Research from World Travel Market London 2023, the world’s most influential travel & tourism event, has revealed that more holidaymakers are abandoning their sun loungers in favour of nature, foodie and wellness experiences. The exclusive WTM Global Travel Report – compiled in association with renowned researchers at Oxford Economics – notes “increasing demand for unique, authentic and personalised experiences” while people are away on vacation.

Rising travel and holiday costs have yet to dampen demand among consumers – mainly because the ‘revenge travel’ trend is still in full swing – but higher prices have been identified as one of the key challenges the industry faces, according to WTM Global Travel Report in association with Tourism Economics.

Major destinations and source markets across Africa are expected to end 2023 ahead of pre-pandemic values in terms of value, with domestic tourism performing strongly, reveals new research published today.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has unveiled flagship premium lounges at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Terminal A. This follows Etihad making history when it operated Terminal A’s first commercial flight on 31 October, and the new lounge is revealed ahead of the airline’s full transition to the new Terminal which is phased to take place between 9 and 14 November.

Barbados’ tourism minister is hopeful an increase in airlift will cement the island’s reputation as a “must-see” destination for UK travellers. Speaking at a trade event in London to mark the launch of World Travel Market 2023, Ian Gooding-Edghill hailed the “crucial” partnerships the island has with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, which are both raising their capacity to the island in 2024.

A new strategy for managing tourism on Majorca is to be unveiled this week during World Travel Market. The Balearic island’s tourism board and its council under new leadership will present the plans to UK and international markets.