When TOURISE unveiled its cross-sector Advisory Board earlier this month, the headlines focused on the ambition of the platform: a new global stage for tourism, hosted in Riyadh this November, that promises to bring together voices far beyond the sector’s traditional boundaries. But who exactly sits on this 14-member board? What do they each bring to the table? And how will their expertise shape the “rewriting of the rules” that TOURISE is promising? BTN has gone behind the announcement to profile the individuals handpicked to advise this bold new initiative.

Coastal Mississippi Tourism, the Destination Marketing Organization for Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is officially welcoming travelers aboard the new Amtrak Mardi Gras Service. The first trains departed New Orleans and Mobile this morning bound for stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, with twice-daily round-trip service.

In the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, where golden savannah stretches to the horizon and the Sand River winds through acacia trees, The Ritz-Carlton’s intimate treetop retreat offers a rare invitation to connect deeply with nature and culture. From the moment guests arrive, traditional Maasai rituals greet them, including a symbolic blessing and fresh scent of leleshwa leaves. Days unfold with private guided safaris in open-air luxury Land Cruisers, revealing the drama of wildebeest river crossings and opportunities for observing lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinoceros, elephants, and more than 500 bird species in their natural habitat. Guests may explore the Kenya-Tanzania Border Stone or rise with the sun for hot air balloon flights over the plains, culminating in champagne breakfasts beneath the vast African sky. As dusk falls, the call of a Maasai warrior’s ceremonial horn signals the transition to night, welcoming an evening filled with rich stories and serene moments under a canopy of stars.

Qatar Airways, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, has launched the much-anticipated travel packages for the Qatar TotalEnergies Women’s Open 2026 and the Qatar ExxonMobil Men’s Open 2026. Taking place next year from 8-14 February and 16-21 February respectively, the tournaments will bring world-class tennis action to the heart of Doha.

Finnair has just announced a new offer, rewarding its loyal Finnair Plus members with the opportunity to collect double Avios and tier points on all new Finnair flight bookings, over the next 10 days. Customers booking between 19 August to 28 August 2025 will receive double Avios and tier points, on all flights through until 23 August 2026, providing ample opportunity to earn points and fast track your tier status.

Curate the perfect end-of-year event for your inner circle with an ultra-luxurious takeover at Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat. Unwind with family and friends at a private 22-room sanctuary inspired by the shoreline resorts of Greece. Relish complete relaxation and personalised festivities in timeless Mediterranean elegance at the water’s edge of Ghantoot, halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Make the biggest celebration of the year unmistakably, exclusively yours.