Tourism News Page 131
Hilton Announces Partnership with INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in South Korea
Hilton has announced the signing of a landmark agreement between its flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, one of Asia’s premier leisure destinations. INSPIRE Entertainment Resort will continue to manage the property under a franchise agreement. South Korea is a premier destination for leisure travel within Asia, attracting a growing number of visitors each year. The nation’s vibrant tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down, with increasing interest from both domestic and international travelers.
Oman to open 9,600 new hotel rooms by 2030 as hospitality sector enters new era
Oman is set to open 9,600 new hotel rooms between now and 2030, with 2,600 scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, says leading real estate advisory group and property consultant, Cavendish Maxwell. The upcoming keys will boost Oman’s existing inventory of 36,000 rooms by more than 25%, the company said. Cavendish Maxwell’s latest Oman Hospitality Market Performance insight and analysis reveals that 3-5 star hotel revenues rose to OMR141.2 million (US$367 million) in the first half of 2025, an increase of 18.2% on H1 last year. Room revenues contributed OMR83.7 million (US$217.5 million) – up nearly 22%.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism announces curatorial team and exhibition venues
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Manar Abu Dhabi will once again illuminate the archipelagos, mangroves, and oases of Abu Dhabi from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this public light art exhibition aims to inspire creativity and celebrate the emirate's unique natural landscapes.
SAN ANTONIO DECLARES OCTOBER "SPIRIT SEASON"
This October, San Antonio invites visitors to experience Spirit Season, a citywide, more-than-month-long celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) filled with vibrant altars, illuminated river parades, live performances, art installations, and community festivals. From October 3 to November 14, 2025, the city transforms into the nation's premier destination for this moving cultural tradition.
Tobago’s Jolé St. John is CTO 2025 Regional Tourism Youth Congress Winner
Sixteen-year-old Jolé St. John, Tobago’s Junior Secretary of Tourism, has been crowned winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) 21st Regional Tourism Youth Congress, held Thursday at Hilton Barbados Resort.
Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025 to Host 140 Galleries From 35+ Countries
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Abu Dhabi Art Fair returns this year from 19 to 23 November for its 17th edition with 140 galleries from more than 50 cities from over 35 countries participating. The 2025 edition highlights dynamic art scenes from Nigeria, the Gulf region, and Türkiye, whilst welcoming first-time participants from Algeria,Netherlands, Peru and Tanzania, underscoring the fair's growing global influence.
Updates on The Palm Beaches' Newest Hotels, Dining, Events & Attractions
This season, The Palm Beaches invite travelers to discover what's new and next in Florida's Most Stylish Vacation Destination®. Spanning 39 unique cities and towns from Jupiter and Tequesta to Boca Raton, the region continues to set the standard for luxury, innovation, and genuine hospitality. From revitalized historic hotels and luxurious new resorts to bold restaurant concepts from globally renowned chefs, emerging downtown districts, and a dynamic cultural calendar, The Palm Beaches are brimming with fresh offerings for both new and returning travelers. These enhancements reflect the destination's commitment to excellence, promising unforgettable experiences and authentic hospitality at every turn.
Ministry of Culture collaborates with Google Arts & Culture to launch Jeddah Historic District
The Saudi Ministry of Culture today announced a collaboration with Google Arts & Culture to launch an official page dedicated to Historic Jeddah, one of Saudi Arabia's sites registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This step aims to utilize modern digital technologies to highlight the cultural and historical value of the area.The initiative was announced during the Cultural Investment Conference, held in Riyadh.
Saint Lucia welcomes travel leaders for World Travel Awards 2025
Travel and tourism leaders from across the Caribbean and North America are gathering in Saint Lucia as the paradise island hosts the World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2025 on 4 October. The VIP event at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian marks the third stop on WTA’s Grand Tour 2025, which also includes events in Tanzania, Cancun (Mexico), Hong Kong and Sardinia (Italy), before culminating in the Grand Final in Bahrain.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister sets sights on Welcoming 500,000 UK Visitors by 2030
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, is targeting an ambitious new goal of attracting 500,000 visitors from the United Kingdom (UK) by 2030, underscoring the country’s strategic commitment to strengthening its position in one of its most important source markets.
Ras Al Khaimah Joins Two of the World’s Most Exclusive Luxury Travel Networks
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced Ras Al Khaimah’s acceptance into Virtuoso® and Serandipians by Traveller Made, two of the world’s most exclusive luxury travel networks. This dual acceptance positions Ras Al Khaimah among the globe’s finest destinations for discerning travellers, reflecting its growing appeal as a premier destination for exceptional experiences, world-class hospitality, and strategic promise on the global luxury travel map.
PHNOM PENH'S TECHO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OPENS: CAMBODIA'S NEW GLOBAL GATEWAY
On 9 September, Phnom Penh celebrated a historic milestone with the inauguration of Techo International Airport, the nation's largest aviation infrastructure project. Cambodian funded and built, with a design inspired by the nation's cultural and Angkorian heritage, the airport begins operations as a modernised hub for business and tourism. The launch was marked by the arrival of the first commercial flight operated by Air Cambodia, welcomed with a traditional water salute.