Travel Industry News Page 246
Travel Answers Group and Experience AlUla Announce Exclusive Partnership to Promote AlUla
Travel Answers Group, a leading provider of independent vacation experiences, is proud to announce the launch of AlUla and other destinations across Saudi Arabia as a new destination within its Middle East portfolio, in exclusive partnership with Experience AlUla, the official destination management and experience arm of the Royal Commission for AlUla.
FITUR Woman calls for female talent to be recognized in tourism decision-making
Participants in the forum, organized by FITUR together with Women Leading Tourism, say that for tourism growth to be sustainable and competitive, it must also be inclusive. One in three new jobs created worldwide in the coming years will be linked to tourism, a sector in which women make up 54% of the workforce.
FITUR Sports confirms that the synergy between tourism and sports is key
The fourth edition of FITUR Sports opened yesterday as part of the International Tourism Fair, running from January 21 to 25, consolidating its position as an international meeting point for sports tourism professionals. Organized by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with AFYDAD, the section will focus over three days on outdoor sports, competitive sports and sporting events, and Sports Business Travel, with a strong focus on the professional business.
International attendance boosts visitor numbers on FITUR 2026’s opening day
The International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) started its first day with 52,000 professional visitors, 55% of them from overseas. The tourism industry marked the start of FITUR 2026 with a minute’s silence, paying tribute to the victims of the recent railway accident that shocked the country.
Oceania Cruises® Reveals Oceania Sonata™ Maiden Season Voyages
Oceania Cruises®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, unveiled a first look at the itineraries of Oceania Sonata™, the first ship in its all-new Sonata Class debuting in August 2027. Now available online for preview with bookings opening on January 28, 2026, Oceania Sonata's inaugural season features 22 sailings from August 2027 through April 2028, spanning more than 90 destinations on voyages ranging from 7 to 16 days.
Starwood Hotels Announces Plans for 1 Hotel & Homes Hudson Valley
Starwood Hotels, the sustainable hotel management company founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is thrilled to announce plans for 1 Hotel & Homes Hudson Valley, set on the pristine shores of Fifth Lake in New York's Ulster County. This upcoming development will be a significant addition to 1 Hotels, the mission-driven, nature-inspired luxury lifestyle brand. With residences projected to be offered for purchase beginning in Summer 2026 and a resort scheduled to open in 2028, the project will combine world-class hospitality, sustainability, and private branded luxury in one of the Hudson Valley's most stunning natural settings.
Marriott Invites Travelers to Discover Latin America Through Authentic Cultural Experiences
At a time when travel is no longer defined merely by changing locations but by understanding the soul of the places visited, Marriott International hotels transform Latin America into a living map of flavors, art, history, and traditions. Through a curated selection of properties in Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, and Peru, the company invites travelers to immerse themselves in experiences that foster a deep and meaningful connection with the identity of each destination.
Arctic Cruises See Rising Demand Among Affluent Travelers: Key Factors Behind the Shift
The edge of the world. It’s got this weird pull, doesn’t it? For a long time, the Arctic was just for the hardcore types. Scientists, explorers, and people who didn't mind a little frostbite. But everything has changed now. It’s different. We’re seeing more and more affluent travelers heading north. And honestly? It isn’t even about the destination anymore. It’s about the feeling. That deep connection to a world that doesn’t care about your emails or your schedule.
Backroads Launches New "Say Yes to Summer" Campaign
Backroads, the global leader in active travel, today announced a new "Say Yes to Summer" campaign to support the peak booking months of January and February for summer travel—and travel throughout the year.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP NAMED TO THE FORTUNE WORLD'S MOST ADMIRED COMPANIES™ 2026 LIST
Royal Caribbean Group has been named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies 2026 list, marking a defining moment in the company's evolution into a global vacation leader. The annual ranking, compiled by Fortune® in partnership with Korn Ferry, surveys executives, directors, and industry analysts to evaluate companies across nine key reputation attributes including innovation, quality of management, products and services, social responsibility, and long-term investment value.
Emirates signs agreement with Dubai Investments Park to secure site for new Cabin Crew Village
Emirates Airline has signed an agreement with Dubai Investments Park (DIP) to acquire land for a new purpose-built Cabin Crew Village. Representing a multi-billion-dirham investment, the development will feature a mixed-use and residential community designed to accommodate up to 12,000 cabin crew members.
Emirates renews naming rights sponsorship of Emirates Team New Zealand
Emirates has renewed its more than two-decade-long partnership as naming sponsor of the Defender of the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand, extending one of the longest-standing and most iconic sponsorships in international sailing through the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and all preliminary regattas.