Travel Industry News Page 145
Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 opens in Bangkok
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially opened the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 at Benchakitti Park, Bangkok. Running until 15 April, the five-day event brings together cultural heritage, live entertainment and water celebrations at one of Thailand's largest Songkran gatherings. The opening ceremony on 11 April was attended by Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, alongside senior representatives from the public and private sectors.
WTTC’s “Cruising for Impact” Report Highlights the Positive Impact of Cruise Tourism for Communities
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched its latest report, Cruising for Impact, highlighting the positive impact that cruise tourism delivers for communities and destinations around the world. The report shows how cruise tourism acts as a powerful driver of opportunity, supporting local livelihoods, strengthening communities, and creating long-term value in coastal and port destinations. Alongside these positive impacts, the industry contributed US$98.5 billion to global GDP and generated US$199 billion in total economic output, supported 1.8 million jobs, and delivered US$60.1 billion in wages in 2024, underlining its scale and global reach.
Humano, Lima, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Opens Its Doors in Miraflores
Opening in the heart of Miraflores, Humano, Lima, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel marks the brand’s debut in the city, welcoming travelers and locals alike into a space shaped by the neighborhood’s creative spirit. Rooted in the belief that everyday moments can be meaningful, the hotel brings Tribute Portfolio’s indie‑minded hospitality to life through thoughtful gestures, genuine connections, and an experience that feels deeply personal, authentic, and connected to the neighborhood’s creative spirit. “Humano opens as a place where guests can experience Lima from a genuine and local perspective, with hospitality that feels natural and personalized. We want every visitor to feel part of the community and every stay to become a meaningful moment,” said Ricardo Echeverri, Vice President, Owner & Franchise Services for Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America.
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT WAIKIKI BEACH UNVEILS MULTI‑MILLION‑DOLLAR TRANSFORMATION
Courtyard® by Marriott Waikiki Beach announces the debut of its comprehensive, multi‑million‑dollar transformation, unveiling a refreshed experience across its expansive 405‑room property. Every guestroom redesigned to embody a modern yet relaxed island aesthetic, including the complete renovation of its 850-square-foot Penthouse, now reimagined as an elevated residential‑style retreat in the heart of Waikiki. Led by design firm //3877, the property‑wide revitalization introduces guests to a collection of new experiences: an open‑air lobby and lounge overlooking a lush pool oasis; the debut of CRATE, a convenient grab‑and‑go concept; signature dining at Aloha Amigo and Peppermint Café & Pool Bar; and the artisan aromas of Ali'i Coffee Co.
Aqaba to Host Landmark Global Marine Sports and Diving Event
The coastal city of Aqaba is preparing to host one of the most prominent international events in the diving and marine sports sector with the launch of "ABOFA - Aqaba Blue Ocean Future in Action," scheduled to take place from 9 to 12 September 2026 at the Aqaba International Exhibition Center (AIEC). The event is expected to bring together around 4,000 participants from 25 countries, positioning Aqaba at the center of a growing global movement around marine sports, underwater exploration, and the blue economy.
Nômade Tulum, Nômade Holbox, and Be Tulum Launch 20% Summer Offer
This summer, travelers seeking elevated, meaningful escapes are invited to discover a new expression of luxury. Nômade Tulum, Nômade Holbox, and Be Tulum introduce an exclusive 20% summer offer, paired with their signature Journey Designer experience, a personalized approach to hospitality that blends wellness, culture, and connection.
iQIYI to Open Its First Central China Theme Park in Wuhan
iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, announced plans to develop iQIYI LAND in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province. Set within the Hanyangzao Cultural and Creative Industry Park, the park is the company's first project integrated into an urban renewal initiative, which positions iQIYI LAND as a new cultural and tourism landmark for the city, combining homegrown IP with technology-driven immersive experiences.
Scotland Brings Tartan Taxis to Manhattan for NYC Tartan Week
Scotland has arrived in New York this week, with specially wrapped tartan taxis taking to the streets of Manhattan as part of NYC Tartan Week. The activity forms part of VisitScotland's work to promote Scotland in its largest international market, using NYC Tartan Week to inspire US audiences to plan a trip.
Omni Hotels & Resorts Announces Exclusive Lifestyle Partnership with Peter Millar
Omni Hotels & Resorts today announced an exclusive lifestyle partnership with Peter Millar, the renowned luxury lifestyle brand known for its classic American style and exceptional craftsmanship. The collaboration marks a milestone for both brands, representing Omni Hotels & Resorts' first brand-wide designer collaboration and Peter Millar's inaugural venture into hospitality.
Virtual World Internet positions Virtual Dubai at the Forefront of Creator-Ready Destination Content
As travel marketing shifts ever more decisively toward creator-led storytelling, Virtual World Internet is positioning itself at the centre of that evolution through Virtual Dubai, its immersive digital platform designed to let audiences explore the city through interactive virtual tours. Virtual Dubai presents itself as “your gateway to the spectacular,” inviting users to discover Dubai through 360° panoramas, fly-overs and immersive tours spanning resorts, spas, beaches, skyscrapers and lifestyle venues. The platform is explicitly framed as being brought to users by Virtual World Internet, whose wider business describes the company as a virtual imaging provider founded in 1995 and focused on interactive solutions for travel and tourism.
How to Make the Most of a Bordeaux Free Walking Tour: 4 Simple Tips
Landing in a new city often feels like a race against time to see every monument and hidden alleyway before the sun sets. When you first arrive in Bordeaux, the sheer scale of the 18th-century architecture can be overwhelming if you are only relying on a paper map.
United Airlines Marks 35 Years of Flying from Heathrow
United Airlines is marking a special milestone this month: 35 years of flying from Heathrow. Since the first flight took off in April 1991 from Washington D.C. to London, United has carried more than 58 million passengers and over 2.2 million tonnes of cargo on over 328,000 flights between London and the U.S.