 with visitors from the country surpassing visitors from other countries
Friends and family source of travel inspiration for Indians, reveals Agoda Indiagenous Survey 2021
Agoda has launched its Indiagenous Travel Survey 2021 as a part of a campaign to drive domestic travel in India
MakeMyTrip and GO FIRST join hands to unveil exclusive air charter holidays to Phuket
MakeMyTrip in partnership with ultra-low-cost airline GO FIRST has launched exclusive Air Charter Holiday Services to Phuket
Indian travellers to be highly sought-after, says GlobalData
Indian tourists will be some of the most desirable travellers, given India’s growing economy, young population and rising middle class, according to GlobalData
A fifth of Gen Z Brits would rather holiday with grandparents than friends
Multi-generational family breaks are now top of the agenda for Gen Z, with the pandemic causing young Brits to rethink their future holiday plans, new research has revealed
Adjusting to Thailand’s boom in workations
Bradley Haines, Regional Vice President of Asia Pacific, SiteMinder talks about how to engage growing traveller segment in the months ahead as they look for workations and staycations.
Foreign holiday intent hits all-time high as hotel booking reach pre-pandemic levels
Latest Intent to Travel Index by hotel booking platform, hoo, has found that the number of UK holidaymakers intending to book a foreign holiday is at its highest since the start of the year
Revealed: The world’s best cities to visit with kids
If you’re looking for the perfect family vacation destination with plenty of things to do, places to eat and affordable accommodation, where should you head to
Covid-fatigue or no-travel blues? Boost your immunity and wellbeing, the Naad way
There has been a renewed interest in domestic travel as post-Covid and revenge travel pick up and this is expected to give a filip to wellness tourism
Agoda unveils booking data for top destinations Indians are traveling to in the country
Domestic booking data released by global digital travel platform Agoda, shows that four states (in order of ranking) - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan - accounted for 50% of…
Renaissance Pattaya: The hidden gem and premium hotspot in Na Jomtien for your perfect getaway
Prepare yourself for a surprise every step of the way and soak up the most gorgeous views here as the premium hotel follows in the footsteps of its contemporary design and luxury quotient…
Turkey receives 16 million foreign tourists between January-August this year
The Republic of Turkey shared the latest numbers and details on vaccine dosage and tourist arrival numbers till 30 September
Indians top foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has welcomed 13,547 foreign tourists in September 2021, of which 8,528 were Indians who topped the list of arrivals to the island nation
Long-haul travellers cautious about planning trips to Europe
Intentions to travel to Europe between September and December 2021 remain weak in key overseas markets
Last-minute bookings are back! 46% Indians want to travel in Oct-Dec but only 6% have booked trips
46 per cent of the respondents in India are looking to travel in October-December, even as only six per cent of them have made bookings, indicating that most of them may look either for…
Flexible searches, hosted travel and unique stays define travel in 2021: Airbnb
Airbnb presents round-up of key travel trends that have been emerging in India and reflects how consumers are viewing travel in the new normal
Do I need a visa to visit South Korea?
South Korea has so much to offer when it comes to tourism and travel. From palaces to cultural sites and more, it’s no wonder so many people want to visit this beautiful country. If…
Kerala launches Caravan Tourism policy
Kerala government has announced a caravan tourism policy, promising safe, customised, and close-to-nature travel experience for visitors in tune with the preferences of tourists in the…
Dubai Holding unveils first luxury caravan park
Dubai Holding, has announced that its much-awaited fourth season of Hatta Resorts and Hatta Wadi Hub will open to the public on 1 October 2021 and will run until 30 April 2022
A dosage of fitness, wellness overhaul and work: Oasia Resort Sentosa lets you take care of mind, body, soul
Far East Hospitality's first foray into the resort and spa category, the new idyllic tranquil retreat is nestled in the heart of Sentosa island and presents the perfect destination to…
VFS resumes UAE tourist visa services for Indian travellers
VFS Global has resumed UAE tourist visa services for Indians
From paddling to picnics: 10 best memories of childhood UK holidays revealed
As staycations boom and Brits rediscover the joys of a holiday on home soil, the nation’s favourite childhood memories of UK breaks have been revealed
Kerala launches ‘Bio-Bubble’ model for safe tourism
Kerala has launched the so-called “bio-bubble model” to create protective layers of mostly-vaccinated service providers to receive and host tourists
Sun, sea, sand and work! Brit travellers are exploring ‘the Woliday’ option
Millions of Brits are planning to take a ‘woliday’ this summer – making the most of mobile connectivity to extend their holidays and working from wherever they are
What’s more important to Brits than low Covid rates for summer holiday in 2021? Weather and cheap flights
The top factors for Brits choosing a designation for their long-awaited post-COVID vacation are weather (45%), location on the green list (44%), cheap flights (42%) and a good exchange rate…
Revealed: UK’s most desirable holiday-let features
British travellers are looking forward to taking advantage by getting away and relaxing on a well-deserved break
Roman holidays, ain’t no more! Holidays to Italy shown the red card by half of UK holidaymakers
53% of Brits would be unlikely to opt for Italy as a holiday destination after the Euro final heartbreak the Italian national team delivered on recently
Here’s how India’s beloved comic character Chhota Bheem is travelling to Singapore this time
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has joined hands with Voot Kids and Green Gold Animation to take Indian audiences on a virtual adventure in Singapore with the iconic Indian comic character,…
Indians looking to live anywhere, explore nature getaways and offbeat locations when travel returns
Indians are looking at travel in newer ways and exploring flexible, nearby travel and travel to work remotely, according to new Airbnb and YouGov research
Dragon Boat Festival’s booking data shows steady domestic recovery in China: Trip.com
Trip.com Group has released its 2021 Dragon Boat festival data highlights, which reveal a continuing stable recovery of China's domestic travel market
Expedia launches inaugural quarterly trend report for travel recovery
The new Travel Recovery Trend Report features Expedia research for insights to ensure travel brands are prepared to reconnect with travellers
International travel plans on the rise in Singapore
The number of Singaporeans planning to travel overseas has increased for the third month in a row, according to the latest data from Finder’s Travel Index
Be ferry mindful when travelling this summer
Industry body Discover Ferries outlines what passengers can expect when travelling by ferry this summer and advise on how to prepare, respect the local environment and enjoy every moment
Holidaymakers spending 20% more on holidays in ‘revenge travel’
With international mostly off the cards for the past year, Club Med has noted an interesting new trend which sees budding holidaymakers spending more on their future travel plans.
Visit Maldives unveils campaign with Amazon India
Visit Maldives has initiated a marketing campaign with Amazon India to increase outbound arrivals to achieve pre-pandemic arrival figures and sustain India as the fastest growing source…
200 million tourists set to travel over five-day break in China: Trip.com
Online travel services provider Trip.com Group has released its China May Day holiday forecast data which shows up to 200 million tourists in mainland China are set to travel over the…
The magical voyage begins! Soneva Fushi retraces the Adventure of the Corbin
Part of the new Soneva Academy, young guests embark on an ocean quest to follow in the footsteps of 17th century sailors
93% of Indian travellers ready to adopt ‘digital health passports’ to restart travel
As governments and the travel industry explore the benefits of digital health passports, the message from Indian travellers is clear: digital health passports can be a vital tool in opening…
Turkey and Azerbaijan begin passport-free travel
Citizens of Turkey and Azerbaijan will now be allowed passport-free travel between the two countries with a new identity card for up to 90 days
Live like a king! ME Dubai partners with renowned British tailor to present million-dirham suite
ME Dubai, the only hotel in the Middle East to be fully designed both inside and out by Dame Zaha Hadid, partners with bespoke British tailor, Ascots & Chapels to launch an extravagant…
Your guide to Seychelles as it reopens on 25 March
Seychelles is perfect for an indulgent beach holiday dotted with cultural experiences and island-hopping opportunities
Discover Vana Belle Koh Samui: “The perfect atmosphere to relax, recharge and rejuvenate”
With the recent news that Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui was announced as the winner of four categories at the 2020 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards by…
Where luxury finds home in deep blue ocean: Soneva Jani welcomes new era with launch of Chapter Two
The Maldives resort expands its award-winning offering with 27 new Water Reserves, new dining concepts, the Soneva Wellness Centre, and Soneva Unlimited, which includes unlimited access to…
How this resort is promoting the art of reuniting in Bali
The Art of Reuniting, a limited-time buyout offer in Tanah Gajah has been designed to bring extended family, friends or even co-workers together, who may have been separated due to the…
Delaying restart of international travel will cost UK economy USD 37 billion: WTTC
WTTC has warned that nearly GBP 27 billion (USD 37.46 billion) will be lost from the UK economy if the government delays restarting international travel until 17 May
How India will travel once vaccinated: Over 65% plan holiday in next two months
According to the recent survey of MakeMyTrip titled ‘How India will travel once vaccinated’, more than 65% of Indian travellers are actively searching and planning a vacation within the next…
Revealed! The world’s Top 10 beaches for 2021
Tripadvisor has just the thing to help you escape, as its annual travellers’ choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches have been revealed
Anguilla expands ‘holiday bubble’ as Brits plan to resume international travel from May
With international travel set to resume from as soon as 17 May for those living in England and as rollout of the British vaccination programme continues in Anguilla, the British Caribbean…
People ready to give up sex, savings and job to travel again: Trivago survey
The results of a trivago survey reveal significant desires to travel, including what consumers would give up, what they’d like to do and where they’d like to go, as well as why they’d like…
This Bahamas resort is offering complimentary stays and dining credits for travellers who test Covid positive
Baha Mar’s Travel with Confidence programme pledges that should a resort guest test positive during their stay, Baha Mar will provide courtesy suite accommodations for 14 days in quarantine
Leela debuts in the Pink City
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Aravalli range on over 8 acres of landscaped gardens, The Leela Palace Jaipur offers the perfect vantage to explore the city in all its glory
Royal Cliff unveils supersaver sales blitz
Royal Cliff in Pattaya has launched its supersaver staycation package
Top 5 ultra-luxury travel trends here to shine in 2021
The findings of Ultima Collection’s collaborative report with trend forecasting agency Globetrender, is detailing the projected trends at the forefront of the luxury travel industry in 2021
How the Maldives has now witnessed over 100,000 tourist arrivals for 2021
The Maldives has recorded over 100,000 tourist arrivals to the Indian Ocean destination in 2021, during the same month it has launched the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations in the country
Sawasdee Ka piggies! Travellers can now explore Thailand’s ‘Bay of Pigs’
Banyan Tree Samui is offering a half-day tour in a state-of-the-art speedboat which can carry up to 12 passengers to the uninhabited Koh Matsum to watch affectionate pigs
How Portugal’s tourism sector has slumped back to 1980s levels
The once-booming tourism sector in Portugal has now suffered its worst results since the mid-1980s last year as the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns worldwide grounded flights
Expats rejoice! Abu Dhabi unveils new long-term visa campaign
Abu Dhabi is encouraging professionals, students and investors to move to the emirate through a new campaign to develop the capital’s culture, healthcare, research and development and real…
Top 30 things Brits are looking forward to post pandemic
Brits are relying on the thought of holidays to get them through lockdown, with a third planning to take more trips than ever when restrictions are lifted to make up for lost time
Hit the road Jack! Radisson unveils India Road Trip
Radisson Hotels is inviting guests to experience exciting road trips across India with safe, comfortable stays along the way called ‘India Road Trip’
UK motorhome sector hit hard by Brexit
An imminent shortfall in new motorhomes this year is expected to leave customers and leisure operators without motorhomes for this summer’s anticipated staycation boom
An indigenous immersion: Arcadia unveils new Australian expedition
Arcadia Expeditions has announced the release of its latest expedition – ‘Indigenous Immersion: The Art of Storytelling’, a 15-day air safari travelling to rarely-visited parts of the…
Over 77% of Brits looking for holiday homes in the UK
With a huge staycation boom expected in summer 2021, new research reveals that more than three quarters of Brits (77%) aspire to own a holiday home in the UK
10 things you just can’t afford to miss at Dubai Shopping Festival
The ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has a stellar roster of live concerts, mesmerizing fireworks and entertainment attractions
Do not deny yourself carbs or wine, read more and book holiday of lifetime top list of 2021 New Year resolutions
Nationwide research suggests that traditional New Year goals, such as giving up booze or going on an extreme diet have fallen by the wayside this year, as 2020 put life into perspective
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort wins plaudits for marine conservation
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort has announced that it has been recognised once again for its environmental efforts.
A toast to Chiang Mai: Wild Nature Chiang Mai offers artisanal jams, teas and herbs for the foodie on your gift list
Last week I returned from a 10-day holiday in Chiang Mai discovering the sights, sounds and smells of the bucolic paradise. One experience which will linger was discovering Wild Nature…
Action packed family adventures in Phuket this school holiday
Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort is running all-inclusive Active Family Staycation packages and is inviting guests looking for a getaway to recharge and relax in the island of Phuket.
Pause longer, breathe deeper and live in the moment at Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
The luxury hotspot of Maldives, Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives, has geared up to welcome guests once again to experience the Gili Magic
One in three Indians looking to travel this winter
One in every three Indian is planning to travel and take a holiday during the upcoming Christmas and New Year season, according to a recent survey conducted by Goibibo’s Consumer Insights
Just our cup of tea (and Champagne!): The Allium Bangkok launches luxury weekend tea
The ideal post-shopping festive season refreshment is the chic new afternoon tea at The Allium Bangkok.
