Tourism News Page 185
Choose Chicago Celebrates 2024 Visitation and Record-Breaking Economic Impact at 2025 Annual Meeting
Choose Chicago estimates 55.3 million visitors in 2024, generating $20.6 billion in economic impact.
Ankara Joins UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List for Modern Architectural Heritage
The capital of the Republic of Türkiye, Ankara, has been officially added to UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, recognising the city's unique modern architectural heritage and planned urban development.
Quito becomes the cultural capital of Latin America for the month of May
This May, Quito will tear down the walls of its museums and turn the whole city into a living stage of art, history and culture. In commemoration of International Museum Day, the Ecuadorian capital is launching an ambitious programme with over 200 activities in more than 60 cultural venues, thus consolidating itself as one of the largest celebrations of heritage in Latin America.
WATO Throws Support Behind Theoharis for UN Tourism
The West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO) is proud to endorse Harry Theoharis as a candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism).
St. Lucia to Host the 2025 Caribbean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards at Sandals Grande
On October 3rd, 2025, the world of travel and tourism will turn its eyes to one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting destinations — St. Lucia. The island will proudly host the Caribbean Gala Ceremony of the 2025 World Travel Awards, an iconic event celebrating the pinnacle of hospitality and excellence in the travel industry. The venue, the magnificent Sandals Grande St. Lucian, offers a fittingly luxurious setting for an evening that will spotlight the very best the Caribbean has to offer.
IHG Hotels & Resorts launches Middle East’s first EVEN Hotel with a signing in Saudi Arabia
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of EVEN Hotel Dammam, bringing its lifestyle wellness-focused brand to the Middle East for the first time. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Riyadh.
Aldar Partners with Hilton to Develop Yas Island’s First Branded Residences Under Waldorf Astoria
Aldar has announced its partnership with Hilton (NYSE: HLT), the global hospitality company, to develop Abu Dhabi’s first Waldorf Astoria Residences and the first branded residences located on Yas Island. In the presence of Aldar’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Talal Al Dhiyebi, the partnership was signed by Jonathan Emery, chief executive officer, Aldar Development and Daniel Wakeling, vice president, Development, Luxury & Residences, EMEA, Hiton.
NABNI Developments opens sales for Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay
Following the 2024 signing of a milestone partnership between NABNI Developments and Hilton, sales have officially opened for the premium-luxury 146-unit Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay. Designed by celebrated international architect Carlos Ott and featuring interiors by world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the 65-storey Residences will be the second tallest residential tower in the Business Bay/Downtown Dubai district upon planned handover in Q4 2029.
Lisbon to Host EuroPride 2025
Vibrant and inclusive Lisbon is set to take centre stage next month as it welcomes EuroPride 2025 as a first time host, a landmark international event celebrating LGBTQIA+ rights, diversity and equality. From 14 to 22 June, the nine-day celebration will transform the destination into a beacon of love, freedom and unity.
Race for UN Tourism Secretary-General Heats Up Ahead of May Vote
The global tourism sector is poised for a pivotal leadership transition as five candidates vie for the position of Secretary-General of UN Tourism, the rebranded United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). With incumbent Zurab Pololikashvili no longer in the running, the field is open for new leadership to guide the organization from 2026 to 2029. The Executive Council will convene in Madrid on May 29–30 to recommend a candidate, with the final appointment to be confirmed at the General Assembly in Riyadh this November.
Asaan Heritage Museum Celebrates Groundbreaking Ceremony to Mark International Museum Day
Today, the Misk Heritage Museum “Asaan” announced the start of construction at the site that will host this prominent cultural landmark in the historic district of Diriyah, during a special ceremony organized by the museum to coincide with the Kingdom’s celebrations of International Museum Day. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), Diriyah Company and designers Zaha Hadid Architects.
Dubai to showcase innovative manufacturing ecosystem at ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will showcase the city's dynamic manufacturing sector at ‘Make it in the Emirates’ scheduled to be held from 19-22 May 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.