Tourism News Page 117
Yucatán unveils its ‘Mayan Sanctuary’ campaign to showcase living culture and sustainable luxury
At WTM London, Lizzie Cole, Subsecretary for Tourism Promotion at SEFOTUR Yucatán, introduced the state’s new ‘Mayan Sanctuary’ campaign - a call to discover a Mexico defined by heritage, safety, and authenticity. The initiative positions Yucatán as a destination of living culture, world-class gastronomy and sustainable growth, inviting European travellers to look beyond the beaches of Quintana Roo.
Tamil Nadu Showcases its Rich Heritage and Diverse Landscapes at WTM London 2025
Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India known for its ancient temples, rich history, literature, architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, captivated audiences at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025. The state’s participation highlighted its deep connection with London — a relationship built on centuries of trade, education, and cultural exchange — and invited travellers to discover its timeless charm.
Half a Century Closes, a New Chapter for Tourism Begins, with Saudi Arabia at its heart
Riyadh, now more a symbol of transformation than tradition, is right now playing host to one of the most significant gatherings in global tourism history. The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, taking place from 7 to 11 November 2025, marks the fiftieth anniversary of the organisation and the first time the event has been held in the Gulf. As delegates entered the third day of discussions this morning, the sense of momentum was unmistakable.
Development Partners of Wynn Al Marjan Island Announce Plan for Janu Al Marjan Island
The lead development partners of Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is under construction in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE -- Wynn Resorts, Limited and Marjan LLC -- have announced their second joint venture development on Al Marjan Island: Janu Al Marjan Island. The resort from Aman Group, the developer and operator of extraordinary hotels, resorts, and branded residences, will be managed and operated by the pioneering hospitality group and is slated to open late 2028.
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Confirmed as First Female Secretary-General of UN Tourism
The UN Tourism Executive Council has marked a historic milestone, nominating Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates as the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism, effective 1 January 2026. Her nomination, announced during the 123rd session of the Executive Council in Segovia, will be presented for confirmation at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (7–11 November 2025).
Pierce County Invites Winter Travelers to Find Solitude and Snow in the "Snow Seeker" Itinerary
Visit Tacoma-Pierce County invites winter travelers to slow down, bundle up, and discover the peaceful side of the Pacific Northwest with "Snow Seeker: A 3-Day Itinerary." The new itinerary highlights the quiet beauty of Pierce County's snow season, where mountain air feels sharper, the forests fall silent, and small-town life settles into a comforting rhythm near Mount Rainier.
Driving Innovation in Travel, The UN World Tourism Organization’s Artificial Intelligence Challenge
In a landmark move spotlighting the intersection of travel, technology, and sustainable growth, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has unveiled its Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge, poised to reshape the future of tourism through deep-tech innovation. Launched in late 2024, the challenge seeks to bring start-ups and scale-ups into the heart of tourism transformation, offering AI-driven solutions that span everything from destination branding to operational efficiency and education.
Charting a Path for AI-Powered Tourism: Innovation Takes Center Stage at UNTGA Riyadh 2025
Tourism is entering a new era—one defined not only by destinations but by data, intelligence, and human connection enhanced through technology. This transformation takes the global spotlight in Riyadh, as the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly (UNTGA 2025) convenes under the forward-looking theme, “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”
WTTC is delighted to announce that the Zagreb Tourist Board has joined as a Destination Partner
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is s delighted to announce that the Zagreb Tourist Board has joined as a Destination Partner, reinforcing WTTC’s growing network of leading destinations committed to advancing sustainable growth and innovation in global Travel & Tourism. The Zagreb Tourist Board is the official organisation dedicated to promoting Croatia’s capital as an attractive and dynamic tourist destination. Its mission is to showcase Zagreb’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant urban atmosphere, and authentic local experiences throughout the year.
UN Tourism’s Affiliate Members Meet to Advance Public-Private Collaboration
Around 200 delegates, representing more than 100 affiliated entities, gathered in Riyadh to debate the state of the Affiliate Membership, review the main results achieved since the previous Plenary Session in October 2023, analyze the progress of the ongoing expansion strategy aimed at a quality-oriented and geographically balanced membership, and share proposals for future projects and collaborations. The Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department (AM-PPC) presented the Programme of Work for the period 2026–2027. Among more than 50 proposals received, selected Affiliate Members took the stage to present their initiatives, to be implemented with the support of the AM-PPC Department and UN Tourism in the coming biennium.
Unwrap a Magical Holiday Escape at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
This winter, experience the most wonderful of time of year at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, where palm trees wrapped in white lights glitter and heated pools, guestrooms with fireworks views, and the magic of the nearby Disney Theme Parks await. A Five Diamond Resort named the No. 1 Best Hotel and Resort in Walt Disney World by U.S. News & World Report for 11 years in a row, a festive getaway at Four Seasons Resort Orlando means family fun time in the 5-acre water park including a lazy river; rooftop Michelin-starred dining at Capa Steakhouse; seasonal spa treatments, and holiday programming for all ages. Plus, this year the resort will unveil an all new, reimagined lobby display with stunning contemporary holiday décor, complemented by festive embellishments throughout the 26-acre property such as palm trees along the resort's iconic palm pathway wrapped in twinkling lights, the perfect backdrop for a picture-perfect holiday vacation.
The U.S. National Park You've Never Heard Of Now Just a Click Away
It's the only U.S. real estate south of the equator, it uses the U.S. dollar, your phone charger will work, and English is widely spoken, but fewer than 4,500 tourists flew there last year. Welcome to American Samoa: a South Pacific paradise that takes "off the beaten path" to a whole new level. Now, discovering this untouched corner of the world is easier than ever.