Breaking Travel News

Tourism News Page 130

Pavlus Travel & Cruise Sees Shifts in 2026 Luxury Booking Dynamics

Pavlus Travel & Cruise Sees Shifts in 2026 Luxury Booking Dynamics

16 April 2026 Press Release Cruise News Tourism News Organisations & Operators

Luxury travelers love exploring the world in their own unique way, and as they age, they simply adjust their vacation style and personality to match their stage of life. “But whether they’re 25, 50, 75, or older, they ‘go, go, go,’” says Craig Pavlus, founder and CEO, Pavlus Travel & Cruise, Albuquerque, NM, one of the U.S.’ largest independent travel agencies. “In 2026, our luxury clients can’t wait to experience the world on their own terms. They believe—as do we—that they deserve a fabulous luxury vacation, and we strive to provide that.”

West Palm Beach Brings Downtown to Life Through the “DowntownWPB Unlocked” Augmented Reality Tour

West Palm Beach Brings Downtown to Life Through the “DowntownWPB Unlocked” Augmented Reality Tour

The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (WPB DDA) has partnered with app developers Hoverlay to launch an ambitious experience that brings Downtown West Palm Beach to life in a wholly new and digital way. DowntownWPB Unlocked is an interactive augmented reality (AR) walking tour that transforms everyday streets, establishments, landmarks, and public spaces into immersive encounters for visitors to uncover the secrets and surprises of downtown, all in the palm of their hand.

Zanzibar announced as Official Host Destination of World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026

Zanzibar announced as Official Host Destination of World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026

World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that Zanzibar will host its Africa Gala Ceremony 2026. The VIP reception on 28 August 2026 will take place at the luxury Diamonds Bijoux, and bring together leaders from across Africa to celebrate the finest organisations in travel and tourism. The evening marks the first of two landmark WTA events to be held in Tanzania in 2026. The country will go on to host the WTA Grand Final Gala Ceremony in November, marking the climax of WTA’s Grand Tour 2026, and cementing Tanzania’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting travel destinations.

Kick it in Newark for FIFA World Cup 2026™, Rising as the Region’s Go-To Fan Destination

Kick it in Newark for FIFA World Cup 2026™, Rising as the Region’s Go-To Fan Destination

16 April 2026 Press Release Travel Events News Organisations & Operators

Leading up to this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026™, the City of Newark is launching a sweeping series of events, community programs, and initiatives for fans, visitors and residents, including community grants.  Fans arriving for matches will find a city that mirrors the game they love: global, expressive and alive with culture.

North America Travel Service Launches Premium Packages to FIFA World Cup 2026™

North America Travel Service Launches Premium Packages to FIFA World Cup 2026™

With just 57 days to go until kick off, North America Travel Service, offering award-winning holidays to the USA and Canada, has launched a collection of premium travel experiences to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ departing from Edinburgh, combining official hospitality match tickets with curated journeys across the USA and Canada. More than just football matches, these once-in-a-lifetime experiences pair the atmosphere of the world’s biggest sporting event with carefully designed North American itineraries, allowing travellers to explore iconic cities, coastlines and landscapes while witnessing football history.

EVA Air Hosts West Ham United Legends and Supporters in Bangkok and London for Brand Collaboration

EVA Air Hosts West Ham United Legends and Supporters in Bangkok and London for Brand Collaboration

EVA Air, Taiwan’s leading independent airline, has once again joined forces with long-term partner, West Ham United, to host West Ham supporters and Club legends, Carlton Cole and Marlon Harewood, in Bangkok between 9th to 13th April to film brand and travel content and strengthen EVA Air’s brand presence through its continued partnership with the Club. As well as the filming of brand and travel-related content, the trip saw EVA Air, the Club’s Official Airline Partner, host a fan-engagement event with local supporters as well as a special Watch Party as the Hammers took on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the London Stadium and pulled off an impressive 4-0 win.

Ker & Downey® Africa Unveils 2025 Intelligence Report and 2026 Trends

Ker & Downey® Africa Unveils 2025 Intelligence Report and 2026 Trends

16 April 2026 Press Release Tourism News Organisations & Operators

Ker & Downey® Africa, a leading luxury travel company headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, has released its latest travel trends report, offering a fascinating glimpse into traveler behaviors, preferences, and demographics. The report takes an in-depth look at luxury travel trends in Africa in 2025, including the most popular destinations, key markets, the average length of stay, the most sought-after experiences, and average spend.

ATTA® Welcomes statistics revealing Africa as one of the world’s fastest growing regions

ATTA® Welcomes statistics revealing Africa as one of the world’s fastest growing regions

15 April 2026 Press Release Tourism News Organisations & Operators

Virginia Messina, Group CEO of ATTA® said: “WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research reinforces Africa as a major global player within travel and tourism, and one of the fastest growing regions following Asia and the Middle East. “International visitor spending to Africa was up by 5% in 2025 and the continent is outperforming mature markets like Europe (+1.3%) and North America (still below pre-pandemic levels). “According to the report, Travel & Tourism contributed a total of $211 billion to the region’s GDP in 2024, representing 7.8% of the African economy which was an increase of 9.8% compared to 2019. The sector also supported 27.9 million jobs across the continent, a share of 5.6% of total employment.

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab to Undergo Phased Restoration Programme

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab to Undergo Phased Restoration Programme

15 April 2026 Press Release Hotel News Organisations & Operators

Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding today announced the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is set to undergo a carefully phased and thoughtful restoration programme, designed to safeguard its legacy for generations to come.  With an odyssey of over twenty-five years of continuous operations, the conservation of the architectural masterpiece will see its distinctive interior décor enhanced with the same attention to detail as preserving a work of art. Since opening in 1999, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab has stood as an architectural and cultural icon of modern luxury, with its dhow sail silhouette shaping the identity of the skyline of Dubai. From its launch, it set new international standards, pioneering personalised butler service and changing the face of luxury hospitality.

The first direct booking app for hotels launches in ChatGPT, powered by Lighthouse

The first direct booking app for hotels launches in ChatGPT, powered by Lighthouse

Lighthouse, the AI commercial operating system for the travel and hospitality industry, today announced the launch of The Hotels Network app, the first direct booking app for hotels available inside ChatGPT. Powered by Lighthouseʼs Connect AI engine, the app gives hotels a direct presence in AI conversations for the first time. The app is available to hotels of every size worldwide on a flat fee subscription with zero booking commissions.

From winter slump to Secret Season: Cape Town campaign invites the industry to reimagine ‘winter.’

From winter slump to Secret Season: Cape Town campaign invites the industry to reimagine ‘winter.’

15 April 2026 Press Release Tourism News Organisations & Operators

CapeTownMagazine.com (CTM) has launched its Secret Season Campaign – an open invitation to owner-run businesses, brands, and tourism bodies to come together around a shared opportunity: Rethinking how Cape Town and the Western Cape are experienced in winter. Secret Season positions winter as a secret season worth seeking out and leveraging through real connection.

Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential: The Impact of the Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC)

Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential: The Impact of the Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC)

The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC), held on 14 April 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), stands as a defining moment for the African tourism industry. This one-day conference, produced in partnership with JLL Africa and an affiliate member of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO), brought together key stakeholders from across the continent. Investors, policymakers, tourism authorities, and leaders from the private sector gathered with a shared mission: to ignite high-level discussions about unlocking tourism investment opportunities across Africa.