Tourism News Page 107
SAN ANTONIO LIGHTS UP THE 2025 HOLIDAYS WITH PARADES, FOOD, AND FESTIVE FUN
San Antonio's holiday season celebrates the city's rich mix of cultures and traditions. From the candle-lit processions of Las Posadas at San Fernando Cathedral and the UNESCO World Heritage Spanish Colonial Missions, held December 16-23, to La Gran Tamalada on December 13 at Historic Market Square, where families gather to make tamales by hand, the season is filled with warmth and connection. Here are some Alamo City holiday happenings:
CLUB MED LAUNCHES 2025 BLACK FRIDAY SALE WITH UP TO 50% OFF PREMIUM ALL-INCLUSIVE ESCAPES
Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, operating nearly 60 resorts in stunning locations around the world including North and South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean, announces its highly anticipated 2025 Black Friday Sale, offering travelers some of the brand's best deals of the year across its premium sun and ski resorts. Now through December 4, 2025, U.S. guests can book travel for stays from December 6, 2025, through June 19, 2026. The Black Friday sale includes:
USA, France and Canada Lead the World's Most-Visited Destinations of 2025
The USA, France and Canada stand at the top of this year's ranking, followed by Italy, Australia, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and Portugal. Together, these ten destinations outline the evolving emotional and cultural priorities of modern travellers around the world.
Deepika Padukone Becomes Experience Abu Dhabi's Newest Brand Ambassador
Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has announced Deepika Padukone as the newest regional brand ambassador. Deepika joins her husband, Bollywood Icon Ranveer Singh, who has been Experience Abu Dhabi's brand ambassador since 2023, officially making them the first Bollywood power couple to represent the destination together.
Jubilee drives St Peter’s Basilica in Rome to a +93% surge in visitor activity
A new report by The Data Appeal Company, the leading tourism intelligence firm part of the Almawave Group, by analysing thousands of reviews, OTA rates, and digital traces, reveals how the Holy Year reshaped tourism, visitor experience, and the global perception of Rome. The Jubilee ultimately redirected visitor flows, spread spending across flexible accommodation types, and enhanced the perception of Christianity’s symbolic sites. Although traditionally popular attractions such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon remained on the podium, Vatican landmarks saw unprecedented growth. St Peter’s Basilica experienced a remarkable +93% increase in digital traces, while maintaining an exceptionally high Sentiment Score of 94.5/100. Much of this growth was likely fuelled by Jubilee pilgrims coming specifically to cross the Holy Door, a key rite available only during the Holy Year. In parallel, the Vatican Museums recorded a more moderate yet significant rise with +10% in digital traces and a Sentiment Score of 89.7/100, up 2.4 points from 2024.
City Breaks surge in Europe, with Barcelona and Madrid among fastest-growing destinations
RateGain’s hotel booking data for the Christmas holidays — covering stays from December 20 to January 4 [1]— shows a clear surge in European city breaks. Paris and London, traditionally high-demand destinations, continue to top the list, but this time with more moderate growth of 22% and 31% respectively compared to the same period last year. Spain is leading hotel bookings growth, with Madrid (+75%) and Barcelona (+46%) at the forefront, placing them in third and fourth position in the global ranking of most demanded European cities. Rome, renowned for its cultural heritage, ranks fifth with a notable 49% increase in bookings, while Warsaw records a 51% rise, highlighting travellers’ growing interest in cultural tourism.
Mexico has one of the World’s most affordable month-long mental health retreats
As wellness travel edges toward the $1 trillion mark, a new category is rapidly emerging - therapy travel. And while countries like Sweden have begun exploring travel as a form of prescribed medicine, Mexico is quietly becoming one of the most influential destinations reshaping how we heal.
Celebrate the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad at Qasr Al Watan
As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 54th Eid Al Etihad under the theme “United,” which embodies the spirit of unity and the shared sense of belonging felt by all who call the UAE home, Qasr Al Watan invites you to mark the occasion in one of the most meaningful and inspiring landmarks in the country. Standing proudly within the Presidential Palace compound, Qasr Al Watan is a symbol of the UAE’s heritage, values and visionary future, making it the perfect place to honor the spirit of unity and national pride.
Inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East Coming to Abu Dhabi
In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has officially opened registration for its inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East, set to take place from 30 March to 2 April 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Record turnout expected as Abu Dhabi prepares to host Formula 1 thrilling finale
Preparations on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi have moved into top gear with the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix programme now just days away. After Max Verstappen's victory and McLaren's double disqualification in Las Vegas, there is still a strong chance the drivers' championship will be decided on the track of Yas Marina Circuit at the 24th and final race of the season from December 4-7.
IMS25 brings together global thought leaders in Riyadh with record attendance
The International MICE Summit 2025 (IMS25) concluded today in Riyadh after two days of high-level discussions, strategic announcements, and global collaboration, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as one of the world's fastest-growing hubs for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Xuelei Perfume Museum: A global benchmark for fragrances and the new pilgrimage destination
In Guangzhou, a new fragrance is redefining what travel means. It doesn't come from a boutique or niche perfumery, but from a vast sensory institution recently certified by Guinness World Records as the "Largest Perfume Museum" (9,500,878 sq m, Guangzhou, November 27, 2025) – the Xuelei Fragrance Museum . Here, scent becomes architecture, storytelling, and a new way to experience a city.