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BTN Interviews : Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX

BTN Interviews : Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX

WTM Spotlight Riyadh has been launched to connect the global travel industry with one of the world’s fastest-evolving tourism markets, as Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 ambitions across destination development, aviation, hospitality and infrastructure. According to Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX, the new event is designed as a focused, curated platform that reflects both sides of the Kingdom’s tourism opportunity: its rapid rise as an inbound destination and its growing influence as a high-value outbound market. Bringing together more than 450 exhibitors, over 6,500 regional and international visitors, and 150 hand-selected international hosted buyers, the inaugural edition aims to move brands beyond interest into practical business development through pre-scheduled meetings, targeted networking and market insight. With Riyadh positioned at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, the event will provide direct access to local buyers, decision-makers and stakeholders, while encouraging deeper conversations around premium travel, market access, resilience, visitor confidence and long-term collaboration.

Tourism Minister calls for UK cruise growth as industry gathers for CLIA’s Cruise Tourism Summit

Tourism Minister calls for UK cruise growth as industry gathers for CLIA’s Cruise Tourism Summit

UK Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock MP today reaffirmed government support for cruise growth as industry leaders gathered at the Port of Tyne for CLIA’s Cruise Tourism Summit. The Summit united cruise leaders, UK government representatives, ports, and tourism organisations. The programme explored ways that cruise can expand economic opportunity, strengthen regional tourism, and create lasting value for communities across the country.

CORI HORNBÆK HOTEL SET TO DEBUT ON THE COPENHAGEN RIVIERA IN AUGUST 2026

CORI HORNBÆK HOTEL SET TO DEBUT ON THE COPENHAGEN RIVIERA IN AUGUST 2026

Opening in August 2026, CORI Hornbæk Hotel ushers in a refined, design-led hospitality offering on Denmark’s quietly coveted north coast. Positioned as a year-round resort, the property brings a distinctive Scandinavian aesthetic to a destination long favored by discerning travelers and Copenhagen’s creative collective.

Quito Airport’s New International VIP Lounge Turns Farewells into an Experience

Quito Airport’s New International VIP Lounge Turns Farewells into an Experience

The Mariscal Sucre International Airport inaugurated its new International VIP Lounge, a space designed to transform the final moments before traveling into an experience connected to Quito’s identity, architecture, gastronomy, and Andean landscape. The renovated lounge, developed by Corporación Quiport as part of the airport’s expansion and modernization plan, includes an expansion of approximately 1,560 m² and increases capacity for international passengers by 15%.

Virgin Atlantic Announces Chairman Transition

Virgin Atlantic Announces Chairman Transition

The Virgin Atlantic board announced today that Peter Norris will step down as Chair on 31 May 2026, after 14 years in the role. He will be succeeded at Virgin Atlantic by Josh Bayliss, CEO of Virgin Group. Peter has served as Chair of Virgin Atlantic since 2012, guiding Virgin Atlantic through one of its most important defining periods. He has worked with successive management teams to shape the airline’s strategy, strengthening its partnerships and championing its distinctive brand, service and people.

EXPLORA III ELEVATES SUMMER 2026 WITH EXTRAORDINARY NORTHERN EUROPE JOURNEYS

EXPLORA III ELEVATES SUMMER 2026 WITH EXTRAORDINARY NORTHERN EUROPE JOURNEYS

This summer, maybe the most compelling new opening in luxury travel is not found on land at all; its address is the ocean. Setting off on her maiden voyages on August 3, EXPLORA III invites guests to experience a more refined expression of summer travel. From the quiet majesty of the Norwegian fjords to the cinematic coastlines of New England, each Journey has been thoughtfully designed to foster deeper connection through longer stays, overnight immersions and a more unhurried pace of discovery.

2028 Four Seasons Private Jet Experience Journeys Connect Travellers to New Destinations

2028 Four Seasons Private Jet Experience Journeys Connect Travellers to New Destinations

Four Seasons announces the first of its 2028 Private Jet Experience journeys with the return of Uncharted Discovery and New World Icons, redesigned to seamlessly connect guests with new hotels and exclusive experiences including: Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico, and Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, which will open later this year.

Pierre & Vacances Reveal the Top Family-Friendly Hotel Picks for Summer 2026

Pierre & Vacances Reveal the Top Family-Friendly Hotel Picks for Summer 2026

With the May half term fast approaching and the summer holiday season just a few months away, now is the ideal time to book in a family getaway that perfectly balances entertainment and relaxation. From dedicated kids' clubs to a wide range of sporting and water-based activities, Pierre & Vacances, a leader in Spanish hospitality, offers an extensive portfolio of family-friendly properties in some of Spain's most sought-after destinations.

Could Your Honeymoon Destination Predict Your Marriage Happiness? New Research Suggests It Might!

Could Your Honeymoon Destination Predict Your Marriage Happiness? New Research Suggests It Might!

Newlyweds dreaming of La Dolce Vita may be onto something. People who honeymoon in Italy are the most likely to report that they have a 'happy marriage', according to a new survey of 2,000 adults. Hyatt1 commissioned research on people's honeymoon destinations and asked them to share their current marital status - offering options including 'happily married', 'unhappily married' and 'divorced'. The boot-shaped country topped the list with 87.5% of people who honeymooned there still reporting to be 'happily married'2. This may come as no surprise as a host of Hollywood stars and Glastonbury headliners have decided to honeymoon in the place famed for pizza, pasta and Prosecco.

North America Travel Service Launches '£250 for 250'

North America Travel Service Launches '£250 for 250'

To mark the USA's 250th anniversary, North America Travel Service has launched a new '£250 for 250' campaign, offering holidaymakers £250 per person off tailor-made USA holidays. The offer applies to all new USA holiday bookings made by 31 May 2026, travelling between 11 May 2026 to 31 December 2027 and with a minimum spend of £5,000.

From Forest Sanctuaries to Quiet Islands: Opodo Highlights Hidden Spots for a Spring Mental Refresh

From Forest Sanctuaries to Quiet Islands: Opodo Highlights Hidden Spots for a Spring Mental Refresh

As Mental Health Awareness Week arrives this May, Opodo (part of eDreams ODIGEO) encourages travellers to think beyond the traditional spring clean – focusing not just on their homes but on their wellbeing. With stress levels rising and screen time at an all-time high, a growing number are seeking ways to “reset”. Travel is emerging as one of the most effective tools for a mental refresh. Short, restorative breaks in unexpected, low-tech, nature-rich destinations can help achieve a bit of calm and clarity, while sticking to our digital boundaries. So, Opodo has curated a selection of calm, nature-rich destinations ideal for a bit of a mental reset this spring....

The Ultimate Holiday Hack? Pack the Grandparents

The Ultimate Holiday Hack? Pack the Grandparents

New research uncovers a surprisingly effective way to get more out of family holidays: packing the grandparents. Dubbed the “Gran-ual Leave” effect, the trend is reshaping how families travel together - and benefiting the whole clan. A new study of 1,000 British grandparents by Hilton shows that multi-generational travel is firmly on the rise. A quarter (25%) say they're holidaying more with their children and grandchildren than five years ago, with more than two thirds (69%) having done so in the past year - and everyone is reaping the rewards.