Bangkok’s best street food, curated at Mahanakhon CUBE’s Thai Taste Hub
Love street food but find it daunting to search out those far-flung carts and secret stalls that house the best of the best? Check out Mahanakhon CUBE's new food court, Thai Taste Hub…
Ocean Drive: Take a road trip along Thailand’s best seaside strips this Christmas
Throughout December and January, guests can experience the perfect combo of sun, sea, sand and superb value at a series of paired resorts. With a choice of four-night or six-night beachfront…
Festive fun on Koh Samui
With Christmas and New Year arriving in just a few weeks, now is a great time to think about grabbing an away break to celebrate in style. And, if you're thinking about hitting the islands,…
Sky high-tea at Okura Prestige Bangkok
The Okura Prestige Bangkok invites you to indulge in the seasonal delights of the wonderful Tsubaki Afternoon Tea at Up & Above Bar, available from 1 January – 31 March 2021.
From Danish Aebleskiver to working from Bermuda: Brits are more adventurous than ever!
more than a third of Brits believe they are more adventurous than ever before, despite being stuck at home for the past few months
The northern lights, tuck pizza in Naples, walk the Berlin Wall among top 20 experiences on Brits’ wish lists
A nationwide study by easyJet suggests almost half (45%) of the nation are craving new holiday experiences, with the average Brit not having had a sunshine filled trip for over one year
Worth the Wait! How poem which became social media sensation inspired Durham staycation campaign
The Rainbow Children, by Gemma Peacock, is part of a new campaign from Visit County Durham aimed at encouraging people to visit Durham
Romantic holiday in Paris? Try Bath now! Year-round destinations that can replace foreign holiday spots
Last-minute holiday booking platform, LateRooms.com has revealed the UK-equivalent destinations to the British public’s favourite foreign holiday hotspots
Waterfall dining, jungle adventures and watersports at The Sarojin in Khao Lak
Thailand's five-star 56-roomed boutique residence, The Sarojin, has launched a brand new ‘Sarojin Cares Adventure’ package for travellers wanting to explore Khao Lak’s jungles, waters,…
One in three Brits planning mega-break over Christmas
travel search engine, KAYAK, revealed new survey data that shows the huge backlog in untaken annual leave days, with half of the UK’s workers still to use more than 50% of their remaining…
5 action-packed stays perfect for weekend breaks and family holidays
Whether you’re seeking for an action-packed adventure or a cultural enriched journey, here are five options which will keep almost everyone inspired, rejuvenated and satisfied.
New solution: South Africa offers long-term residents post-Covid-19 access
For long-term residents who have been locked out of the country by Covid-19 restrictions, the South African government has a new solution
Spanish Tourist Office outlines travel protocols for Balearic Islands and Canary Islands reopening
There continues to be an appetite to travel to both the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands as long as reliable safety measures are guaranteed.
Ocean office, fitness overhaul and best Zoom backdrop at Vakkaru Maldives’ work well residency
Vakkaru Maldives resort’s ‘work well’ package is custom-made for remote workers who during this strange time want to better their business, mind, body and soul in a setting that is nothing…
These countries will pay you to travel
As a way to kickstart tourism, some countries are handing out incentives in terms of vouchers or discounts to encourage people to travel.
Road trip renaissance: British holiday makers turn to domestic travel to secure October getaways
With fluctuating travel restrictions and an ever increasing list of destinations requiring self-isolation on return, KAYAK has scoured the UK to collate an inspiring list of the most popular…
51% Brits say cancelled trips abroad made them eco-friendlier this summer
Over half of Brits say that Covid-19 related travel restrictions made them more conscious of their environmental footprint this summer
5 action-packed holidays in Japan that will give you an adrenaline rush
As the trend towards adventure and outdoor travel grows, coupled with the increased desire for adrenaline-filled activities.
Mastercard Recovery Insights: Italy, Russia and France lead travel spending recovery in G20 countries
Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, there are promising signs in consumer spending – including hard-hit sectors like travel, according to Mastercard Recovery Insights
72% Americans did not take summer vacation this year
72% of Americans decided not to take a summer vacation this year, and some have written 2020 off altogether for travel with 32% deciding to take a vacation in summer 2021
Johor Bahru top choice for domestic travel in Malaysia
As domestic and regional travel picks up steam in many parts of the world in tandem with the relaxing of travel restrictions, OYO has moved to capture the early travel trends, in the first…
Luxury has a new address: Soneva Fushi reveals new water retreats in the Maldives
Adding yet another facet to the original barefoot luxury resort, Soneva Fushi’s new water retreats are soon to be ready to welcome guests
Borders and bars now open in Goa. What’s more, no COVID tests and e-passes needed, too
With no COVID-19 tests on arrival and no restrictions on interstate travel, Goa has opened up its borders from today
Thailand makes plans for tourists to return, allows long-stay tourists in Phuket from October
Thailand will allow foreign tourists to visit for longer stays from October, a senior official said today, as the government tries to revive a key economic sector
’tis the season for holi’stay’! 83% Brits opt for UK staycation amid coronavirus crisis
New research has revealed that the majority of British holidaymakers would prefer to holiday here in the UK rather than travel abroad this year citing fears of being stranded abroad and…
Portugal now added in UK’s ‘safe travel list’
The Department for Transport in the UK has confirmed that UK visitors to Portugal will no longer have to quarantine on return from the country
Summer opening will not save hospitality sector on its own: STAA
UK Short Term Accommodation Association says the government needs to support the industry if it is to survive till the holiday season next year
Travel demand for Japan rises: Wendy Wu Tours launches new tours
In response to the exceptional demand for travel to Japan in 2021, Wendy Wu Tours has launched a new collection of specialist holidays to the land of the rising sun.
Last-minute domestic travellers play vital role for Thai tourism industry
New data from SiteMinder reveals a fast-growing shift toward last-minute travel among local holidaymakers
COVID-19 safety issues dominate travel choices of Brit holidaymakers
COVID-19 safety record of a country, the resort and proximity to good medical services abroad have soared to become the crucial decisions that are framing overseas travel decisions
Demand for holiday money recovering post-lockdown
Post Office Travel Money has reported that demand for holiday money in July showed a positive recovery trend after the prolonged slump during lockdown
‘Ajman, Your Joyful Summer Staycation’ is here
Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has launched ‘Ajman, Your Joyful Summer Staycation’ campaign to consolidate its position as a favourable destination for UAE residents
Hit the Road Jack! 4.1 million Brits mull road trips to avoid flying
New research has revealed 4.1 million Brits are planning to drive to continental Europe on holiday this year, many of whom plan to do so because they don’t want to fly abroad due to…
A fifth of Brits will take fewer holidays and fly less next year to cut impact on environment
Three quarters of Brits (75%) are planning to make at least one lifestyle change over the next year to reduce their impact on the environment
8 UK destinations that inspired our favourite children’s books
Done a lot of reading during your time in isolation? Now that borders are reopening, it is the time to visit these locations that inspired the famous authors.
Over two thirds of Brits’ favourite destinations now open
A summer holiday looks even likelier for Brits this year, as Greece and Malta become the latest countries to lift restrictions and open their doors for holidaymakers from the UK.
A…
COVID-19 puts 19 million off travelling abroad over the next year
Almost 19 million Brits (36%) will avoid travelling abroad over the next 12 months, according to new research from personal finance comparison website finder.com. Shockingly, 3 million…
Post COVID-19, third of US consumers will reduce frequency of travel in ‘new normal’
New survey reveals alarming consumer preferences for domestic tourism and hospitality industries in the US
1 in 5 UK holidaymakers want to go on holiday ASAP
A new survey revealed one in five determined to go on holiday ASAP, a third will only travel to 'safe' places, a third say too risky to travel abroad
UK short breaks and European river cruises most booked holidays during lockdown
UK short breaks and European river cruises have witnessed sharp jump in new bookings
Coastal walks, fish ‘n’ chips and rambling through countryside! Brits reveal top things about UK staycation
Brits have revealed their favourite things about UK staycations – with coastal walks, fish and chips and rambling through the countryside topping the list. A study of 2,000 UK adults…
Consumer confidence in travel is slowly returning
Consumer confidence is slowly returning, with two main trends- short-term booking windows and long-term reservations towards the end of 2021. This was revealed by the latest edition of…
60% of frequent flyers plan to fly within six months despite COVID threat
About 60% of frequent flyers plan to return to the skies within the next six months according to a new survey by Xenophon Analytics in Washington, DC. The survey was conducted using the…
Summer travel plans cancelled? This Bavaria-based company urges you to indulge in the Great Outdoors act
It is expected there will be a rise in the number of domestic tourists participating in adventure tourism such as climbing, surfing, hunting, caving, diving, cycling, rafting, and hiking…
Growing demand for quick getaways: Thomas Cook India
Thomas Cook (India), integrated travel services company, has introduced Staycations, an array of mini-vacations for Indians increasingly seeking quick, stress-free getaways close to…
Where do Brits want to go on holiday post-lockdown
Mallorca, Spain is the most popular holiday destination for Brits post-lockdown period. This was revealed by a recent research by Loveholidays. They used anonymous data to analyse more…
32% Americans travelled on Memorial Day Weekend
Just one-third (32%) of Americans travelled this past Memorial Day Weekend, according to an American Express Travel survey conducted to track consumers’ travel behaviours and sentiment…
Is the world ready for Chinese tourists anytime soon?
This is a follow up article from my last article “Revenge Traveling will happen. The question is when?”
After I published my last article, I got a few people asking me. “Many part of China…
Premier Holidays launches flexible booking policy
Premier Holidays has launched a flexible booking policy for new bookings to give customers the peace of mind that they can change their trips if they would like to. The independent tour…
Gulliver’s Land ready to welcome Bing and Flop this spring
Gulliver’s Theme Parks and Resorts have announced their new partnership with Acamar Films for 2020 - bringing the much-loved CBeebies characters to life at Gulliver’s Land, Milton…
Best-selling authors, daring explorers and sporting heroes on ‘Soneva Stars’ list
Spanning all of Soneva’s world-leading resorts in the Maldives and Thailand, Soneva Stars is a new, year-round calendar of acclaimed visiting experts and one-of-a-kind activities,…
Khiri Travel unveils new multi-generation tours for Southeast Asia
Khiri Travel has launched seven tour options in Southeast Asia designed for parents, children and grandchildren travelling together. The seven itineraries range from six to 12 days in…
Save the date: National Camping and Caravanning Week
The date has been set for this year’s National Camping and Caravanning Week (NCCW), which will run from 25-31 May. NCCW is The Camping and Caravanning Club’s annual campaign to showcase…
Americans prefer road trips than flying
With 73% of Americans saying they prefer a road trip over flying, this partnership is helping travellers make that preference a reality.
airBaltic pre-order meals up by 50%
In 2019, the number of airBaltic passengers who chose to pre-order their meal from a menu of over 70 different fresh meals, increased by 49.5%, while the popularity of inflight meals…
Ovolo launches quirky ‘Wonder. Full.’ branding initiative
More than places to stay, Ovolo Hotels are destinations to experience brimming with character, each hotel is a uniquely rich adventure, full of eye-catching art and vibrant atmosphere.…
SAS unveils flights from London to Scandinavian Mountains Aiport
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has launched tickets to Sweden and Norway’s largest ski resorts, Sälen and Trysil, for winter 2020-21. Direct flights from London Heathrow to Scandinavian…
ROH launches community tours
Thai Airways International’s in-house holiday division, Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH), is promoting community-based tourism in Thailand working with a specialist tour operator, local Alike…
JW Marriott debuts in Oman’s historic capital
JW Marriott, part of Marriott International, announced the opening of JW Marriott Muscat, setting the stage for distinctive experiences in Oman’s historic capital. Located in the heart…
Ultima Geneva Grand Villa to open doors in April
Ultima Collection will launch Ultima Geneva Grand Villa, an urban sanctuary, at the start of April. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the villa will be a luxury residence available…
Ras Al Khaimah unveils adventure peak atop Jebel Jais
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has unveiled the Jais Adventure Peak, a collection of adventure attractions perched atop the UAE’s highest mountain, Jebel Jais.
The…
Fred. Olsen and ORCA confirm inaugural whale-watching programme
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed a nine-cruise whale-watching programme as part of its first official year in partnership with marine conservation charity Oceans Research and…
British Airways offers up to double Avios on e-store purchases
British Airways Executive Club members could be even closer to unlocking exciting travel rewards by earning up to double Avios this month when shopping at selected retailers, including…
two point four shows classrooms go beyond four walls
two point four, a new family-orientated experiential travel operator, has announced a range of educational experiences for young children showcasing that classrooms go beyond four walls…
Dusit Thani Maldives opens new pop-up restaurant
Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury Thai-inspired resort on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, is ready to revitalise the taste buds of visiting foodies by presenting La Parrillada, a new pop-up…
Radisson signs 17 hotels in India in 2020
Radisson Hotel Group has celebrated the start of the new decade by announcing the signing of 17 new hotels in India. As it enters the third year of ‘Destination 2022’, the group's global…
New accolade for Athenee Hotel in Bangkok
Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the world-renowned and only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, announced its annual star rating list, presenting The Athenee Hotel,…
Going Carbon Neutral: Lotus Asia Tours joins movement to protect the planet
Starting from 1 April 2020, all scheduled tours of Lotus Asia Tours will be entirely climate neutral, the company said. This means that all greenhouse gas emissions that will be…
No place like the UK: Reimagined movie posters inspired by popular tourist destinations
A series of reimagined film posters from rental company Holiday Cottages places popular onscreen characters in recognisable settings across the UK, to see why there’s really no place…
January woes: Travel reservations to China plummet 79%
The coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the world economy. The increase in cases throughout China and the uncertainty generated after the international alert declared by the World…
Locke at Broken Wharf to open at London’s Millennium Bridge
This March, pioneering hospitality brand Locke will open its second hotel in the capital on the Thames at London’s Millennium Bridge. The 113-room Locke at Broken Wharf is located…
Tourism Authority of Thailand turns 60 in style with ‘Luxperience’
Marking its 60th anniversary, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated with a glamourous event at CE LA VI Dubai under the theme ‘Luxperience’ in partnership with Siam…
Spain reigns for British holidaymakers
Bookings made by partner agents of luxury operator Classic Collection Holidays, have revealed that whilst Spain looks set to be the most popular destination once again this year, hot…
CMV announces Amy Johnson’s 2021 voyages
Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) has revealed details of more 2021 departures aboard Amy Johnson, latest ship to join its fleet.
