Travel Industry Events News Page 121
Combine Beach bliss with Cape Verde's Spectacular Carnival
Specialist tour operator Cape Verde Experience presents its spectacular Carnival package on the stunning island of São Vicente — a four-night cultural add-on that pairs perfectly with a relaxing beach break on the island of Sal. Taking place in February 2026 in the lively harbour city of Mindelo, São Vicente Carnival is Cape Verde's most vibrant and flamboyant celebration. The city erupts with colour, music, and parades inspired by Brazilian and Portuguese traditions — all infused with Cape Verdean soul. Visitors can expect the sounds of morna, funaná, and batuque echoing through colonial streets and lively bars.
Over 400 Global Buyers and Investors to Arrive in Costa Rica
From September 1 to 5, Costa Rica will welcome over 400 buyers and investors from 45 countries to the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025, Latin America's most influential business gathering for those seeking opportunities in exports and investment.
United Airlines: How a fresh perspective is reshaping loyalty
As the aviation industry prepares to gather in Lisbon for World Aviation Festival 2025, United Airlines is bringing a bold new take on loyalty to the stage. Mike Petrella, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at United Airlines, will speak in the session “Traveller-First Loyalty: Creating meaningful end-to-end journeys”, part of the festival’s loyalty track. The event runs from 7-9 October 2025 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), bringing together over 6,000 global executives, 600 speakers, and 400 exhibitors.
Aruba Launches Its First Voluntourism Campaign
While many companies offer paid volunteer days, better known as "Volunteer Time Off" (VTO), only one in three employees actually use it, according to Double the Donation. To help change that, Aruba is introducing Aruba VTO, a new initiative that invites travelers to save their PTO and instead use their VTO days for meaningful, purpose-driven experiences on the One Happy Island. Aruba VTO is a chance to give back while getting away with curated volunteer opportunities that connect guests with Aruba's culture, community, and natural beauty.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL JOINS IN PURSUIT OF WELLNESS SERIES
Mandarin Oriental has worked with teams at the Global Wellness Institute and BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions for the third season of In Pursuit of Wellness, a thoughtfully curated branded series exploring global approaches to wellbeing. Officially launched in July 2025, the new season features stories from around the world, including three immersive episodes set at Mandarin Oriental’s legendary hotels, revealing how time-honoured healing traditions continue to shape modern wellness journeys.
Sandals® Resorts and Beaches® Resorts Partner with Elvis Duran and the Morning Show
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are pleased to announce a new partnership with Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, the #1 nationally syndicated morning show and a flagship of the iHeartRadio network. Running through February 2026, the dynamic, multi-platform campaign will transport millions of loyal listeners across more than 80 key markets – from New York to Miami to Philadelphia and beyond – straight to the heart of the Caribbean, seen through the lens of the award-winning, family-owned all-inclusive brands.
Trip.com Group's Tourism Innovation Awards Celebrate Immersive, Sustainable & Culture-Rich Travel
Trip.com Group have announced the final winners of its Tourism Innovation Awards, recognising trailblazing projects that are driving tourism growth globally. From sustainability-driven design to immersive technology and cultural heritage, the winning projects give a glimpse of the future of travel – reflecting a growing demand for unique experiences that stretch beyond the usual travel checklist.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC CREATES MEXICAN-INSPIRED AFTERNOON TEA-QUILA EXPERIENCE
Fasten your tastebuds and prepare for take off, Virgin Atlantic is putting a spicy spin on a British tradition with the launch of a new fiesta-fuelled afternoon tea to celebrate its new route to Cancun, inspired by the flavours and destinations of Mexico. With an eclectic menu, designed by Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch Chef, Barry Vera, the aptly named ‘Afternoon Tea-quila’ features a watermelon and steak finger sandwich, a grilled strawberry burrito, tequila chilli macarons, an iced early grey margarita and even cheddar and jalapeños butter scones topped with sticky short rib.
ROCCO FORTE HOTELS LAUNCHES MUSICAL ROOM SERVICE
Rocco Forte Hotels launches the Musical Room Service, inviting guests to indulge in culinary and musical artistry from the privacy of a Signature Suite. The brand's iconic city hotels have partnered with theatres, opera houses and musicians in each location to provide the ultimate private performance for guests, available to order alongside in-suite dining from the hotels' restaurants.
British Airways announces Avios-Only flights to Cape Town over the peak festive period
Cape Town is the latest British Airways long-haul Avios-Only flight destination This popular route will be made available for customers using their Avios over the festive period Since the launch of Avios-Only flights, the airline has offered its Members 34 flights to 15 destinations The Avios-Only flight to Cape Town marks the release of the airline's 7,500th Avios-Only seat
FORTHCOMING MANDARIN ORIENTAL KANAI, RIVIERA MAYA ANNOUNCES VISIONARY CULINARY PARTNERSHIP
As Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya continues its development on Mexico’s pristine Caribbean coast, the resort has announced a landmark culinary partnership with the internationally renowned Alinea Group. Set to open within a protected 620-acre ecological reserve, the forthcoming beachfront sanctuary will feature an exclusive dining concept by The Alinea Group and Chef Grant Achatz, marking the group’s first permanent presence in Latin America.
As 60% of UAE travellers rely on AI to plan trips, human connection remains vital
Travel technology is transforming the industry globally, changing the way travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. According to a recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), 60% of travellers in the UAE trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to plan every aspect of their trips, compared to 48% of travellers in other countries, with this figure predicted to rise as technology becomes more embedded into consumer habits.