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IATA AGM countdown begins as global aviation leaders prepare to gather in Rio

IATA AGM countdown begins as global aviation leaders prepare to gather in Rio

Rio de Janeiro is preparing to welcome the global aviation industry as the countdown begins to the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, taking place from 6 to 8 June 2026. Hosted by LATAM Airlines Group, the event will bring airline chiefs, aviation policymakers, manufacturers, airports, technology leaders, investors and media to Brazil at a decisive moment for global air transport. The decision to stage the AGM in Rio places South America firmly at the centre of the aviation conversation. IATA says the event will be held in “the largest aviation market in South America”, underlining the role air transport can play as a driver of social and economic prosperity across the region.

JW Marriott Appoints Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Global Brand Ambassador

JW Marriott Appoints Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Global Brand Ambassador

JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 brands, today announces its collaboration with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as a Global Brand Ambassador. Through this, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will elevate and bring renewed expression to the brand’s global “Stay in the Moment” platform, bringing a thoughtful, globally resonant perspective that deepens its relevance across key international markets.

PORTO CARRAS GRAND RESORT REINTRODUCES AN ICONIC MEDITERRANEAN RESORT ESTATE FOR SUMMER 2026

PORTO CARRAS GRAND RESORT REINTRODUCES AN ICONIC MEDITERRANEAN RESORT ESTATE FOR SUMMER 2026

Reopening for the summer 2026 season, Porto Carras Grand Resort enters a new chapter in the story of one of Greece’s most iconic hospitality estates. Set across a vast private estate in Sithonia, Halkidiki, where pine-covered hills meet the Aegean Sea, the resort re-emerges with a renewed focus on timeless Mediterranean hospitality, vineyard heritage, gastronomy and experience-led travel.

China and its leading performance in Travel & Tourism: Poised to Become the World’s Leading Economy

China and its leading performance in Travel & Tourism: Poised to Become the World’s Leading Economy

China’s Travel & Tourism (T&T) sector is undergoing a phase of accelerated expansion, positioning it as a strong example of sustained tourism growth, and placing the country firmly on track to become the world’s leading T&T economy in the coming years if current trends continue. According to new 2026 Economic Impact Research (EIR) data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner, China is emerging not only as the standout performer in Asia-Pacific, but also as a leader for how to coordinated policy, innovation, and long-term investment in infrastructure can drive high-impact tourism growth at scale.

Bob W to open design-led aparthotel in Stuttgart's historic Bad Cannstatt district

Bob W to open design-led aparthotel in Stuttgart's historic Bad Cannstatt district

Bob W, the award-winning AI - and tech-powered hospitality operator, has announced plans to open a new 136-unit aparthotel in Stuttgart's historic Bad Cannstatt district, bringing its signature blend of technology, design and local storytelling to one of Germany's most significant cultural neighbourhoods. Scheduled to open in 2027, the new property will occupy a site spanning more than 3,000 square metres and is built on the location of a former World War II bunker. The development will feature 136 smart apartments across five floors, alongside a communal kitchen and lounge, co-working space, laundry facilities and a 550-square-metre fitness area.

Alibaba and Fliggy Offer a Glimpse Into the Future of the Connected Traveller

Alibaba and Fliggy Offer a Glimpse Into the Future of the Connected Traveller

As the global travel industry races to understand the implications of artificial intelligence, a gathering of industry leaders in Shanghai and Hangzhou offered a compelling glimpse into what the next era of travel may look like. Hosted by Alibaba Group and Fliggy, a three-day Europe-China executive dialogue brought together 75 senior leaders from 17 countries to explore how AI, digital commerce and connected consumer ecosystems are reshaping the traveller journey. The programme, held during the week of ITB China, featured 27 speakers and contributors spanning tourism, technology, government, investment and media.

CHTA CALLS FOR A NEW, BROADER FRAMEWORK TO MEASURE THE TRUE VALUE OF CARIBBEAN TOURISM

CHTA CALLS FOR A NEW, BROADER FRAMEWORK TO MEASURE THE TRUE VALUE OF CARIBBEAN TOURISM

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) invites governments, development banks, tourism authorities, regional institutions and private sector leaders to adopt a new, broader framework for evaluating tourism's contribution to the Caribbean. The proposed approach looks past visitor spending alone to measure three things that shape the region's future: the economic value retained within Caribbean economies, the investment tourism makes in Caribbean people, and the industry's impact on the natural environment.

Pouring New Meaning into Indigenous Luxury

Pouring New Meaning into Indigenous Luxury

In the misty uplands of Southwest China, Anantara Guiyang Resort’s wine insider Jason is engaged in a delicate tightrope act. In a region where the fiery Moutai liquor has dominated social functions for millennia, his mission is to show how tradition can open itself to new expressions – in this case, through wine. As Anantara Hotels & Resorts marks its 25th anniversary with the ‘People Who Inspire’ series, Jason captures the brand’s stewardship of authentic local experiences and the confident rise of China’s wine culture.

QANTAS' PROJECT SUNRISE A350-1000ULR COMPLETES MAIDEN TEST FLIGHT

QANTAS' PROJECT SUNRISE A350-1000ULR COMPLETES MAIDEN TEST FLIGHT

Qantas' Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR has completed its maiden test flight, marking a significant milestone ahead of the launch of commercial flights that will connect Australia’s east coast to London and New York, non-stop, for the first time ever. Operated by two Airbus Flight Test Pilots, three Flight Test Engineers and one Ground Test Engineer, Qantas’ ultra long range A350 took off for the first time from Toulouse yesterday afternoon local time and flew for three hours 43 minutes over France and the French Atlantic Coast.

Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady returns from dry dock with new enhancements

Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady returns from dry dock with new enhancements

Valiant Lady has returned to service following a two-week dry dock, with a series of onboard updates including new dining, refreshed venues and more than 20 new Happenings events (onboard programming). The ship is sailing in the Mediterranean this summer before repositioning to San Juan in the autumn. Updates include the launch of Ariya by Razzle Dazzle, a new modern Indian restaurant, as well as redesigned spaces across The Athletic Club, The Roundabout, Grounds Club Too, The Manor, On the Rocks, The Dock and retail areas. All 1,300+ crew have also completed a “Virgin Way” culture booster as part of the ship’s return to service