Tourism News Page 114
Princess Cruises Earns Prestigious 2026 International Five Star Diamond Award
Princess Cruises, a world leader in premium cruising, announced that two of its standout specialty dining venues, Makoto Ocean and The Butcher’s Block by Dario, have been honored with the prestigious 2026 International Five Star Diamond Award, recognizing excellence in culinary innovation, quality and service.
THE WESTIN NASHVILLE COMPLETES $13.5M RENOVATION, ELEVATING GUESTROOMS, SUITES, & MEETING SPACE
Castlerock announces the completion of a comprehensive $13.5 million renovation of The Westin Nashville, enhancing guestrooms, suites, and key public spaces across the 456-room hotel. Located adjacent to Music City Center, the property plays a central role in Nashville’s convention and group market, and the renovation positions the hotel to better serve evolving business and leisure demand.
Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows
Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.
LONG-SERVING FORMER KENYA CABINET MINISTER, THE HON. NAJIB BALALA, APPOINTED TO WTTC
The highly-experienced former Kenyan Tourism Minister, the Hon. Najib Balala, has been appointed to the Leadership Team at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the global voice of the private sector within the industry. Based at WTTC’s global office in Madrid, Mr. Balala has started in a new role as Executive Vice-President for Advocacy, Government Affairs and Research. He will lead WTTC’s global advocacy agenda, government engagement and policy research.
A New Chapter for WTTC as it Unveils its Global Team from Madrid
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced a new chapter for its global leadership and team, bringing together executives and former C-suite leaders, industry experts, and Ministers from across the Travel & Tourism industry to reflect the diversity and international nature of the private and public sector. The leadership team demonstrates WTTC’s evolution to meet the current and future needs of the global private sector, with a broader mix of nationalities and expertise spanning different elements of the sector. WTTC’s expanding team features 21 nationalities across five continents, including British, Spanish, Mexican, Saudi Arabian, Indian, Chinese and Kenyan.
Aurora Expeditions Delivers Record 2025/26 Antarctic Season
Aurora Expeditions has delivered its largest Antarctic season to date, operating 30 voyages, facilitating an estimated 819 landings, and welcoming a 30% increase in expeditioners, representing 56 nationalities. The 2025/26 programme was underpinned by the launch of the company’s third expedition vessel, Douglas Mawson, in Sydney in November, ahead of its inaugural Antarctic season. This was the first time in its 35-year history, Aurora operated three ships simultaneously in Antarctica, expanding access and choice for expeditioners.
Going Solo in Peru: Luxury Stays, Community-Led Adventures, and Off-the-Beaten-Track Hikes
Recent ABTA travel research reveals that one in five adults now prioritise travelling alone, the highest proportion seen this decade. With independent exploration firmly on the agenda, this growing appetite for solo travel aligns perfectly with National Walking Month in May. From two routes spotlighted in Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When: Hiking to experiences ranging from luxury stays across the country to journeys that support local communities, Peru emerges as an exceptional destination - both for solo adventurers and for travellers keen to indulge themselves.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Reward Offering In Germany Through PAYBACK Partnership
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces its partnership with PAYBACK, Germany’s leading consumer loyalty programme with more than 35 million customers. The collaboration introduces a new way for German guests to earn rewards when staying at any of IHG’s 7,000+ hotels worldwide.
The Route 66 Golf Trail - Launches April 30th!
The Route 66 Golf Trail, The World’s Longest Golf Trail, will be unveiled at a news conference at LaFortune Park Golf Course on Thursday, April 30 at 10 a.m. “It is an honor to launch this permanent golf trail, celebrating the Centennial of Route 66 in 2026,” said Gary Sparks, founder of the Route 66 Golf Trail.” Playing these designated courses, as a bucket-list or golf road-trip, will create lasting memories for millions of golfers as they travel this iconic highway.”
Plan a Family Road Trip for America’s 250th on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the classic American road trip is making a comeback. More families are opting for drivable vacations this summer that combine value, flexibility and meaningful experiences—trading crowded itineraries for time together on the open road.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICA250 AND UNVEILS INDEPENDENCE ONE
Southwest Airlines Co. celebrates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with the introduction of Independence One, a special new livery from the airline that is known for democratizing the skies. Independence One will join two additional Southwest® America-themed planes—Freedom One, which has been in the fleet since 2021, and Liberty One, a second newly-introduced aircraft painted in an American flag theme.
United Airlines Launches New Summer Flights to Split, Bari, Glasgow and Santiago De Compostela
This week, United Airlines will kick off its summer schedule with service to new European destinations in Croatia, Italy, Scotland and Spain. The new routes begin launching April 30 — giving customers even more options to reach unique, culturally rich destinations across Europe. In 2026, United will offer up to 210 flights daily during peak travel times between the U.S. and 36 destinations in Europe including Greenland – including 14 that no other U.S. network carrier serves – giving travelers more options at the times they want to travel most.