Travel Industry News Page 157
Sowing AlUla's Green Future: 1 Million Native Plants Initiative to Transform AlUla
Marking a monumental step in its sustainable development and tourism ambitions, AlUla has produced more than 1 million native seedlings that will be integrated into the fabric of the Saudi destination. This undertaking, achieved through the AlUla Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank, underscores the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) commitment to restoring the destination’s natural environment while shaping how visitors experience it.
Upgraded Koningsdam returns ahead of Alaska season
Holland America Line’s Koningsdam is back in service following a two‑week dry dock in the Bahamas. The Pinnacle-class ship has received a series of enhancements ahead of its upcoming Alaska season. The line has added five new, larger ocean view staterooms. Each stateroom accommodates up to four guests and features two beds that convert to a queen-size bed, along with a double sofa bed. Four of the staterooms are connecting, allowing larger groups to book together. 22 Vista Suites were also upgraded with new sofa beds.
Smart Steps to Follow When Buying Car Insurance Online for the Very First Time
Buying car insurance online for the first time can feel confusing, especially with so many plans, features, and technical terms involved. However, when you decide to buy car insurance online, the process becomes much simpler with the right approach. From understanding policy types to comparing insurers and selecting suitable coverage, each step plays a crucial role.
The World’s Most Luxurious Surf Contest at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is Coming Back
The Indian Ocean does not need much convincing to put on a show. But for one week each September, it outdoes itself. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the Surfing Champions Trophy is confirmed to return to the legendary Sultans break from September 4 to 11, 2026, and with it comes the promise of world-class surfing, sun-bleached evenings, and the kind of access that rarely exists anywhere else on earth. Now entering its 14th edition, the Surfing Champions Trophy is one of the most singular events in sport: an invitation-only gathering of surfing's finest, competing across three board disciplines (single fin, twin fin and thruster) at one of the Maldives' well-known reef breaks, with Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa as the garden-island base for competitors, judges and guests alike.
Collection brands from Accor and Ennismore unlock new opportunity
Accor's collection brands are accelerating their global expansion, combining individuality with the power of scale. The Group now operates over 180 hotels worldwide across Emblems Collection, MGallery Collection, and Handwritten Collection, as well as Morgans Originals and Paris Society Hotel Collection, which are both part of Ennismore. A further 125+ hotels are currently in the pipeline across the Group's collection brands, representing more than 65% growth over the coming years.
gategroup and KLM announce strategic partnership for the future of KLM Catering Services
gategroup, the leading global player in airline catering and hospitality, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have reached an agreement for gategroup to acquire a majority stake in KLM Catering Services (KCS). This landmark transaction establishes a long-term strategic partnership designed to redefine the future of inflight catering for KLM airlines at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Air Canada Board of Directors announces the retirement of President and Chief Executive Officer
The Board of Directors of Air Canada today announced that Michael Rousseau has informed the Board that he will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership that has reinforced Air Canada’s place as a leader in the airline industry domestically and globally. Mr. Rousseau will continue to lead the company and to serve on its Board until that time.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S HERO OF THE SEAS INTRODUCES THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF FAMILY VACATION EXPERIENCES
Introducing the hero of family vacations: Royal Caribbean has revealed Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon Class ship and bold evolution of family adventure arriving in Miami in August 2027. As part of the game-changing Icon Class that combines beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park thrills, Hero will raise the bar with more records and iconic ways for families to make lifelong memories. Hero's eight neighborhoods will be home to the most pools at sea, a record-breaking 28 dining venues and cooking classes for all ages, brand-new family raft slides, new accommodations for multigenerational families – including the three-story Ultimate Family Treehouse – and more
TAP Air Portugal selects new JFK Terminal 6 for future operations
JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to build and operate John F. Kennedy International Airport's new world-class Terminal 6 (T6), and TAP Air Portugal, (TAP) the national carrier of Portugal, today announced that TAP will make T6 its future home at JFK airport, joining codeshare partner JetBlue and Star Alliance airlines such as Air Canada, ANA, Avianca, Lufthansa and SWISS in the state-of-the-art terminal as part of its phase one opening in 2026.
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES INTRODUCES ALL-SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS, ELEVATING THE GUEST EXPERIENCE
Atlas Ocean Voyages today announced a defining evolution in its accommodations, formally transitioning to an all-suite experience across its fleet, reflecting the brand's continued commitment to delivering a consistently elevated standard of luxury expedition travel. Effective April 2, 2026, all guest accommodations will be reclassified under a unified suite nomenclature, reinforcing what guests already experience onboard: spacious, design-forward environments paired with intuitive, highly personalized service. This milestone marks a natural extension of Atlas Ocean Voyages' elevated brand positioning introduced earlier this year.
SUPER BOWL RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS IN 2029
The National Football League announced that Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium. The announcement was made today at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, following a review by the NFL's Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by full ownership.
U.S. Virgin Islands Announces the Performance Line-up for 74th Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Division of Festivals, announces the highly anticipated lineup for the 74th Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village, showcasing an exciting mix of homegrown, regional, and international talent. Headlined by hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes, and award-winning St. Thomas–born duo R. City, this year's Village concerts celebrate the vibrant culture and musical diversity of the Caribbean and the Virgin Islands.