Travel Industry News Page 346
Hilton Surpasses 100 Hotels in Saudi Arabia, with a Growing Pipeline
Hilton has announced it has surpassed the milestone of 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia – representing a combined investment of USD $8 billion from hotel owners and investors into Hilton’s growing portfolio, and underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to supporting Vision 2030 by expanding its footprint and delivering world-class hospitality throughout the Kingdom. The announcement was made ahead of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Saudi Arabia, a global forum that convenes world leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss the future of global investment and economic trends.
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Unveils New Look for 2025/26 Season
Fresh from the most extensive renovation in its history, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is thrilled to welcome back guests this October, following a transformative $14 million investment (approx. £10.5 million). Adding to the excitement, Coconut Bay has been named Saint Lucia's Leading Family Resort in the 2025 World Travel Awards, an honour that reflects the resort's dedication to providing exceptional experiences for guests of all ages.
Lisbon Lights Up for the Festive Season
Lisbon is set to sparkle this festive season, with Christmas markets, open-air concerts, seasonal gastronomy and New Year celebrations across the city. From late November to early January, Visit Lisbon highlights key events and festivities inviting visitors to experience the city's winter magic.
Disney and Formula 1® Collaboration to Launch at Las Vegas Grand Prix
Disney and Formula 1® announced today their highly anticipated collaboration will kick off at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this November. As revealed in May, this exciting global relationship will “fuel the magic” for fans by blending world-class sports with Disney's iconic storytelling and an exclusive Formula 1 merchandise line.
Beaufort Global and Fields of Gold launch UAE–China REIT platform
Beaufort Global Partners (BGP) and Fields of Gold Capital & Asset Management (FOG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a cross-border Pre-REIT and Hospitality and Commercial REIT platform within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)/Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
“Brexit” a major factor as WTTC considers locating its head office overseas
The organisation that represents the global private sector in travel and tourism, WTTC (the World Travel and Tourism Council), which is a global authority on the economic and social impact of sector, confirms it is likely to move its head office outside of the UK for the first time in its history. The Board of WTTC has endosed a plan to ensure the organisation continues to play the leading role in global travel and tourism and advocate for long-term, sustainable growth in the sector. WTTC is considering whether to locate its headquarters in Italy, Spain or Switzerland. It has begun an evaluation assessment and is consulting with all of its staff currently based in London.
Mexico City Prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026
As one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico City is gearing up to welcome the world with open arms and a bold new urban vision. Set to host the tournament’s opening match and several key games, the Mexican capital will not only serve as the stage for football’s greatest spectacle but also as a living showcase of the nation’s cultural vitality, creative spirit, and dedication to sustainability.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Unveils Summer 2027 Itineraries
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection today announced its summer 2027 Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries aboard Evrima and Ilma, now open for reservations. Sailing from April through October, the season introduces 50 new voyages that explore the beauty, history, and culture of Europe’s celebrated coastlines. Each itinerary pairs marquee cities with lesser-traveled ports, offering extended time ashore and curated excursions that bring each destination to life.
W Hotels Unveils the Newly Transformed W Hoboken
W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the completed transformation of W Hoboken, a luxury urban oasis in the heart of Hoboken’s vibrant dining, social, and cultural scene. Perched on the waterfront directly across from New York City, W Hoboken breathes new life into the city with its reinvented spaces that invite creativity and connection, inspired by the charm of Hoboken. W Hoboken follows the brand’s recently unveiled global flagship, W New York - Union Square, which honors the brand’s storied heritage and propels W Hotels confidently into the future, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to redefining luxury lifestyle hospitality.
St. Regis and Ladurée Bring a Taste of Parisian Charm to the Holidays Across the U.S.
This holiday season, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts unveils an exclusive partnership with Ladurée, the legendary Parisian patisserie. The storied St. Regis Afternoon Tea tradition, introduced by Caroline Astor more than a century ago, will be elevated with Ladurée’s world-famous macarons, bespoke tea blends, and festive confections at multiple St. Regis properties after a beloved seasonal presence at The St. Regis New York in 2024. For 2025, guests visiting select St. Regis US destinations in Washington, D.C., Deer Valley, Bal Harbour, San Francisco, and New York will savor a co-branded menu that marries French art de vivre with St. Regis’ legacy of celebration.
Travelsoft appoints Axel Nazarian as Managing Director
Travelsoft, a global reference Travel Tech group, whose technologies power more than €40 billion in bookings each year for travel players in over 90 countries, and which unites nine leading platforms - Atcore, Orchestra, Tigerbay, Traffics, Travel Compositor, Travel Connection Technology, Travelgate, Travelsoft Services, and Eventiz (including the recently acquired Travolution) - announces the appointment of Axel Nazarian as Managing Director, effective September 2025.
8 Dubai’s Hidden Gems: Places Locals Love
Dubai is often synonymous with towering skyscrapers, luxury malls, and iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, but have you ever wondered what lies beyond the typical tourist hotspots? While the city’s famous attractions are a must-see, there’s another side to Dubai that locals hold dear. These are hidden gems filled with charm, culture, and tranquility.