After two decades shaping some of the UK’s most recognisable live music environments, Kim O’Brien is evolving her work within the live music sector, expanding beyond large-scale festival systems into a new international hosted experience focused on intimate, music-led cultural connection.

Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest growing digital economies. The country has a massive technology push that could revolutionize tourism and travel services. By 2030, this push could change smart airports and AI-enabled visitor experiences.

WTM Spotlight Riyadh has been launched to connect the global travel industry with one of the world’s fastest-evolving tourism markets, as Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 ambitions across destination development, aviation, hospitality and infrastructure. According to Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX, the new event is designed as a focused, curated platform that reflects both sides of the Kingdom’s tourism opportunity: its rapid rise as an inbound destination and its growing influence as a high-value outbound market. Bringing together more than 450 exhibitors, over 6,500 regional and international visitors, and 150 hand-selected international hosted buyers, the inaugural edition aims to move brands beyond interest into practical business development through pre-scheduled meetings, targeted networking and market insight. With Riyadh positioned at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, the event will provide direct access to local buyers, decision-makers and stakeholders, while encouraging deeper conversations around premium travel, market access, resilience, visitor confidence and long-term collaboration.

UK Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock MP today reaffirmed government support for cruise growth as industry leaders gathered at the Port of Tyne for CLIA’s Cruise Tourism Summit. The Summit united cruise leaders, UK government representatives, ports, and tourism organisations. The programme explored ways that cruise can expand economic opportunity, strengthen regional tourism, and create lasting value for communities across the country.

The Mariscal Sucre International Airport inaugurated its new International VIP Lounge, a space designed to transform the final moments before traveling into an experience connected to Quito’s identity, architecture, gastronomy, and Andean landscape. The renovated lounge, developed by Corporación Quiport as part of the airport’s expansion and modernization plan, includes an expansion of approximately 1,560 m² and increases capacity for international passengers by 15%.

This summer, maybe the most compelling new opening in luxury travel is not found on land at all; its address is the ocean. Setting off on her maiden voyages on August 3, EXPLORA III invites guests to experience a more refined expression of summer travel. From the quiet majesty of the Norwegian fjords to the cinematic coastlines of New England, each Journey has been thoughtfully designed to foster deeper connection through longer stays, overnight immersions and a more unhurried pace of discovery.