Travel Industry Events News Page 70
World Travel Awards calls for 2026 entries
The Call for Entries for the World Travel Awards 2026 is now open. Travel and tourism organisations worldwide are invited to submit their entries for the opportunity to win the industry’s most prestigious accolade. Organisations demonstrating market-leading excellence are encouraged to participate. All available categories can be viewed online. The application process is quick and straightforward, and entries are submitted via the World Travel Awards website.
Monumental land art exhibition opens in the ancient oasis of AlUla
This week marks the official opening of Desert X AlUla 2026, the landmark fourth edition of the international, open-air biennial exhibition. Arts AlUla, in collaboration with Desert X, welcomes visitors to experience a stellar line-up of Saudi and international multi-generational artists whose site-responsive earthworks, sculptures, and installations will engage in a powerful dialogue with the awe-inspiring landscapes and layered heritage of AlUla.
Celebrate The Year Of Mindful Movement At Namia River Retreat this Tết New Year
As “Tết” 2026 ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, Namia River Retreat invites travellers to experience a Vietnamese New Year shaped by meaningful presence. This is a Tết to be felt rather than hurried through, one that unfolds gently along the banks of the Thu Bon River.
Civitatis accelerates its global growth with a 30% increase in Latin America
On the eve of FITUR 2026, Civitatis, the leading curated marketplace for guided tours and activities in Spanish and Portuguese worldwide, and following the recent announcement of its new CEO, announces strong growth momentum for 2026, with Latin America expected to grow by over 30%, alongside the launch of its new App as a key lever to support its global expansion.
Middle East Outbound Travel Spend to Surpass $60bn by 2030 as ATM 2026 Sees 10% Growth
With overseas travel spend by Middle East residents expected to grow by 6% per year until the end of the decade, where it will top US$60 billion according to the latest ATM Travel Trends Report, exhibition space is in high demand among international participants at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May.
Year-long commemoration of nation’s 250th underway in Washington, DC
With only-in-DC experiences, free attractions and a citywide collaboration of more than 85 partners, Washington, DC is kicking off its year-long commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. No place tells America’s story as vividly as DC, the only place to see the Declaration of Independence and the best place to discover its impact. Destination DC, the city’s official destination marketing organization, announced an updated calendar of fun, free events and special exhibitions, interspersed with headline openings and reopenings, throughout the year. Begin planning your trip at a special website for the occasion: DC250.us.
FITUR 2026 sets the global pace for tourism, drawing 160 nations and more than 10,000 companies
Madrid once again becomes the focal point of global tourism as it hosts the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), organised by IFEMA MADRID from 21–25 January 2026. In its 46th edition, FITUR strengthens its position as the sector’s leading platform, highlighting both its international reach and its commitment to knowledge as a driver of industry transformation
FITUR 2026: Hotel booking lead time increase sixfold, says RateGain
The behavior of travelers attending major tourism events is undergoing a significant shift. On the occasion of FITUR Madrid 2026, RateGain, a global leader in AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, analyzed hotel bookings in the Community of Madrid for the week of January 19–25. The analysis reveals a substantial change in booking patterns, characterized by longer booking lead times, higher spend per night, and longer stays.
Accor named ‘World’s Leading Climate Action Initiative’
Global hospitality giant Accor has been recognised with the title of ’World's Leading Climate Action Initiative’ by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards for supply chain decarbonisation programme ‘Achieving Net Zero Together’.
ITE Hong Kong 2026: Leading International Sourcing Fair for Asian Travel Trade and Premium FIT
Comprising 40th ITE Leisure and 21st ITE MICE, the annual ITE in 2026 which celebrate its 40th Anniversary, will be held at Halls 1 of Hong Kong Convention Exhibition Centre from June 11 to 14 with two-trade-day and two-public-day, and dedicated B2B and B2C programs. A proven platform, live ITE been held each year since 2021!
Santa Monica Celebrates Route 66 Centennial With Launch of Global Song Contest
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is inviting musicians and songwriters from across the globe to celebrate the centennial of Route 66 in a distinctly musical way. The Route 66 Song Contest offers artists over the age of 18 the chance to submit an original track capturing the spirit of Santa Monica and its legendary connection to the highway for a chance to win $10,000 USD. Entries are welcome from the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, and New Zealand.
World-renowned ice fishing festival kicks off in Hwacheon
A world-famous annual ice fishing festival kicked off Saturday in a remote mountain town in the northeastern province of Gangwon, offering weeks of ice fishing and seasonal activities.