Tourism News Page 164
Costa Rica Sees Rising Travel Demand as Travelers Seek Nature and Adventure-Focused Vacations
Tripmasters, a leading online travel company specializing in customizable multi-destination vacation packages, is reporting a significant surge in interest in Costa Rica vacation packages and nature-focused adventure travel. In response to growing demand, the company is highlighting its curated collection of customizable itineraries along with introducing its Costa Rica–based concierge team, providing travelers with local support from the moment they book until their trip is complete.
Brazilian airline announces direct flights between Rio de Janeiro to France and Portugal
GOL Linhas Aéreas, Brazil’s most on-time airline, has announced new non-stop flights between Rio de Janeiro’s RIOgaleão International Airport (GIG) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at France, and Lisbon Airport (LIS) in Portugal. This is the first time the company ever operates direct flights to Europe since its foundation in 2001.
Sunset World Group Celebrates International Women’s Day
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Sunset World Group held a series of special events at all its hotels—Hacienda Tres Ríos, Sunset Royal, Sunset Marina, Sunset Fishermen, Ocean Spa, and Laguna Suites—to recognize the valuable contributions of the women who are part of its team. The activities included special breakfasts or lunches organized for female employees, as well as gatherings with live music, creating an atmosphere of celebration and recognition.
Marriott International Signs Agreement to Bring St. Regis Hotels & Resorts to Kapalua Bay, Hawai’i
Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners (“KWHP”) to bring The Resort at Kapalua Bay, a luxury oceanfront resort located on Maui’s northwest coast, into the company’s leading luxury portfolio.
SriLankan Airlines Enhances Australia Connectivity with 14 Weekly Flights
SriLankan Airlines is set to increase its weekly service between Colombo and Melbourne to 10 flights, effective from 2 August 2026, with the addition of three more scheduled flights in response to growing demand and evolving market dynamics. The expansion reinforces the airline’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in Australia, recently identified as one of the fastest-growing inbound tourism markets to Sri Lanka, driven by leisure travel and a rising volume of visits by family and friends.
Mandarin Oriental collects trio of titles at World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
Mandarin Oriental has been recognised with three top prizes at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards. The luxury hotelier won titles for: • World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative 2025 • World’s Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project 2025 • World’s Leading Sustainable Policy Initiative 2025
Scenic Group announces three new luxury river ships
Scenic Group has revealed it will launch three new luxury river ships in 2027 and early 2028. One Emerald Star-Ship will join the Emerald Cruises & Tours fleet, while Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours will welcome two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ships. The new vessels will operate across Europe and Asia, with bookings now open
Round Hill Jamaica: Why the Caribbean’s Most Celebrated Resort Feels Like Coming Home
There are luxury resorts that dazzle on first impression—and then there are the rare few that linger long after you’ve left. Round Hill Hotel and Villas, set on a secluded peninsula just outside Montego Bay, belongs firmly in the latter category. For more than seven decades, this quietly glamorous Jamaican retreat has drawn royalty, creatives, world leaders, and discerning travellers who return not once, but year after year. What makes Round Hill so enduringly special? The answer lies in a singular blend of heritage, discretion, design, and heartfelt hospitality—qualities that have earned it an extraordinary collection of international awards and an almost unparalleled level of guest loyalty.
Sandals Royal Curaçao Invites Guests to Experience “Vacation Goals”
As Curaçao makes history as the smallest country ever to qualify for the world’s biggest soccer tournament, Sandals Royal Curaçao is launching Vacation Goals: Curaçao Edition, a limited-time summer program channeling the island’s excitement and global spotlight into a celebratory guest experience. Blending spirited on-resort festivities with immersive cultural exploration, the all-inclusive resort invites travelers to embrace the excitement of the game alongside the unmistakable flair of the Dutch Caribbean.
SEABOURN INTRODUCES THE DENALI EXPERIENCE, EXTENDING ALASKA VOYAGES INTO DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Seabourn, the leader in luxury voyages and expedition travel, has unveiled “The Denali Experience” for 2027 and 2028, an optional pre-cruise Seabourn Journey designed to extend guests’ exploration of Alaska into the storied interior of The Great Land.
Brazilian airline announces direct flights between Rio and Orlando
GOL Linhas Aéreas, Brazil’s most on-time airline, has announced new non-stop flights between Rio de Janeiro’s RIOgaleão International Airport (GIG) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). This operation will be conducted by an Airbus A330, a twin-aisle aircraft accommodating nearly 300 passengers. Tickets will be available soon through GOL’s official website.
Marriott International Signs Landmark Agreement with KS Hotels
Marriott International, Inc. today announced the signing of a landmark agreement with KS Hotels to introduce The Luxury Collection to Cambodia and Laos through the conversion of two storied boutique hotels: La Résidence Angkor in Siem Reap and La Résidence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang. The agreement is set to mark Marriott’s entry in Laos and the debut of The Luxury Collection in both countries.