Travel Industry News Page 377
Ministry of Culture collaborates with Google Arts & Culture to launch Jeddah Historic District
The Saudi Ministry of Culture today announced a collaboration with Google Arts & Culture to launch an official page dedicated to Historic Jeddah, one of Saudi Arabia's sites registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This step aims to utilize modern digital technologies to highlight the cultural and historical value of the area.The initiative was announced during the Cultural Investment Conference, held in Riyadh.
Turkish Airlines celebrates three decades of Manchester flights
Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, is celebrating 30 years of flights from Manchester in northern England to İstanbul. The national flag carrier operates 28 weekly flights from Manchester Airport to İstanbul Airport, providing a convenient and seamless connection between the two cities. Growing demand for Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network among British travellers has led to a recent increase of services, with Turkish Airlines now operating four flights per day to the İstanbul Airport, the hub of the airline.
Saint Lucia welcomes travel leaders for World Travel Awards 2025
Travel and tourism leaders from across the Caribbean and North America are gathering in Saint Lucia as the paradise island hosts the World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2025 on 4 October. The VIP event at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian marks the third stop on WTA’s Grand Tour 2025, which also includes events in Tanzania, Cancun (Mexico), Hong Kong and Sardinia (Italy), before culminating in the Grand Final in Bahrain.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister sets sights on Welcoming 500,000 UK Visitors by 2030
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, is targeting an ambitious new goal of attracting 500,000 visitors from the United Kingdom (UK) by 2030, underscoring the country’s strategic commitment to strengthening its position in one of its most important source markets.
Ras Al Khaimah Joins Two of the World’s Most Exclusive Luxury Travel Networks
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced Ras Al Khaimah’s acceptance into Virtuoso® and Serandipians by Traveller Made, two of the world’s most exclusive luxury travel networks. This dual acceptance positions Ras Al Khaimah among the globe’s finest destinations for discerning travellers, reflecting its growing appeal as a premier destination for exceptional experiences, world-class hospitality, and strategic promise on the global luxury travel map.
Choice Hotels International Accelerates International Growth
Choice Hotels International, Inc. one of the world's largest hotel franchisors, today announced it will onboard an additional 50 properties representing more than 4,800 rooms across France, nearly doubling the company's portfolio in the country from 57 to 107 franchised hotels. The new properties will join the Quality Suites brand and complement Choice Hotel's existing Clarion, Quality, Comfort and Ascend Hotel Collection hotels in France—Europe's largest hotel franchise market.
Central Holidays Unveils 2026 Signature Italy Escorted Tours with Early Booking Savings
Central Holidays, award-winning leader in affordable-luxury travel to Italy for more than 50 years, is proud to announce its 2026 line-up of signature Italy Escorted Tours, featuring guaranteed departures, and an exclusive Early Booking Promotion offering savings of up to $200 per person. Designed to highlight the very best of Italy, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these travel programs reflect Central Holidays' deep expertise, insightful local knowledge, and longstanding commitment to delivering unforgettable, immersive travel experiences.
PHNOM PENH'S TECHO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OPENS: CAMBODIA'S NEW GLOBAL GATEWAY
On 9 September, Phnom Penh celebrated a historic milestone with the inauguration of Techo International Airport, the nation's largest aviation infrastructure project. Cambodian funded and built, with a design inspired by the nation's cultural and Angkorian heritage, the airport begins operations as a modernised hub for business and tourism. The launch was marked by the arrival of the first commercial flight operated by Air Cambodia, welcomed with a traditional water salute.
France’s leading B2B and B2B2C travel player DIGITRIPS announces ambitious European expansion
France-based B2B travel distribution solutions provider DIGITRIPS Group has today confirmed an ambitious European expansion plan with the appointment of Vicki Wickens as Vice President of International Growth – bringing valuable expertise from prior senior roles at Gimmonix, Sabre and Expedia Group. DIGITRIPS looks for establishing a lasting presence in other key European markets with its modular travel technology solutions. This international growth plan follows DIGITRIPS becoming France’s leading B2B and B2B2C platform – handling over 5m bookings since it was founded 10 years ago – and recent successful launches in both Benelux and Italy.
Intrepid Launches ‘Short Breaks’ for Time-Strapped Travelers
Intrepid Travel has unveiled its new ‘Short Breaks’ range, featuring 4–6-day adventures for time-pressed travelers seeking immersive travel experiences. The range includes 10 brand-new itineraries across Latin America and Europe and 45 refreshed trips worldwide, carefully curated to fit a condensed timeframe. With a local leader and small group size, the new range delivers all the defining features of a classic Intrepid adventure, while offering more inclusions, shorter travel times, and closer-to-home destinations. The launch comes as busy schedules and limited leave are continuing to drive travellers to seek shorter, more flexible travel options. American travelers typically receive less than 10 days of vacation time. In fact, 67% of Americans say they’d rather take more shorter trips than fewer longer ones[1] and over half of Intrepid travellers surveyed[2] expressed interest in adventures that fit into a shorter period.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Expands in Malaysia with the Opening of Sheraton Johor Bahru
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, proudly announces the opening of Sheraton Johor Bahru, a modern landmark hotel poised to redefine the hospitality experience in one of Malaysia’s most dynamic cities. As the first Sheraton in Johor Bahru, this 345-room hotel brings to life the brand’s new vision as part of a worldwide transformation which focuses on design and experience signatures that foster community, gathering, and productivity in all areas of the hotel.
First EDITION Branded Residences in the Middle East
Shamal Holding and Marriott International Inc. announced a signed agreement to bring EDITION branded residences and a hotel to Dubai Harbour. Set to be completed in 2029, The Dubai Beach EDITION will combine EDITION’s signature taste-making design, innovation, and consistent, excellent service, redefining luxury living and hospitality in one of Dubai’s most iconic seafront destinations.