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Travel Tech supports new effort to stop dominant platforms from steering consumer choice

Travel Tech supports new effort to stop dominant platforms from steering consumer choice

A bipartisan group of Senators is reintroducing the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (AICOA). The legislation is designed to promote fair competition in digital marketplaces by preventing dominant online gatekeepers from steering consumers toward their own products and services. It applies only to a small number of the largest platforms with at least $175 billion in annual revenue and significant U.S. user reach. Enforcement is carried out by the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, consistent with longstanding U.S. competition law.

Southern Europe and North America Lead Global Travel Demand Growth for Summer 2026

Southern Europe and North America Lead Global Travel Demand Growth for Summer 2026

Destinations in Southern Europe, particularly Greece, Spain and Italy, are set to experience a significant surge in international demand during the Northern Hemisphere summer season, capturing 11.71% of global international travel intent between June and August 2026, up +2.47 percentage points compared with the same period last year, according to new analysis from The Data Appeal Company / Almaviva Group. The insights, based on Data Appeal Mabrian's data intelligence, the company's Tourism & Destinations division, provide an in-depth analysis of international travel intent performance using the Share of Searches Index* for June, July and August 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Announces First-Ever Wellness Cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Announces First-Ever Wellness Cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has announced its 2027 Spotlight Collection, featuring seven sailings that will inspire guests with total immersion into their passions and interests. The collection spans voyages aboard Seven Seas Grandeur®, Seven Seas Splendor®, Seven Seas Voyager®, and the brand’s newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige™, set against some of Europe’s most captivating destinations. Together, they offer a diverse range of themes, from wellness and genealogy to gastronomy and fine wine, providing guests distinct opportunities for discovery. Each voyage will feature thoughtful programming tailored to the theme of the sailing.

WTTC Brings Global Tourism Leaders to Valletta - Malta’s Travel & Tourism Sector Continues to Thrive

WTTC Brings Global Tourism Leaders to Valletta - Malta’s Travel & Tourism Sector Continues to Thrive

Valletta will take centre stage this October as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) brings together the world's most influential Travel & Tourism leaders for its Global Summit, taking place from 7–9 October 2026. The Summit will convene CEOs, government ministers, investors and key stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of global travel, strengthen public-private collaboration, and explore pathways for sustainable growth and investment.

Minor Hotels Partners with Saving the Wild to Launch Wine Collection in Support of Conservation

Minor Hotels Partners with Saving the Wild to Launch Wine Collection in Support of Conservation

Minor Hotels is proud to announce a new partnership with Saving the Wild, a groundbreaking Africa-based conservation charity, with the launch of three ‘Saving the Wild’ wines which will be served in several Minor Hotel properties in Africa. The wines are produced by Hoopenburg Wine Estate, an award-winning wine farm, and feature a fine art label highlighting the need to protect three key species targeted for illegal poaching.

Marriott International Celebrates 10,000 Properties Globally

Marriott International Celebrates 10,000 Properties Globally

Marriott International, Inc.today announced the opening of its 10,000th property globally, the JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa, marking a historic milestone for the company as it approaches its 100th anniversary. “Marriott was founded 99 years ago as a nine‑seat root beer stand, and as of today, has grown into a global portfolio of 10,000 properties spanning 146 countries and territories. I’m immensely proud of this tremendous milestone, made possible by our global teams and the owners who continue to place their trust in Marriott brands,” said Marriott International President and CEO Anthony Capuano. “Marking this accomplishment with a property carrying the JW Marriott brand is especially meaningful given its naming after our co-founder, J. Willard Marriott. He and Alice S. Marriott built an incredible legacy of opportunity, service, and innovation that we’re privileged to carry forward.”

Italy’s travel market hits €30 billion as inbound tourism surges to record highs

Italy’s travel market hits €30 billion as inbound tourism surges to record highs

A new Phocuswright report has revealed that Italy’s travel market reached €30 billion in gross bookings in 2025, rising 4.5% year over year as inbound tourism hit an all‑time high. New data from Phocuswright’s Italy Travel Market Brief 2026 shows a market defined by strong demand, rapid digital adoption and continued structural evolution across hotels, airlines and rail.

The travel funnel is collapsing: Inside the rise of AI agents

The travel funnel is collapsing: Inside the rise of AI agents

For two decades, the structure of the travel industry remained remarkably stable. Travelers searched, compared, booked and experienced in a linear funnel shaped by search engines, OTAs, metasearch platforms and increasingly sophisticated digital marketing systems.

Three Culinary Icons Confirmed For World Gourmet Festival 2026

Three Culinary Icons Confirmed For World Gourmet Festival 2026

Following the announcement of the return of the World Gourmet Festival at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel from 29 September to 4 October 2026, this year's festival celebrates an extraordinary culinary collaboration between Latin America, France and the United States, while unveiling the first three internationally acclaimed chefs confirmed for the event.

Emirates brings Travel Rehearsal programme to Zambia

Emirates brings Travel Rehearsal programme to Zambia

Emirates has expanded its Travel Rehearsal programme to Zambia, continuing its commitment to make air travel more inclusive and accessible in Africa and across the globe. Uncertainty around airport and aircraft procedures, coupled with concerns on unknown sensory stimuli, are key concerns for travellers and families with accessibility requirements – a study on AutismTravel.com revealed that 78% of families report feeling hesitant to travel or visit new places. In its role as the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, Emirates ideated the global Travel Rehearsal initiative, to help remove this barrier.

AER LINGUS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH IRISH BOXING ICON KATIE TAYLOR

AER LINGUS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH IRISH BOXING ICON KATIE TAYLOR

Aer Lingus today announces Irish boxing icon Katie Taylor as its new brand ambassador, following the recent celebration of the airline's 90th anniversary. The partnership brings together two Irish icons with a shared spirit and global ambitions - and each proudly flying the Irish flag on the world stage. Katie will continue to fly the flag this September, when she lines out for a major homecoming fight at Croke Park, Dublin, on September 5th, and Aer Lingus will proudly fly the Bray boxer home for this hugely-anticipated bout.