Tourism News Page 115
Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s Formula Rossa Achieves Guinness World Records™ Title
Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has officially achieved a new Guinness World Records™ title for the Highest speed achieved by a rollercoaster launch for its iconic ride, Formula Rossa. The legendary attraction accelerates from 0 to 240 km/h in just 4.9 seconds in a single high-powered launch, setting a remarkable benchmark in rollercoaster engineering and further cementing its place in global theme park history. The park was named World’s Leading Theme Park 2025 at last years World Travel Awards.
Boeing and SCAT Airlines Announce Order for Five 737 MAX Jets to Support Growth
Boeing and SCAT Airlines today announced the carrier will expand its fleet and boost capacity with the fuel-efficient 737 MAX. The airline’s previously unidentified order for five more 737-9 jets will support operational efficiency and expand longer-range single-aisle service, including more routes to Europe. SCAT also converted five 737-8 jets from a previous order to the larger 737-9
Wego Brings Türkiye’s Rich Travel Experiences Closer to MENA Travellers
Wego, the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced a strategic collaboration with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) to enhance how travellers across the region discover, explore, and plan trips to Türkiye.
In Celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Resort for a Day Launches 10% Military Discount
In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, Resort for a Day, the largest provider of resort day passes for cruise travelers, is launching a 10% military discount program May 1, 2026. Verified active-duty service members and veterans will receive 10% off all Resort for a Day passes.
Fairfield by Marriott Celebrates the Opening of its 100th Hotel in Greater China
Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Chongqing Nan’an District, marking 100 hotels in Greater China and underscoring its continued growth momentum in the region. Nestled in the heart of Nan’an District in Chongqing, China’s famous “3D Magic City,” the hotel is designed to provide a warm and comfortable stay for both business and leisure travelers, bringing to life Fairfield’s “beauty of simplicity” through its signature heartfelt hospitality.
Where Less Is More: The Yukon’s Quiet Stand Against Overtourism
At a time when overtourism is reshaping global travel, the Yukon offers something increasingly rare: space, silence and the freedom to explore without limits. Vast, remote and deeply connected to nature, this is a destination where the journey is shaped not by crowds, but by the landscape itself. With just 46,000 residents across a territory the size of Spain, the Yukon delivers an extraordinary sense of scale, where wilderness dominates and moose famously outnumber people. Reached via Whitehorse, the territory’s main gateway, around 80% of the region remains true wilderness, creating a setting where travel unfolds at a slower, more considered pace.
Orlando Delivers a Summer Filled with Headline Concerts, Vibrant Festivals and New Attractions
Orlando is serving up vacations filled with unforgettable moments this summer with headline-worthy concerts, nighttime water park takeovers, character-driven moments, food and music festivals, and international sporting events, including a World Cup friendly match. Recently named the No. 1 Summer Travel Destination for 2026 by WalletHub, Orlando continues to expand its mix of entertainment offerings, giving travelers more reasons to return — again and again. “Our unmatched combination of world-class theme parks, live entertainment and year-round sunshine, plus our exceptional dining scene, is why families, music lovers and adventure seekers continue to choose Orlando for their summer getaways,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort Unveils Summer 2026
This summer, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort introduces its Collection of Emotions, a curated series of artist residencies, culinary moments, and wellness experiences designed to connect guests more deeply to place. Set between desert and sea, the program highlights both contemporary Mexican artistry and time-honored techniques through immersive, property-wide activations. At the center is a rotating roster of resident artists, including Los Cabos muralist Rodrigo Azanza, designers Salvador and Enzo Compañ of Lørdag & Søndag, and textile artist Daniela Chiñas. Contemporary works chosen by Lørdag & Søndag and created in collaboration with Mexican artisans will be installed throughout the resort to engage directly with the landscape. Each piece is informed by native materials, regional craft techniques, and the distinct visual language of Baja California Sur.
Arival 360 Valencia 2026 – Day 1 highlights
Day 1 of Arival 360 Valencia 2026, the world’s leading conference for the tours, activities and attractions sector, brought together operators, distributors, technologists, and brand innovators to explore the forces reshaping the global experiences industry. With thousands of delegates from more than 70 countries, Arival opened with a clear message: the experiences sector is entering a new era defined by AI‑driven discovery, multi‑day transformation, open connectivity, and the rapid evolution of traveller expectations. Across the day’s keynotes and panels, industry leaders unpacked the shifting dynamics of customer acquisition, the rise of multi‑day travel, the growing power of culinary and brand‑led experiences, and the technologies that will define the next decade of growth.
Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht was named on 29 April 2026
Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique today celebrate the baptism of Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, at the Joubert graving dock in Saint-Nazaire. Following the ceremony, the ship, a feat of engineering and a showcase of French craftsmanship, will sail from Saint-Nazaire on 2 May 2026, bound for the French Riviera ahead of her inaugural Mediterranean season. Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, says: “For more than one hundred and sixty years, Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been building ships that define their era. Orient Express Corinthian is the latest proof of this: 720 feet, 15,000 tonnes carried by the wind, three SolidSail sails… the fruit of ten years of research and development. It is a concrete, technical response to the decarbonisation challenges facing maritime transport. But above all, it is the work of men and women of exceptional dedication and passion. To them I owe this humble pride. And I thank Orient Express for the trust they placed in us from the very first day of this extraordinary project.”
Hariom Travels & Tourism LLC - reshaping the narrative of African tourism
In the ever-evolving tapestry of global travel, where ambition meets cultural connection, a Dubai-based company is quietly reshaping the narrative of African tourism. Hariom Travels & Tourism LLC, long recognized among industry insiders for its expansive reach and nuanced understanding of emerging markets, is stepping into the international spotlight with a series of prestigious nominations at the upcoming World Travel Awards African Gala Ceremony. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Zanzibar, Tanzania, on 28 August 2026, the ceremony promises to celebrate excellence across the continent’s travel and hospitality sectors. Among the nominees, Hariom Travels & Tourism LLC stands out—not merely for the number of recognitions it has received, but for what those nominations represent. The company is in contention for Leading Travel Management Company titles across five nations: Cameroon, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, and the Republic of Congo. It’s a rare distinction that signals both geographic breadth and operational depth
Paris named Official Host Destination for World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2026
Paris has been named Official Host Destination for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2026, with the Gala Ceremony to take place in the French capital on 9 December 2026 as the culmination of the two-day World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Summit.