Breaking Travel News

Travel Industry News Page 287

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Celebrates 15 Years with Star-Studded Anniversary

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Celebrates 15 Years with Star-Studded Anniversary

Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi celebrated its 15th anniversary on December 3, 2025, in the presence of Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 Driver, Ferrari executives including Maria Carla Liuni, Ferrari’s Chief Brand Officer, Julien Kauffmann, CEO of Miral Experiences, tier 1 media outlets, and the park’s dedicated annual pass holders and VIP guests. The milestone event brought together partners, fans and long-time supporters to honor 15 years of record-breaking rides, innovation and unforgettable family experiences under the park’s iconic red roof.

IHG Hotels & Resorts signs new Holiday Inn Resort in picturesque Lonavala

IHG Hotels & Resorts signs new Holiday Inn Resort in picturesque Lonavala

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Emproy Hospitality LLP, for the development of Holiday Inn Resort Lonavala. Slated to open in 2027, the deal strengthens IHG’s presence in the essentials category and underscores its continued expansion across India’s fast-growing leisure destinations. Nestled in the lush, year-round greenery of Lonavala, the new Holiday Inn Resort will offer travelers a scenic getaway. Its prime location on the NH-48 Expressway ensures excellent visibility and access, positioning it as the corridor's next premier destination. Embodying the ethos of the trusted Holiday Inn brand, beloved for its consistent comfort and guest-focused innovation, Holiday Inn Resort Lonavala will feature 100 well-appointed rooms, three distinct dining options, and recreational facilities including a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center.

Coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef

Coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef

It may not snow in Queensland in December, but underwater, the Great Barrier Reef is putting on its own kind of snowfall in a dazzling underwater exhibition of new life. Giant clams, molluscs and gastropods joined the Great Barrier Reef's headline event, the annual synchronised coral spawning, across much of the 2600km/1615 miles length of the Reef last night (10 December 2025), putting on a jaw-dropping show after some corals performed a curtain raiser in November. This underwater snowstorm of coral sperm and eggs showcases one of the world's most visually incredible natural phenomena.

Relaxation and Connection Define Wellness Travel in 2026

Relaxation and Connection Define Wellness Travel in 2026

As we enter into the new year, many will be looking to beat the January blues with a wellness escape, prioritising relaxation and rejuvenation to begin 2026. Expedia's Unpack 2026 highlights that 91% of travellers are seeking trips centred on relaxation, reading and quality time with loved ones. This evolution reflects a broader shift in which travellers are choosing to step away from a hyperconnected world and reconnect with the people they care about, seeking shared experiences over constant digital engagement. This is evident in the way travellers are actively pursuing mindful breaks from daily demands, whether through the therapeutic sound of the sea, the grounding presence of nature or the restorative atmosphere of a spa.

City of Dreams Named Cyprus' Best MICE Hotel 2025

City of Dreams Named Cyprus' Best MICE Hotel 2025

The five-star resort, based in Limassol Cyprus, joins an exclusive lineup of winning properties which includes some of the world's finest venues for global meetings, incentives, conferences and events. Voted for by MICE professionals, media and consumers, the award recognises City of Dreams' commitment to excellence in this field. Grant Johnson, property general manager at City of Dreams, Mediterranean commented: “What an honour it is to be recognised by the World MICE Awards as Cyprus' leading MICE Hotel

CHTA HIGHLIGHTS THE BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS FROM CHIEF 2025

CHTA HIGHLIGHTS THE BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS FROM CHIEF 2025

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) today shared the leading insights emerging from the 2025 Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), which recently took place in Barbados. CHTA also announced that CHIEF 2026 will be held November 16–18, 2026, running concurrently with Taste of the Caribbean. The annual event brought together hotel executives, policy makers and tourism partners from across the region to examine the strategies reshaping Caribbean hospitality and the operational shifts required for long-term resilience and competitiveness.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Floats Out First New Ship Class in 10 Years

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Floats Out First New Ship Class in 10 Years

Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line, celebrated a momentous milestone in Seven Seas Prestige’s™ construction journey as the ship floated from dry dock on 27 November, 2025. The first new ship class for Regent in 10 years, Seven Seas Prestige will usher in a new legacy for ultra-luxury cruising. “Seven Seas Prestige touching water for the first time marks an extraordinary moment for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, representing the culmination of years of planning and collaboration with our long-standing partners at Fincantieri," said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “The overwhelming response to this vessel affirms that discerning travelers recognize something truly exceptional is on the horizon; emphasized by the ship’s launch day which became our biggest single booking day for a new ship in our history. From the unprecedented Skyview Regent Suite to every thoughtfully designed detail, Seven Seas Prestige embodies our dedication to redefining ultra-luxury travel."

Unlock the world’s best-kept secrets with expert-led journeys from Captain’s Choice

Unlock the world’s best-kept secrets with expert-led journeys from Captain’s Choice

Captain’s Choice is known for its carefully researched and flawlessly organised journeys. Several upcoming itineraries in 2026 will be led by expert guides whose insight brings each destination to life, from wine connoisseurs and rally car champions to cultural historians. In February 2026, escape the winter on Captain’s Choice's recreation of the legendary Kangaroo Route from Sydney to London. Inspired by the original 1947 Qantas journey, this modern adventure combines comfort and discovery aboard a privately chartered Qantas Airbus A330. Travellers are joined by aviation expert and retired Qantas Captain Greg Fitzgerald as well as cultural historian Kenneth Park, an experienced tour guide and the former Curator of Collections at Wesley College Melbourne, whose knowledge and stories bring each stop, from Singapore to Italy, to life.

WorldTicket by GO7 expands IATA BSP network to Armenia, completing its Caucasus coverage

WorldTicket by GO7 expands IATA BSP network to Armenia, completing its Caucasus coverage

WorldTicket by GO7, which gives travel agents access to 150+ airline partners through its W2 ticket stock, has today gone live in IATA’s Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) in Armenia. This enables IATA-accredited travel agents in the country to sell, issue, and settle W2 tickets in Armenian dram through their existing BSP setup – with instant ticketing and no additional configuration.

Sunrise Airways and Protect Group join forces to offer hassle-free refunds

Sunrise Airways and Protect Group join forces to offer hassle-free refunds

Protect Group, a leader in ancillary travel products, has today announced a strategic agreement with Sunrise Airways. This partnership now offers the airline’s passengers a simple and reliable way to secure refunds should they not be able to travel. Going forward, Sunrise Airways customers can book their flights with greater peace of mind, knowing they are protected against any unforeseen events thanks to Protect Group’s flagship service, Refund Protect. This will allow all travellers to make their tickets fully refundable for the first time if they are unable to travel. An upgrade that was previously unavailable.