Travel Industry News Page 338
Blockbuster end to WTM London 2025
World Travel Market London 2025 closed with a high-profile fireside chat, this year featuring an Oscar-nominated British actor sharing his love of travel with a senior member of the UK government in front of a standing-room-only crowd. Richard E Grant, nominated for an Oscar for Can You Ever Forgive Me? in 2019, talked travel with Sir Chris Bryant MP, recently appointed the UK’s minister of state for trade policy.
Global Leaders Gather at WTM London
Global leaders from tourism, travel-tech, and destination management met at a private, invitation-only roundtable hosted by Mabrian, The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, and the Global Tourism Resilience Council to explore how data and innovation can transform the future of event management. The closed-door session, titled “Strategic Event Intelligence – Data, Impact and the Future of Events Tourism,” was held at the Crowne Plaza Docklands during World Travel Market (WTM) London and brought together a select group of senior executives from JCDecaux, ICF, This is Breeze and Queer Destinations, alongside tourism and destination leaders from Europe
TAP IS THE OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF TEAM PORTUGAL
TAP Air Portugal has established a partnership with the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP) and the Portuguese Paralympic Committee (CPP) through an agreement that makes the national airline the Official Airline of Team Portugal and Olympic Partner until the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. This agreement covers the entire Olympic cycle, including transport for the Portuguese delegation to the 2028 Games, as well as to qualifying events, training camps and international preparation missions.
Take the Northern Lights to new heights with Finnair
Finland’s national carrier, Finnair, brings UK travellers the opportunity to experience Finland’s popular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) season, due to the darker winter nights. 2025 is predicted to bring the most impressive Northern Lights in around a decade with increased solar flares creating a more intense and recurrent experience. This year, the sun’s solar maximum - an 11 year cycle - will be at its peak, making this winter the perfect time to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Quito strengthened its international positioning at the World Travel Market London 2025
As part of its internationalization and global positioning strategy, Quito took part in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, held in London from November 4 to 6. The Ecuadorian capital was part of Ecuador’s national stand, with the goal of consolidating its image as a cultural and sustainable destination in the markets of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
RateGain Completes Acquisition of Sojern to Power the Next Phase of AI-Powered Growth
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for the hospitality and travel industry, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Sojern, the leading AI-powered marketing platform built for hospitality.
Visit Qatar Highlights Record Tourism Growth and UK Market Strength at WTM London 2025
Visit Qatar is unveiling the country’s significant tourism growth and expanding visitor offerings at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, from 4-6 November 2025 at ExCeL London. Joined by a strong delegation of 48 partners - including hotels, resorts and destination management companies - Visit Qatar shared its latest milestones in the country’s tourism sector during a press conference on 5 November, highlighting growth in visitor numbers, hospitality expansion, cruise milestones and Qatar’s evolving position as a world-class travel destination.
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WTM London’s tech audience agree that AI is good for travel (with caveats)
Artificial intelligence is a net positive for travel, according to a show-of-hands after a lively debate which rounded off the Technology Summit at this year’s WTM London. The role of AI in travel was debated by two teams of three. Those agreeing with the proposition – AI is the enemy of travel – were led by Stephen Joyce from Protect Group, with the dissenters led by Christian Watts of Magpie Travel.
Jumeirah and Bouguessa Unveil ‘Jumeirah Heritage Club’ Introducing Jumeirah’s Capsule Collection
Jumeirah, the global luxury hospitality brand and a member of Dubai Holding, today unveils Jumeirah Heritage Club – an exclusive capsule collection created in collaboration with acclaimed Dubai-based contemporary fashion house Bouguessa.
Saudia Joins the World Travel Market 2025 in London
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, participated at the World Travel Market 2025 (WTM), hosted in London, United Kingdom, from November 4 to 6. The event is one of the world’s leading travel and tourism events, bringing together industry leaders, decision-makers, and experts from around the globe.
Vietnam Airlines Introduces Its First-Ever Signature Fragrance
Vietnam Airlines has become the first airline in Vietnam to introduce its own signature fragrance, LotuScent, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. The fragrance is crafted to enhance the ambiance of select Lotus Lounges and on international flights.
Exclusive Livestream of Media Roundtable With HH Princess Sara and Mr. AlHamdan, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
In a pivotal discussion, H.H. Princess Sara bint Salman Al‑Saudi Al‑Saud and Mr. AlHamdan outlined how Saudi Arabia is stepping into the global tourism spotlight by hosting the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh (7-11 November 2025) — coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the UN tourism body. They emphasised Saudi’s intent to leverage this milestone to showcase its transformation under Vision 2030, and to set a new course for the industry under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.” The roundtable highlighted three core areas of focus: deepening international collaboration across 160+ member states; embedding artificial intelligence and sustainable innovation into the travel ecosystem; and using the event as a platform to accelerate Saudi’s role as a global tourism hub and model of responsible growth.