The Chedi Hegra announces the appointment of Mark Wouters as General Manager, bringing a highly experienced international hotelier to one of the region’s most culturally significant and anticipated destinations. Set within Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Chedi Hegra represents a unique intersection of heritage and contemporary hospitality. Mark’s appointment reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering a considered, culturally grounded guest experience in one of the Kingdom’s most extraordinary settings.

Siena Restaurant Dubai opens Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in DIFC at Gate Village 7. The project brings together Mehdi Abdelhedi, founder of Siena in Paris, and Rizwan Kassim, CEO of Paris Society, who joins as a partner for its Dubai chapter. “In a time that calls for a more considered pace, the opening of Siena is approached with intention, rooted in the simple value of bringing people together. Hospitality, often most affected during periods of uncertainty, continues to offer connection, familiarity, and shared moments. Dubai demonstrates strength and stability as a global hub, bringing together cultures and perspectives from around the world. In partnership with Mehdi, introducing Siena to the city is a deliberate step, building on a concept that has resonated in Paris while adapting it to a market that values community. Our ambition is for Siena to become a destination that contributes thoughtfully to Dubai’s evolving culinary landscape and supports the UAE’s long-term vision,” says Rizwan Kassim, CEO of Paris Society and partner of Siena Dubai.

Virgin Voyages has announced a new trade incentive, offering £10 per booking on select European sailings. From now through to May 28, First Mates (agents) will earn £10 per booking, double the standard £5 reward ‘Loot’. The incentive applies to 12 Virgin Voyages cruises onboard Scarlet Lady and Valliant Lady, departing in May and June, 2026.

World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that the paradise nation of the Maldives will host its Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, with travel industry leaders from across the region gathering for a prestigious VIP reception on 27 September 2026 to coincide with World Tourism Day. The ceremony heralds the return of the Indian Ocean leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour, an annual series of red carpet events hosted in each continent. The decision reflects the strength of the travel and tourism sector in the Maldives and its leadership in the luxury, sustainability and experiential travel domains.

So after incredible scenes yesterday, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now fully set, and with 48 nations heading to the United States, Canada and Mexico, this is not only football’s biggest stage, it is also one of the biggest tourism showcases on the planet. For some teams, the story is pure football pedigree. For others, it is also about destination power, visitor scale, global recognition and the chance to turn tournament visibility into future demand. France remains the world’s most visited destination on the latest comparable figures, with 102 million international tourists in 2024, ahead of Spain on 93.8 million and the United States on 72.4 million, while Turkey, Mexico, Germany and Japan all arrive with huge tourism weight of their own. Sport and tourism are now so tightly bound together, from airlines sponsoring stadiums to destinations sponsoring shirts, that the two are increasingly inseparable. So with that in mind, Breaking Travel News’ football fanatic Editor in Chief Justin “You’ll Never Walk Alone” Cooke has taken huge liberty and attempted to fuse football with tourism data to create his own ranking for who comes out on top at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours have launched a new trade incentive, offering travel agents the chance to win a sight-seeing helicopter tour. Running until April 9, 2026, the prize will see one lucky agent awarded a helicopter tour over London, to coincide with the arrival of the 228-guest Scenic Eclipse II into the capital on July 31, 2026. It will be the first time the ultra-luxury Scenic discovery yacht enters UK waters.