Tourism News Page 172
Marriott International Signs Agreement to Debut St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in New Zealand
Marriott International, Inc. announced a signed agreement with PHC Queenstown Limited to debut St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in Queenstown, New Zealand. Combining timeless glamour and vanguard spirit, the property is anticipated to offer exquisite experiences in one of the world’s finest addresses starting in late 2027.
United Airlines’ Spring Break Travel Forecast + Travel Trends
United expects more than 27 million customers over spring break (between March 6 – April 27) – this will be the most passengers the airline has ever flown over spring break. United expects about 520,000 passengers per day on average, and plans to operate about 4,900 daily flights. United is ready – through the first two months of the year, United has had the most on-time departures of any U.S. airline; the airline also finished the month of February with the most on-time departures of any U.S. airline.
MAUNA LANI, AUBERGE COLLECTION, WELCOMES ROSS KILKENNY AS NEW CULINARY DIRECTOR
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection has appointed Ross Kilkenny as Culinary Director of its renowned food and beverage program on the Kohala Coast. With over 22 years of experience across the West Coast, Kilkenny brings refined expertise to his new role leading the resort’s established culinary scene.
ITB Berlin 2026: The industry sets an example for dialogue and resilience in uncertain times
On its 60th anniversary, the World’s Leading B2B Travel Trade Show gathered nearly 97,000 attendees from numerous source and destination markets. Despite the tense situation in the Middle East, which in some cases led to a lack of flights, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show again demonstrated the importance of trust, international cooperation and face-to-face meetings in the industry. Due to a one-off change in dates, the next ITB Berlin will take place from 16 to 18 March 2027.
WSTHA and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unveil next chapter of partnership
World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) have announced the next chapter of their partnership, launching a multi-year programme that brings together the Alliance’s Summit and the Awards into one landmark global platform for sustainable travel and tourism.
Kenya Invites the World to Experience Wonder at ITB Berlin 2026
Berlin knows spectacle. And on the global stage of ITB Berlin 2026, Kenya delivered one of the fair’s most evocative moments with the international launch of its new destination campaign, “Experience Wonder – Magical Kenya.” Unveiled at the world’s leading travel trade show during its landmark 60th anniversary, the campaign marked a bold evolution in how Kenya tells its story to the world. More than a rebrand, Experience Wonder is a re‑positioning—an invitation to see Kenya not only as a land of iconic wildlife, but as a multi‑dimensional destination where culture, creativity, adventure and deep human heritage converge.
Maldives Announced as Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027
The Maldives will take center stage as the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, presenting the beauty, diversity and hospitality of the island nation in the Indian Ocean to the global travel industry at the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show.
A perspective on International Women’s Day
A perspective on International Women’s Day with Sharon Palmer, Managing Director of Camps International (UK & Middle East), reflecting on leadership, career growth, and the value of staying open to opportunities even when the path forward is uncertain.
Marriott Announces Significant Growth and Strategic Expansion in the Caribbean and Latin America
Marriott International, Inc. announced an outstanding year of growth in its Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region in 2025. The company achieved a record 94 signed deals in the region, adding 10,461 rooms to the pipeline, an increase of 40 percent in signed transactions and more than 30 percent in signed rooms compared to 2024. This performance reinforces Marriott’s long-term commitment to diversified expansion and meeting evolving owner interests in the CALA region.
Air Tahiti Nui announces the opening of a direct route between Tahiti and Australia
Air Tahiti Nui continues to develop its international network and announces the launch of new direct service between Papeete and Sydney (PPT–SYD). This new service forms part of the airline’s strategy to sustainably strengthen French Polynesia’s connectivity with major regional hubs across the South Pacific.
Disney Cruise Line Christens Disney Adventure with Star-Studded, Music-Filled Celebration
Disney Cruise Line welcomed its newest ship, the Disney Adventure, to its rapidly expanding fleet in a dazzling entertainment showcase that celebrated the beloved Disney stories, characters, and music that come to life onboard. The elegant artistry of the christening ceremony punctuated the introduction of the cruise line’s first ever ship to sail in Southeast Asia.
Trip.com Group Reinforces AI Innovation and European Collaboration at ITB Berlin
Trip.com Group concluded its participation at ITB Berlin with strong demonstrations of its leadership in travel technology, artificial intelligence and strategic partnerships across Europe. At a series of panel discussions, the company shared insights into how innovation and data are reshaping traveller behaviour and partner opportunities, underscoring its commitment to powering the full travel journey from trip planning to in-trip support and beyond.