Tourism News Page 89
CARIBBEAN TRAVEL FORUM 2026 IDENTIFIES KEY PRIORITIES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF REGIONAL TOURISM
Last week, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) convened the Caribbean Travel Forum (CTF) at Sandals Grand Antigua, where public and private sector stakeholders from across the region gathered to discuss the commercial future of Caribbean tourism.
HGV Unveils Star-Studded Concert Lineup for F1 Las Vegas 2026 (Bebe Rexha, Tucker Wetmore, and more)
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc, the premier vacation ownership and experiences company, announced its return as an official event partner of the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2026, set for Nov. 19-21. For the fourth consecutive year, the company will host its exclusive HGV Clubhouse, a landmark trackside hospitality experience that provides members and guests with unparalleled access, premium amenities and high-energy entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip.
Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence Partners with Xploratur to Drive Inclusive Tourism
Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, the industry’s trusted bridge between cruise lines and destinations, has completed specialized training for Dominican Republic tour operator Xploratur to support the launch of “Xploratur Access,” a new division of accessible excursions designed for the cruise market.
Rail Europe adds Swiss mountain excursions to its trade offering
Rail Europe is expanding its Swiss portfolio with the addition of a wide range of mountain excursions, now available to travel agencies and distribution partners through Rail Portal and API channels. The new offering gives partners access to some of Switzerland’s best-known alpine journeys, making it easier to combine rail travel and mountain experiences within the same booking flow. Among the mountain excursions and panoramic rail experiences now available are Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, Gornergrat, Pilatus, Titlis, Schilthorn, Glacier 3000, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Rigi, Säntis, Chäserrugg and Brienzer Rothorn, alongside scenic mountain destinations and rail experiences including Grindelwald First, Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte, Rochers-de-Naye, Stanserhorn, Stoos and Monte Generoso.
Expedia Group Unveils AI Travel Experiences at Explore 2026
Expedia Group announced at its Explore 2026 event an important expansion of its artificial intelligence strategy, including new AI-powered travel experiences, ecosystem partnerships and a new philanthropy initiative focused on sustainable and inclusive travel.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CONCLUDES CARIBBEAN TRAVEL MARKETPLACE 2026
For the second consecutive year, Antigua and Barbuda proudly served as the host destination for the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2026, welcoming travel trade professionals, tour operators, and media from across the globe during Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month in May. The event provided an immersive showcase of the destination’s world-class tourism offering, bringing together industry leaders against the backdrop of one of the Caribbean’s most naturally beautiful and culturally energetic nations.
Six in 10 Brits can’t properly switch off on holiday
New research from Hurtigruten, the leader in iconic Norwegian coastal voyages, has reveal that almost 60% of Brits struggle to disconnect whilst on holiday, despite 74% knowing the importance of being able to unwind when they are away. The study of 2,000 UK adults found that not being able to relax on holiday had ruined their trip (45%) and many would go out of their way by trading convenience to travel to somewhere quieter (55%) if it meant they could fully disconnect.
TravelDaily Conference 2026 to return to Shanghai under the theme “Change”
TravelDaily has announced the return of its flagship industry event, the TravelDaily Conference 2026, taking place at the Shanghai International Convention Center, on September 22-23. The TravelDaily Conference is one of the most influential events in the global travel industry. As a global leader in travel business and technology event and content platforms, TravelDaily aims to empower the industry with insights into emerging trends in the global travel sector.
Air Canada and Palma Airport Boost Connectivity Between Mallorca and North America
Air Canada and local authorities, together with representatives from the tourism and business sectors, today celebrated the launch of a new direct summer service starting on 18 June between Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) and Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), enhancing connectivity between Mallorca and Canada with the only direct service between the two countries.
Montenegro’s Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort to host World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026
World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort will host its prestigious Europe Gala Ceremony 2026 – marking the organisation’s first event in Montenegro in its 33-year history. The VIP reception on 17 October 2026 will bring together leaders from across the continent to celebrate the finest in travel and tourism.
FHS Saudi Arabia Pre-event feature: hospitality investment outlook
Saudi Arabia is set to deliver 358,000 new hotel rooms to meet rising tourism demand and prepare for major upcoming global events, unleashing a wealth of hospitality investment opportunities in the Kingdom. Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia, taking place from 22-24 June at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, will bring together investors, developers, operators and policymakers at a defining moment for the region’s hospitality sector. Positioned as the Kingdom’s leading deal-making and investment platform, FHS connects capital with opportunity. The 2025 edition welcomed more than 1,100 industry leaders and generated over US$1.6 billion in business opportunities, reinforcing its role as a key deal-making forum. 254 investors attended FHS Saudi Arabia last year, managing $ 5.61 trillion in assets.
SEABOURN INTRODUCES REGIONALLY INSPIRED CULINARY PROGRAM ABOARD SEABOURN ENCORE FOR ALASKA SEASON
Seabourn, the leader in luxury and expedition travel, has unveiled a new regionally inspired culinary program created specifically for the line’s Alaska season. Developed to reflect the region’s unique ingredients, traditions and sense of place, the program introduces a series of destination-driven dining and beverage experiences that unfold throughout each voyage. The program was launched on Seabourn Encore’s inaugural Alaska season in May 2026 and builds on Seabourn’s tradition of regionally inspired cuisine and extensively features Alaska’s culinary traditions and coastal influences throughout each voyage.