The ship will sail from London Tilbury on 20 June…
China hotel performance could recover quickly: STR
Amid the current outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), leading market research firm STR analysed historical data for China and found that the country’s hotel performance recovered quickly…
Deltin launches first international casino at Marriott Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal
Deltin Group recently launched its first international venture Deltin Casino at The Marriot Hotel at Kathmandu Naxal Nepal. This new venture is a result of the company’s agreement with…
Serving up smiles this Random Acts of Kindness Day
Jet2.com celebrated its new children’s meal boxes being served onboard for the first time, by handing out complimentary meals to youngsters on flights this Random Acts of Kindness Day.…
Norwegian Spirit emerges post USD 100-million revitalisation
Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled its updated cruise ship, Norwegian Spirit, following a USD 100-million overhaul as part of The Norwegian Edge programme. The ship emerged from a 43-day…
Emirates to serve 40 unique culinary creations across network for Valentine’s Day
Emirates is creating a memorable travel experience for its customers for Valentine’s Day. The airline will serve 40 unique Valentine’s Day themed desserts and treats on board and across…
Maldives is the favourite honeymoon destination for 2020, finds Kuoni
The Maldives tops the list of favourite honeymoon destinations for 2020, closely followed by Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bali and Thailand, according to a report from Kuoni. The good news is…
9% increase in UK travel this May Bank Holiday
9% more Brits are flying over the first three-day weekend in May this year, with Poland’s Krakow as the winning destination. This was revealed by online travel agent Opodo.
As the…
Wyndham Grand enters Portugal in heart of Algarve
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its flagship upper-upscale Wyndham Grand brand with the opening of Wyndham Grand Algarve in the world-famous leisure and golf destination…
Etihad unveils subscription-based travel solution
Etihad Airways has announced a partnership with Norwegian technology developer Braathens IT, to develop TravelPass, an innovative travel solution initially aimed at corporate and…
Deutsche Hospitality opens second IntercityHotel in Hannover
Another new generation IntercityHotel has joined the Deutsche Hospitality portfolio. The four-star IntercityHotel Hannover Hauptbahnhof Ost opened its doors for business to become the…
Tel Aviv unveils first tourism master plan after record year in 2019
The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality has launched a strategic plan that looks at the entire tourism industry. The document seeks to identify relevant target audiences, envision the tourist…
InterContinental Bali Resort announces fine art collaborative project with Japanese Manga artist
Bringing the world’s reputable Japanese art to the island, InterContinental Bali Resort has announced an exceptional collaboration with the renowned Japanese Manga’s illustrator, Wamizu,…
Hua Hin Municipality, TAT and hotel operators team up for trust-building travellers initiative
The Municipality of Hua Hin, together with public and private sector partners, are gearing up for an initiative designed to strengthen the trust and confidence of its visitors.
Hua…
Japan’s Hotel JAL City arrives in Bangkok
Hotel JAL City Bangkok, the 13th JAL City property to be operated by Okura Nikko Hotel Management, one of the largest hotel operators headquartered in Japan, will open on 8 May 2020.…
airBaltic’s mobile bookings surge by 84%
Latvian airline airBaltic has reported an 84% increase in the number of mobile bookings in 2019 compared to the year before.
Jolanta Rema, vice president of e-commerce of airBaltic:…
British Airways unveils Newquay route for summer 2020
British Airways is launching a summer route between London Heathrow and Newquay, creating the only direct route to Heathrow. This adds to the new routes the airline has already…
VFS Global brings Lithuania visa services to Sri Lanka
Residents of Sri Lanka travelling to Lithuania can now apply for their visas at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in the capital city of Colombo. Prior to this, customers had to…
Intrepid Travel launches tours to Pakistan
Sustainable tour operator, Intrepid Travel, has introduced Pakistan as a new destination to its portfolio in 2020. It has launched an expedition trip exploring the country’s turbulent…
Study finds travellers want comfort above all else
When it comes to a good travel experience, the most important ingredient is comfort, according to a new survey from Collinson, ‘Love the Journey’. Comfort is prioritised by 74% of…
Barca-Lone-A: Spanish city tops list for best solo travel destination
Travel search engine Kayak has launched its Travel Hacker guide, detailing the top 10 destinations to travel solo, wallet-friendly trips and the best under-the-radar locations for…
Don’t stigmatise Chinese and Asian tourists because of coronavirus, says WTTC
Individual tourists and groups from China and Asia must not be stigmatised because of the latest coronavirus outbreak, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The…
Fantasy world: Vilnius unveils quirky campaign celebrating city’s obscurity
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has launched a new campaign that aims to poke fun at its own obscurity among global travel destinations. The new campaign – ‘Vilnius: Amazing Wherever…
Radisson RED to debut in Middle East
Radisson Hotel Group continues to rapidly expand across the Middle East with plans to open the first Radisson RED in Dubai this month. Located at Dubai Digital Park, in Dubai’s first…
Cosmopolitan social hub nhow Amsterdam unveiled
The first nhow hotel in Amsterdam has opened its doors, with cultural influences from around the world on display throughout its 24 storeys. A vibrant mix of colours, lights and patterns…
Generator offers free beds to those stranded by Storm Ciara
Design-led accommodation provider Generator has offered a free bed to anybody left stranded by Storm Ciara, which swept across Northern Europe on 9 February. Visitors with pre-existing…
Centara’s enhanced safety measures keep guests and staff well-protected
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s hotel operator, is providing a reassuring hand to travellers with added safety measures and greater flexibility for changing travel plans.
The…
Jaipur jewel: IHCL opens Devi Ratn
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has opened Devi Ratn in Jaipur. It will be part of the SeleQtions brand – a named collection of hotels and resorts.
Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO of IHCL…
Five new Teesside routes now on sale
Five new regional services operated by Flybe franchise partner, Eastern Airways, from Teesside International Airport are now available for booking through to 24 October 2020.
Flights…
First eco-centro complex by Soneva Fushi as it pledges to end open waste burning
Soneva Fushi has announced the launch of its Namoona Baa initiative with the unveiling of the ‘eco-centro’ complex on the island of Maalhos, Maldives. Namoona Baa sees the islands of…
Your perfect travel buddy based on your zodiac
Group travel can be tough with different personalities travelling together. If solo travel is not your thing, you must look for someone you are most compatible with when travelling.
Juan Effect: Cebu Pacific extends sustainable tourism campaign to Bohol
Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ largest carrier—and one of the largest in the region— has extended its ‘Juan Effect’ sustainable tourism programme. After roll-outs in Siargao and in…
Westin opens second resort in Bali
Westin Hotels & Resorts has planted a second flag in Bali with its debut of the Westin Resort & Spa Ubud. The 120-room property features a mix of traditional rooms, suites and…
Indian tourist arrivals in Turkey marks 57% growth in 2019
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism India revealed that between January to December 2019, it has registered a 57% increase in the number of Indian tourist arrivals in comparison…
Mitzpe Hayamim reopens after USD 23 million restoration in Israel
Following an extensive USD 23 million renovation, Isrotel, Israel’s leading hotel group, has reopened Mitzpe Hayamim as the latest addition to Isrotel’s Exclusive Collection of…
Viceroy Santa Monica unveils plans for milestone renovation
Nearly 20 years since opening its doors, Viceroy Santa Monica, the modern luxury hotel brand’s debut location, has announced the start of a sweeping USD 21 million renovation complete…
Vietjet opens three more direct routes to India
To meet rising demand for travel between Vietnam and India as well as across the region, Vietjet has opened three new direct routes connecting its three largest hubs, Da Nang, Hanoi and…
Berlin hotels post record-breaking year
Berlin’s hotel industry reached its highest levels in occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR) despite the uncertainty around an economic recession, according to 2019 data from…
Qantas takes off from Golden Gate to Sunshine state
San Franciscans flew direct from San Francisco to Brisbane for the first time, with Qantas operating a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on a brand-new route. The 13-hour 45 minute, 11,367km…
ASEAN destinations will benefit from growing connectivity with Europe, says GlobalData
GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Tourism Destination Market Insights: Association of South East Asian Nations – ASEAN’, found that Russia, France, Germany and the UK are some of the fastest…
Record number of cruise guests in Baltic Sea in 2019
The cruise industry in the Baltic Sea continues to grow according to the 2020 edition of the Cruise Baltic Market Review. It shows a record-breaking number of cruise guests visiting the…
Kerala Tourism to boost Champions Boat League
Taking into account the success of the first Champions Boat League (CBL), a novel experiment of Kerala Tourism of bringing together all the snake boat races in the state on a competitive…
Car rental market to reach USD 230 billion by 2029
According to Future Market Insights, while North America holds almost half of the car rental market share, East Asia is expected to emerge as the most lucrative for companies in the car…
Avani debuts in South Korea with Busan hotel
Avani Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of the brand new 289-room Avani Central Busan Hotel in South Korea. Renowned for its status as the country’s main commercial port,…
Fred. Olsen staff walk, run, swim and cycle to raise funds for ‘EACH Mile Counts’ campaign
Suffolk-based Fred. Olsen staff travelled the distance from their Ipswich offices to their international headquarters in Oslo, Norway – a total of 894 miles – in support of East Anglia’s…
Passenger traffic grows in APAC and Middle East
Passenger traffic was steady in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East during November 2019, compared to the same month of the previous year, at +2.4% and +6.6%, respectively. Airports Council…
Iniala Beach House steps up game for 2020
Iniala Beach House in Phuket is opening two one-bedroom pool suites and a brand new restaurant, all ready for 2020. The new one-bedroom pool suites will be the first of their kind at…
A journey ‘Into America’s Wild’
‘Into America’s Wild’, the new 3D documentary for exhibition in IMAX and giant-screen theatres, will take viewers on an incredible journey through the nation’s most iconic wilderness…
Botanical-inspired hotel opens in Brussels
IHG’s boutique brand Hotel Indigo has marked the opening of Hotel Indigo Brussels - City in Place Charles Rogier. Within walking distance to some of the city’s main sightseeing…
Park Hyatt Kyoto: Japan gets new luxury address
Park Hyatt has opened its second property in Japan in Kyoto, after Park Hyatt Tokyo which opened in 1994. The hotel is located in the Higashiyama hills, in the district less than 1.5 km…
Azerbaijan registers 67% increase in tourists from India
Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) witnessed an exceptional year of growth in tourism across the capital city of Baku and other key regions, with Indian visitor numbers up by 66.8%. This…
Shearings Holidays unveils coach breaks to see Lionel Richie live
Shearings Holidays has launched new five-day coach breaks to see Lionel Richie when he performs live this summer at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre. The superstar will return to the UK’s…
TIME debuts new brand in Sharjah
TIME Hotels, the UAE-headquartered hospitality company and hotel operator, debuts its TIME Express Hotels brand with the opening of a new property in Sharjah this month. The three-star…
Leisure Pass Group unveils ‘Go Bangkok’
Leisure Pass Group has launched its brand new ‘Go Bangkok’ pass. This flexible pass offers travellers savings of up to 63%, with free entry to 23 of the city’s most popular attractions…
Coral Expeditions launches ‘Revitalise on the Reef’ wellness programme
Australia’s pioneer of expedition cruising, Coral Expeditions, has launched all-new seven-night ‘Revitalise on the Reef’ wellness expeditions on the Outer Great Barrier Reef commencing…
Travel trends for boomers, Gen X, Y & Z in focus at ATM
Travellers from across the globe representing all generations now have a common interest in activities and experiences that are now influencing, indeed in many cases driving, their…
Kagi Maldives Spa Island to open in July 2020
The five-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island will launch in the Maldives’ North Male Atoll in July 2020. The boutique 50-villa property will provide travellers with a 360 degree wellness…
AirAsia announces Ahmedabad route
AirAsia announced a new direct route to Ahmedabad from Kuala Lumpur with four times weekly flights commencing 29 April 2020. These new services will support a vast market of 62 million…
Eurostar transforms London-Amsterdam link
Eurostar, the high-speed rail link between the UK and mainland Europe, announced that from 30 April its London-Amsterdam service will operate fully direct both to and from the…
SureStay Hotels unveils first hotel in Laos
SureStay Hotel Group marked the launch of its first hotel in Laos, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane. Hosted recently at Tipsy Elephant, the hotel’s dramatic top floor venue, the…
GHM plants Chedi flag in the Maldives
GHM has announced plans to launch The Chedi Kudavillingili, its first resort in the Maldives, later this year. The 99-villa property will feature 36 overwater villas, a 150-metre-long…
Anantara Kalutara unveils mobile app showcasing Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture
Anantara Kalutara Resort has introduced its app showcasing the iconic architecture of the resort, which was partially designed by Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa. His…
‘Destination’ is top reason for choosing any river cruise
A recent survey conducted by Fred.\ River Cruises has revealed that destination remains the primary reason why travellers choose one river cruise over another. 79% of the respondents…
Gaining ground: OYO partners with Germany’s e-domizil to steer European expansion
With Europe spearheading the vacation and urban home rental trend globally, OYO is betting big on expanding in the continent. OYO Vacation Homes and its brand Belvilla, a vacation homes…
Nostalgia sojourn: CMV sails back to the ’80s
Rewind ‘back to the 80s’ with Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) on its special themed cruise on board Magellan with Spandau Ballet, Simply Red and Blondie tribute bands. The two-nights…
Digital experience is deal breaker for millennial travellers
The recent Global Digital Traveller Research 2019 by Travelport highlighted that millennials in India seek a premium digital experience across all aspects of travel. Another key finding…
No slowdown for international travel in US
Americans want to travel more this year than they did in 2019. This was revealed by the 2020 Portrait of the American International Traveller Survey, a joint study conducted by the US…
Ibis Styles opens new hotel in Dubai
