Organisations & Operators News Page 224
What's New for West Sweden in 2026?
Exciting hotel openings, new hiking and biking trails and major cultural moments feature across Gothenburg & West Sweden in 2026 – all with sustainability in mind. The West Sweden tourist board is unveiling a wave of new openings and experiences for 2026, from boutique hotel expansions and picturesque cycling routes to significant cultural anniversaries and intriguing art festivals.
Propellic strengthens executive leadership to support next phase of growth in travel marketing
Propellic, a category-leading digital and performance marketing agency dedicated exclusively to the travel and tourism industry, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointments of Jeff Johnson as Chief Operating Officer and John Matson as Chief Revenue Officer. The additions mark a key milestone as Propellic enters its next phase of growth, enterprise expansion, and product innovation. The leadership appointments underscore Propellic’s focus on scaling operational excellence, strengthening revenue discipline, and expanding the ways it supports travel brands navigating an increasingly complex marketing and distribution landscape.
Ramadan, Saudi-Style: When the Community Gathers, the Nights’ Awaken, and Culture Comes Alive
For one month each year, Saudi changes its rhythm entirely. Days grow quieter and slower, and then, as the sun sets, Saudi comes alive. Streets fill, tables stretch long, music and storytelling echo through historic districts, and cities transform into social spaces shaped by food, family, and shared moments. For visitors, Ramadan offers one of the most immersive ways to experience Saudi, not through landmarks alone, but through how life is lived when the sun sets.
Football Fever: How Saudi is Becoming the World's Hottest Destination for Global Football
Saudi is rapidly transforming into a global powerhouse for sports. Football is seeing a renaissance in the country, but beneath the dazzling headlines lies a deep, multi-generational passion for the beautiful game. That passion is now being amplified by an unprecedented wave of focus on football locally, nationally, and internationally. The clearest sign of this ambition is Saudi’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. This monumental undertaking involves developing cutting-edge infrastructure, from state-of-the-art stadiums to expansive fan zones and advanced transport networks; all meticulously planned to deliver an unparalleled global spectacle. In the meantime, Saudi is showcasing its hosting credentials by bringing major European club competitions like the Spanish and Italian Super Cups to its pitches.
Middle East outbound travel spend projected to pass US$60bn by 2030
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.
MGM Resorts Powers Up to 100% of Daytime Las Vegas Strip Electricity with Solar
MGM Resorts International has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy strategy, now powering up to 100% of its daytime electricity needs on the Las Vegas Strip with solar energy. The achievement was made possible after the Company began receiving 115 MW of solar energy and 400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage in December of 2025 from the recently completed Escape Solar and Storage Project, located in Lincoln County, Nevada.
Choice Hotels International Launches New Global Campaign Centered on Travel Values
Choice Hotels International, Inc. today unveiled its latest global marketing campaign centered on Travel Values, celebrating how the right stay can unlock more meaningful travel experiences. The campaign highlights how staying with Choice Hotels gives guests more value for their money, helping them make the most out of the moments they care about.
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES ANNOUNCES LUXURY EXPEDITION SAILING YACHT
Atlas Ocean Voyages today announced that it is currently building its first-ever luxury expedition sailing yacht, a next-generation newbuild platform that represents a significant milestone in the company's continued evolution and growth within the luxury expedition cruise industry.
A Valentine's Escape at Crossroads Maldives Love, On Your Own Terms
At CROSSROADS Maldives, Valentine's Day is treated not as a single evening gesture but as a full-day celebration shaped by choice, movement and shared experience. Set across two islands connected by the lagoon, the destination invites couples to create their own rhythm of romance — moving effortlessly between energy, creativity and calm.
Guatemala Emerges as a Top Travel Trend for 2026, Reports Journey Latin America
Specialist tour operator Journey Latin America is delighted to announce a significant rise in demand for holidays to Central America — with Guatemala emerging as one of 2026's fastest‑growing Central American destinations. Long beloved by backpackers for its affordability, adventure and culture — from smouldering volcanoes to vibrant chicken buses — Guatemala has traditionally flown under the radar for luxury travellers. That is now rapidly changing as discerning visitors increasingly seek out both its iconic sights and hidden gems. With a surge in demand fuelled by MICHELIN recognition, high‑profile media exposure, and renewed traveller curiosity, Guatemala is stepping confidently into the spotlight.
GRAND MERCURE BUSINESS BAY OPENS IN DUBAI FOLLOWING THE REBRANDING OF GULF COURT HOTEL BUSINESS BAY
Grand Mercure Business Bay has officially opened its doors in Dubai following the rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay, owned and managed by Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), under a franchise agreement with Accor. This milestone marks a new chapter for the hotel, shaped by Grand Mercure’s distinctive approach to hospitality that celebrates pride of place through refined grandeur, cultural immersion and heartfelt human connection. Rooted in international hospitality standards while deeply anchored in its destination, Grand Mercure Business Bay reflects the brand’s philosophy of elevating locality through meaningful gestures, warm rituals and intentional service.
Rotana Strengthens Saudi Portfolio with the Signing of Centro Hail
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region, has announced the signing of Centro Hail, a next-generation lifestyle hotel to be developed in collaboration with Alkhorayef Investment and Development Co. and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF).