As parts of the UK brace for another spell of hot weather, just a week after record-breaking temperatures swept across the country, London Stansted is highlighting a range of cooler destinations where summer temperatures are often more comfortable.

New research from travel insurance expert AllClear has revealed Europe's best birdwatching destinations. The researchers analysed globally recognised birdwatching hotspots across eight metrics: number of bird species, number of notable species, a standout species score looking at prevalence, mean annual temperature, mean wind speed, mean annual precipitation, distance from nearest airport and estimated daily tourist costs.

OL Leisure property, Mokuti Etosha, will unveil its brand new Ombala Presidential Suite on 3 July 2026, with the launch ceremony set to be attended by the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare. The opening marks the latest phase of the lodge's transformation following its major refurbishment in 2023 and reflects growing demand for private, villa-style luxury accommodation in Namibia. Named Ombala, meaning "The King's Palace" in the local Oshiwambo language, the suite is Mokuti Etosha's most significant addition to date and one of the region's most versatile luxury offerings, combining family-friendly flexibility with elevated comfort for a broad range of travellers.

Tourism developers in Wales will need to show more clearly how new projects support local communities, jobs and culture, according to planning and development consultancy Lichfields. Plaid Cymru is leading the Welsh Government for the first time after emerging as the largest party in the Senedd, without an overall majority.

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has expanded the portfolio of Local Offers and Experiences available through its GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, in line with its Live Local concept, with a City Unscripted partnership.

Jaci’s Private Lodge officially reopened on 1 July in South Africa’s malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, 16 months after severe flooding in late February 2025 forced the family-owned property to close. Once the insurance and planning processes were complete, the Van Heteren family embarked on an intensive 10-month building programme, creating a lodge designed for the decades ahead. The official reopening follows a two-week soft launch with family, friends and travel trade partners, giving the returning team time to find its rhythm and the lodge time to settle into its new skin.