Ibis Styles, the trendy eco-hotel brand from Accor, has opened a third property in Dubai. The 351-room ibis Styles Dubai Airport will cater to the modern cosmopolitan travellers who are…
Ruby Hotels’ first UK property opens in London
Munich-based Ruby Hotels and the pioneer of the 'lean luxury' concept has launched its first UK property, in London’s Southbank. The new 75-room hotel, Ruby Lucy, forms part of an…
Korean Air becomes Budapest’s latest airline
Budapest Airport’s record growth continues as the Hungarian capital announces yet another new airline for summer 2020. Korean Air, the flag carrier of South Korea, will operate…
UK families head of the beaten track to find a sense of wonder
9 out of 10 UK families are planning a holiday in 2020 and are looking to broaden their horizons this year as well as find greater adventure (from 6% in 2018 to 11%) according to…
Discover Bangkok’s best street food and hippest hotspots with Akyra’s local adventures
AKARYN Hotel Group, Thailand’s homegrown five-star boutique hotel specialist, has launched a pair of new tours that allow guests to discover Bangkok’s vibrant street scene like a local,…
Western Australia sees good summer but fears challenges ahead
The Western Australia (WA) tourism industry is experiencing its best summer season ever, with an industry survey revealing business activity has grown by 5%. The Tourism Pulse quarterly…
Dusit continues expansion in Vietnam
Dusit International has signed a long-term agreement with Vietnamese real estate developer General Technology Joint Stock Company to develop and operate Dusit Tu Hoa Palace, Hanoi. In…
Following Giants: The elephant-friendly future in Koh Lanta
Eco tourism Recreation Koh Lanta has reopened its gates as Following Giants, a truly elephant-friendly venue. In partnership with leading animal welfare charity, World Animal Protection,…
Celebrity Cruises cuts steel on third Edge-Class ship
Celebrity Cruises has cut steel on the third ship in its new Edge class, the Celebrity Beyond, in a ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The…
Leva Hotels to manage two properties in Oman
Leva Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with the Golden Group Holding to manage two hotels in Muscat, marking the debut of the Leva brand in Oman. While the 85-room Safeer…
Tibet shuts all tourist spots over virus concerns
Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region has temporarily suspended the operation of all its scenic attractions to tourists over concerns regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus.…
Royal Caribbean to accept ‘payment by excitement’
Royal Caribbean is encouraging agents to give their clients a chance to win back the cost of their holiday with ‘payment via excitement’, where one lucky family will have the chance to…
South Korea picks 5 cities as new tourism hubs
The South Korean government has chosen five cities as new tourism hubs in an effort to spread the tourism revenues beyond its capital city of Seoul. The cities of Busan, Gangneung,…
Turkish delight for Stansted Airport with AnadoluJet’s daily flight
Turkish airline AnadoluJet will operate non-stop flights from London Stansted to Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Turkey, starting on 29 March. All flights will be operated by the airline’s Boeing…
Palladium names new president and CEO
Palladium Hotel Group has named Abel Matutes Prats its new president and Jesús Sobrino as its new CEO. The company made the announcement as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
It…
Divinity trails: Taj launches unique spiritual experiences
Taj Hotels has unveiled, ‘Divinity Trails at the Taj’ – new experiences across key destinations in India. Spiritual or religious tourism in India accounts for 60% of total domestic…
Hilton’s record-breaking growth in centenary year
Hilton has announced that its centennial year featured record-breaking growth, awards for its inclusive workplace culture, and continued recognition of positive community impact.…
What’s new and upcoming in Sri Lanka tourism for 2020
Product managers creating holidays in Sri Lanka believe 2020 will be a positive year due to better road infrastructure, the increasing popularity of ecotourism products, new and flexible…
Jet2holidays expands Mykonos portfolio with new hotels
Jet2holidays has expanded its presence in Mykonos for summer 2020, by adding new properties to its portfolio of hotels just weeks after announcing its operation to the island. It takes…
Celebrity Apex revolutionises Vacations at Sea
The launch of Celebrity Apex will mark a milestone in the way vacationers spend their holidays at sea. The Celebrity Cruises’ ship that is slated to begin its first sailings in April…
GCC drives Egypt’s tourism rebound
GCC tourists to Egypt will spend USD 2.36 billion in 2020, an increase of 11% over 2019, with visitors from Saudi Arabia driving this growth. This was revealed by research by the Arabian…
Virgin flies the flag in Manchester with Pride
Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays have announced a three-year partnership to be headline sponsor of Manchester Pride Festival. It is a charity that campaigns for equality; celebrates…
Experience the island life at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
From Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the Caribbean Sea, to Steven Spielberg’s islands in the Madeira Archipelago of Portugal, the allure of a private island is usually reserved for…
Finnair suspends Nanjing and Beijing Daxing routes until March end
Due to the recent suspension of all group travel from China, Finnair will cancel its three weekly flights between Helsinki and Beijing Daxing International Airport between 5 February and…
Government to fund travel of citizens who visit 15 tourist spots
The Ministry of Tourism in India has launched ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ where citizens can pledge to travel to at least 15 locations across India by the year 2022. Bringing cheer to travel…
China’s travel ban hits Thai tourism industry hard
As the coronavirus outbreak reverberates through China, the Thai tourism sector has been badly hit. Thai hotels are preparing for another slump in bookings as the Chinese government’s…
Ninh Binh hosts National Tourism Year 2020
Vietnam’s northern province of Ninh Binh will host the 2020 National Tourism Year grand opening celebrations on 22 February. The year’s theme is ‘Hoa Lu – Ancient Capital of a Thousand…
When Scandinavian chic meets Hanseatic flair
The first Zleep hotel will open in Hamburg in 2022 as Deutsche Hospitality rolls out its recently acquired Danish brand in Germany for the first time. Having taken over the Scandinavian…
World’s Top 20 ‘alternative’ must-see landmarks revealed
Extensive research by Travelzoo among 1,000 UK globetrotters identified the ‘off the beaten track’ sights they most want to see. Among them is Germany’s Burg Eltz, a fairy-tale style…
OYO welcomed 1,000,000 guests in Thailand in 3 months
OYO Hotels & Homes has reached a remarkable milestone when it welcomed 1,000,000 guests in Thailand, less than three months since beginning operations in Thailand. It brings a model…
Furry friends on Citadines on Bourke Melbourne’s mind
Having recently welcomed dogs to a selection of apartments at Somerset on Elizabeth Melbourne, The Ascott is now spreading the hound joy to its sister property, Citadines on Bourke…
Aussie delights: COMO Culinary Journeys launch in Perth
COMO Hotels and Resorts has announced a new collection of experiences for 2020, designed to blend the lines between travel and food by combining cooking classes and culinary experiences…
Brits to be spoiled for choice with falling prices of many destinations
The pound sterling looks set to play a pivotal part in holiday destination choice in 2020, according to the 14th annual Holiday Money Report from Post Office Travel Money. The annual…
MATTA goes all out to attract Indian travellers
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the national travel associations in India. The deal with the Travel Agents…
Mahindra Holidays to acquire stressed assets
Mahindra Holidays is looking at acquiring stressed assets in the hospitality sector across different parts of the country, including Kashmir.
Kavinder Singh, managing director and CEO…
Wyndham steps up fight against human trafficking
At its first global Town Hall event of the year, Wyndham affirmed its ongoing commitment to support human trafficking awareness and prevention efforts. It also announced its donation of…
Mandarin Oriental, Milan launches Dine & Design
Mandarin Oriental, Milan has launched a luxury accommodation package for guests wanting to immerse themselves in the whimsical world of Fornasetti. By booking the Dine & Design by…
Sandals enables early bookers to put vacation on layaway
Sandals Resorts International has introduced Layaway & Playaway, a payment plan enabling the travellers to break up the cost of a Sandals or Beaches vacation with no fees and no…
VFS Global gears up for peak season rush
In order to cope with the peak travel season demand ahead for visas in the South Asia region, VFS Global, the largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and…
Singapore ranked global leader in mobile payment usage among Chinese tourists
Nielsen and Alipay have jointly released a new report on the latest trends in Chinese outbound tourism and the consumption habits of Chinese travellers for the third consecutive year.…
Delta unveils innovative solution for pet travel
Delta is ushering in a new best-in-class travel experience for pets and their owners with the exclusive launch of CarePod. The introduction of this state-of-the-art pet travel carrier,…
Holidaymakers put off Europe trips due to Brexit
A fifth of British holidaymakers admits that uncertainty over Brexit has caused them to change their European holiday plans, with this figure increasing to a third amongst those aged…
Tourism Australia says ‘Holiday Here This Year’
Following on from the AUD 76 million (USD 52.22 million) government grant announced earlier this week, Tourism Australia has now launched a new AUD 20 million (USD 13.74 million)…
Reuben Brothers check in at La Residence in Mykonos
The Reuben Brothers have acquired La Residence hotel in Kalafatis Bay, Mykonos in Greece, a 30-room luxury boutique hotel as part of their continued strategy of investing in premium…
Accor announces new partnership with Grab to Live Limitless
Accor has announced a new strategic partnership between its new lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL- Accor Live Limitless and South East Asia’s super app, Grab. The deal brings together two…
DoubleTree by Hilton Fuzhou South Hotel opens in China
Hilton has announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Fuzhou South, a 17-storey, 242-room new-build hotel that will welcome business and leisure travellers visiting Fuzhou, the…
Going outdoors: MarBella Collection Adventure Club on the anvil
The MarBella Collection is partnering with London’s prestigious outdoor education provider The Exploration Society to create the MarBella Collection Adventure Club. Launching in summer…
Take Lunar New Year celebrations to new heights with Sydney Tower Eye sunrise Skywalk and more
Get ready to set your alarm clock, because for one weekend only – 25-26 January – Sydney Tower Eye will host a series of sunrise and early morning Skywalk sessions to bring in the Year…
Victoria’s popular tourism experiences safe for visitors
Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations and attractions are open, safe and welcoming visitors from near and far. While bushfires have had a significant impact in parts of far east…
James Villas launch Montenegro holidays for 2020
Leading villa holiday specialist, James Villa Holidays, has added the beautiful Balkan country of Montenegro to its collection. The Maidstone-based company has handpicked villas across…
Spanish long haul figures “sluggish” compared to global growth
New data from ForwardKeys reveals that long-haul outbound travel from Spain, by independent travellers and small groups of up to five people, grew by just 1.3% in 2019 and forward bookings…
JNTO rolls out Your Japan 2020 campaign
In a strategic move to entice the Indian outbound travellers, Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is kickstarting the year with a brand new Your Japan 2020 campaign. The new…
Family suites with butler service, playroom and private napping space at Plaza Premium Lounge in Dubai
Plaza Premium Lounge has officially opened in Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. The impressive lounge features four private family suites with their own butler service to ensure…
VisitBritain registers robust tourism growth
Visitors spent GBP 951 million (USD 1241.06 million) in Britain in the last financial year. This was revealed by the national tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland.
This means that…
Support the bush and go ‘out the back’ for your next event
One of the biggest tourism businesses in far west New South Wales (NSW), Out of the Ordinary Outback, has launched a programme to attract more social and corporate events to its flagship…
Accor goes ALL in for Australian Open 2020
Now in its fifth year as official partner of the Australian Open, Accor is using one of the world’s greatest sporting events to launch a new campaign around its innovative lifestyle…
Winning direct booking wars: Mint Hotels joins hands with Simplotel to overhaul e-commerce
Mint Hotels, a chain of over 25 hotels and resorts across various business and leisure destinations in India and Simplotel, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology company offering…
Elevating Thai tourism to new heights and continuing the legacy: TD interviews the CEO of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group
After deciding that the British public school system was the best place for him to learn, a very young Vitanart Vathanakul requested that his parents send him to the UK to enrol in one of…
Not Just Travel sees huge surge in bookings as Blue Monday arrives
The travel company Not Just Travel has seen an increase of 33% in bookings this January compared to last year – with more people than ever before planning trips to exotic locations.…
The 5G shift: First luxury hotel in Europe to unveil new technology
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in Switzerland has partnered with Swisscom to install 5G mobile technology on property, offering a faster and more reliable and powerful network to its guests than…
It’s goodbye season! CMV to bid farewell to Astoria
With two new larger ships joining the Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) fleet in 2021, the company has taken the difficult decision not to renew the charter contract for Astoria. The…
Thailand, Japan and Singapore top Hotelbeds’ Chinese New Year travel ranking
Hotelbeds, the bed bank company, has revealed the top international destinations for Chinese travellers during the seven-day Chinese New Year holiday period starting on 24 January.…
Smart weekends 2020: Thomas Cook India bets big on micro-cations
Thomas Cook India has identified 2020 as the year of significant holiday opportunities- with 21 extended weekends across the year. With the company’s data highlighting an over 35% surge…
Mövenpick debuts in Cam Ranh, Vietnam
The latest addition to Mövenpick’s collection of contemporary hotels and resorts has arrived with the launch of Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh, located along Bai Dai Beach in the central…
Setting the Tempo: Hilton unveils 18th brand for overworked millennials
Hilton launched Tempo by Hilton, an approachable lifestyle brand curated to serve a growing segment of ‘modern achievers’ who seek a hotel experience that reflects their ambition. By…
AirAsia’s Chinese New Year ad celebrates tradition through child’s journey
AirAsia has released its Chinese New Year ad to usher in the festivities, casting fresh eyes on an age-old tradition - the lion dance, an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations,…
Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar Kuwait opens doors
Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the soft opening of Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar Kuwait that also marks the group’s debut in the country.
