Organisations & Operators News Page 40
BRAND USA AND U.S. HOST CITIES LEAN INTO INNOVATION AND AI TO ENHANCE WORLD CUP TRIP PLANNING
As the United States welcomes international visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, AI is transforming how fans experience their journey - from planning their trip and navigating language barriers to finding transportation, attractions, and last-minute information once they arrive. With the tournament underway, Brand USA, the official destination marketing organisation for the United States, is spotlighting the AI-powered visitor tools already in place across host cities, and how they’re helping millions of international fans make the most of their time in the United States.
RwandAir wins Best Cabin Service in Africa at the 2026 APEX Awards
RwandAir has been named Best Cabin Service in Africa at the 2026 APEX Awards, marking the first time the airline has received this recognition for its onboard customer experience. The award was presented during the APEX Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event in Dublin and is based exclusively on independently verified passenger feedback from more than one million flights worldwide. The recognition is therefore a direct reflection of the experience delivered to customers onboard RwandAir flights.
Red Sea Global brings second flagship destination to life with the opening of Four Seasons Resort
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious luxury and regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and AMAALA, has officially brought its second flagship destination to life. In a milestone for the Kingdom’s tourism sector, RSG has welcomed its first guests at AMAALA, an integrated wellness haven, with the opening of Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay. This landmark launch signifies the transition of AMAALA into a live destination. Set along the pristine shoreline of Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, the resort serves as the anchor for the destination’s ultra-luxury wellness ecosystem and sets a new global benchmark for regenerative tourism.
YTL Hotels Unveils New Luxury ‘All-Inclusive Holiday’ in Malaysia
YTL Hotels has unveiled an exclusive new all-inclusive holiday offer available for stays at its three flagship beach resorts in Malaysia - Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort and Gaya Island Resort - inviting guests to discover the luxury resort brand’s Treasured Moments and three unique worlds.
PORTUGUESE NATIONAL TEAM IS FLYING WITH TAP AIR PORTUGAL TO THE 2026 WORLD CUP
The Portuguese national team is flying with TAP Air Portugal to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The national team delegation, led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Roberto Martinez, departed this Friday aboard the A330 CS-TUM, named Nuno Álvares Pereira and decorated with the slogan “It’s Portugal Time”, heading to West Palm Beach, where it is due to arrive at 10.30 pm local time.
New campaign turns passion for football into an invitation to experience Brazil
As the world once again turns its attention to football, Visit Brasil invites travellers to experience Brazil's culture, hospitality, and energy, with an eye on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Listening to match commentary on the radio before kickoff. Setting up a goal with flip-flops on the street. Watching the beach turn into a grandstand, a bar become a celebration, and a victory embrace welcome newcomers. In Brazil, supporting a team is a collective experience that begins long before the whistle blows and fills the country’s streets. This is the energy behind Visit Brasil’s new advertising campaign launched in the United States.
airBaltic and EL AL Establish New Codeshare Partnership
Latvian airline airBaltic and EL AL Israel Airlines have announced a new codeshare agreement, effective from July 1, 2026. The partnership will expand travel options for customers and further strengthen airBaltic’s network for transit passengers travelling between Israel and Europe via Riga, Latvia.
Tourism pro Francine Stewart joins SunSwept Resorts
Francine Stewart has joined SunSwept Resorts in St. Lucia as regional commercial director where she will oversee the commercial strategy for the company’s two iconic properties — BodyHoliday Saint Lucia and StolenTime Saint Lucia, formerly known as Rendezvous.
Kenya Boosts Africa’s Tourism Growth, Emerging as a Leading Sustainable Tourism Powerhouse
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today reveals that Africa is entering a new era of tourism growth, with Travel & Tourism (T&T) outperforming the wider economy and positioning the continent among one of the world’s fastest-growing regions in 2026.
VIVA Cruises releases 2027 themed river cruise programme
River cruise operator VIVA Cruises has released its full 2027 themed river cruise programme, featuring 19 departures covering wellness, jazz and crime sailings. The programme, which is on sale now, will run from February to November, with itineraries ranging from four to seven nights onboard VIVA ONE and VIVA RUBY.
Saudi Red Sea Authority Strengthens Sector Regulation and Enhances Readiness
Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), in its 2025 Annual Report, highlighted a set of key achievements that reflect its continued progress in building a more regulated, efficient, and sustainable coastal tourism sector. These efforts included developing regulatory frameworks, enhancing operational readiness, strengthening compliance, and supporting investors, in in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Formula 1® will continue racing in Las Vegas, the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World
Formula 1® will continue racing in Las Vegas, the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World, through to 2037, following a new 10-year extension. Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc., Clark County officials and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), have all committed to the long-term future of one of the standout events on both the United States and global sporting calendar.