Travel Industry News Page 15
easyJet announces two new routes from London Southend to Lyon and Sharm el-Sheikh
easyJet has announced two new routes between London Southend Airport and Lyon and Sharm el-Sheikh, further strengthening its network and providing customers in Essex and the wider South East with even greater choice for winter travel. Flights are on sale from today, with services to Lyon set to commence on 3 December 2026, operating twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. Flights to Sharm el-Sheikh will begin on 4 January 2027, operating twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
Regulator warns of potentially deadly threat posed by over 100 million incorrectly packed batteries
Passengers are being told to “pack right for a safe flight”. The UK Civil Aviation Authority is warning passengers that while flying is very safe there is a rising risk from lithium batteries on planes. Rechargeable lithium batteries, such as power banks and vapes, can bring a fire risk that could be uncontrollable if packed in checked baggage. Ahead of the big summer getaway where over 60 million people are expected to be flying, the UK Civil Aviation Authority is telling all passengers to “pack right for a safe flight” by taking their batteries in the cabin with them.
The Standard, Brussels Joins World of Hyatt, Expanding The Standard’s Global Loyalty Offering
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced The Standard, Brussels officially joins World of Hyatt, Hyatt’s award-winning global loyalty program. The milestone marks a significant step in the continued integration of The Standard brand into Hyatt’s global ecosystem, further expanding access to its culturally driven hotels for a growing base of loyalty members worldwide. The Standard, Brussels is the first Hyatt hotel in Belgium.
Agoda rolls out suite of new features focused on real-time updates and smarter trip planning
Digital travel platform Agoda today announced a series of new features designed to help travelers plan and manage their trips with greater confidence. The latest updates include real-time flight visibility, an enhanced hotel browser, and AI-powered tools that make choosing the right property faster and more intuitive.
Australia’s newest Dark Sky Reserve in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland launches stargazing packages
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has been confirmed as Queensland’s first Dark Sky Reserve, and only the second in Australia, making it now a premier destination both during the day and at night. In June 2026, a Dark Sky Reserve was established across 870 square kilometres of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, making it one of the most accessible places in Australia to stargaze.
Minos Palace Resort, Crete, Unveils New Infinity Lagoon Suites
Following resort renovations in 2025 that included the introduction of the Nao Longevity Hub, Greece’s must-visit wellness destination, Minos Palace Resort in Crete is delighted to now unveil the new Infinity Lagoon Suites for summer 2026.
Brits Turn the ‘Microcation’ Trend Into a Summer Travel Habit
Earlier this year, travel experts highlighted the rise of the ‘microcation’ - shorter, more intentional holidays lasting just a few days. New booking data from SuperEscapes now suggests the trend is influencing how Brits are travelling this summer, with holidaymakers increasingly swapping the traditional week abroad for shorter beach escapes.
Michelin-Starred Dining Arrives at St. Regis Maldives
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will welcome seven acclaimed culinary talents for August as part of Marriott International’s 2026 Luxury Dining Series, ‘Across the Table’, headlined by two-Michelin-starred Chef Emmanuel Stroobant. Taking place from 26-30 August, the programme will unite chefs and mixologists from four St. Regis hotels across Asia for an immersive celebration of modern gastronomy, spanning intimate cooking experiences, omakase dining, heritage-led Indian cuisine, inventive cocktail pairings and refined four-course menus.
How Vietnam is Redrawing the Southeast Asian Tourism Map
Digital travel platform Agoda has recorded close to a 50% year-on-year rise in international accommodation searches into Vietnam in 2025. The data points to a destination that has moved decisively up travelers’ shortlists, likely fueled by a combination of policy reform, improved air access, and infrastructure investment that is reshaping how the world thinks about Vietnam as a place to visit.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts Debuts a New Beachfront Resort in Malaysia
Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort, expanding the presence of its flagship brand in Malaysia. Nestled between a centuries-old tropical rainforest and the Andaman Sea, the resort is a sanctuary for travelers seeking a connection to both the island’s natural beauty and their personal wellbeing.
ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY GUEST EXPERIENCES AT NOKU MALDIVES, VIGNETTE COLLECTION
Luxury does not need to be complicated or expensive. Often, the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact on our emotions. In the Maldives, wealth lies not in glittering jewellery but in glistening seas and sparkling stars, while true opulence comes not from designer clothes, but from the feeling of bare feet on powder-soft sands. At Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, the unique private island resort nestled in the pristine Noonu Atoll, guests can find luxury for their soul with a new series of complimentary activities and experiences that connect them with the heart of the destination.
Air Mauritius champions non-stop flights from London
Non-stop flights from London Gatwick, a pledge to broaden visitor groups and a strong commitment to regenerative tourism, are ushering in a new chapter for Mauritius, the Indian Ocean’s most enchanting destination. A global marketing and social media campaign from the national airline, #WeareMauritius, is now rolling out worldwide.