Laurent A. Voivenel, senior vice…
Road to recovery: Princess Cruises’ ship first to return to Australian island after bushfire emergency
Princess Cruises’ 2000-guest Sun Princess became the first cruise ship to return to Kangaroo Island, South Australia, one of the areas most severely impacted by the recent bushfire…
South Africa to offer e-visa facility for Indian tourists
South Africa is set to roll out an online visa application process in India next week and in China by February on pilot basis. On successful completion of the test run, the online visa…
Gulf Air reveals Nice as leisure boutique destination
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has revealed a new addition to its 2020 network with the popular premium leisure destination of Nice in France. In line with its strategy to…
Heritage Line sets course for sailing bliss in Vietnam
One of Asia’s leading boutique cruise operators, Heritage Line, is charting blissful new channels by launching the first ever wellness and mindfulness focused voyage on Lan Ha Bay in…
Classic and modern: Aer Lingus unveils new-look uniform for first time in 22 years
Aer Lingus has revealed its new look uniform which will be worn by over 4,000 cabin and ground crew around the world from 10 February. Created by Irish fashion designer Louise Kennedy,…
Viva Cruises unveils first owned river ship
River cruise specialist, Viva Cruises, is re-launching its flagship vessel Viva Tiara in March 2020. The ship, currently under a comprehensive renovation, will become the very first ship…
Warner Leisure unveils ‘Learn to Dance’ breaks
Warner Leisure Hotels has launched new 'Learn to Dance' breaks across selected Warner Gold stays. Offering guests who wish to grasp the basics of dance the chance to improve their skill,…
Wego registers record increase of 155% in MENA travel to Azerbaijan
Wego, the online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), revealed that the bookings to Azerbaijan have increased by 155% in the last four months. This growth…
‘Respect Everything, Waste Nothing’: A one-night collaboration between chefs
Dukes London has announced its much-loved restaurant, Great British Restaurant (GBR), will host a one-night-only dinner on 25 February 2020, a unique collaboration between GBR’s chef…
Ascott opens doors to Saudi Arabia hotel
The Ascott is strengthening its Saudi Arabia portfolio with the opening of its eagerly anticipated Ascott Corniche Al Khobar property, marking its sixth operational residence in the…
Unveiled: Gaining ground in Indian Ocean, Radisson debuts in Reunion Island
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of the Radisson Hotel Saint Denis in Reunion Island, the group’s entry into their third Indian Ocean Island. It is now present in three of…
Fly me to the moon: So/ Bangkok hosts art exhibition
SO/ Bangkok is kickstarting the year with a dynamic showcase ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ of French-born artist Kostar’s urban art and graffiti, including the space-trotter sculpture named…
Lower-carbon holidays is need of the hour
A new study has broken down full holiday CO2 emissions for the first time – revealing some important key findings for both industry and consumers. Activist company Responsible Travel…
Italy’s Pejo 3000 becomes first plastic-free ski resort in Europe
Trentino, the region of Northern Italy that stretches from the northern shores of Lake Garda up into the Dolomites mountains, has become home to the world’s first-ever plastic-free ski…
London Marriott Hotel Park Lane unveils teddy bear butler service
London Marriott Hotel Park Lane has partnered with world-renowned toy emporium, Hamleys, to offer little guests the opportunity to handpick their own British bear from the hotel’s…
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok unveils new rooms
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok has unveiled two new rooms for the luxury traveller. The grand room skyline river view is a spacious 60-sqm room high above the Chao Phraya River on the…
The Holipay Generation: 50% Brits foot the bill to take adult offspring on holiday
Almost half (44%) of parents ‘always pick up the bill’, with GBP 740 (USD 966.77) being the average amount forked out for each ‘kidult’, according to a new study by Royal Caribbean…
Iconic Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid set to open this summer
The iconic Hotel Ritz, Madrid is set to open in summer 2020 as Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, following the most extensive restoration in its 110-year history.
The hotel, which was…
Tourism Toronto unveils winter campaign
Tourism Toronto launched a new campaign that puts a spotlight on winter and encourages visitors to get out and do more during winter. The new winter campaign positions the city with a…
Hyatt Regency debuts in God’s Own Country
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Thrissur in the cultural capital of Kerala. With 77 well-appointed guestrooms, this contemporary hotel aims to bring…
Brits ‘fed up’ of travel photos showing unrealistic, picture-perfect scenes
Millions of Brits are ‘fed up’ of travel photos showing unrealistic, picture-perfect scenes. A study of 2,000 adults found 29% would rather see ‘authentic’ snaps showing what the holiday…
Cebu Pacific kicks off new year with weekend seat sale
Start the new year right by jetting off to Clark, an underrated destination in the Philippines with Cebu Pacific’s first seat sale of the year. From 10 January 2020 till 14 January 2020,…
Israel witnesses record number of UK tourist arrivals
The Israel Government Tourist Office in the UK has announced that 2019 saw a record number of tourist arrivals to Israel from the UK, with 235,400 visiting the country throughout the…
Emirates relaunches its signature pass
Emirates has announced the return of its signature pass, My Emirates Pass that turns the airline's boarding pass into a membership card. It allows customers to gain benefits and…
HKTB to ring in Year of the Rat with carnival
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is going to celebrate Chinese New Year in a new way – the ‘Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Carnival’. Rather than simply staging the night…
La Vie Hotels debuts in Middle East with Dubai property
Australia based La Vie Hotels & Resorts has announced its foray in the Middle East with the signing of La Vie Garden Hotel & Apartments in Dubai. It also marks the launch of the…
Genting’s biggest luxury ship to call on Mumbai during maiden voyage
Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises, along with Naresh Rawal, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, India & South Asia, Genting Cruise Lines announced the proposed launch of…
Chinese travellers willing to pay more for quality experience
China’s tourism industry is heading toward high-quality development amid diversifying and expanding market demand, said an industry report.
They are willing to pay more for cultural…
Cotswold House Hotel to host wellness academy retreat
Cotswold House Hotel in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire and Your Wellness Academy have joined forces to offer a wellness retreat with a difference on 31 January and 1 February.
The…
Delve into Balinese culture in Ubud
Backyard Travel, the online boutique tour operator has announced its new offering of exploring the culture of Bali’s spiritual heartland, Ubud. The company that specialises in insider…
Balloons over Bagan marks milestone in the sky
Look at any travel story or poster promoting tourism in Myanmar and chances are it will feature one of two iconic images - the shimmering golden stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda, or a hot-air…
Smart Aviation kicks off 15th year with Six Nations charter operation
Smart Aviation, the global air charter specialists, celebrates 15 years of operation in 2020 and 15 years of successfully transporting rugby fans from around the world to the annual Six…
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays expand Greek offering
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays has demonstrated its commitment to Greece by announcing a hugely expanded summer 20 programme, with over 220 peak weekly flights and 18 new routes on sale.…
China sees 670 million cross-border trips in 2019
Border inspection agencies across China saw 670 million entry and exit trips in 2019, an increase of 3.8% from the previous year, figures from the National Immigration Administration…
UAE to offer new 5-year multi-entry tourist visas
The UAE will introduce a new multiple-entry visa scheme valid for five years for all nationalities as part of efforts to affirm the country’s position as a global tourist destination.…
34% plan to travel more in 2020
About 34% people plan to travel more for leisure this year compared to 2019 in the US. Business travel will see less of a hike with just 15% of people noting they would travel more often…
Aparthotel operator scores funding for growth
Aparthotel operator Staycity Group has revealed a positive trading year for 2019 with record occupancies across its estate and a number of key property openings, including its first…
Queen of the kitchen! St. Regis Langkawi gets first female executive chef
The St. Regis Langkawi has announced the appointment of Mandy Goh as the new executive chef. Goh who hails from the island of Penang has not only won many hearts with her talents but…
Entering new decade, Asia maintains dominance in passport power
As we enter the new decade, Asian countries have firmly established their lead on the Henley Passport Index, the original ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of…
Nordic tourism to GCC worth USD 810 million by 2024
Nordic tourists travelling to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland are expected to generate an estimated USD 810 million in travel and…
India remains strong source market for Singapore
With more than one million Indian tourists into Singapore for the fifth consecutive year, India continues to be one of the key source markets for its tourism sector. The Singapore…
Green tale: Bali Dynasty Resort creates hydroponic farm
As an ongoing commitment towards supporting eco-tourism and green lifestyle sustainability, Bali Dynasty Resort has established its own mini hydroponic farm. The aim of this project is…
IndiGo announces Aizawl as 62nd domestic destination
In a bid to strengthen connectivity within North East India, IndiGo has announced Aizawl as its 62nd domestic and 85th overall destination. Mizoram will be the sixth amongst the eight…
Dinner for two, spa break and more up for grabs at Sandals’ Peaks programme
Sandals and Beaches Resorts have launched a new booking incentive, ‘Perks for Peaks’ giving four lucky travel agents the chance to win an incredible bundle of prizes during the peak…
Thailand Yacht Show 2020 returns to Phuket
The fifth edition of the Thailand Yacht Show is set to take place at Royal Phuket Marina from 9- 12 January 2020 during the island’s peak visitor season. Targeting yachting afficionados…
Sri Lanka extends free tourist visa facility for 48 countries
As Sri Lanka tries to revive the tourism sector, which was hit by the Easter Sunday bombings, the country has extended the free visa-on-arrival scheme till 30 April for the citizens of…
Holidaying with kids gets experiential
Holidays with the kids can be taxing for parents travelling solo, with nobody to share the workload. Parents who choose to take time out often feel guilt and experiential adventures are…
TAT invites all to Pink Water Lilies Lake experience
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting local Thai and international tourists to come and experience the amazing sight of the ‘Pink Water Lilies Lake’ at Nong Han Kumphawapi,…
Sandy beaches of Mauritius set stage for wellness fest
The second edition of the International Wellness Festival organised by Heritage Resorts will take place on 22-24 May 2020 in the south of Mauritius. The festival, which is the largest of…
Luxury unparalleled: Hilton Doha The Pearl opens in Qatar
One of Qatar’s most highly anticipated and sought-after residential facilities – the contemporary designed Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences – has officially opened in the Qatari capital,…
Holiday blues: Brits spend a whole day wasting time on week-long holiday
Holidaymakers waste one whole day of a week-long trip worrying about work, deciding what to do and waiting in line for attractions. This was revealed by a study of 2,000 UK adults,…
The perfect match: Vistajet offers Japanese adventure holidays to celebrate Chinese New Year
To celebrate the coming Year of the Rat, VistaJet, the global private aviation company, is unveiling a one-of-a-kind Japanese adventure as part of VistaJet World – its comprehensive…
Film forum celebrates sustainable tourism in Asia
The 2nd Asia Destination Film Forum 2020 is calling for submissions for the Asia Destination Film Awards 2020 that will be hosted in Bangkok on 30 January.
The awards will follow the…
Luxury calling: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace opens in India
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has begun the new year with an addition to its collection of authentic palaces – Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur. Renamed Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, the…
Life and times of historical houses in Ireland come alive
This January, Dublin’s hotel will bring together two iconic houses of Ireland’s rich tapestry of history as Ballyfin in County Laois comes to The Merrion. This five-day spectacle of…
Maldives welcomes first visitor of 2020
With the beginning of a new decade, the Maldives welcomed the first visitor of 2020 at Velana International Airport. The lucky winner, Mohamed Alamer from Bahrain, arrived in Maldives…
Huazhu completes Deutsche Hospitality deal
Huazhu Group, a leading and fast-growing hotel group, has announced the closing of the acquisition of all shares in Steigenberger Hotels Aktiengesellschaft, Germany or popularly called…
Travel Tech 4 Good announces winners of start-up initiative in Cairo
Halla Travel and Blue Odysea are the winners of the Travel Tech 4 Good start-up initiative for the tourism sector in Egypt. It was launched jointly by the TUI Care Foundation and…
Hyatt opens first full-service hotel in Puerto Rico
Hyatt has opened its first full-service hotel in Puerto Rico. The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is on the island’s northeastern shoreline in Rio Grande. The gated resort hotel is set on 72…
Turning 5: TAT Newsroom Blogger Thailand returns for fifth year
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that its ‘TAT Newsroom Blogger Thailand’ project is returning for the fifth year with several significant changes, including a new…
On a green sojourn: Norwegian eliminates single-use plastic bottles
Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel with a 53-year history of breaking boundaries, is now single-use plastic beverage bottle free across its fleet. The brand…
On to new adventures in 2020
Exodus Travels has added an extra 708 departures on to its list of guaranteed trips for 2020, meaning that over 56% of all departures in 2020 are confirmed to run.
The decision to…
Loganair boosts Newcastle services
Just four months since launching services between Newcastle and Aberdeen, Scotland’s airline Loganair has now announced that it will be introducing a larger aircraft on the route.…
Travel Counsellors sales surge over festive period
Travel Counsellors, the independent provider of bespoke travel services, has seen a 20% increase in people travelling over the festive period, alongside a 14% rise in those choosing to…
Unveiled: Fairfield By Marriott Bintulu Paragon hotel opens
The highly-anticipated Fairfield By Marriott Bintulu Paragon hotel is now open to the public. The first hotel within Naim Group of Companies, it is also Bintulu’s first international…
Ringin’ in New Yeart, the Moulin Rouge way
As 2019 came to a close, the beachfront resort city of Hua Hin witnessed its New Year’s beginning at the iconic Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. The hotel welcomed 2020…
China’s tourism market generates USD 890 billion
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently announced at its fourth quarter press conference that 560,000 cultural enterprises in China generated CNY 6218.7 billion (USD 890 billion)…
TAT targets USD 106 billion in tourism revenue in 2020
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is expecting THB 3.18 trillion (USD 106 billion) in overall tourism revenue for Thailand in 2020, or a 4% year-on-year increase.
