Travel Industry News Page 349
“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.
Premier Inn Middle East appoints Jennifer Edwards as Operations Excellence Director
Premier Inn Middle East has appointed Jennifer Edwards as its new Operations Excellence Director. Edwards joins the Middle East division from Premier Inn UK, bringing over a decade of experience in operations management and commercial leadership across the UK and Australia. With a proven track record of leading change and delivering results, she will play a key role in supporting the brand’s ambitious growth journey in the Middle East.
FHS World toasts excellence, innovation and achievement with FHS Awards
FHS World 2025 honoured leading luminaries shaping the future of the Middle East’s hospitality and tourism sector with four FHS Awards to celebrate the best of the best in the industry.
The First Group partners with BB Holding for UAE’s first Radisson Red on Marjan Island
The First Group Hospitality, one of the region’s fastest-growing hotel management firms, has announced its partnership with BB Holding to operate the upcoming Radisson RED Marjan Island—the first franchised Radisson RED in the UAE, scheduled to open in 2027. This partnership marks a major milestone for both companies: The First Group’s debut in Ras Al Khaimah and BB Holding’s first hotel development in the UAE, reinforcing investor confidence in the emirate’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector.
Legacy Hotels Holding Acquires Stake in Experiential Hospitality Brand, Earth Hotels
Legacy Hotels Holding today announced an agreement to invest in Earth Hotels to support the brand’s impressive growth across KSA, UAE, Portugal and Spain.
Aleph Hospitality signs hotel management agreement for Grand Iva Hotel in Abha
Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, has signed a hotel management agreement with Grand Iva Corporation for the Grand Iva Hotel in Abha, Saudi Arabia.