Travel Industry News Page 14
RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX MEMBERS GENERATED £2.8 billion IN COMBINED REVENUE IN 2025
Relais & Châteaux has published the consolidated results of its 2025 annual business survey, based on declarations from 94% of its members. With combined revenue reaching over £2.8 billion, the Association reports sustained year-on-year growth of +7% compared with 2024, underscoring the strength of a resilient model grounded in the authenticity of its properties, excellence in hospitality and gastronomy, and long-term commitments.
Brazil welcomes record number of British Tourists between January and May 2026
The arrival of British tourists to Brazil grew 4.82% in May 2026, reaching the best result for the month since 2017. In the accumulated year, the indicator gains even more relevance: between January and May, the flow of visitors from the United Kingdom advanced 11.23% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching 97,677 British tourists, the highest mark in the historical series for the first five months.
Life Cycles: An Amanzoe Exhibition
On a private Peloponnese peninsula, where ancient, lavender-scented hillside meets the Aegean Sea, Amanzoe rests peacefully. A modern-day acropolis surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty, the resort continues to deepen its connection to Greece’s heritage through Life Cycles. The landmark summer exhibition is created in collaboration with the celebrated Zoumboulakis Galleries.
Abu Dhabi's cultural vision strikes a new note with performing arts institution Dar al Funoon
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced that works have commenced on Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi (House of the Arts), a landmark institution on Saadiyat Island that will become one of the region’s most technically advanced performing arts venues upon opening in 2030. Representing a major investment in cultural infrastructure, the institution reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to create world-class platforms for artistic excellence, international collaboration and cultural exchange.
After the Cruise and the Carriage, the Open Road
The luxury cruise and the railway revival promised that the journey could matter as much as the destination. A new wave of curated driving journeys goes a step further, trading the view from the deck for the freedom of the road. HunterMoss makes the case with its 2027 calendar, led by a first route from the Basque Country to Bordeaux.
Landmark Study Proves Power of Collective Purchasing in Fast-Tracking Net-Zero Hospitality
In a major step toward industry-wide decarbonisation, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) today announced the successful completion of a pioneering feasibility study on collective renewable energy purchasing for the global hospitality industry.
WTTC Encourages Barcelona to Reconsider Proposed Cruise Tourist Tax Increase
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has expressed concern over proposals to increase Barcelona's tourist tax on short-stay cruise passengers, warning that the measure could weaken the city's competitiveness and have unintended consequences for the local economy.
WTTC Elevates Hotel Sustainability Basics to Independent Global Certification Scheme
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics programme will transition to an independent third-party certification scheme, aligned with new European Union requirements for environmental claims and designed to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework. The move strengthens Hotel Sustainability Basics as a globally recognised framework for hotel sustainability, providing independent verification, greater transparency, and a credible pathway for hotels to demonstrate their sustainability performance in line with evolving regulatory and market expectations.
Most affordable family camping destinations this summer ranked
New research by the car rental comparison and booking website DiscoverCars.com found that Portugal, Spain and Austria are among the most affordable places for a family camping trip in Europe this summer. To find the best budget-friendly getaway, DiscoverCars.com analysed 2-4 popular family campsites in each country in the survey to find the average lowest campsite cost for a week-long stay between 27th July-2nd August. They then combined this cost with car rental rates in the local area for the same time frame, finding a total average cost for a week-long trip.
Destination Romance in Saint Lucia: Weddings & Honeymoons at The Landings Resort & Spa
As weddings evolve into immersive, destination-led experiences, Saint Lucia stands out as one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting places to begin forever. At The Landings Resort & Spa, couples are invited to celebrate love in a setting where beautiful beaches and golden sunsets create a naturally romantic stage for unforgettable moments. With direct flights available from the UK, reaching the island is as effortless as the experience itself. Set on the golden sands of Rodney Bay in the north of Saint Lucia, The Landings Resort & Spa boasts one of the island’s most enviable addresses and at the heart of the resort is its iconic private marina - a defining feature that creates an elegant yacht-club atmosphere within the resort.
AmaWaterways reveals first look at AmaRudi, Europe's largest river cruise ship
AmaWaterways today unveiled the first details and renderings of AmaRudi, its highly anticipated second double-width river ship scheduled to debut on the Danube River in spring 2027. Building on the groundbreaking design of AmaMagna, which redefined expectations for river cruising when it launched in 2019, AmaRudi will stand alongside its sister ship as the largest river cruise ship in Europe. Designed to accommodate just 196 guests in 98 staterooms and suites, the new vessel will offer an extraordinary amount of personal space, multiple dining venues, expansive wellness amenities and thoughtfully designed public spaces inspired by the destinations along the Danube River.
Lifemiles Named Up-and-Coming Loyalty Program of the Year at the 2026 Freddie Awards
Lifemiles, Avianca’s loyalty program, received the “Up and Coming Program Award,” recognizing it as the Breakout Loyalty Program of the Year, at the 2026 Freddie Awards. Considered one of the industry’s most prestigious honors, the award is determined by customer votes and recognizes programs that deliver exceptional value to their members through compelling promotions, accessible pricing and continuous innovation across the loyalty experience.