Thailand…
Visit Malaysia 2020 kicks off
Malaysia ushered in the New Year and celebration of the Visit Malaysia Year Campaign 2020 at the highest peak of Penang. The launch event was a collaboration between the Ministry of…
Burj Khalifa to celebrate 10th anniversary in grandeur
Burj Khalifa, the global icon by Emaar, is marking its 10th anniversary in festive splendour on 4 January 2020. Spectacular light shows will be held to celebrate the momentous occasion…
Bonanza galore: JAL giving away 50,000 domestic tickets
Japan Airlines (JAL) will give away 50,000 roundtrip domestic tickets to international visitors for travel between 1 July and 30 September. The ‘Win a Trip with JAL’ campaign is timed to…
JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay debuts on China’s holiday island
JW Marriott has welcomed the opening of JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay, located on the Haitang Bay, China. The property marks the group's second resort on Hainan and eighteenth hotel in…
Faroe Islands saw double-digit tourism growth in 2019
The Faroe Islands are increasingly becoming an aspirational destination for travellers looking to go beyond the beaten tracks with visitor numbers increasing steadily. According to…
Embassy Suites by Hilton opens in Jonesboro
Embassy Suites by Hilton, a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels from Hilton, announced the opening of a new hotel located in the Jonesboro area. Owned by Jonesboro Hotel Partners…
Cheaper to change name by deed poll than on flight ticket
It’s cheaper to change your name by deed poll than it is to stump up the cash that some airlines charge to change your name on an airline ticket, with charges varying wildly between…
Mobile biometrics visa service for Italy in India unveiled
VFS Global has launched the mobile biometrics (Visa at your doorstep) service for Italian visa customers across India, enabling them to submit applications, documents and enrol…
Melia Desert Palm Dubai takes wellness route for 2020
With the joy of the holiday season comes indulgent feasts with loved ones and sometimes a bit of holiday weight. As we make a resolution to get fit in the new year (once again!), this…
Visa-free entry to see 7% growth in tourist arrivals from India and China to Malaysia
In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY2020), Tourism Malaysia is looking at tourist arrivals from China and India to increase by about 7%. This was revealed by Musa Yusof,…
Enter the Dragon: Trip.com and World Tourism Alliance reveals China inbound tourism report
The number of tourists to China saw a steady growth this year and the number of inbound trips in the first three quarters this year stood at 108.76 million, up 4.7% from the same period…
India’s tourism industry hit hard amidst CAA protests
The ongoing Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has hit the tourism industry hard. As anti-government protests rock several cities, latest reports suggest that as of now, at least seven…
IHG to unveil Hotel Indigo in Russia’s capital
Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced plans to launch its Hotel Indigo brand in Moscow. The boutique brand Hotel Indigo Moscow – Tverskaya will be housed within a converted…
Flight to success: British Airways’ 20 resolutions for 2020
After celebrating its momentous centenary year in 2019, British Airways is now looking to 2020, with 20 New Year resolutions that are every bit as exciting as the achievements of 2019.…
Keepin’ magic alive! British Airways’ 100 acts of kindness
As part of its centenary year, throughout 2019 British Airways has completed 100 acts of kindness for customers, including once-in-a-lifetime trips and reunions, upgrades, surprise…
Taiwan to launch tap-and-go payment on airport metro
Taoyuan Metro company will launch contactless payment via bank cards on 16 January 2020 to serve passengers travelling to and from the capital city of Taipei and Taoyuan International…
Passenger traffic rise in APAC and Middle East
Passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East recorded growth in October at 1.1% and 5.2% respectively, according to Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific.
China’s…
Constance Prince Maurice unveils new experiences
Constance Prince Maurice, located at the East Coast of Mauritius, is treating its guests to an elevated level of holiday mood with new experiences designed to delight all the senses.…
Nepal’s billionaire opens first luxury hotel in Dubai
With footprints in 20 countries around the world, CG Corp Global, a multinational conglomerate from Nepal, has now forayed into Dubai and is a major shareholder in the recently launched…
Unveiled: Crystal Endeavor rolled out at MV Werften in Stralsund, Germany
Crystal Endeavor rolled out of MV Werften in Stralsund, Germany touching water for the first time in the most recent milestone for the polar class expedition vessel. The latest addition…
Luxe experiences worth USD 1.5 trillion a year
Luxury travel and the growing emphasis on experiences over things has created an ecosystem worth USD 1.54 trillion a year, a size comparable to the gross domestic product (GDP) of one of…
Princess Cruises reveals 2021 Alaska season
Princess Cruises has announced its 2021 Alaska season with eight ships calling to 17 destinations on 11 unique itineraries from five homeports. Also included in the 2021 season are 25…
Bonanza 2020: Malaysia extends 15-day visa free travel for China and India
The Malaysian government has gazetted two orders permitting a 15-day visa exemption for tourists, particularly from China and India in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
For…
New look: Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri reopens
Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri in Bangkok has just completed an extensive refurbishment to offer an elegant new look. The work was inspired by the design at Dusit Thani Bangkok, the…
Turkey witnesses spike in GCC tourist numbers
The number of international tourists travelling to Turkey between January and November this year has climbed to 40,719,786 tourists, representing a 14.47% increase when compared to the…
Foreign tourist arrivals rise by 6% in Thailand
The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand has said in a statement that tourist arrivals in the country rose 5.92% in November from a year earlier, after increasing 12.51% in the…
Agoda reveals travel trend expectations for 2020s
Single apps for all travel needs, passport free travel and mobile app check-in are the top three ‘new travel norms’ expected by travellers in the next decade, according to new research…
New Year festival at The Kelpies to kickstart Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020
The Helix, home of The Kelpies, is preparing to welcome thousands of people to its new year festival Fire & Light: 2020 Visions on 1-2 January. Produced by Jaggy Events with support…
Home2 Suites by Hilton Asheville Biltmore Village opens
Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton’s All Suites portfolio, announced its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Asheville Biltmore Village. Designed for travellers who want to…
Budapest Airport gets 16 millionth passenger
Budapest Airport continued the seasonal celebrations as its 16-millionth passenger walked through its doors, marking the highest-ever number of passengers served in the airport’s…
The great outdoors: Brits turn to high-octane activities to unwind
Millions of Brits are ditching a bath and slippers in favour of high-octane activities to unwind. A poll of 2,000 adults found in the event of extreme stress, nearly one in five will do…
Kids takeover at So/ Bangkok
Children’s Day is all about having fun and feasting. On 11 January 2020, Red Oven at SO/ Bangkok will transform itself into a carnival of fun for the little kiddies. Parents can expect…
Abu Dhabi and Beijing strengthen tourism ties
The Department of Culture and Tourism from Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) welcomed the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau to the UAE capital, where the bureau was hosting the ‘Abu…
Agoda makes family group travel easier
With many families increasingly having to juggle their budgets, Agoda has become the first global digital travel platform to enable Australians to book and pay for their holiday…
Four Seasons Resort Orlando celebrates launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Guests can discover a whole new land where a galaxy far, far away unfolds, at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney…
Rock ‘n roll this festive season in Maldives
Kandima Maldives, under the new hospitality group Pulse Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled a fist-pumping School of Rock schedule for New Year’s 2019 taking guests back to the legendary…
From dusk to dawn: Masada in Israel unveils night show
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is now offering a new nocturnal 45 minutes show ‘From Dusk to Dawn’ at the Masada National Park, its flagship site. Ranked as Israel’s most popular…
AirAsia India starts new routes
AirAsia India will launch its flight services to more cities next fiscal as part of its robust network expansion plans for 2020-21.
The Bengaluru-based carrier flies to Delhi, Mumbai…
It’s a cheesy affair! Bord Bia partners with Media One Hotel to promote finest Irish cheeses
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board and Media One Hotel’s Café W, have teamed up to give Dubai’s cheese connoisseurs a taste of some of Ireland’s most renowned farmhouse cheeses.
Cheese…
Macao unfolds glittery journey with light festival
Organised by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and co-organised by Municipal Affairs Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau and Sports Bureau, 'Macao Light Festival 2019 – Explore the…
Aman to open fourth Japan destination in Niseko
Luxury hotel group Aman is set to open a new resort in the Niseko region located in Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island in 2023. The new resort, Aman Niseko, will be its fourth resort in…
Transavia France starts Amman flights
Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) has welcomed the first direct Transavia France flight from Lyon in France, signalling the commencement of two weekly round trips between…
Beach fun: Room Mate Group unveils new brand
Room Mate Hotels, the Spanish hotel chain founded and led by Kike Sarasola, is launching its latest brand – Room Mate Beach Hotels. Next summer, it will open its first beachfront hotel –…
Ural Airlines connects Moscow to London Stansted
London Stansted Airport has gained its first scheduled service to Moscow with flights by Russian carrier Ural Airlines. The new four-times a week service is using Airbus A320 aircraft.…
UK tourists spend more while travelling abroad in 2019
UK tourists spent GBP 5.8 billion (USD 7.51 billion) on visits overseas in September. This was revealed by the latest official statistics from Office for National Statistics. The total…
Eva Air launches daily Taipei-Da Nang flights
Taiwan airline Eva Air has launched a daily nonstop flight between Taipei and Da Nang. The carrier will serve the route with an Airbus A321-200 configured for 184 passengers with eight…
Picture-perfect: Club Med Alpe d’Huez opens in France
Club Med has opened its new flagship resort in the Alps, Club Med Alpe d’Huez. Owned by Fosun Tourism Group, it is expected to welcome more than 14,000 customers of over 12 different…
Cheers! Innovative signature cocktails to debut on Seven Seas Splendor
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, luxury ocean cruise line, has announced an impressive collection of 19 new signature cocktails and eight new gins which will be offered exclusively on Seven…
Maldives welcomes 1.5 millionth tourist of 2019
The Maldives recently welcomed the 1.5 millionth tourist of 2019. The event was held at Velana International Airport. The 1.5 millionth tourist Marina Kazakova arrived via Aeroflot…
voco Al Khobar: The new luxury hotspot opens in Saudi
Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has launched its second voco hotel in Saudi Arabia in partnership with developer Wasata Al Wosta Real Estate Co.
Offering a spacious, modern,…
10,000 mile magic: British Airways takes family on journey of a lifetime
As its centenary year draws to a close, British Airways has waved its magic wand for the 100th time to take a very deserving customer on the trip of a lifetime to Australia to surprise…
Alibaba’s Fliggy ropes in 15,000 hotels
Alibaba Group Holding’s online travel agency Fliggy has established an alliance with 15,000 lodging service providers to help China’s independent hotels find more clients. The alliance,…
Why you need to i(e)nsure your travel this season
India has seen around four million new outbound travellers in the last two years and is one of the fastest growing outbound tourism markets in the world. Vivek Chaturvedi, head of…
Gourmet delight: Chiang Mai finds spot in Michelin Guide Thailand 2020
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the ‘Michelin Guide Thailand 2020’ in the northern capital of Chiang Mai, giving a major boost to the appeal of North Thailand as a…
TravelFlan completes USD 7 million funding
TravelFlan, a Hong Kong-based chatbot provider for the travel industry, has recently received USD 7 million in its A round of financing. SPK AI Travel Tech Fund, founded by Lazard Korea,…
Kids go free at Isle of Wight
Families travelling to the Isle of Wight can look forward to huge savings next year, with Wightlink extending its 'Kids Go Free' promotion across all school holidays and half terms in…
Let’s go around Singapore Lah!
Booking platform Traveloka has partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to encourage tourists to discover more of Singapore’s hidden gems, popular attractions and unique…
STAA responds positively to European Court of Justice ruling on Airbnb
The UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) has welcomed the ruling by the European Court of Justice about clarifying Airbnb’s status as an Information Society Services (ISS)…
From reel to real: Thomas Cook India boosts film tourism
Thomas Cook India has witnessed a significant surge in demand of over 25% for travel to iconic Bollywood locations. To cater to this high growth opportunity of movie-inspired travel, the…
Dur Hospitality to manage three hotels in Saudi Arabia
Dur Hospitality has signed lease, management and operation contracts for three hotels in the central area of Madinah, Saudi Arabia with Al-Manakha Urban Project Development Holding…
United to launch Dublin-San Francisco flights in June
United Airlines has announced it will launch a new daily non-stop service from Dublin to its hub at San Francisco International Airport, beginning 6 June of next year. It will be the…
Race to win: 27th Laguna Phuket Triathlon announced
With success of the 26th Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) in November 2019, the resort has announced the race’s 27th annual edition will take place on 22 November 2020. Comprising signature…
Thailand welcomes 38.26 millionth tourist
Thailand welcomed its 38.26 millionth tourist to the kingdom, a record high for the country that surpasses last year’s 38.17 million arrivals. Travelling from Mumbai in India, Devanshi…
Towards seamless payments: FXChange and Wirecard join hands
Wirecard, the provider of digital financial technology and FXChange, self-service currency exchange network in Singapore, are collaborating to provide outbound and inbound travellers in…
Thai hospitality comes to Shuangyue Bay in China
Thailand-based global hospitality company Dusit International, represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, has opened Dusit Thani Sandalwoods Resort Shuangyue Bay Huizhou,…
AirAsia starts exclusive route from Kuala Lumpur to Da Lat, Vietnam
AirAsia has unveiled its maiden flight to Da Lat, capital of Lam Dong province in the central highlands of Vietnam. The inaugural flight made history as the first international airline…
Lufthansa flies to Paris-Orly for first time
From 16 March next year, Lufthansa will include Orly airport in Paris in its flight schedule for the first time. In the 2019/20 winter timetable, a Bombardier will take off twice daily…
India on South African Tourism’s radar
South African Tourism is all set to mark the beginning of 2020 with their biggest, independent travel trade initiative in India – their annual roadshow. The 17th edition of the roadshow…
Christmas comes early: Jet2 plays Santa for 95-year old
A 95-year-old World War II veteran has received all he wants for Christmas thanks to an early, extra special gift from the leisure airline, Jet2.com.
