Mandarin Oriental is delighted to announce the opening of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, the Group’s second property in the city. Located within Wasl Tower, an architectural masterpiece on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel brings Mandarin Oriental’s signature blend of Asian heritage and local character to the heart of Downtown Dubai, curating a vertical boulevard where hospitality, culture and commerce unite. The urban property features 259 elegant guestrooms and suites, 224 private residences and 10 dining venues, all crowned by a rooftop helipad designed for discreet VIP arrivals. Developed in partnership with Wasl Hospitality, the hotel sets a new benchmark for contemporary luxury in the city.

The next generation of travel innovators has arrived. PhocusWire today announced its Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026, highlighting the companies redefining how the world moves, books and experiences travel in an age of economic uncertainty and rapid artificial intelligence transformation. Despite two years of contracting venture funding, innovation in travel continues to surge. According to Phocuswright research, 95% of travel startups are either using AI or actively exploring its use, signaling a decisive shift toward AI-native business models. This wave of leaner, faster and more focused startups is transforming the competitive landscape, even as investors and incumbents recalibrate for a new era.

Madeira is gearing up for its spectacular Christmas lights switch-on on 1 December, marking the start of a vibrant season of festive celebrations. With improved flight connections from the UK this winter, it's easier than ever for travellers to experience the island's magical Christmas and New Year festivities. This winter*, weekly flights from the UK to Madeira have increased by 5%, with new routes from Bournemouth and Luton. With excellent connections from both London and regional airports - including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow - the island offers nationwide access for travellers seeking winter sun and festive cheer.

Grenada Tourism Authority is delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A330Neo to Grenada connecting London Heathrow (LHR) to St George’s, Grenada (GND). From December 2025, the route will be serviced Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays to April 2026. Designed to provide a premium, personalised experience, the AirbusA330Neo is the latest addition to Virgin Atlantic’s fleet. The aircraft features the latest generation Upper Class cabin, including the iconic social space and innovative Retreat Suite. Increased connectivity with in-seat wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity in all cabins and ultra-fast wi-fi, set the tone as visitors take off for a luxurious escape to the tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines are strengthening their partnership by launching a codeshare partnership and establishing a reciprocal loyalty agreement. The loyalty agreement was signed during a ceremonial event in Hong Kong on the evening of 4 November 2025, coinciding with the arrival of Etihad’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong International Airport .

The Arabian Gulf’s cruise industry has entered a new era of collaboration and growth as Saudi Arabia and Qatar officially join the Cruise Arabia Alliance, completing a regional partnership that now brings together all six leading Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) destinations — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. This expansion marks a milestone moment for the region’s fast-growing cruise tourism sector. By aligning the Gulf’s most prominent ports under one strategic alliance, Cruise Arabia aims to create a seamless, world-class cruising experience across the Arabian Peninsula — showcasing diverse cultural, historical, and coastal attractions while streamlining operations for global cruise lines and travelers alike.