Tourism News Page 171
Breaking Travel News and Pacific Asia Travel Association announce new media partnership
Breaking Travel News (BTN) has announced a new media partnership with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), strengthening collaboration between two influential voices in the global travel and tourism sector. Under the agreement, Breaking Travel News will serve as a supporting media partner for two of the association’s flagship events in 2026: the PATA Annual Summit (PAS 2026) taking place from 11–13 May in Gyeongju City and Pohang City, Republic of Korea, and PATA Travel Mart (PTM 2026) from 18–20 August in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
A New Chapter at Sandals Dunn’s River
Morning light drapes the hills of Ocho Rios in soft gold as Sandals Dunn’s River enters a confident new era. Recently reopened and already redefining luxury on Jamaica’s north coast, the resort marked a significant milestone with the official unveiling of the Louis Grant Conference Centre—an addition that honours legacy while looking firmly toward the future.
CELEBRITY CRUISES RELAUNCHES CELEBRITY SOLSTICE WITH EIGHT NEW EXPERIENCES
Celebrity Cruises’ revitalized Celebrity Solstice set sail from Singapore on March 2, unveiling eight new experiences, including four spaces that are new to Celebrity – Trattoria Rossa, Sunset Park, The Parlor, and Boulevard Lounge – marking the beginning of the cruise line’s major revitalization of its Solstice Series ships. Bow-to-stern enhancements also include refreshed accommodations – with updates to all existing staterooms, plus an additional 54 staterooms and four new stateroom categories to bring the ship to a total of 1,479 cabins. The 2026 itineraries for the revitalized Celebrity Solstice span Asia, Australia, and Alaska, ahead of a landmark 110-night Grand Voyage beginning September 13, 2026.
Lonely Planet Unveils New App and Bookable Experiences as it Evolves to a Digital-First Platform
Lonely Planet has announced a new app alongside the launch of bookable travel experiences – marking its most significant evolution yet from trusted guidebooks to a connected travel platform.
Round Hill Hotel & Villas Welcomes Spring in Style
At Round Hill Hotel & Villas, spring arrives not with fanfare, but with intention. Jamaica’s most storied hotel welcomes the season with a thoughtfully curated lineup of experiences that feel both fresh and deeply rooted in place. From a celebrated culinary residency and a refined take on pickleball to a reimagined spa experience grounded in local tradition, spring at Round Hill is shaped by moments that feel both intentional and timeless.
Consumers Trust AI to Plan Travel More than Any Other Task
Consumers say they trust generative AI to plan travel more than they trust the technology to assist with other common tasks. This finding comes from a survey of more than 1,000 consumers by travel publisher Matador Network, which operates the GuideGeek AI platform for travel.
HAMMOCK COVE ANTIGUA PARTNERS WITH GOLDEN GOAT CAVIAR® FOR EXCLUSIVE CULINARY POP-UP WEEKEND
Hammock Cove Antigua, part of Elite Island Resorts, is partnering with Golden Goat Caviar®, supplier of the world’s finest caviar, for the first Hammock Cove Antigua Golden Goat Caviar Pop-Up Weekend. Marking the premium caviar’s Antigua debut, guests will indulge in a decadent holiday beginning Thursday, May 7, through Sunday, May 10, 2026. A highlight of Antigua’s annual Culinary Month, the curated collaboration brings Golden Goat Caviar to the forefront, offering guests inventive dishes featuring caviar, bespoke cocktails, and indulgent beachfront moments.
Coastal Mississippi Announces Biggest Events of Spring Where Sun, Sea, and Celebrations Meet
Coastal Mississippi is proud to invite travelers to experience a diverse lineup of signature festivals, outdoor celebrations, and family-friendly events across its 62-miles of shorelines for the spring 2026 season. As the winter skies fade and warmer, bright days arrive; travelers will experience an exciting season with can’t-miss events for all ages. Highlights of the biggest events for Spring 2026, include:
Travelzoo Promotes Travel Enthusiasm at World’s Largest Travel Trade Show
At ITB Berlin, Travelzoo®, the club for travel enthusiasts, was the protagonist of travel enthusiasm. It stood out with its presentation of the intensity and complete experience of travel, displayed on a 12-meter (40 feet) wide LED screen. It was among the most talked about.
Atlas Ocean Voyages Highlights Limited Availability for 2026 Mediterranean Epicurean Expeditions
Atlas Ocean Voyages today reported limited availability remaining on Mediterranean Epicurean Expeditions sailing July through September 2026. Each Epicurean Expedition includes a complimentary Atlas Immersive Experience. These experiences enhance the experience with a deep dive into the history, nature, art or cuisine of a destination through an exclusive excursion ashore or a unique event on board.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Celebrates Official Opening of Elephant Valley
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrated the official opening of the all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley. Park guests were invited to experience the much-anticipated space for the first time following an opening ceremony with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance leaders and government officials. The ceremony included remarks from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego Councilmember Marni van Wilpert. Other city and community leaders including Escondido Mayor Dane White were in attendance.
The Barceló Hotel Group opens its first Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts establishment in Morocco
The Barceló Hotel Group continues to expand its presence in Morocco, where it already has nine properties in six cities. The grand opening of Royal Hideaway Casablanca took place on 18 December, marking the arrival of the Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts brand in the country and the African continent.