Travel Industry News Page 229
PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE, THE NATION'S PREMIER CULINARY CELEBRATION, RETURNS FOR ITS 15TH YEAR
Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the nation's most anticipated culinary experience, returns April 9–12, 2026, marking its milestone 15th year along California's iconic Monterey coastline. The four-day festival brings together an extraordinary lineup of world-class chefs, vintners, and mixologists across 50 events for a weekend defined by exceptional food, wine, and hospitality — all while supporting local youth programs through the Pebble Beach Company Foundation's philanthropic mission.
DAR GLOBAL DEBUTS NICKELODEON HOTELS & RESORTS OMAN IN AIDA
Dar Global, the London-listed luxury real estate developer, has unveiled Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Oman at its landmark AIDA development. The project marks a significant addition to Oman's fast-growing tourism sector, redefining luxury family travel while presenting a distinctive investment opportunity within one of the Sultanate's most ambitious destinations.
iQIYI Opens First Tech-Enabled Immersive Theme Park
China's leading online entertainment platform, officially opened iQIYI LAND, its first global offline theme park, in Yangzhou, a city in central Jiangsu Province in eastern China. As China's first immersive indoor theme park developed by a streaming platform, the launch marks a significant milestone in iQIYI's strategy to integrate technology with creativity, expand the value of its IP beyond streaming, and bring its content ecosystem to life through physical, immersive experiences.
Etienne Dalançon appointed General Manager of the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur
Hilton has appointed luxury hospitality veteran Etienne Dalançon as General Manager of the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, set to open in late 2026. This marks the debut of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Malaysia, with the landmark property located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, Bukit Bintang.
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.