Travel Industry News Page 211
BWH® Hotels Expands BW Signature Collection® in the Netherlands with Two Heritage Hotel Additions
BWH® Hotels today announced the addition of two Dutch properties to BW Signature Collection®: Berlage Hotel in The Hague and Kasteelhotel Terborgh in Limburg. These affiliations strengthen the brand's presence in the Netherlands while expanding global visibility for two independent hotels defined by heritage, character and a strong sense of place. The additions reflect BWH Hotels' continued focus on welcoming independent properties that deliver memorable, experience-led stays while benefiting from global distribution, marketing support and loyalty reach.
AlUla Shines as World's Third-largest Dark Sky Park
For generations, AlUla's clear skies have played a meaningful role in marking the start of Ramadan, when locals would look to the horizon to sight the new moon and confirm the Holy Month. Today, that same clarity underpins AlUla's evolution into a globally recognised astrotourism destination, now certified as the world's third-largest Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International.
Viking Announces New Mississippi and Ohio River Voyages for 2027
Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced that new itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers for 2027 are now open for booking. Sailing on board the Viking Mississippi, guests can choose the new 15-day Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass itinerary, which operates between New Orleans and Louisville, with ports of call along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. A shorter option—the 8-day Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer itinerary—offers a journey between Memphis and Louisville.
Air Canada Expands its Mexico Presence with New Montréal-Guadalajara Route
Air Canada has announced it is strategically expanding its summer schedule to Mexico with 18 per cent more seat capacity over last summer. While Canada and Mexico are deepening ties, the airline is further strengthening its schedule to support growing travel to and from Mexico.
60 years of ITB Berlin: 15 special anniversary moments on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds
From 3 to 5 March 2026, ITB Berlin is marking its sixtieth anniversary with some special highlights: from an after-work event and a journey through time in a DeLorean to community art and a 60-second round of applause, the industry will be honouring its past while looking towards the future.
Hotel groups miss out 20% of guests due to data silos, new Ireckonu data shows.
Ireckonu, a leading hospitality middleware and Customer Data Platform (CDP) provider for hotel groups, has reported today that siloed guest data across hotel operational areas (including restaurants, spas, golf facilities, and other auxiliary outlets) is preventing hotel groups from capturing up to 20% of opportunities to re-engage guests, improve recognition, and ultimately drive stronger loyalty and revenue growth.
WorldTicket by GO7 sets out connected model for airline distribution
WorldTicket by GO7 has today outlined a connected model for airline distribution, designed to maximise reach, flexibility, and revenue opportunities across all booking channels. The company’s innovative holistic approach brings together Global Distribution Systems (GDS), New Distribution Capability (NDC), and direct OTA partnerships, with a virtual interlining solution launching soon to complete the stack.
World Cetacean Alliance appoints Christopher Pickard as CEO
The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), a global charity and partnership dedicated to protecting whales, dolphins, and porpoises, has announced the appointment of Christopher Pickard as its new Chief Executive Officer. The WCA unites grassroots NGOs, research institutes, responsible tour operators, individuals and companies worldwide to safeguard cetaceans and their habitats.
How The Use of AI In Travel Marketing Is Powering Smarter Growth
AI-powered marketing agencies have set a new standard of quality in a world where most brands require real-time performance and precise targeting. AI has transformed travel marketing through hyper-personalization, automated content creation and predictive analytics that have truly enhanced travelers' engagement.
Introducing Burgundy's new Blackcurrant Route (Route du Cassis)
You probably know Burgundy’s world-class wines, but there’s another local treasure waiting to be discovered: the blackcurrant. Between Dijon and Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy has unveiled a new foodie tourist itinerary that may soon become one of the region’s signature experiences: the Route du Cassis, or Blackcurrant Route. Stretching over 55km, the route makes Burgundy’s iconic blackcurrant a cultural symbol in its own right, uniting heritage, flavour and wellbeing. Set off along this delicious new trail and dive into the history and know-how behind this little fruit, grown in the region since the 17th century.
Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya Secures Formula 1 Future Through 2032
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a cornerstone of international motorsport since 1991, has confirmed its continuity on the Formula 1 calendar through 2032. The renewal, signed between Circuits de Catalunya and Formula One World Championship Limited (FOWC), ensures the track will host the World Championship in 2028, 2030, and 2032, alongside the already scheduled 2026 edition.
WTTC shows that at least £14 billion would be lost from the UK economy from daily visitor taxes
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the private sector in the Travel & Tourism industry, has published new research which highlights the damage that would be done to the UK economy if new visitor levies are introduced. The research findings, conducted among 2,502 people by WTTC and research agency GSIQ between 7th and 11th February, have been released as the UK Government will tomorrow (Wednesday) end a consultation on whether Mayoral Strategic Authorities should be given powers to introduce tourism levies across England.