Travel Industry News Page 248
Web in Travel identifies five key travel trends set to shape APAC in 2026
Web in Travel (WiT), Asia’s leading travel intelligence and events platform, has unveiled its top five predictions for the year ahead. Editor‑in‑Chief Siew Hoon Yeoh draws on emerging signals across the region – from shifting traveller behaviour to the rapid adoption of new technologies.
Marriott International Again Named One of Fortune's World’s Most Admired Companies
Marriott International today announced it has once again been named one of Fortune's World’s Most Admired Companies. The company has appeared on Fortune's Most Admired Companies' list consecutively since its inception in 1998. Marriott was named number one in the Hotels, Casinos, and Resorts category and placed number 14 in this year’s ranking overall.
Pinwheel nominated for The Earthshot Prize
Pinwheel has today announced that it has been nominated for The 2026 Earthshot Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards.
WOWist IA Audiovisual, wins the ‘The AI for Tourism Awards 2026’ organised by FITUR and SEGITTUR
The awards ceremony took place as part of FITUR Know-How & Export 2026, after 20 AI-based solutions were submitted to the competition. The shortlisted finalists were Data y Gestión de flujos turísticos con IA, Sport4DIS y Fast Innovation Turism.
FITUR TechY Marks 20 Years as the Leading Hub for Tourism Innovation
FITUR TechY brings together business leaders, official representatives and international experts to analyze how AI, sustainability and digital governance are shaping the future of tourism. The event also introduced ITH Lab, an active space designed for hands on interaction with cutting edge innovation developed by leading companies
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.