Organisations & Operators News Page 110
Arival 360 Valencia 2026 – Day 1 highlights
Day 1 of Arival 360 Valencia 2026, the world’s leading conference for the tours, activities and attractions sector, brought together operators, distributors, technologists, and brand innovators to explore the forces reshaping the global experiences industry. With thousands of delegates from more than 70 countries, Arival opened with a clear message: the experiences sector is entering a new era defined by AI‑driven discovery, multi‑day transformation, open connectivity, and the rapid evolution of traveller expectations. Across the day’s keynotes and panels, industry leaders unpacked the shifting dynamics of customer acquisition, the rise of multi‑day travel, the growing power of culinary and brand‑led experiences, and the technologies that will define the next decade of growth.
Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht was named on 29 April 2026
Orient Express and Chantiers de l'Atlantique today celebrate the baptism of Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht, at the Joubert graving dock in Saint-Nazaire. Following the ceremony, the ship, a feat of engineering and a showcase of French craftsmanship, will sail from Saint-Nazaire on 2 May 2026, bound for the French Riviera ahead of her inaugural Mediterranean season. Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, says: "For more than one hundred and sixty years, Chantiers de l'Atlantique has been building ships that define their era. Orient Express Corinthian is the latest proof of this: 720 feet, 15,000 tonnes carried by the wind, three SolidSail sails… the fruit of ten years of research and development. It is a concrete, technical response to the decarbonisation challenges facing maritime transport. But above all, it is the work of men and women of exceptional dedication and passion. To them I owe this humble pride. And I thank Orient Express for the trust they placed in us from the very first day of this extraordinary project."
WIZZ AIR RETAINS EUROPE’S TOP POSITION FOR EMISSIONS INTENSITY IN 2025
Wizz Air has been ranked first in Europe and second globally in Cirium’s 2025 EmeraldSky Annual Review, the independent benchmark for airline emissions efficiency. The airline achieved Gold status, awarded to the world’s top five carriers, reflecting its continued focus on reducing CO₂ emissions intensity while enabling affordable and reliable connectivity. The EmeraldSky Annual Review assesses the world’s 100 largest scheduled passenger airlines based on CO₂ per available seat kilometre (ASK). The methodology is independently assured by PwC under ISAE 3000, making it one of the most credible and transparent emissions efficiency rankings in aviation. EmeraldSky is also accredited by the Rocky Mountain Institute as a qualified flight emissions data provider under the Pegasus Guidelines, the first climate‑aligned finance framework for aviation.
Paris named Official Host Destination for World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2026
Paris has been named Official Host Destination for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2026, with the Gala Ceremony to take place in the French capital on 9 December 2026 as the culmination of the two-day World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Summit.
JA Resorts & Hotels Builds on the UAE’s Growing Appetite for Active and Group Experiences
As a UAE-born brand shaped by authentic hospitality and immersive experiences, JA Resorts & Hotels continues to evolve alongside the nation it calls home. Across the country, time is increasingly spent in ways that feel shared and intentional, with community-led and active experiences taking quiet precedence, a shift JA has long been part of through its distinctive blend of world-class hospitality and considered lifestyle experiences. Home to JA Palm Tree Court, JA Beach Hotel, and JA Lake View Hotel, the resort reflects how modern residents choose to stay, play, and unwind.
TravelAI announces two strategic executive appointments to accelerate AI‑driven personalization
TravelAI, the UpNext company pioneering the next generation of agentic AI for travel, today announced the appointment of Shie Gabbai and Brianna MacNeil to senior leadership roles. These hires mark a significant step in TravelAI’s mission to reshape how travelers plan, book, and experience travel through intelligent, autonomous AI agents.
World Cup 2026: Rising Demand Highlights Uneven Growth Across Host Destinations
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already leaving its mark on global travel, with international interest climbing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—but not at the same pace. New analysis from Data Appeal and Mabrian (Almawave-Almaviva Group), in collaboration with PredictHQ— the leader in real-world context for AI and forecasting—shows that while demand is clearly building, converting that interest into arrivals will depend on air connectivity, domestic travel momentum, and how effectively destinations prepare for peak periods.
HITEC 2026 Showcases Unmatched Hospitality Tech Variety as Exhibit Floor Space Sells Out
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) has announced that exhibit floor space for the 2026 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) is officially sold out, with more than 360 companies exhibiting across 83,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space. With expanded exhibit floor space this year, attendees can explore a broad mix of companies and dive into dozens of technology categories and solution options. The HITEC 2026 exhibit hall will be open June 16–18, 2026, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio with more than 5,800 attendees expected. The event remains the world’s largest and longest-running hospitality technology conference and exhibition.
Bombardier Celebrates Valued Customer Vista’s First Global 8000 Aircraft
Bombardier today celebrated fleet operator Vista, a longtime Bombardier customer, taking possession of its first Global 8000 aircraft at the company’s London Biggin Hill Service Centre. With this addition, Vista customers will soon be treated to the finest experience in business aviation today. This introduction marks the beginning of upgrades to Vista’s current Global 7500 aircraft, with two per month planned leading to the full fleet of 18 being operational as Global 8000 jets by year end and in turn marking the largest subscription fleet available of this revolutionary jet.
What Are the Most Trending Travel Destinations for 2026–27?
With global tourism now surpassing pre‑pandemic levels, 2026–27 is shaping up to be a big couple of years for international travel – but travellers aren’t just returning to the same old places. Industry lists from Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Forbes, and other major players show clear momentum towards countries that combine strong infrastructure with nature, culture, and sustainability.
RateGain Appoints Oscar Ganuza as Senior Vice President – Revenue to Lead European Market Growth
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, a global leader in AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, today announced the appointment of Oscar Ganuza as Senior Vice President – Revenue, Europe. Based in Barcelona, Oscar will lead RateGain’s efforts to accelerate commercial performance and deepen strategic partnerships in the Europe market, supporting the company’s continued expansion in the region.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort Unveils The Mae On – Mae Ping Atelier Afternoon Tea
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort introduces The Mae On – Mae Ping Atelier Afternoon Tea, a refined culinary journey crafted in collaboration with Skugga Estate, celebrating single-origin cacao grown in Mae On, located approximately 40 minutes east of Chiang Mai city. Rooted in the timeless British afternoon tea ritual, the experience draws inspiration from the resort’s heritage as the former British Consulate. Presented with contemporary finesse, the collection reinterprets tradition through a distinctly Northern Thai lens, where local terroir, artistry and flavour come together in harmonious balance.