Travel Industry News Page 278
Float Beneath the Brightest Northern Lights in a Decade at Geothermal Sanctuary Laugarás Lagoon
Discover Iceland's newest winter destination at Laugarás Lagoon, a geothermal sanctuary newly opened on the iconic Golden Circle. Positioned in Laugarás village and easily reachable by car - just over an hour from Reykjavík - guests float across two levels of therapeutic warm waters connected by a dramatic waterfall, soaking beneath nature's greatest light show. The timing of Laugarás Lagoon's opening is exceptional: a rare 'solar maximum' (occurring once every 11 years) makes this winter likely to be the most spectacular Northern Lights season until 2037, with peak activity expected to last until March 2026.
FUSION EXPANDS ITS VIETNAM PORTFOLIO WITH TWO LANDMARK HOTEL OPENINGS IN EARLY 2026
Fusion Hotel Group, Southeast Asia’s leading wellness-inspired hospitality brand, has announced the upcoming debut of the stylish new LÈGACY Hanoi – a Fusion Original, as well as Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection in early 2026. Located in two of Vietnam’s most historic and internationally renowned tourist destinations, these hotel openings mark the next chapter in the Fusion Hotel Group’s ambitious expansion and reinforces its leadership role in the country’s dynamic hospitality landscape.
Moxy Hotels Debuts in Nepal’s Buzzing Heartbeat
Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced its debut in Nepal with the opening of Moxy Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a city that thrives on contrasts, blends ancient heritage with modern buzz, vibrant culture, creativity, youthful energy and deep-rooted spiritual calmness - making it the perfect playground for Moxy.
Family ski holidays made effortless this February half term with Powder Byrne
For those planning a family ski holiday this February half term, Powder Byrne’s programmes will be in full swing, with dedicated teams on hand to welcome guests to some of the best resorts in the Swiss Alps. Powder Byrne’s children’s ski programmes offer tailored, expert-led experiences for ages 3 to 19, guiding young skiers from their first steps on the snow to advanced, independent skiing, all within a safe, fun, and confidence-building environment. With the expert support of Powder Byrne, families can switch off and enjoy the mountains without the usual holiday pressure, creating a break that is relaxed and full of fun.
Marriott International and V&A Waterfront Holdings Announce Agreement to Bring EDITION to Cape Town
Marriott International, Inc. and V&A Waterfront Holdings today announced a signed agreement to open The Cape Town EDITION within the V&A Waterfront in 2026. This milestone agreement is anticipated to mark the debut of EDITION Hotels in Africa, bringing its signature taste-making design, innovation, and consistent, excellent service to Cape Town.
ORIENT EXPRESS SAILING YACHTS UNVEILS ITS NEW ITINERARIES FOR THE 2027 SEASON
Faithful to a heritage shaped by innovation and the French art of living, Orient Express continues its vision of exceptional travel and expands its horizons once more. After an initial season of sailing planned through the Mediterranean and the Caribbean in 2026, Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, will welcome her sister-yacht, Orient Express Olympian, in 2027. Together, they will unveil a new collection of itineraries. As with previous journeys, each route will follow the most favourable winds, reducing environmental impact while offering a distinctive maritime experience.
WeRoad Reveals Top Travel Trends Predictions for 2026
WeRoad highlights major travel trends shaping 2026, driven by changing traveller motivations and behaviour. Demand is surging for emerging destinations like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China, alongside continued popularity of classic favourites such as the Dolomites and Amalfi Coast. Travellers are increasingly seeking personal growth, human connection and relief from loneliness, with solo travel — especially among women — rising sharply. Key 2026 trends include balancing new and familiar destinations, shorter flexible trips, digital detox travel, solo-but-social experiences, and viewing travel as a form of self-care and wellbeing.
Why Porto’s Europe’s Best Destination Title Signals a Shift in Urban Travel
Porto’s recognition as Europe’s Best Tourist Destination at the World Travel Awards represents more than a prestigious accolade. It reflects a broader transformation underway in European urban tourism — one increasingly shaped by authenticity, sustainability and meaningful cultural engagement rather than sheer visitor volume.
WTTC selects Madrid as new Global Office to boost worldwide travel and tourism
WTTC has unanimously approved Madrid as its new global office after a strategic review, aiming to strengthen leadership through deeper member engagement, stronger advocacy, better access to global talent, and improved efficiency.
Finnair launches flights to Australia in 2026
Finland's national flag carrier, Finnair, has just announced an expansion to its long-haul network, starting flights to Melbourne, Australia from next autumn. The route will be operated daily via Bangkok with an Airbus A350 aircraft. The new route marks a completely new destination for Finnair, connecting Australia directly to Finnair’s extensive network via Finnair’s Helsinki hub.
UK bed bug warnings during Christmas travel highlight shift toward certified bed bug-safe hotels
Following a wave of UK media reports warning of rising bed bug infestations as Christmas travel accelerates, hospitality experts say the coverage highlights a broader, travel-driven reality that hotels can no longer address through one-off responses alone. The warnings come as travel volumes reach historical highs. According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, aviation is on track for the busiest Christmas travel period on record, following a record-breaking summer, significantly increasing the movement of passengers, luggage, and personal belongings across destinations nationwide.
Five essentials shaping the future of the Middle East’s hospitality sector
The era of scaling hospitality businesses simply by counting rooms is over, according to The Bench, organisers of Future Hospitality Summit, which says that the future of hospitality lies in creating integrated ecosystems, lifestyle platforms and purpose-driven destinations. After nearly 1,600 hospitality leaders from more than 70 countries checked in to Dubai for FHS World 2025, it is clear that a new wave of factors is shaping the future of hospitality in the Middle East – and globally – from the rise of non-hospitality brands in real estate to the critical intersection of Artificial Intelligence.