Having always held a strong…
Finnair unveils flagship non-Schengen lounge
Finnair has unveiled the final phase of its non-Schengen lounge expansion with the opening of its new business class lounge. The new platinum wing lounge was opened in June this year.…
Gaining ground: OYO Hotels consolidates footprint in Spain, adds over 100 hotels
OYO Hotels & Homes has announced in a brief period of 12 months, it has added over 100 hotels to its chain in Spain. After offering quality living spaces to travellers across India,…
Here’s why Villa Chada has the best Instagram spots
Do you like to travel and take amazing photos on what is called the best Instagram spots? Get your Instagram-worthy shots at the following sites in Villa Chada.
The average family spans 2,077 miles around the world
A poll by IHG discovered the modern family is quite literally growing further apart, with one in 10 having family living more than 10,000 miles away.
9 kid-friendly tourist attractions in Asia
When parents touch down in a new country (after hearing 'are we there yet?' for hours on end), they need to have a plan.
PEACHY events: Discover the best MICE location in Thailand
With the country's popularity as a MICE-destination continuing to soar, contributing significantly to the Thai tourism industry and its impact on the economy, it’s no wonder the Royal Cliff…
9 luxury villas you should book in 2020
Luxury villas are filled with top notch amenities and facilities such round-the-clock concierge service and tailored experiences.
New initiative to promote Karnataka on e-bikes
B: Live, an eco-tourism start-up which has pioneered the concept of electric vehicle (EV) tourism in India has launched its services in Karnataka. It offers immersive experiential tours…
Seaside Collection acquires Finolhu in Maldives
Luxury hotel chain, Seaside Hotels, which now operates as Seaside Collection, has acquired Finolhu, a luxury island resort in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives. Modern and fun, Finolhu is…
Snow yeah! Mammoth Mountain opens for its longest ski season
This past weekend Mammoth Mountain celebrated its opening day for the 19/20 season following one of the longest seasons in the world.
Slow cooked cocktails: New head bartender cooks zero waste recipes
A pioneer of Bali’s buzzing beach club scene, Sundara at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay continues to innovate with a new bar concept featuring zero waste cocktails, as head…
Finnair boosts flights to Lapland to meet demand post demise of Thomas Cook
Finnair has boosted flights to Lapland to meet the surge in demand from UK customers following the collapse of Thomas Cook. The liquidation of the 178-year-old tour operator has seen the…
Shanghai tops winter capacity growth from Gatwick
Shanghai tops the list of the ten fastest growing destinations served from Gatwick this winter. The airport’s fastest-growing route list is headed by China’s global financial centre,…
Travelbag maps sustainable travel spots
Travelbag, a UK tour operator, has launched an interactive map of the world to show travellers how they can preserve and protect the places they visit. The company’s new tool promises to…
Tiqets raises USD 60 million led by Airbnb
Tiqets announced its series C financing of USD 60 million led by Airbnb with continued support from prior lead investors HPE Growth Capital and Investion. With this new funding, the…
Seeing Northern Lights and travelling on Orient Express among most sought-after experiences
Seeing the Northern Lights, travelling on the Orient Express and going to Chernobyl are among the most sought-after travel experiences. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the UK’s travel…
Surge in late bookings among Scottish holidaymakers
Scottish holidaymakers have snapped up last-minute short-haul sunshine deals after a sluggish start to bookings earlier in the year, according to the Scottish Passenger Agents’…
Playing the adventure card in Goa
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is offering several adventure sports such as river rafting, scuba diving, parasailing, paragliding, and hot air ballooning.
Nikhil Desai,…
Delta’s new Terminal C opening at NY LaGuardia Airport
Delta will open the first seven gates of New York LaGuardia’s Terminal C on 4 November. The gates will open as part of a 105,000-square-foot concourse.
The planned opening, announced…
Cricket and wanderlust: Experience Travel unveils Sri Lanka tour holidays
Experience Travel Group has opened bookings for its Curious Travellers Cricket Tour to Sri Lanka. The tour will enable travellers to combine a stylish and tailor-made holiday to Sri…
Now, Grab a ride across Southeast Asia through Booking.com app
Booking.com has launched its on-demand ride-hailing service in partnership with Grab, giving the online travel agency (OTA) app users access to the largest fleet of drivers across eight…
IHG signs Holiday Inn Express in Bengaluru
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management agreement with Thanishq Grande Hotels & Resorts for Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Bommasandra. This 170-keys hotel is…
SureStay expands in Philippines with Cebu property
Best Western Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans to expand its innovative SureStay Hotel Group in the Philippines, with the signing of a new hotel in Cebu City, one of the country’s…
Addicted to Tokyo! Booking.com unveils bespoke room showcasing Japanese pop culture
In the first-ever stay of its kind, Booking.com has announced the special ‘KAWAII Room – Addicted to TOKYO’, available to book exclusively on its website. Developed in collaboration with…
Over 54% people concerned about Brexit impact on travel
Over 28 million people are concerned about the impact Brexit will have on the cost of foreign currency and holidaying in general, new research has revealed. The research by currency…
Chinese travellers take 31 million trips via tour packages
Chinese mainland tourists made a total of nearly 31 million outbound trips through tour packages organised by travel agencies in the first half of 2019, said a report unveiled by the…
That holiday feeling in a bottle
TUI has now developed a new first-to-market product to help combat the winter blues and evoke the elusive ‘holiday feeling’. The Holiday Feeling in a Bottle is a brand-new moisturising…
Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana: Albania’s first five-star hotel opens
Albania’s first officially certified five-star hotel, the new Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana, was formally opened in the presence of tourism minister Blendi Klosi, German ambassador Peter…
US Virgin Islands hotel expansion gets boost with new law
The US Virgin Islands took another in a series of strategic moves to encourage economic development under the leadership of governor Albert Bryan, Jr. The expanded Hotel Development Bill…
RIU opens sixth hotel in Morocco
RIU Hotels & Resorts has opened Riu Palace Tikida Taghazout, a five-star 24-hour all-inclusive hotel located in the Taghazout Bay area, which is Morocco's new tourist destination, 15…
Chiva-Som unveils plans for Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar
Chiva-Som has announced the launch of a new wellness resort, Zulal Wellness Resort, in Qatar. It is being branded as the largest wellness destination in the country, the first…
Loganair cuts free check-in bag allowance
Loganair is reducing its free hold luggage allowance on basic fares but insists it is the only UK airline to maintain a free checked in bag policy. A revamped fares policy will see the…
What makes you a good tourist?
Transfer provider Taxi2Airport.com surveyed 1,822 Americans for their thoughts on what makes a good tourist in a new report. The majority of Americans (79%) believe that travellers…
Jewel Changi Airport celebrates six months of operations
Jewel Changi Airport has completed six months of operations with an official opening by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 18 October. The airport continues to welcome as many…
G Adventures increases Asia footprint
Melbourne-headquartered G Adventures says it will strengthen sales activities across Asia. After a record year for bookings from Asian travellers, the company’s director of emerging…
TUI Airways to operate Goa flights
UK-based TUI Airways, that operates Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, has been awarded slots at Dabolim airport, giving a big relief to the tourism industry in Goa as the carrier brings…
Avis drives in with Bidroom
A new partnership between Avis and Bidroom for Central Europe provides Avis Preferred members an exclusive one-year-free membership for the Bidroom hotel platform. Avis users in the…
Alternative accommodation on the rise in India
MakeMyTrip has released a report on the growing popularity and increasing preference of alternative accommodations amongst Indian travellers. Titled ‘Where will India stay on their next…
Hilton campaign celebrates India’s love for travel
Having recently celebrated its milestone 100th anniversary, Hilton taps into India’s passion for travel with brand campaign, ‘Every Stay is a Story’. The campaign aims to highlight the…
ANA expands service with Vladivostok route
All Nippon Airways (ANA) will become the first Japanese airline to offer service from Tokyo Narita Airport to Vladivostok International Airport on 16 March 2020. This new route is part…
Hyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah opens doors
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the official opening of Hyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah, the fourth Hyatt-branded select service property in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The new hotel…
Mandarin Oriental to manage hotel on Lake Lucerne
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage and re-brand an existing hotel on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. The property is currently undergoing an extensive renovation…
Caribbean Tourism Organisation to close overseas offices
The Caribbean Tourism Organisation has announced it will close its offices in New York and London as it seeks to rebalance its finances. There will also be a comprehensive audit of the…
India witnesses spurt in Chinese travellers
Data from Ctrip has revealed that the number of visits made by the Chinese travellers to India surged by over 70% during the January-September period, with over 60% of the travellers in…
PREM Group inks pact with IHG for Benelux and Germany
Irish based PREM Hospitality has signed a multiple development agreement (MDA) with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). The deal will see PREM Hospitality sign franchise agreements for…
It’s a French affair: Small Luxury Hotels expands portfolio
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is further expanding its luxury footprint in the French market with two new properties in exceptional settings joining the brand this month – Lou…
Banyan Tree Phuket raises over USD 53,200 for local children’s initiatives
Laguna Phuket has announced the launch of its inaugural Children First Charity Event (CFCE). In a series of sporting and gastronomical fundraising activities, the resort has raised more…
A decade of pioneering holidays of any duration
Jet2holidays has marked a decade of offering holidays of any duration to customers, a pioneering move which broke the mould of the ‘traditional’ seven and 14-night holiday. To mark the…
Preferred Hotels welcomes 16 new members
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, independent hotel brand representing more than 750 hotels, resorts, and residences across 85 countries, has announced the addition of 16 new member hotels…
Travel 2 sees a rise in winter sun bookings
Travel 2 is seeing an increase in winter sun bookings and to help agents sell these holidays, the operator has launched its third 'Winter Sun' mini brochure. Produced in conjunction with…
Marriott acquires W New York Union Square in USD 206 million deal
Marriott International has purchased the 270-room W New York – Union Square in the heart of Manhattan’s dynamic Union Square neighbourhood. The company paid USD 206 million for the…
IndiGo inaugurates flights to Ho Chi Minh City
IndiGo has commenced operations to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC or Saigon) from Kolkata. The airline inaugurated the first direct flight on Kolkata-Ho Chi Minh City route, making Ho Chi Minh…
TAT joins Expedia Group and UNESCO to unveil sustainable tourism pledge
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Expedia Group in conjunction with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), are joining forces in an…
Norwegian to launch JetBlue partnership next summer
Norwegian and JetBlue have signed a letter of intent for an interline agreement. The partnership will allow customers to combine low fares in a convenient single booking for connecting…
Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu wins accolade
Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu has been crowned by World Luxury Hotel Awards 2019 as the continent winner for best scenic environment. The annual award ceremony was hosted for the thirteenth…
Tourism Australia invites Indians to ‘Experience the game and beyond’ at ICC T20 World Cup 2020
With India having emerged as the fastest growing inbound market for the nation Down Under, Tourism Australia launched its dedicated campaign to drive Indian visitors for the sports…
Cox & Kings no longer USTOA member, ceases US operations
Cox & Kings, The Americas including its affiliate East India Travel Company – is no longer a member of the US Tour Operators Association (USTOA), the USTOA reported. USTOA also…
Thailand No. 1 destination on Mastercard’s global index
Thailand has ranked first in the Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index (GDCI) 2019. In 2019, Bangkok topped the GDCI for international overnight visitors for the fourth consecutive…
Tencent collaborates with YESMILANO to boost Milan tourism from China
Tencent, a leading provider of internet value added services in China, has announced its collaboration with YESMILANO, the official promotional agency of Milan, to launch a WeChat…
Munich Airport to offer nearly 200 destinations worldwide this winter
At the end of October, coinciding with to the end of daylight savings time, the winter timetable season will begin at Munich Airport. The new schedule will be launched on 27 October 2019…
Etihad, Air Arabia set up Abu Dhabi’s first low-cost carrier
Etihad Aviation Group, owner of the national airline of the UAE and Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, have announced the signing of an…
Destination Brisbane to shine in India
Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), in partnership with Singapore Airlines and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), has launched its first ever direct-to-consumer marketing campaign…
Discover Dominica Authority unveils hike passport
As a means of encouraging visitors to hike the various trails in Dominica, Discover Dominica Authority has developed Dominica’s official Trail Hiker’s Logbook and Passport. This hike…
Let’s talk sustainable river business, says CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK and Ireland has revealed its speaker line up for this year’s River Cruise Conference, taking place in Amsterdam from 10-11 November.…
Eurowings supports World Food Day
On World Food Day created by the United Nations to draw attention to the approximately 900,000,000 people still suffering from hunger around the world, Eurowings crews distributed a…
Colouring book pop-up is coming to Manchester Airport
If you’re travelling through Manchester Airport this half-term, specialist Italy tour company Roma Experience are providing passengers with free adult colouring books for their flight.…
Cleartrip for Work unveiled
Cleartrip has now launched ‘Cleartrip for Work’, a transformative travel product for the individual traveller. Through ‘Cleartrip for Work’, travellers with a GST number can access…
Dubai offers instant VAT refunds for Chinese tourists
Chinese tourists to Dubai can now get instant VAT refunds at Dubai Airports via the We Tax Refund on the WeChat Mini Programme, launched by Chinese tech giant, Tencent and international…
RCI launches All Set campaign in India
Timeshare exchange company RCI has launched a new brand campaign – ‘All Set’ in line with its core values of keeping customer in the centre and providing informed choices to customers…
Singapore Airlines launches ‘inflight skills’ initiative
Ahead of the October half-term, Singapore Airlines is launching ‘inflight skills’ initiative to keep the whole family entertained during a long-haul flight. Customers will be able to…
EaseMyTrip joins hands with Malaysia Tourism
EaseMyTrip has joined hands with Malaysia Tourism Board to promote the destination amongst Indian tourists and offer customised tour packages for Malaysia at attractive rates.…
When an entire suite looks and smells like a cookie
The simple gesture of offering a warm DoubleTree cookie to guests upon check-in has become synonymous with the warm welcome and CARE (Creating A Rewarding Experience) service culture of…
Ginger launches new hotel in Goa
Ginger, part of the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), has strengthened its presence in Goa, India with the opening of a new hotel in Madgaon.
