Travel Industry News Page 91
Wild Wakati Camp: Where Wine Meets Wilderness in the heart of the Serengeti
At Enduata Camps’ Wild Wakati Camp, which opened in 2026 by Tanzanian guide Michael Shayo and British hospitality expert Matt Wilkey, the sundowners are recognised as a central part of the safari experience, elevating remote wilderness hospitality with a curated and highly considered wine and cocktail offering.
La Sultana Marrakech - The Ultimate Way to Celebrate National Wine Day
With National Wine Day approaching on the 25th May, there is no better time to discover Morocco’s evolving wine scene than with a stay at La Sultana, Marrakech. Tucked within the Imperial City’s walls, the luxurious riad hotel offers a refined setting in which to explore the country’s emerging viticulture, pairing heritage and craftsmanship with a contemporary approach to wine and dining. At the heart of the experience is La Sultana’s curated Moroccan wine journey, which invites guests to discover the country’s lesser-known vineyards and varietals through expertly guided tastings. Showcasing a selection of regional wines, the experience offers a deeper understanding of Morocco’s wine-making traditions and the influences of its diverse terroir, providing an insightful introduction to the country’s evolving wine scene.
A New Direction for the Okavango Delta: Okavango Horse Safaris Launches Artist-Led Retreats
Okavango Horse Safaris is introducing something new for the Delta. For 2027, the family-run safari operation is launching a series of artist-led retreats, offering a different way to experience the landscape beyond the traditional safari format. Set within a vast private concession in the western Okavango Delta, the retreats are designed to open the safari experience up to a broader audience. Artists, designers and creatively curious travellers are invited to engage with the Delta not just through wildlife viewing, but through observation, interpretation and making.
For the Modern Wayfinder: Auko Eco Wellness Lodges Announces Its Arrival in Phong Nha, Vietnam
Set along the Son River and embraced by the limestone peaks of Phong Nha–Ke Bang UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the world's largest cave system including the legendary Son Doong caves, Auko Eco-Wellness Lodges is set to open in Q3, 2026 as a new expression of regenerative hospitality in Southeast Asia.
DREAM OF THE DESERT ESTABLISHES RIYADH HEADQUARTERS, MARKING ENTRY INTO DELIVERY PHASE
Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia’s first ultra-luxury train by Arsenale Group, marked a major development milestone with the opening of its headquarters in Riyadh and the appointment of Raffaele Breschi as General Manager of Dream of the Desert and CEO of Arsenale International. This step marks the next phase of the project’s delivery in the country, reinforcing its central role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation as it advances toward its 2026 debut. The establishment of a permanent base in Riyadh anchors the project firmly within Saudi Arabia’s tourism and transport ecosystem and marks Arsenale’s first international headquarters, underscoring a long-term, on-the-ground commitment beyond project development.
Avani Brings Pride 2026 to Life Across Bangkok, Madrid and Amsterdam
Avani Hotels & Resorts is marking Pride 2026 with a programme of city-led experiences across Bangkok, Madrid and Amsterdam, connecting travellers with local LGBTQ+ culture through movement, nightlife, literature, performance and community celebration.
Financial uncertainty and price emerge as the main booking barriers due to geopolitical instability
Protect Group, a leader in ancillary travel products, has identified a significant increase in booking hesitancy among travellers, largely driven by rising global geopolitical instability and stricter regulations. The company defines this emerging behaviour as “booking anxiety,” with financial uncertainty and price as the main barriers to decision-making. As a result, travellers are increasingly delaying bookings, prioritising price over other factors, and adopting a “wait and see” attitude in response to a perceived volatile environment.
BTN exclusive with Victor Abou-Ghanem, CEO, STORY
BTN exclusive with Victor Abou-Ghanem, CEO, STORY Hospitality addressing the current mood across the UAE hospitality sector, particularly among hotel owners, operators and investors?
Qatar Airways & Philippine Airlines Strengthen Partnership, Expand Markets and Benefits for members
Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines are expanding their strategic partnership by enhancing the connectivity between both airlines’ networks. Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airport.
Just You adds new ‘Five Stans’ departure date
Just You has introduced a new departure date for its ‘The Silk Road: Legends of the Five Stans’ tour. The specialist solo escorted tour operator originally launched the 21-day itinerary in April with departure dates in April 2027 and September 2027.
Celestyal Journey celebrates maiden call to Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Celestyal has marked a new milestone in its Mediterranean deployment, with the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey making her first call to Agios Nikolaos, Crete. The call, which took place on May 12, 2026, forms part of the cruise line’s seven-night ‘Idyllic Greece’ itinerary. Celestyal Journey is scheduled to visit the port a further 21 times throughout the 2026 season, which runs through to November.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK, LONDON INTRODUCES CREATIVE MASTER CLASSES FOR TEENS
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, is delighted to introduce a new collection of Creative Master Classes for Teens, developed in collaboration with experiential travel specialist The Luminaire. Building on the hotel’s award-winning Families by M.O. – Little Ranger Adventures offering, the new collection has been thoughtfully designed to extend the experience for older children and teenagers, offering exclusive access to some of London’s most influential cultural spaces, from world-renowned recording studios and emerging digital design environments to celebrated culinary ateliers and creative communities shaping contemporary culture.