Travel Industry News Page 29
Cunard hosts first dedicated homeworker fam trip aboard the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2
Cunard has hosted its first dedicated fam trip exclusively for homeworkers on board the world’s only ocean liner as it strengthens engagement with the homeworking sector. 21 travel agents embarked on the five-night voyage on board flagship, Queen Mary 2 from Southampton on 5 June, sailing to Le Havre and Cherbourg. The fam trip formed part of Cunard's wider homeworker strategy, designed to immerse agents in the Cunard experience to deepen understanding of the brand, making it easier for agents to confidently bring that story to life for their clients and become long-term brand ambassadors.
The most iconic Summer Solstice celebrations around the world
New research from AllClear Travel Insurance has analysed search volume, TikTok hashtags, and average June temperatures to reveal the best events to celebrate Summer Solstice around the world. With Summer Solstice nearly here (20-21st June), and marking the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, cultures around the world are getting ready to come together to celebrate with ancient traditions and festivities. But which ones are the best?
World's most stunning hidden nature gems revealed by travel experts
As travellers increasingly swap crowded tourist hotspots for quieter, more authentic experiences, new research has revealed the world's most spectacular hidden nature gems. The shift reflects a growing appetite for off-the-beaten-path travel. Recent travel trend research found that almost three in five (58%) of Brits now prioritise lesser-known destinations over traditional tourist hotspots. With this in mind, global Google searches for "hidden gem travel" have risen by 5,095 % over the past year, reflecting a growing appetite for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
European travel programmes more mature than global average; UK signals stronger strategic capacity
The CTM Travel Programme Maturity Index, launching exclusively at Business Travel Show Europe next Wednesday, shows European travel programmes are more mature than their global counterparts, and the UK – specifically – signals stronger strategic capacity.
Thomas Cook India introduces industry-first cross-border rewards programme for its forex card custom
As Indian travellers become increasingly digital-first in their spending behaviour, the way they pay overseas is evolving rapidly. From spending on daily essentials and transportation to swiping for experiences, dining, or shopping, travellers are increasingly choosing contactless and wallet-based payments over cash. However, while rewards programmes have become commonplace in India's payments ecosystem, benefits linked to international prepaid forex card spends remain limited. Addressing this gap, Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India's leading omnichannel foreign exchange services company, has introduced an industry-first cross-border rewards programme for customers using its forex cards, rewarding international spends on leading global brands.
Iglu Cruise Launches 'Explorations by Norwegian' – a Revolution in Small-Ship Luxury
Iglu Cruise, Europe's leading cruise agency, today announces the launch of Explorations by Norwegian. This pioneering cruise concept redefines luxury travel by seamlessly blending the intimacy of river cruising, the discovery of expedition voyages, and the refined comfort of premium ocean travel. As part of the Flight Centre Travel Group, Iglu Cruise brings you exclusive sailings created entirely in-house.
BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY APPOINTS JON VIGUE AS NEW PARK PRESIDENT
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay today announced the appointment of Jon Vigue as the park's new President, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation at one of America's most iconic theme parks in the midst of a more than $100 million investment in new attractions and park enhancements.
Sandals® Resorts Reveals the Next Chapter of Sandals 2.0 Across Three Beloved Jamaica Resorts
Playing a leading role in Jamaica's comeback, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) today unveiled a first look at the guest experiences, dining concepts and accommodations coming to Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Caribbean Cay, renamed from Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast as part of the company's US$200 million transformation of the three storied Jamaica resorts.
Mews named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Revenue Management Systems in Hospitality
Mews, the operating system for hospitality, has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Revenue Management Systems in Hospitality 2026 Vendor Assessment (doc # US53542126, June 2026). According to the IDC MarketScape, "Hospitality operators should consider Mews if they are seeking a unified architecture and are prioritizing a unified PMS-RMS-BI workflow, high-frequency automated pricing, and a roadmap toward total guest revenue optimization within a single ecosystem."
TAAG ANGOLA AIRLINES STRENGTHENS SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT BY JOINING THE IATA CO2 CONNECT PLATFORM
TAAG Angola Airlines has taken a strategic step in strengthening its sustainability footprint while aligning with international aviation best practices by joining the IATA CO2 Connect initiative, a global platform developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the accurate calculation and transparent reporting of CO₂ emissions across the aviation industry.
“Huge optimism” as the Middle East re-opens for holidays
Worldwide travel specialist Travelbag (Travelbag.co.uk) says there is huge optimism for British travellers now that Dubai and the Middle East are back on the map, following the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran and the FCO’s lifting of advice against all but essential travel to the area.
RMS partners with SUNY Niagara to prepare tech-ready hospitality graduates
RMS, a leading global hospitality technology platform, has partnered with SUNY Niagara’s Hospitality Management Program to provide students with hands-on experience using industry-leading property management technology. As part of the partnership, students studying at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), a division of SUNY Niagara, will use the RMS platform throughout their Hospitality Management degree, gaining practical experience across key hotel operations including reservations, front desk management, housekeeping, sales, revenue management and reporting.