Organisations & Operators News Page 323
Arabian Travel Market to launch dedicated Travel Tech show at 2026 edition
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has announced the launch of ATM Travel Tech, a new co-located event that will debut at ATM 2026, taking place from 4–7 May 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Evolving from its previous role as a high-growth sector on the show floor, ATM Travel Tech will now span two dedicated halls in recognition of the importance of this rapidly growing market segment, providing an immersive platform for the ideas, innovations and partnerships that will shape the future of global travel.
Hotels versus Short-Term Rentals: What Do Urban Travellers to Latin America Actually Demand?
Hotels remain the most popular accommodation choice for travellers visiting Latin America’s main capitals, but short-term rentals are gaining ground, attracting two very different traveller segments: high-spending international visitors, as well as domestic or regional travellers with more moderate purchasing power. This is the central finding of Mabrian’s latest report, “El Alojamiento Urbano en América Latina: Perfil del viajero y preferencias” (Urban Lodging in Latin America: Traveller Profile and Accommodation Preferences). The study analyses demand profiles for hotel and tourist rental offerings available via the most relevant online lodging and travel agencies (OTAs), across eight Latin American cities —Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Lima, Quito, Bogotá, Medellín, Montevideo, and Rio de Janeiro—, based on cyclical data.
Finnair launches emissions-cutting service for businesses
Finnair has launched the Finnair for Business SAF service for corporate customers keen to help reduce aviation emissions and boost the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Available to members of the Finnair for Business program, the new SAF service allows companies to monitor the flight emissions that their business trips generate. They can then buy SAF environmental attributes – the quantified benefits of using sustainable aviation fuel rather than conventional jet fuel – to help lower the carbon footprint of flying.
FUZE Caribbean Art Fair Returns to The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, for its Third Edition
Baha Mar, the Caribbean's leading integrated resort destination, is thrilled to announce the return of FUZE Caribbean Art Fair. This year, FUZE proudly welcomes Scotiabank as its title sponsor, alongside generous contributions from additional sponsors such as Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Wildflowers, Sherwin-Williams, Bahamas Telecommunications Company, Soundcrate, and Caribbean Bottling. FUZE is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean art and creativity, bringing the artistic elements to The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar from October 22-26, 2025.
Absolute Sanctuary Launches Bespoke Executive Burnout & Recovery Program Koh Samui, Thailand
Absolute Sanctuary, Asia's leading fitness wellness resort, proudly announces the launch of its Executive Burnout & Recovery Program ,a transformative experience designed exclusively for high-performing executives facing relentless schedules, mounting pressure, and chronic stress. Nestled on the island of Koh Samui, the 38-room boutique wellness resort has earned its reputation as a trusted destination for lasting transformation. With decades of expertise in wellness hospitality and program innovation, Absolute Sanctuary has crafted a holistic, science-informed reset to address mental fatigue, nervous system depletion, and emotional imbalance.
Secret Atlas Revolutionises Small-Group Polar Exploration
Secret Atlas, pioneers of Expedition Micro Cruises, are once again transforming the way people experience the polar regions. This September, Secret Atlas has launched the smallest group sizes ever offered to Antarctica and South Georgia with departures starting from October 2026.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP SECURES SHIPBUILDING SLOTS AT MEYER TURKU THROUGH 2036
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), a global vacation leader that is redefining the future of vacations, today announced a long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku that secures Royal Caribbean Group's rights to build at the yard through the next decade. As part of this agreement, Royal Caribbean Group also confirms an order for Icon 5 to be delivered in 2028, subject to financing, and adds an option to build Icon 7 (in addition to the previously announced option to build Icon 6). This multi-year agreement strengthens Royal Caribbean Group's relationship with Meyer Turku, one of the world's largest and most modern shipyards specializing in cruise ships, and readies Royal Caribbean Group for a new, game-changing class of ship beyond Icon.
Sweden, the world's first travel destination on prescription
A sauna in Swedish Lapland for better sleep quality, or cold plunges in the archipelago for improved circulation? Two out of three respondents in a new international survey would be open to spending more time in nature if a doctor prescribed it. Now, Sweden is positioning itself as the world's first country to which travel can be prescribed by a doctor.
Ride in Comfort: The Benefits of Motorcycle Earplugs and Alpine Hearing Protection
Riding a motorcycle is about freedom, focus, and the open road—but it also means exposure to constant wind and engine noise. Over time, that noise can be more than just distracting—it can become damaging. That’s why many riders now consider earplugs an essential part of their gear. And when it comes to quality and comfort, Alpine Hearing Protection is a name many riders trust.
GBTA Foundation launches SAF Corporate Connect
For companies committed to sustainability, Sustainable Aviation Fuel is one of the few viable solutions available to reduce air travel-related emissions
Saint Lucia completes 14th annual UK showcase to elevate community tourism
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) hosted its 14th annual Showcase, 14th -20th September 2025 for more than 400 UK travel industry specialists. The aim of the Showcase is to update industry partners on news and to hear from key operators, airlines, agents and media on what they need to market the destination to its optimum.
Dida appoints industry veteran Daryl Lee as Group CEO
Dida Holdings - an AI-first tech leader and one of the fastest-growing global traveltech companies, today announced that its founder, Rikin Wu has appointed Daryl Lee as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 5 October 2025. A pivotal leadership appointment: Lee was previously global CEO WebBeds and before that led GTA across the Middle East & Asia Pacific. He began his career in aviation and hospitality with Singapore Airlines and earned a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics. He joins Dida at a decisive moment for both the company and the wider industry as travel and hospitality are being reshaped by AI, automation, and digital connectivity and Dida is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of these transformative shifts.