Tourism News Page 129
Short Stay Summit 2026 Returns to London as Regulation, AI and Innovation Reshape the Sector
The Short Stay Summit 2026 returns to Old Billingsgate in London, on 22nd April, bringing together the short-term rental industry’s key players to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector’s next phase of growth. Hosted by the Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), the summit stage will see speakers from key industry leaders to politicians setting the agenda. The exhibition hall will host over 1,300 delegates including executives from Airbnb, Expedia and Booking.com, alongside property managers, hosts and technology providers, for a day of insight, debate and industry announcements.
Scoot, Qatar, and Ryanair top Cirium global airline emissions rankings in 2025
Singapore-based Scoot has been named the world’s most emissions-efficient airline in Cirium’s 2025 EmeraldSky Annual Review, taking the top position from last year’s leader, Wizz Air. Qatar Airways, Ryanair, and Turkish Airlines were each recognised as the top three most efficient airlines, ranked by available seat kilometres (ASK).
LZ Travel Launches “The Green Journey Collection” Redefining Sustainable Luxury Mobility
LZ Travel has officially unveiled ‘The Green Journey Collection”, a forward- thinking evolution of its luxury transfer offering, placing sustainability at the center of how high-end travel is experienced across South Africa Launched during ILTM Africa, the collection signals a decisive shift in how the company approaches mobility, where refined service meets measurable environmental responsibility.
Majority of FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities See Double-Digit Increases in Flight Bookings
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, a global leader in AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, today launched the FIFA World Cup 2026 Market Pulse Dashboard, a first-of-its-kind, free resource giving travel brands continuous visibility into where travelers are going, how far in advance they’re booking, and which markets are driving demand across all 16 World Cup host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Built on Sojern’s travel intent data, the world’s largest of its kind and now part of RateGain, data paints a more optimistic picture than recent media coverage suggests, showing sharp increases in real-time booking signals across flights and hotels. With the tournament now less than two months away—spanning host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Emirates and Wesgro sign MoU to Stimulate Inbound Tourism to the Western Cape
On the sidelines of Africa’s World Travel Market (WTM), Emirates and Wesgro have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive inbound tourism and boost visitors to Cape Town and the Western Cape. The partnership underscores the airline’s longstanding commitment to the market through attracting visitors from across its global network supporting the province’s strategy of unlocking tourism growth.
Asia Pacific’s MICE Sector Defies Global Headwinds with Strong Growth
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 (TMS APAC) concluded its third edition on a high note, reinforcing Asia Pacific’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and resilient markets for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. Held from 14–15 April 2026 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, the show demonstrated strong growth, with deeper regional participation and a significant uplift in business outcomes, underscoring the industry’s continued momentum amid a challenging global landscape.
Qatar Airways Expands Global Network to over 150 Destinations
Qatar Airways is expanding its international flight network, with services to over 150 destinations from 16 June 2026, connecting more passengers to more of the world this summer. The updated schedule, valid until 15 September 2026, introduces new routes and increased frequencies to and from Doha, offering passengers greater flexibility as they plan for the summer season.
Princess Cruises Unveils Largest-Ever Japan 2028 Summer Season and Expansive Southeast Asia Program
Princess Cruises releases its most expansive Asia deployment ever, bringing together its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia and 2028 Japan program in a single, comprehensive reveal. In total, the season features 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries, with now two ships homeporting in Japan, offering guests deeper cultural immersion, access to iconic festivals, and unforgettable journeys across some of the world’s most captivating destinations – on sale now.
Denver Pride Expands to Month-Long Celebration Across the Mile High City
Denver Pride returns this June with an expanded, month-long celebration that emphasizes the city’s deep and ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Taiwan Tourism Administration Highlights Taiwan’s Growing Importance as Asia’s Cruise Gateway
The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) is highlighting Taiwan’s growing role as Asia’s cruise gateway at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, promoting the destination under its international tourism brand, “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder,” as a strategic hub for regional cruise itineraries and fly-cruise travel. Building on this brand platform, TTA is also introducing “Taiwan 100 Ways” as a new framework for showcasing the island’s breadth of travel experiences through diverse themes, immersive journeys, and shareable moments.
Sleep Inn Debuts New Design with Openings in Tennessee, Nevada, and Pennsylvania
Sleep Inn® by Choice Hotels International, Inc. one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, is ushering in a new chapter for the brand with the opening of its first four new construction properties built under the Scenic Dreams® prototype, a next‑generation design that brings together nature-inspired modern aesthetics, operational efficiency and a deeper commitment to guest wellbeing. Signature elements include regionally inspired murals, calming color palettes, expansive windows that invite in natural light, and spaces that encourage both productivity and relaxation. Early results show that the Scenic Dreams investments are resonating with guests and translating into stronger performance. Hotels that have undergone the renovations are seeing a RevPAR premium of +1.71, and among properties that have completed the majority of their upgrades, guest satisfaction has followed suit—finishing 2025 with an average LTR of 8.36, a 0.25‑point increase year over year.
Coolcations Curated to Connect you with Local Culture
Unique, immersive holidays in Finland and Sweden in the cool of September that take travellers off the beaten track and provide meaningful connections with local people and the beautiful natural environments they call home. Nordic Nights & Natural Colour Discover the Wild in Finland’s Taiga: A Gentle Arctic Adventure, Thursday 10th - Monday 15th September 2026 This slow September journey through remote Kuhmo forests and Tulijärvi’s wilderness allows plenty of time to spot wildlife, unwind in saunas and stargaze in dark Arctic skies. Each experience in ECT Travel’s six-day holiday has been carefully chosen to connect travellers with this extraordinary environment.