Travel Industry News Page 314
India Is Officially a She-Planned Nation: 7 in 10 Trips Are Planned by Women, A Thrillophila Report
Thrillophilia, India’s leading AI-powered multi-day tours platform, has released its Women & Travel Decisions 2025 report, revealing a quiet but powerful shift inside Indian households. The country’s real travel decision-maker today is not the travel agent, the algorithm, or the loudest voice in the room; it is the woman who plans, filters, budgets, and ultimately shapes the family’s entire travel experience. Based on an analysis of 212,000 itineraries and 8.9 million planning signals, the report finds that women now influence or directly design 72% of India’s leisure trips, taking ownership of everything from budgeting and safety to emotional comfort and experience curation.
The “Region of Valencia” emerges as a European leader in accessible tourism
The Region of Valencia is reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most inclusive destinations with the launch of seven new accessible routes, now available on TUR4all Travel, the world’s leading platform dedicated to fully accessible travel experiences and a purpose-driven agency that reinvests 100% of its profits into improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Ranked among Spain’s Top 5 most accessible destinations and the fastest-growing in this segment, according to the TUR4all Travel 2025 Trends Report — which also places Spain as Europe’s leading country in accessible tourism — the Region of Valencia showcases its diversity beyond the traditional “sun and beach” model through seven new accessible routes.
Midad Real Estate, Kerzner to Bring Atlantis and One&Only to Jeddah Waterfront
Midad Real Estate Company has announced a landmark joint venture with Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned company, and Kerzner International, the global hospitality leader behind the iconic Atlantis and One&Only brands. The signing took place at TOURISE Global Summit, in attendance of the Ministry of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb and His Excellency, Mohammad Al Shaibani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kerzner International.
Zeus International Hotels & Resorts Group presents its new corporate identity
ZEUS Hotels & Resorts Group, celebrating a decade of success in the hospitality industry, is entering a new phase as it develops into a comprehensive hospitality brand with a global outlook. The Group's strategic rebranding reflects its commitment to offering luxurious accommodation and authentic local experiences, in line with the needs of modern travellers, international hospitality standards and the latest sustainability practices.
Investing in Travel Services: What to Check Before Buying a Taxi Cab
Buying a taxi is one of the most important investments a driver or small operator can make. It is not just about finding a vehicle that looks good or fits the budget, but about ensuring it meets the right standards, keeps running costs low, and supports long-term reliability. Whether expanding a fleet or upgrading your first vehicle, getting these checks right can save time, money, and stress later on. Below, we cover what every buyer should look for, from local authority requirements to the details that keep your taxi on the road and earning.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 Fuels Robust H1 Tourism Growth
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced robust tourism growth in the first half of 2025, a testament to the successful execution of its ambitious Tourism Strategy 2030. A key pillar of this overarching strategy is Abu Dhabi's commitment to diversify offerings that profoundly reshape its visitor landscape. Through strategic initiatives and investments that aim to preserve its rich cultural heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision, the emirate is being established as a city renowned worldwide for its culture and creativity.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa Co-Founder Honored with Ramon Magsasay Award
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa proudly celebrates Maldivian conservationist and co-founder, Shaahina Ali, who has been honored with the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award, one of Asia’s most prestigious recognitions of leadership and social impact — for her pioneering work in marine conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism in the Maldives. She is thefirst Maldivian to receive this award, recognized for her unwavering commitment to protecting the marineecosystem of the Maldives with passion, vision, and inclusivity, ensuring her work will be carried on by another generation of Maldivians.
Etihad Guest Introduces Full Flexible Option Across Every Seat Onboard
Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, has significantly enhanced its exclusive member experience by allowing every seat to be purchased with miles, and with different layers of flexibility. GuestSeat awards will now be branded as ‘Saver Award’ and provide a low starting price for redemption tickets. These updates are designed to provide members with greater flexibility, transparency, and value when booking flights with Etihad Guest Miles, aligning with Etihad’s commercial fares. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said, “Etihad Guest is designed to reward loyalty, and these changes ensure our members enjoy even greater flexibility and transparency when redeeming their miles. Saver Award seats highlight the exclusive value our members deserve, with more ways to tailor their travel to their needs and flexibility across every seat.”
MANDARIN ORIENTAL RECOGNISED AT WORLD SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2025 IN DUBAI
Mandarin Oriental is proud to announce that it has been named the winner of World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative, World’s Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project, and World’s Leading Sustainable Policy Initiative at the 2nd annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Dubai. These accolades highlight Mandarin Oriental’s leadership in accelerating change and creating meaningful impact across ultra-luxury hospitality. The recognition highlights the Group’s pioneering approach to to reduce our environmental impact, safeguard cultural heritage and inspiring more mindful travel experiences. Launched at COP28, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards celebrate organisations that transcend traditional hospitality by integrating sustainability and environmental stewardship at the core of their operations.
British Visitors in Wartime Kyiv: Tourism as an Act of Solidarity
Even with the war still going on, a lot of Brits keep coming to Ukraine, but not for fun, but with a specific goal. Volunteers, documentary filmmakers, and entrepreneurs keep coming to Kyiv and other cities to support a country fighting for its independence. For them, their very presence has become a form of support — a silent message that says: we are here with you. British citizens are among the top 10 most popular foreign visitors to Ukraine in 2025, with 17,210 registered entries in the first half of the year — a slight increase compared to 2024. According to exclusive border crossing data analyzed by VisitKyiv.com, this trend indicates a growth in solidarity trips. After all, most of these visitors come not for leisure, but to support Ukraine and its people.
Blacklane expands chauffeur services to Tunis and Nairobi: First operations in North and East Africa
Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, has launched operations in Tunis and Nairobi, scaling its world-class premium mobility to two of Africa’s most dynamic cities. The expansion marks a key step in Blacklane’s continued international growth, connecting travelers in both North and East Africa with seamless, reliable mobility and first-class guest service.
David Angotti joins Casago as Chief Digital Officer to drive next phase of digital innovation
Casago, a premier vacation rental property management company known for its locally owned and operated franchise model, has obtained top-tier talent by welcoming David Angotti as Chief Digital Officer, a key leadership move that reinforces Casago’s commitment to digital innovation in the short-term rental industry.