Travel Industry News Page 226
Karma Kandara invites guests to experience bali's sacred day of silence
Karma Kandara, Bali's acclaimed clifftop resort, announces its exclusive Nyepi programme for 2026, inviting guests to witness one of the world's most extraordinary spiritual traditions during the Balinese Day of Silence on 19 March. Nyepi marks the Balinese New Year, a sacred day of fasting, meditation, and complete stillness observed across the entire island. For 24 hours, Bali enters absolute silence: no lights, no travel, no activity. It is a spiritual phenomenon found nowhere else on Earth.
FROM SCREEN TO SKYLINE AT HOTEL DAME DES ARTS
While usually known for offering one of the best views out over the Paris skyline, the gaze has turned to Hôtel Dame Des Arts itself after its rooftop terrace was featured in the latest series of Emily in Paris. Fan-favourite Alfie’s scene in Episode 10 gives viewers an insight into why the hotel is so representative of the dynamic heritage of the city’s Latin Quarter, and the ideal base to explore this storied neighbourhood as we step into spring.
Blacklane joins Visa Global Travel Program in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, has joined Visa’s Global Travel Program in Dubai, expanding access to luxury mobility benefits for international Visa cardholders visiting the UAE.
Kerten Hospitality builds momentum and leadership for 2026
Following an exceptional 2025, the Group signed 1,000+ keys in January and reinforces the Middle East and North Africa as a key engine for its ambitious growth plans
84% of travelers “game” loyalty programs, highlighting a strategic approach to travel rewards
Loyalty programs remain deeply embedded in how travelers plan, book and experience travel, but a new 3-part research series from Phocuswright shows that heavy participation does not necessarily translate into consistent brand usage. Instead, travelers are navigating an increasingly complex rewards economy strategically, prioritizing value, convenience and fit over long-term brand devotion. According to Phocuswright’s latest consumer research, 84% of leisure travelers engaged in at least one loyalty “gaming” behavior in the past 12 months, underscoring how normalized optimization has become across points, miles and status programs.
Turkish Airlines Holidays Expands Its European Footprint with Six New Local Websites
Turkish Airlines Holidays, an all-in-one vacation platform of the flag carrier, further reinforces its presence across Europe with the launch of dedicated local websites in Ireland, Poland, Romania, Luxembourg, Denmark and Sweden. The new websites build on existing operations by bringing a broader and integrated range of services together under a single digital platform in each market. This step marks an evolution of Turkish Airlines Holidays' presence in these markets, shaped through changing customer expectations and growing interest in holiday packages
Singapore Airlines To Launch Non-Stop Services To Riyadh In June 2026
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch four-times weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June 2026. The Airline will operate the medium-haul variant of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which is configured with 303 seats in two cabin classes: 40 in Business Class and 263 in Economy Class.
Shangri-La Launches Global Search for One Lucky Winner to Receive an 88-Night Global Stay
As the Year of the Horse approaches, Shangri-La Group (“Shangri-La” or “the Group”) invites guests around the world to celebrate Spring Festival through a series of immersive online and in-person experiences. Central to the celebrations is the launch of 88-Night Global Stay Giveaway, alongside a creative collaboration with renowned contemporary artist Chen Fenwan. Through artful reinterpretations of traditional crafts of revolving lanterns and intricate paper-cutting, Shangri-La is crafting festive moments that bridge heritage and innovation. Paired with bespoke offers, culinary indulgences, an interactive game with daily prizes, the campaign is designed to offer business, leisure, and family travellers a unique way to welcome a new year of renewal and abundant blessings.
A Year of Signature Culinary Moments Ahead with Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico
Chef Victor Rosado brings authenticity, technical excellence, and a storyteller’s perspective to the resort’s food and beverage program at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico. His approach highlights Puerto Rico’s vibrant flavours and local ingredients, reinterpreting time-honoured traditions with refinement and a modern sensibility.
Radisson Individuals debuts in Spain with the addition of Blau Gran Hotel Las Caldas and Blau Hotel
Radisson Individuals has officially entered the Spanish market welcoming to its portfolio Blau Gran Hotel Las Caldas, a member of Radisson Individuals and Blau Hotel Las Caldas, a member of Radisson Individuals, two wellness-focused properties set in the serene Las Caldas valley, only minutes from Oviedo. The landmark debut underscores Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to expanding character-led hospitality in stand-out destinations.
IHG and Pro-invest Group reposition asset as voco Queenstown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announced the conversion of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown to voco Queenstown, partnering with asset owner, developer and manager, Pro-invest Group, to reposition the highly regarded, centrally located hotel within IHG’s premium portfolio. The 227-room property, operated by EVT Connect Hospitality, is superbly situated in the heart of Queenstown, just a short stroll from the lakefront and the town’s popular dining, retail and tourism precincts. This conversion represents a considered evolution of the asset, aligning its prime location, scale and performance profile with a premium brand proposition.
Shakira to Perform Live in Jordan for the First Time
Global superstar Shakira, the Queen of Latin Pop, is set to perform live in Jordan for the very first time as part of her highly anticipated Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, with an exclusive concert taking place on 28 March 2026 at Ayla Oasis Development in Aqaba. Organized by 165 Entertainment, the landmark event is supported by a strong coalition of national partners, including Ayla, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the Jordan Tourism Board, Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Hotel, and Zain, reflecting a unified public-private effort to position Jordan as a premier destination for world-class entertainment and tourism.