Tourism News Page 47
Pavlus Travel & Cruise Sees Shifts in 2026 Luxury Booking Dynamics
Luxury travelers love exploring the world in their own unique way, and as they age, they simply adjust their vacation style and personality to match their stage of life. "But whether they're 25, 50, 75, or older, they 'go, go, go,'" says Craig Pavlus, founder and CEO, Pavlus Travel & Cruise, Albuquerque, NM, one of the U.S.' largest independent travel agencies. "In 2026, our luxury clients can't wait to experience the world on their own terms. They believe—as do we—that they deserve a fabulous luxury vacation, and we strive to provide that."
West Palm Beach Brings Downtown to Life Through the "DowntownWPB Unlocked" Augmented Reality Tour
The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (WPB DDA) has partnered with app developers Hoverlay to launch an ambitious experience that brings Downtown West Palm Beach to life in a wholly new and digital way. DowntownWPB Unlocked is an interactive augmented reality (AR) walking tour that transforms everyday streets, establishments, landmarks, and public spaces into immersive encounters for visitors to uncover the secrets and surprises of downtown, all in the palm of their hand.
Zanzibar announced as Official Host Destination of World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026
World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that Zanzibar will host its Africa Gala Ceremony 2026. The VIP reception on 28 August 2026 will take place at the luxury Diamonds Bijoux, and bring together leaders from across Africa to celebrate the finest organisations in travel and tourism. The evening marks the first of two landmark WTA events to be held in Tanzania in 2026. The country will go on to host the WTA Grand Final Gala Ceremony in November, marking the climax of WTA’s Grand Tour 2026, and cementing Tanzania’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting travel destinations.
North America Travel Service Launches Premium Packages to FIFA World Cup 2026™
With just 57 days to go until kick off, North America Travel Service, offering award-winning holidays to the USA and Canada, has launched a collection of premium travel experiences to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ departing from Edinburgh, combining official hospitality match tickets with curated journeys across the USA and Canada. More than just football matches, these once-in-a-lifetime experiences pair the atmosphere of the world's biggest sporting event with carefully designed North American itineraries, allowing travellers to explore iconic cities, coastlines and landscapes while witnessing football history.
EVA Air Hosts West Ham United Legends and Supporters in Bangkok and London for Brand Collaboration
EVA Air, Taiwan's leading independent airline, has once again joined forces with long-term partner, West Ham United, to host West Ham supporters and Club legends, Carlton Cole and Marlon Harewood, in Bangkok between 9th to 13th April to film brand and travel content and strengthen EVA Air's brand presence through its continued partnership with the Club. As well as the filming of brand and travel-related content, the trip saw EVA Air, the Club's Official Airline Partner, host a fan-engagement event with local supporters as well as a special Watch Party as the Hammers took on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the London Stadium and pulled off an impressive 4-0 win.
Ker & Downey® Africa Unveils 2025 Intelligence Report and 2026 Trends
Ker & Downey® Africa, a leading luxury travel company headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, has released its latest travel trends report, offering a fascinating glimpse into traveler behaviors, preferences, and demographics. The report takes an in-depth look at luxury travel trends in Africa in 2025, including the most popular destinations, key markets, the average length of stay, the most sought-after experiences, and average spend.
ATTA® Welcomes statistics revealing Africa as one of the world's fastest growing regions
Virginia Messina, Group CEO of ATTA® said: “WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research reinforces Africa as a major global player within travel and tourism, and one of the fastest growing regions following Asia and the Middle East. "International visitor spending to Africa was up by 5% in 2025 and the continent is outperforming mature markets like Europe (+1.3%) and North America (still below pre-pandemic levels). "According to the report, Travel & Tourism contributed a total of $211 billion to the region’s GDP in 2024, representing 7.8% of the African economy which was an increase of 9.8% compared to 2019. The sector also supported 27.9 million jobs across the continent, a share of 5.6% of total employment.
Dubai Introduces AI+ Program to Boost AI Skills and Innovation
Dubai launches a new program to help government employees use AI in daily tasks, focusing on practical skills rather than theory. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the latest AI technologies, including large language models, applicable across various industries. The initiative fits into Dubai’s broader vision of integrating AI into government services and operations, enhancing efficiency and user experience. The program aims to build employee confidence in using AI through structured training and real-world applications. This effort supports the UAE’s ambition to be a global AI hub by fostering growth in both public and private sectors.
From winter slump to Secret Season: Cape Town campaign invites the industry to reimagine ‘winter.’
CapeTownMagazine.com (CTM) has launched its Secret Season Campaign – an open invitation to owner-run businesses, brands, and tourism bodies to come together around a shared opportunity: Rethinking how Cape Town and the Western Cape are experienced in winter. Secret Season positions winter as a secret season worth seeking out and leveraging through real connection.
Unlocking Africa's Tourism Potential: The Impact of the Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC)
The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC), held on 14 April 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), stands as a defining moment for the African tourism industry. This one-day conference, produced in partnership with JLL Africa and an affiliate member of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO), brought together key stakeholders from across the continent. Investors, policymakers, tourism authorities, and leaders from the private sector gathered with a shared mission: to ignite high-level discussions about unlocking tourism investment opportunities across Africa.
CHTA ANNOUNCES CARIBBEAN TRAVEL FORUM 2026 AS ACTION-ORIENTED WORKING SESSION
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) today announced details for the Caribbean Travel Forum 2026, a reimagined working session designed to advance commercial alignment across the region’s hospitality and tourism industry. The Forum will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa in Antigua & Barbuda, immediately preceding the opening of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.
How to Celebrate Spring in Charentes With Explore Cognac
As the first leaves return to the vines, Charentes slips into one of its most appealing seasons. Spring remains something of an insider's secret. Between April and June, this quietly compelling French destination near Bordeaux offers something increasingly rare: space, authenticity and the freedom to savour it at your own pace. The roads are quieter and the experiences – from tastings to tours – feel more personal. With seasonal direct flights from the UK to La Rochelle, just a 2h30 train ride from Paris, and straightforward rail connections between Angoulême, Saintes and Cognac itself, exploring the region is sustainable and effortless.