Travel Industry News Page 305
Tampere and Dubrovnik selected as 2026 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism
Tampere (Finland) and Dubrovnik (Croatia) have been selected as the winners of the EU's 2026 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions, following a European Jury meeting held in Brussels on 18-19 November 2025. This year's competitions saw an increase in participants from a wide range of countries. In total, 58 destinations from 22 countries competed for the European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism titles. The 15 shortlisted destinations were invited to present their cases to the European Jury in Brussels, who selected the winners of both competitions.
KAYAK Data Shows Searches Up 10% and Airfares Trending Down as Travelers Turn to AI tools
According to data from KAYAK, the world's leading travel search engine, holiday travel interest is up 10% year-over-year. Despite higher interest, prices across major travel categories are stable or down, giving travelers more opportunities to find affordable trips this holiday season.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurates Natural History Museum UAE
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has officially inaugurated Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, a landmark institution which reinforces the UAE's leadership in culture and scientific research. Located in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum offers an inspiring journey through 13.8 billion years of history spanning the creation of our universe and the story of life on Earth. It also serves as a centre for research and discovery, with onsite facilities that will undertake scientific research and contribute to global knowledge production.
AutoFlight Aviation Technology Unveils Zero-Carbon eVTOL Water Vertiport
AutoFlight Aviation Technology, a global leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) innovation, has unveiled the world's first integrated sea–air solution for low-altitude mobility, combining a zero-carbon water vertiport with eVTOL aircraft to expand advanced air mobility infrastructure across rivers, lakes, and coastal zones. The solution helps move low-altitude aviation from concept to real-world deployment and supports five priority use cases: energy platform maintenance, emergency rescue, high-frequency commuter services, sea-air tourism, and networks of mobile water-based vertiports.
Ho Chi Minh City partners with Vietnam Airlines to promote Vietnamese tourism in Northern Europe
In an effort to attract high-spending international visitors, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Vietnam Airlines, organized the Vietnam Tourism Promotion Program in Copenhagen, Denmark, on November 19, 2025.
SM Hotels & Conventions honoured with World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy Initiative title
SM Hotels & Conventions has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy Initiative 2025 for its ‘Plate for the Planet’ program by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
Peninsula Papagayo honoured with duo of top titles at World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
Luxury destination Peninsula Papagayo has been recognised with the titles of World's Leading Sustainable Hotel or Resort Development 2025 and World's Leading Sustainable Community Empowerment Programme 2025 by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prizes were revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism
The Coffee Academïcs Becomes First Hong Kong Coffee Brand to Collaborate with Cathay Pacific
The Coffee Academïcs, Hong Kong’s homegrown specialty coffee brand, has made history as the first local coffee brand to collaborate with Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s premier airline, bringing its signature blends to passengers taking to the skies. This milestone partnership showcases The Coffee Academïcs’ artisanal expertise while offering travellers a premium inflight coffee experience. Founded in 2012, The Coffee Academïcs has transformed Hong Kong’s specialty coffee scene through its meticulously sourced beans, innovative roasting techniques and dedication to delivering a refined sensory experience. The brand operates a 930-square-metre roastery and a network of 40 coffee shops across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, providing a one-stop solution for coffee lovers and partners alike.
“Le Jardin de Jimbaran” - a Festive Garden Wonderland at Intercontinental Bali Resort
InterContinental Bali Resort proudly presents Le Jardin de Jimbaran, a captivating celebration that brings the magic of the festive season to life amidst the resort's lush tropical gardens. Blending artistry, gastronomy, and heartfelt connection, this year's festivities invite guests to embark on a journey of renewal and joy along the enchanting shores of Jimbaran Bay. Discover a wide array of celebrations, from enchanting pre-festive experiences to dazzling seasonal events, a festive journey like no other.
Heritage Awali, Mauritius Reveals a Fresh New Chapter
Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, located in the raw beauty of Mauritius' south coast has revealed a new chapter in its evolution with a resort refresh and enhancements in its guest experience. Changes at the resort include a refurbished and repurposed Spa, a new category of Deluxe Beach View rooms and a rejuvenation of its popular Kids Club.
NEOM honoured with World’s Leading Sustainable Health & Well-being Initiative title at WSTHA
Saudi Arabia giga-project NEOM has been recognised with the title of World's Leading Sustainable Health & Well-being Initiative 2025 by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
Mariana Domingues honoured with Wolfgang Neumann Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow Award
Mariana Domingues, a sustainability specialist with Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, has been recognised with the prestigious Wolfgang Neumann Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow Award 2025 at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.