Tourism News Page 179
One million visitors and counting: Emirates drives tourism demand for Mauritius
For over two decades, Emirates has played a key role in supporting Mauritius’ tourism ambitions, driving visitor arrivals and opening doors to new source markets globally. Since 2022, over one million of Mauritius’ tourist arrivals recorded were carried by Emirates, representing more than 20% of the total number of tourists landing in Mauritius during the 2022 - 2025 period. Visitor growth has fuelled positive impact across the tourism value chain, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators, supporting thousands of jobs and delivering meaningful benefits to the local economy.
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Star Clippers Celebrates Record-Breaking New Ports of Call for Summer 2027
The tall-ship cruise line has announced 27 new ports of call across 7 countries for the summer 2027 Mediterranean sailing programme - the highest number of new additions in the line’s history. The new ports of call include Astypalea, Pighadia, Gavrio, Chania, Skyros and Parga in Greece; Çeşme, Datça, Kaş, Kekova and Fethiye in Turkey; Roses, Barcelona and Peniscola in Spain; Menton in France; Trogir and Korčula in Croatia; and, in a brand-new country for the sailing cruises specialist, Albania’s Sarandë
Pulse Hotels & Resorts Unveils Aura Maldives: A New Era of Mindful Luxury, Opening Q4 2026
Pulse Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Aura Maldives, a new 5-star luxury island sanctuary set to open in Q4 2026 within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, easily accessible via a scenic 30-minute seaplane journey from Male’, or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 15-minute yacht or speedboat transfer.
Madeira’s Flower Parade to Be Held Over Two Sundays
The Flower Parade, a highlight of the Flower Festival - an event promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture of Madeira - will, from this year onwards, be held on two Sundays, on 3 and 17 May. This decision, aligned with the objective of enhancing the visitor experience set out in the UPGRADE Programme, aims to enhance the prestige of the parade and its participants, while also providing better viewing conditions for the public.
THE RITZ-CARLTON, LANGKAWI INTRODUCES DAYANG MASTURA
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, situated on the pristine south-west coast of Malaysia’s Jewel of Kedah, announces the launch of its newest guest experience, a private Lagoon 620 sailing catamaran with luxury itineraries. Named to symbolize enduring grace, Dayang Mastura will provide guests with an exceptional private charter experience and an invitation to explore Langkawi’s breathtaking Andaman coastline - the ultimate Langkawi sailing experience.
A NEW ERA BEGINS AS THE SIRĒYA DESARU COAST BECOMES MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Effective 30 January 2026, The Sirēya Desaru Coast became Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, under the management of Mandarin Oriental. To mark the resort’s new chapter, a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony took place on 5 February 2026 with a floral garland consisting of local flora. The ceremony was attended by members of Mandarin Oriental’s senior leadership team including Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive; ShaoWei Ong, Chief People and Culture Officer; Matthew Bishop, Chief Financial Officer; Kande Camara, Chief of Staff and Group Director of Sustainability, Mandarin Oriental; Anthony Tyler, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, and Area Vice President Operations; Christian Gerart, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast; Dato’ Mohamed Nasri Sallehudin, Chairman of Destination Resorts and Hotels; and Mr. Darhim Dali Hashim, Group Chief Executive Officer of Destination Resorts and Hotels, owners of the resort. As the reimagined floral ribbon was cut, bubbles drifted to the sky, symbolising transformation and renewal.
Minor Hotels Enters West Africa with NH Collection Accra Signing
Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator and investor with more than 640 properties in 59 countries, has announced the signing of NH Collection Accra, the first property under the NH Collection brand in Ghana - set to launch in 2030. The agreement was signed during THINC Middle East 2026, underscoring the group’s continued expansion across gateway cities in Africa.
Soothing Finnish sounds to accompany Finnair customers throughout their journey
As part of Finnair’s new strategy, published in November, Finnair has also renewed its brand strategy. And at the core of the renewed brand is the airline’s Finnishness, which is also increasingly visible in customer experience, including the Finnair soundscape. Fourth-generation Finnish musician and composer Lauri Porra – the great grandson of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius – has composed a new music album called Matkantekijä (Traveller), which depicts the Finnish mindscape and the atmosphere of travel. From the end of February, this music will be heard on Finnair’s planes, lounges, as well as in marketing and customer service touchpoints.
SriLankan Airlines: Bringing India Closer to Sri Lanka
SriLankan Airlines has long made it a mission to bring India closer to Sri Lanka and the world. With close to 90 weekly flights between the two countries, and more to come, the airline has never been more energised about setting the pace for India’s expanding global footprint. SriLankan proudly counts India as its largest market, accounting for nearly 30% of the airline’s total passenger traffic and 23% of overall visitor arrivals to the island. Building on this momentum, the airline is poised to enhance its India operations this year through targeted strategic initiatives that will strengthen connectivity and reinforce the time-honoured bond between the two nations.
Link the remote corners of China by business class private jet
Given the recent news that China will now allow British citizens to travel to the country for up to 30 days without a visa, in order to boost UK tourism to the country, private travel specialist Captain’s Choice’s has planned an Ancient & Remote Wonders of China by Private Jet trip, taking place in September 2026:
Etihad Airways Honours Ramadan Traditions Across the Network
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, brings to life traditional Emirati Ramadan experiences through thoughtful moments across different touch points for guests around the world, celebrating the start of the holy month and inviting guests to share in the rich Emirati culture the airline proudly reflects.
Experience Miami Beach Through Iconic Culinary Traditions This Season
In Miami Beach, food is more than a meal — it is a living reflection of the city’s people, art, architecture, and cultural evolution. From historic Cuban diners and Mediterranean seaside tables to Michelin-starred, approachable innovation, Miami Beach invites visitors to experience the destination through its most iconic culinary creations.