China Ready Workshop, a sold-out, two-hour premium paid training session was held on 15 April at WTM Africa 2026 in Cape Town, marking the first time the workshop has been staged in South Africa. The program was partnership between CBISN and WTM Africa. Attendance reflected the breadth of the industry, with registered participants spanning hotels, DMCs, attractions, wineries, transportation providers, MICE operators and luxury travel. Senior management from several tourism boards were also present.

Africa's chain hotel development pipeline has reached a record high of 675 hotels and 123,846 rooms as of early 2026, representing an 18.6% increase year-on-year, according to the 18th annual Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa report published by W Hospitality Group. At the heart of this surge is Egypt, the continent's undisputed hotel development powerhouse with 185 planned hotels and 45,984 rooms, representing 37.1% of the entire African pipeline. North Africa as a whole now commands 50% of all pipeline rooms across the continent, with its pipeline growing 27% year-on-year - well over double the 11% growth recorded in sub-Saharan Africa. The North African pipeline stands at 284 hotels and 62,630 rooms, drawing from four active development markets: Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. There is no current development pipeline in Libya.

Virgin Voyages has confirmed the return of its annual Eat & Drink Festival, with a new ‘Festival of Senses’ concept. The programme will run across the four-ship fleet on a limited number of August and September sailings, offering a series of food and beverage-led experiences designed to enhance onboard dining for Sailors (guests). New for 2026 is ‘A Feast for the Senses’, an immersive culinary event hosted in the onboard nightclub, The Manor. The experience combines film, interactive elements and tasting opportunities, with Sailors moving through a series of staged food and drink moments.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is proud to introduce the Pelican's Nest Sky Deck, a groundbreaking addition that redefines the traditional all-inclusive resort experience. Spanning 59,000 square feet, the new rooftop environment brings together entertainment, adventure and social programming in a dynamic open-air setting.

SeaWorld San Diego is excited to announce that Shark Encounter, the all-new experience that brings the wonders of sharks to life through a dynamic and engaging exhibit, will open on May 22. This underwater adventure, featuring enhanced visuals and state-of-the-art multimedia, immerses guests in the power and beauty of sharks while dispelling long-held myths. Shark Encounter is the only shark exhibit on the West Coast where guests can upgrade their day for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to feed a variety of large shark species right over the water.

The Capital of Route 66®'s massive celebration for the 100th birthday of Route 66 set for May 30, 2026, will now be an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt, potentially solidifying Tulsa's place in the history books for the Centennial celebration of the Mother Road. A Guinness World Records adjudicator will be on-site to verify the attempt and if a record has been broken. “In Tulsa, we don't do anything halfway,” said Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols. “Making Capital Cruise an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt adds another layer of excitement to what was already going to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration in The Capital of Route 66®. This will be a true citywide celebration, from north to south and east to west, and we can't wait to show the world how we'll celebrate the Mother Road in Tulsa.