Tourism News Page 134
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Celebrates 10 Years
As The Unbound Collection by Hyatt celebrates its 10th anniversary, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) is pleased to announce four recent and upcoming new additions to the brand across the Americas region this year: The Georgian in Santa Monica, California, Hotel 1000 in Seattle, Washington, Cayo Levantado Resort in the Dominican Republic and The Clayfield in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Icelandair Is Recruiting a Really Bad Photographer to Shoot Its New Global Ad Campaign
Icelandair, Iceland’s national carrier, is on the hunt for people with a very specific skill: the ability to take absolutely terrible photos. Battered camera phone from 2003? Your thumb appears in every shot? Photos that are somehow ALWAYS slightly out of focus? Decapitate your subjects with terrible composition? If any of this sounds familiar, apply here for a chance to be offered a freelance role with the airline, paying the successful applicant $50k for their time.
easyJet Holidays Expands Its Hotel Portfolio With Over 140 New Additions Across Europe and the Med
easyJet holidays has expanded its collection by over 140 new hotels and resorts. The tour operator has added over 50 new hotels across Europe and North Africa’s most loved beach destinations and over 90 new city break options across European hotspots. These new additions offer even more choice for holidaymakers, from culturally immersive city stays to family‑friendly luxury beach resorts.
WI-FLY UPDATE! VIRGIN ATLANTIC ACCELERATES STARLINK ROLLOUT FOR TAKE-OFF
Virgin Atlantic has announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, as the airline gears up to introduce free, high-speed WiFi across its entire fleet, helping customers bring their world onboard from take-off to landing. Virgin Atlantic will begin introducing Starlink connectivity onboard its Airbus A350 fleet from May, with all A350s to be connected by early summer. The first customer flight is slated for early May on the VS153 from London Heathrow to New York, JFK. The programme will then extend across the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo fleets as installation progresses, with connectivity expected to reach full fleet coverage anticipated in 2027.
Madeira’s Most Iconic Hiking Trail, Pr1 Vereda Do Areeiro, Reopens This Month After Two-Year Closure
One of Madeira’s most iconic hiking routes, the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, is set to reopen this month following a two-year closure for restoration works. The opening will coincide with the Madeira Island Ultra Trail, taking place on 25-26 April. Connecting three of the island’s highest peaks - Pico do Areeiro (1,818m), Pico das Torres (1,851m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862m) - the 7km-long trail offers one of Madeira’s most dramatic high-altitude hiking experiences, crossing the Central Mountain Massif, a protected area recognised for its unique habitats and biodiversity.
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs Holiday Inn Express Surat Gauravpath
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Yashvi Greenco LLP to introduce Holiday Inn Express Surat Gauravpath. Scheduled to open in 2029, the hotel will mark IHG’s first signing in Surat, reinforcing IHG’s strategic expansion across India’s high-growth commercial markets. As IHG’s largest and fastest-growing brand with over 3,200 hotels globally, Holiday Inn Express delivers more where it matters most - offering travellers simple, smart hospitality designed to balance efficiency with comfort. With the rollout of its Generation 5 design, the brand continues to elevate the essentials through flexible workspaces and refreshed aesthetics tailored for both business and leisure stays, making it a natural fit for high-demand commercial markets like Surat.
Hilton Supercharges Its India Expansion with Strategic Agreement with Royal Orchid Hotels
Hilton has announced the signing of a strategic agreement with Regenta Hotels Private Limited, owned by Royal Orchid Hotels Limited, to sign and open 125 Hampton by Hilton hotels in India. The partnership accelerates Hilton’s upper midscale expansion in India, where rising domestic travel and growing demand from the country’s expanding middle class are driving strong opportunities in the mid-market segment. The franchised hotels will primarily be developed across western and southern markets, including Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, joining more than 3,100 Hampton by Hilton properties trading globally.
Desert Hospitality Group Announces Exclusive VIP Parties for Coachella Weekend
Desert Hospitality Group is proud to announce an exciting lineup of exclusive VIP parties taking place throughout the Coachella festival weekend, beginning Friday. Known for delivering elevated luxury experiences, Desert Hospitality Group is set to host a series of high-end events tailored for festival-goers seeking unforgettable moments in a private, upscale setting.
Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 opens in Bangkok
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially opened the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 at Benchakitti Park, Bangkok. Running until 15 April, the five-day event brings together cultural heritage, live entertainment and water celebrations at one of Thailand’s largest Songkran gatherings. The opening ceremony on 11 April was attended by Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, alongside senior representatives from the public and private sectors.
WTTC’s “Cruising for Impact” Report Highlights the Positive Impact of Cruise Tourism for Communities
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched its latest report, Cruising for Impact, highlighting the positive impact that cruise tourism delivers for communities and destinations around the world. The report shows how cruise tourism acts as a powerful driver of opportunity, supporting local livelihoods, strengthening communities, and creating long-term value in coastal and port destinations. Alongside these positive impacts, the industry contributed US$98.5 billion to global GDP and generated US$199 billion in total economic output, supported 1.8 million jobs, and delivered US$60.1 billion in wages in 2024, underlining its scale and global reach.
Humano, Lima, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Opens Its Doors in Miraflores
Opening in the heart of Miraflores, Humano, Lima, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel marks the brand’s debut in the city, welcoming travelers and locals alike into a space shaped by the neighborhood’s creative spirit. Rooted in the belief that everyday moments can be meaningful, the hotel brings Tribute Portfolio’s indie‑minded hospitality to life through thoughtful gestures, genuine connections, and an experience that feels deeply personal, authentic, and connected to the neighborhood’s creative spirit. “Humano opens as a place where guests can experience Lima from a genuine and local perspective, with hospitality that feels natural and personalized. We want every visitor to feel part of the community and every stay to become a meaningful moment,” said Ricardo Echeverri, Vice President, Owner & Franchise Services for Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America.
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT WAIKIKI BEACH UNVEILS MULTI‑MILLION‑DOLLAR TRANSFORMATION
Courtyard® by Marriott Waikiki Beach announces the debut of its comprehensive, multi‑million‑dollar transformation, unveiling a refreshed experience across its expansive 405‑room property. Every guestroom redesigned to embody a modern yet relaxed island aesthetic, including the complete renovation of its 850-square-foot Penthouse, now reimagined as an elevated residential‑style retreat in the heart of Waikiki. Led by design firm //3877, the property‑wide revitalization introduces guests to a collection of new experiences: an open‑air lobby and lounge overlooking a lush pool oasis; the debut of CRATE, a convenient grab‑and‑go concept; signature dining at Aloha Amigo and Peppermint Café & Pool Bar; and the artisan aromas of Ali’i Coffee Co.