Travel Industry News Page 552

World Travel Awards 2025: cast your vote for the best in travel
Voting for the World Travel Awards 2025 has opened for categories in Africa, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Middle East and North America. This year’s nominees cover the entire length and breadth of the global travel industry. Categories include Aviation, Tourist Attractions, Car Hire, Destinations, Hotels & Resorts, Meetings & Events, Travel Agencies and Tour Operators.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS LAUNCHING BIGGEST SUMMER SALE WITH UP TO 30% OFF
Etihad Airways is launching its biggest annual summer sale with up to 30% off on a wide range of destinations across its network, to help guests plan their summer travel. Guests can book their flights at special sale fares until 28 March for travel between 1 May and 15 September 2025, to various exciting Etihad destinations including Prague, Warsaw, Atlanta and Sochi.

Stay on Saadiyat Island for the Ultimate Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Experience
Race weekend just got a serious upgrade! Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi is offering an exclusive package that blends the electrifying thrill of Formula 1® with five-star luxury, cultural gems and sun-soaked relaxation. The Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 roars into Yas Marina Circuit from December 5 to 7, and there’s no better way to experience the action than with a luxury stay on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. A minimum three-night stay is required, including race day, ensuring you get the full Grand Prix weekend experience in ultimate style. Saadiyat Island was voted Middle East's Leading Beach Destination 2024 in last year's World Travel Awards
How Volunteer Tourism is Strengthening Water Security in a Climate-Changed World
Around the world, water scarcity is becoming one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress, and the United Nations projects that by 2025, half of the global population could be living in water-stressed areas. The World Health Organization further warns that 785 million people still lack basic drinking water services, while nearly 2 billion rely on contaminated sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.

U.S. Virgin Islands Announces the Performance Line-up for 2025 St. Thomas Carnival Village
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals is pleased today to announce the 73rd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village performance line-up. Headlined by global dancehall superstar Shabba Ranks and international soca superstar Kes, the six-free Village Nights will be highly anticipated ahead of kickoff on Monday, April 28.

Alaska Airlines announces new nonstop flights between Seattle and Seoul Incheon beginning Sept. 12
Alaska Airlines has set the date for new nonstop service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon on Hawaiian Airlines. Starting Sept. 12, 2025, guests can fly in comfort on our long-haul, widebody Airbus A330-200 aircraft to South Korea's capital city. We initially announced the new international route this past December. Tickets can now be purchased at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com.

Hilton Announces Brand Debut of Signia by Hilton in Africa
Hilton today announced the signing of Signia by Hilton Cairo Skywalk and Signia by Hilton Residences Cairo Skywalk in partnership with Skywalk Developments, bringing the Signia brand to Egypt and Africa for the first time. The two latest additions to Hilton’s luxury portfolio in Egypt will offer modern stays with cosmopolitan amenities, personalised service, and extensive meetings and events facilities for guests and residents alike.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Texas
Today, global hospitality leader Hilton, announced the signing of a branding and management agreement with Wine Country Hospitality Partners LLC—a visionary partnership between Mark Harmon, Robert Radovan, and Tim Sparapani—for the new build Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country and Waldorf Astoria Residences Texas Hill Country, marking the debut of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in the Lone Star State.
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WTTC’s Global Summit Lands in Rome this September
Following its hugely successful Global Summit last year in Perth, Western Australia, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is bringing the world’s most prestigious Travel & Tourism event to Rome this year, marking a significant return to Europe after six years. In association with the Ministry of Tourism, the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT), and with the participation of the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio Region, the Eternal City will host the 25th edition of the WTTC Global Summit, at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome, from 28-30 September 2025.

The Rise of Solo Travel: Skyros Holidays Welcomes Independent Explorers
Skyros, Greece, solo travel is on the rise, with more people than ever setting off on independent adventures in search of personal growth, creativity, and connection. Women, in particular, are leading this trend, seeking meaningful experiences that offer both inspiration and community. Skyros Holidays, based on the beautiful Greek island of Skyros, offers tailor-made retreats designed to give solo travellers the best of both worlds, time for personal reflection and a welcoming group atmosphere. The solo travel boom Recent studies highlight the growing shift towards solo travel:

Discover the Perfect Multi-Generational Family Getaway With Private Charters on European Waterways'
For families seeking an unforgettable way to explore Europe and spend quality time together during the long summer break, European Waterways offers the ultimate experience with fully-crewed private charters aboard their elegant hotel barges. Tailored to multi-generational families, these cruises provide the perfect environment for creating shared memories, offering an intimate and flexible experience that larger ships and river cruisers simply can't replicate.

Friend In Iceland's Classic Stops & the Highlands Tours Now Offer Private Cabin Accommodations
Friend In Iceland, a luxury Icelandic tour provider, is now including cabin accommodations with its popular Classic Stops & the Highlands tours. With a newly-renovated cabin in Myrkholt, Iceland serving as a base, the tours are available to individuals, couples, families and groups of up to 12 people, every year from June through mid-October. Customized private tours are available year-round. The tours take visitors to classic sights like the Golden Circle, the South Coast and the Glacier Lagoon, as well as lesser-known gems like Hveravellir and Landmannalaugar in the Icelandic highlands.