Organisations & Operators News Page 7
The Rise of Pre-Cruise Social Networking
As cruise travel continues to grow, a new trend is quietly reshaping how passengers experience their vacations: travelers are increasingly connecting with fellow cruisers before they ever step onboard. For decades, the social side of cruising began at sail-away parties, pool decks, dining rooms, and shore excursions. Today, many passengers are arriving at the terminal already connected with fellow travelers through online cruise communities.
INTELETRAVEL LAUNCHES UAE OPERATION
Intele Travel and Tours trading as InteleTravel, the world's oldest and largest host travel agency with a growing network of more than 180,000 independent travel advisors worldwide, has launched their UAE operation as part of a landmark expansion for the company. InteleTravel has launched with contracted 34 preferred partners in the UAE, including cruise, tour operators, live events and attractions, which will be supported by a back office of over 3 million products such as accommodation, air and ancillary products to facilitate dynamic packaging.
Visit Orlando Expands Free Vacation Planning Services with New AI Trip Planner
Visit Orlando is enhancing its Vacation Planning Services with the addition of a new artificial intelligence-driven trip planning tool, OPAL (Orlando Planning Assistance by Locals), giving travelers another easy way to plan their Orlando vacations. Now live on VisitOrlando.com and available 24/7, the tool, powered by Mindtrip, offers a convenient, interactive option alongside Visit Orlando's existing free planning resources such as one-on-one consultations and insider advic
Radical Storage surges 80% YoY, accelerating expansion in tourist hotspots
Radical Storage, one of the world's largest luggage storage networks, has significantly expanded its global footprint with thousands of additional storage points across key tourist destinations. The expansion marks a major milestone in Radical Storage's growth strategy and reinforces its mission to make convenient, secure luggage storage accessible to travellers wherever they are. Over the past 12 months, the company has increased its network by 75%, with countries like the UK, France and Spain seeing the biggest impact.
Azamara Cruises Unveils "The Next Big Thing Is Small™," a New Global Campaign
Azamara Cruises, The Global Leader in Destination Immersion®, today unveiled its new global brand campaign, 'The Next Big Thing is Small™' — a bold declaration that the future of premium travel is defined not by scale, but by access, authenticity, and exploration.
Quark Expeditions Launches Arctic 2028 & Antarctic 2028/2029 - New Ways to Explore the Polar Regions
Quark Expeditions, dedicated exclusively to the polar regions since 1991, today launches its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029 seasons, marking the earliest season launch in the company's 35-year history. Featuring more than 70 departures across the Arctic and Antarctica, the new season introduces new opportunities for exploration, including the Guided Photography Program, Quark's first-ever Expedition Extensions, a new Canadian Arctic voyage through the Northwest Passage, and the return of Tundra to Table, a culinary experience developed and delivered in partnership with the Greenlandic chef collective Igapall.
A World-First Pokémon Airport Opens in Noto This July
Rooted in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa Biyori is a regional media platform dedicated to sharing the living culture of this area — not only its celebrated destinations, but also the people, creativity, and spirit of renewal that continue to shape life here. This summer, Noto welcomes an airport unlike anything the world has ever seen.
Sandals Details New Dining Experiences Across Jamaica
Sandals Resorts have offered a closer look at the refreshed food and beverage concepts debuting across Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Caribbean Cay and Sandals South Coast, as part of the company's US$200 million transformation of the three iconic Jamaica resorts. Part of the company's broader culinary evolution, the expanded portfolio places a renewed emphasis on local ingredients, island-inspired storytelling and immersive dining experiences designed to connect guests more deeply with the flavors and traditions of Jamaica.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN PARTNERS WITH ROALD DAHL'S MARVELLOUS CHILDREN'S CHARITY
Royal Caribbean have announced a new partnership with Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity ahead of the July 2026 European debut of Legend of the Seas. Featuring the hit Broadway musical Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Legend will bring the partnership to life onboard, offering guests meaningful ways to support the charity and raise vital funds for specialist Roald Dahl Nurses caring for more than 50,000 seriously ill children and their families across the UK.
Sanya Locks In Formula E Return as 2027 Asian Season Opener
Following a triumphant beachfront race, Sanya has officially secured its spot as Round 7 of the record-breaking 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with the race scheduled for April 17, 2027, marking the Asian leg opener of the new season. The city will host the first GEN4-era Formula E race on Chinese soil. Featuring the series' largest-ever calendar of 21 races across 13 global cities, the landmark event brings next-generation electric racing to Sanya's unique coastal street circuit.
Central Park Bangkok Wins Top Retail Asia Award
Rising above the Bangkok skyline and redefining urban living in the heart of the Thai capital, Central Park has rapidly emerged as one of the city's most significant new destinations, bringing together world-class dining, curated brands, green public space, lifestyle experiences, and seamless connectivity in a single landmark development.
EVA Air Debuts the First Washington, D.C. to Taipei Nonstop Service
EVA Air celebrated the launch of its new nonstop service between Washington D.C. and Taipei, marking a significant expansion as the airline's 10th North American gateway. As the first airline to offer nonstop service between these two cities, the new route represents a key milestone in strengthening connectivity between Taiwan and the U.S. East Coast. A special inaugural ceremony was held at Washington Dulles International Airport to commemorate the milestone and welcome the inaugural flight.