Deepika Rao, managing director and…
Over 500 hotels in Spain affected due to Thomas Cook fall
As many as 1.3 million holidaymakers will be unable to fly into Spanish destinations this autumn and winter due to the Thomas Cook collapse. This will result in at least 500 hotels being…
JA Manafaru Resort cleans up nearby island
JA Manafaru Maldives recently collaborated with a local school and their ocean activity partner, Best Dives, to collect more than 23 jumbo bags of waste from a neighbouring island and…
Chiva-Som’s fundraising gala dinner for Hua Hin’s last remaining mangrove
Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand, is hosting its first ‘Wellness Journey Fundraising Gala Dinner’ to raise funds for Krailart Niwate, a mangrove preservation…
Accor to open 13 ibis budget hotels in Singapore
Accor will unveil 13 new ibis budget hotels in Singapore after having inked a deal with Global Premium Hotels. The hotels, rebranded from existing Fragrance hotels, will be progressively…
VFS unveils Abu Dhabi visa application centre
In an expansion drive to meet the growing travel demand and to offer an enhanced visa application experience with an automated and seamless process, VFS Global officially inaugurated its…
China sees sharp increase in National Day travel
Transportation company headquartered in Beijing, Didi Chuxing, has released a summary of the travel data for the 2019 National Day holiday that commemorated the 70th anniversary of the…
Venice to introduce day-tripper tax
Authorities in the Italian canal city of Venice say a tax on day-trippers will start being charged from 1 July next year. The tax was announced nearly a year ago but its implementation…
UAE sees rise in tourists from Russia
The number of Russian tourists travelling to the UAE increased more than 55% in the second quarter of 2019, compared to the same period last year, according to new data released by…
Conrad Hotels to debut in Malaysia
Hilton has announced the signing of a management agreement with Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) to open Conrad Kuala Lumpur in the heart of the Malaysian capital. Slated for completion…
Qatar wins bid to host World Symposium of Choral Music in 2023
Qatar has won the rights to host the World Symposium of Choral Music in 2023. Held once every three years, the International Federation of Choral Music’s (IFCM) flagship event is…
Forte Village signs Oppidan Education partnership
Following a trial in August, Forte Village Resort has announced a new collaboration with Oppidan Education, the UK-based mentoring service for children aged 7-18. The resort located in…
Domestic US airfares at a record low in 2018
In 2018 domestic US airfares fell to their lowest level since records began being kept in 1995, according to new research from credit card comparison site CompareCards.com. The average…
Hong Kong protests cause collapse in visitors from mainland China
A study by ForwardKeys, the travel analytics firm, has revealed that the number of mainland Chinese visitors coming to Hong Kong by air has dropped by 53.3% from 1 July until 23…
New study tracks Muslim women travel
Mastercard and CrescentRating will release a new report Mastercard-CrescentRating Muslim Women in Travel Report during the Halal in Travel-Asia Summit on 17 October. The report takes an…
THAI Smile flies to Ahmedabad
THAI Smile will introduce direct flights to from Bangkok to Ahmedabad effective from 29 October. Based in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, the new service gives the airline seven…
VFS opens Lithuania Visa Application Centre in Mumbai
VFS Global has rolled out Lithuania visa services in Mumbai to cater to travellers visiting the European country. H.E. Julius Pranevicius, ambassador of Lithuania to India and Giedrius…
MakeMyTrip inks pact with TripAdvisor
MakeMyTrip has signed an agreement with travel platform major TripAdvisor to offer choices for local experiences at international destinations to outbound Indian tourists. Travellers…
Co-living hotel to open in Singapore
Katrina Group has announced the launch of the first affordable line of co-living hotels in Singapore. Introduced through its hospitality arm, ST Hospitality Group, the Chinatown…
7 most serene villages in the UK
It is easy for us to get caught in the busy day-to-day hustle and bustle of life, but every once in a while we should find the time to truly switch off and go away to relax. Although that…
Steigenberger Hotels continues to expand in Egypt
Evolution Steigenberger campaign has now come to the ‘city of 100 gates’. The new Steigenberger Resort Achti Luxor is set at the heart of a lush tropical garden right on the eastern bank…
Qatar Airways thinks pink this Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Qatar Airways has joined forces with Hamad International Airport (HIA), Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) and Qatar Duty Free (QDF) to show their united support for Breast Cancer Awareness…
UK is largest inbound market for Philadelphia
In 2018, 697,000 overseas visitors came to the Greater Philadelphia region, of which 112,000 are from the UK, according to a new report from the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors…
Aerotel opens inside Heathrow airport
Plaza Premium Group has announced the opening of Aerotel London Heathrow, the first and only hotel inside Heathrow Terminal 3. The hotel is just steps away from the check-in desks and…
Chinese tourists increase by 33% in Cambodia
Cambodia attracted 1.7 million Chinese tourists during the first eight months of 2019, up 33% over the same period last year, according to its Tourism Ministry’s latest report. The…
Philippine Airlines launches ‘Chase The Sun Sale’
Philippine Airlines has launched its ‘Chase The Sun Sale’ with return flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo, Japan. To enjoy the value fares, bookings must be made before 31 October for…
The perfect family getaway at InterContinental Koh Samui
The luxurious InterContinental Koh Samui Resort is celebrating its 2019 Reader’s Choice award for Top Ten Family Resort with a promotion that recognises its appeal to families and…
Banyan Tree Bangkok pioneers in-website air and room booking feature
Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel has introduced a website page that lets guests browse and book specified air flights and rooms at its downtown Sathorn Road property. The booking service is…
G Adventures launches animal welfare policy
G Adventures has unveiled its new animal welfare policy. It has been developed in consultation with World Animal Protection, the Jane Goodall Institute, and the World Cetacean Alliance.…
Myanmar expands visa-on-arrival list
Myanmar has added more countries to its visa-on-arrival list to make it easier for tourists to visit the country as it raises its tourism appeal worldwide. Effective from October,…
The dragon power: China’s outbound travel expenditure tops USD 127.5 billion
The outbound travel expenditure of Chinese travellers reached USD 127.5 billion in the first half of 2019, more than half of which was spent in Asian destinations, according to the…
Merlin plans to build the world’s largest Legoland in China
Merlin Entertainments, the second-largest theme park operator in the world, announced that it plans to build Legoland Sichuan in China, the largest Legoland in the world. The company has…
Malaysia Airlines launches bonus side trip programme
Malaysia Airlines has launched its ‘Bonus Side Trip’ programme, which allows passengers to break their long-haul flight to Australia or New Zealand and explore another destination at…
Kerala first state to partner with China Ready programme
In a bid to increase the tourist footfall from China, Kerala has become the first Indian state to partner with the China Ready programme, which has already been conducted in 48…
Hello four legged friend! Airbnb unveils Animal Experiences
Booking platform Airbnb has now unveiled Airbnb Animal Experiences - a brand new category of Airbnb Experiences that allow people to better understand animals through caring, expert…
Moxy debuts in Polish capital
Moxy Hotels, Marriott International’s experiential hotel brand, has made its arrival into Warsaw, opening the doors to Moxy Warsaw Praga. Built on Poland’s famed former Vodka Factory…
Indian tourist inflow to UAE set to reach 3.3 million
The number of international travellers from India to the UAE is set to grow from 2.6 million this year to 3.3 million in 2023, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%,…
Emirates A380 touches down in Cairo
Emirates’ A380 made its debut at Cairo International Airport (CAI) as the airline brought its popular aircraft to Egypt for the first time. The landing demonstrated the airport’s…
Thomas Cook India’s recent acquisition enters high-end Caribbean market
Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging (DEI), a recent addition to Thomas Cook India’s Group portfolio has augmented its presence in the international market by venturing into The Bahamas. The…
Destination Europe: The most aspirational for South-East Asian travellers
The scenic beauty, natural landscapes, diversity of cultural attractions and the good weather are just some of the reasons why Europe remains the most aspirational holiday spot among…
Golfasian and Go Golfing tee it off
Golfasian, Asia’s golf tour operator, has established a historic partnership with Go Golfing from Australia. For the first time in its 22-year history, Golfasian will be offering fully…
TripAdvisor takes steps to free the whales
TripAdvisor will no longer sell tickets for attractions that continue to contribute to the captivity of future generations of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), according to a…
Donning new look: Traditional Steigenberger hotel receives facelift
Steigenberger Wiltcher’s in Brussels has taken on a fresh lustre following the completion of works to create a new events area. The renovated facilities will be available once more to…
Travel 2 cruises towards growth
Tour operator Travel 2 has seen an increase of 12% in the number of agents selling cruise year on year. In the last five months alone, there has been in excess of over 100 new agents…
RIU Hotels launches first water park in Jamaica
RIU Hotels & Resorts has presented the completely renovated Hotel Riu Ocho Rios, a resort in Jamaica located on the beautiful beach of Mammee Bay that first opened in 2005. The work…
‘Fly me to Thailand’ unveiled for short-haul markets
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Bangkok Airways have launched a new ‘Fly me to Thailand’ promotion, offering privileges, gift cards, discounts and many more special deals for…
Fiesta in the sky: Myanmar balloon season starts
The newly announced UNESCO World Heritage town of Bagan is betting big on the upcoming ballooning season. This was revealed by Myanmar Tourism Marketing. This year, the town’s famous…
Time Hotels expands wellness offerings across UAE
UAE-based hospitality firm Time Hotels has launched a new health and wellness initiative - ‘Healthy You, Healthy World’ – across all of its properties, in line with its Tomorrow’s World…
China to make 800 million domestic trips on national holiday
Chinese tourists will make nearly 800 million domestic trips and another 7.5 million overseas trips during the upcoming week-long National Day holiday, according to a report by Ctrip.…
The Extraordinary Story: Isle of Man rolls out second phase of campaign
Visit Isle of Man has launched the second iteration in its three-year tourism campaign aimed at encouraging people to experience the full breadth of the Island’s offering.
The ‘Isle…
St. Petersburg offers free e-visa to Indians
St. Petersburg will welcome Indian tourists through free e-visa from today. Indian visitors can now avail single-entry tourist, business and humanitarian visa from the comfort of their…
Kids eat free at Swissôtel this October
Swissôtel has unveiled a new programme to fill up hungry tummies and put smiles on the faces of children. Throughout October, the ‘Kids For Kids’ campaign at the hotel’s properties will…
Buddycations: India’s new holiday mantra
A recent study commissioned by the private non-life insurer ICICI Lombard has revealed that Indians take vacations with their buddies.
The survey suggests that school or college…
National Express witnesses increase in night travel
The appetite for a 24-hour society is being reflected in the changing habits of UK travellers according to recent figures from the country's largest coach operator. National Express has…
Wego reveals cheapest days to book flights
Wego, online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), released its study which covered the cost of over one million bookings in the first half of 2019 to identify…
Top destinations for Chinese travellers during National Day holiday revealed
Bedbank company Hotelbeds has provided an update on the top international destinations for Chinese travellers during the seven-day Chinese National Day holiday period starting on 1…
German disruptor brand Ruby Hotels to open second London property in Clerkenwell
Ruby Hotels, the Munich-based hotel brand and pioneer of the ‘Lean Luxury’ philosophy, has announced plans for a second UK property, in London’s Clerkenwell, to open in the first quarter…
IHG signs Holiday Inn Express in Wroclaw, Poland
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) continues to expand their footprint across Poland with their recent signing of Holiday Inn Express Wroclaw. The announcement came at IHG’s Poland…
USD 0 deposits for Thomas Cook customers
For Thomas Cook customers waiting for their holiday refund, Flight Centre, UK’s independent travel agent, is here to help. Customers can rebook their well-earned holiday now with USD 0…
73% of US travellers want innovation
When considering whether to buy travel products, services or experiences, 73% of leisure travellers care a lot or somewhat about whether those offerings are innovative, according to a…
Virgin Atlantic unveils Star Wars: Galaxy Edge-themed Boeing aircraft
Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge plane wrap on one of its Boeing 747 aircraft, which took to the skies on 25 September. The themed plane will now transport…
Marriott to triple hotels in the Philippines
Marriott International expects to more than triple its hotel portfolio in the Philippines in the next five years. It will also debut five new brands including Ritz-Carlton, Element and…
UKHospitality slams call for 2.5% Scottish tourist tax
UKHospitality has warned against the Association of Accounting Technician’s (AAT) call for the introduction of a 2.5% tourist tax in Scotland.
Willie Macleod, executive director for…
Best Western arrives in Japan’s cultural heart
Best Western Hotels & Resorts will soon make its debut in Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital and cultural heart, following the signing of an exquisite new hotel that will also mark the…
Airbnb announces latest community-led destination marketing efforts in Buriram
Ahead of World Tourism Day this week, Airbnb reaffirmed its commitment to continue promoting Thailand’s emerging destinations on the global stage, with its latest community-led…