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The most iconic Summer Solstice celebrations around the world
New research from AllClear Travel Insurance has analysed search volume, TikTok hashtags, and average June temperatures to reveal the best events to celebrate Summer Solstice around the world. With Summer Solstice nearly here (20-21st June), and marking the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, cultures around the world are getting ready to come together to celebrate with ancient traditions and festivities. But which ones are the best?
World's most stunning hidden nature gems revealed by travel experts
As travellers increasingly swap crowded tourist hotspots for quieter, more authentic experiences, new research has revealed the world's most spectacular hidden nature gems. The shift reflects a growing appetite for off-the-beaten-path travel. Recent travel trend research found that almost three in five (58%) of Brits now prioritise lesser-known destinations over traditional tourist hotspots. With this in mind, global Google searches for "hidden gem travel" have risen by 5,095 % over the past year, reflecting a growing appetite for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
European travel programmes more mature than global average; UK signals stronger strategic capacity
The CTM Travel Programme Maturity Index, launching exclusively at Business Travel Show Europe next Wednesday, shows European travel programmes are more mature than their global counterparts, and the UK – specifically – signals stronger strategic capacity.
Thomas Cook India introduces industry-first cross-border rewards programme for its forex card custom
As Indian travellers become increasingly digital-first in their spending behaviour, the way they pay overseas is evolving rapidly. From spending on daily essentials and transportation to swiping for experiences, dining, or shopping, travellers are increasingly choosing contactless and wallet-based payments over cash. However, while rewards programmes have become commonplace in India's payments ecosystem, benefits linked to international prepaid forex card spends remain limited. Addressing this gap, Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India's leading omnichannel foreign exchange services company, has introduced an industry-first cross-border rewards programme for customers using its forex cards, rewarding international spends on leading global brands.
Iglu Cruise Launches 'Explorations by Norwegian' – a Revolution in Small-Ship Luxury
Iglu Cruise, Europe's leading cruise agency, today announces the launch of Explorations by Norwegian. This pioneering cruise concept redefines luxury travel by seamlessly blending the intimacy of river cruising, the discovery of expedition voyages, and the refined comfort of premium ocean travel. As part of the Flight Centre Travel Group, Iglu Cruise brings you exclusive sailings created entirely in-house.
BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY APPOINTS JON VIGUE AS NEW PARK PRESIDENT
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay today announced the appointment of Jon Vigue as the park's new President, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation at one of America's most iconic theme parks in the midst of a more than $100 million investment in new attractions and park enhancements.
“Huge optimism” as the Middle East re-opens for holidays
Worldwide travel specialist Travelbag (Travelbag.co.uk) says there is huge optimism for British travellers now that Dubai and the Middle East are back on the map, following the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran and the FCO’s lifting of advice against all but essential travel to the area.
AlUla Unveils Manara, A Landmark Destination for Astronomy, Discovery and Astrotourism
Set beneath some of the clearest and darkest skies on Earth, AlUla has unveiled the design of AlUla Manara, a landmark destination for astronomy, scientific discovery and astrotourism that will transform how visitors experience the cosmos. Situated within the world's third-largest Dark Sky Park and designed by Heatherwick Studio, the facility will connect AlUla's rich celestial heritage with the future of scientific exploration, creating a world-class destination for discovery, learning and inspiration.
GAME ON: HOW GLOBAL SPORTS EVENTS RESHAPE CITIES, INVESTMENT & TOURISM
Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global sporting destination is reshaping far more than its events calendar. As the Kingdom prepares to host a growing portfolio of international tournaments, from Formula 1 and international football to golf, boxing and e-sports, sport is increasingly recognised as a powerful driver of tourism demand, investment attraction and long-term destination positioning. As David Thomson, Senior Vice President – Development, The First Group Hospitality, puts it: "Mega-events can put a city on the map. When managed well, they reposition a city in the minds of investors and travellers." Four leading hospitality executives share their perspectives ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS Saudi Arabia, taking place from 22-24 June at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh.
SUMMER SIZZLE BVI CELEBRATES 16 YEARS OF FASHION, CULTURE, LUXURY, AND CARIBBEAN EXCELLENCE
Summer Sizzle BVI, the Caribbean's premier fashion and lifestyle event, returns for its landmark 16th edition from July 15 20, 2026, bringing together world-renowned designers, celebrity guests, industry leaders, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts for an unforgettable week of luxury, culture, and island experiences in the British Virgin Islands.
ONE MOUNTAIN, THREE COUNTRIES, ONE EPIC ADVENTURE: THE RANDONNÉE DU MONT BLANC RETURNS
On 25 July 2026, Courmayeur will host the start and finish of the second edition of the Randonnée du Mont Blanc, the cycling event organised by EPICDAYS.CC. The route circles Mont Blanc clockwise through Italy, France and Switzerland, offering participants a choice between a 330 km course with 9,000 metres of elevation gain and a shorter Express route of 100 km with 3,000 metres of climbing. Both options are available in road and off-road versions, including gravel and mountain bike formats. With no rankings and no timing, the event is designed as a journey, encouraging riders to rediscover the spirit of sharing and adventure.
Sunset World Group Confirms It Is Prepared for the 2026 Hurricane Season
With the start of hurricane season in the Atlantic, Sunset World Group announced that its hotels and staff are prepared to handle any weather-related event, thanks to the ongoing implementation of its Storm and Hurricane Prevention and Response Program. The program includes specialized training for staff at all of the group's hotels to act before, during, and after the impact of a tropical storm or hurricane, with the primary objective of safeguarding the well-being of its members, guests, and staff.