Tourism News Page 185
WORLD PREMIERE OF UNIVERSAL THEME PARKS: THE EXHIBITION OPENS AT THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE TODAY
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, a groundbreaking new exhibit that takes guests inside the immersive and innovative world of Universal Destinations & Experiences’ theme parks, makes its world premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 14, 2026, in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal.
BOSTON CELTICS AND EXPERIENCE ABU DHABI AGREEMENT EXTENDED THROUGH 2027-28 SEASON
The Boston Celtics today announced the extension of their advertising agreement with Experience Abu Dhabi through the conclusion of the 2027–28 season. This renewal broadens Experience Abu Dhabi’s presence across Celtics platforms and fan-engagement initiatives.
New International Art Fair Launches in Tampa Fall 2026
Tampa is set to welcome a significant addition to the global arts calendar this fall with the inaugural Art Fair Tampa, taking place October 15–18, 2026 at the Tampa Convention Center. The four-day celebration of contemporary art, cultural exchange, and immersive creative experiences will feature 300 artists from around the world.
National Wine Day Turns 25: The Republic of Moldova - A Small Country with Global Wine Ambitions
Few places in the world celebrate wine as a defining element of national identity through an annual national holiday. The Republic of Moldova is among these rare destinations. In 2026, National Wine Day - the country’s flagship wine celebration and one of Europe’s Top 10 open-air events - marks its 25th anniversary, reaffirming wine as a cultural, economic and symbolic cornerstone of Moldova’s identity.
Say “I Do” to Colombia This Valentine’s Season
This Valentine’s weekend, Colombia is already part of the celebration. For more than five decades, the country has been recognized in the United States as a leading source of the flowers shared during the season of love. Today, more than 80% of Valentine’s blooms originate from Colombian fields. In January and February 2025 alone, approximately 720 million stems supplied the U.S. market, reflecting a relationship built on trust, trade, and shared value. More recently, Colombia’s reputation has also expanded through its high-quality cacao exports, bringing another taste of the country into romantic moments nationwide.
Minor Hotels Announces Expansion in the Adriatic with Debuts in Croatia and Slovenia
Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has announced the signing of a management agreement with MK Group for two new additions to its portfolio on Europe’s Adriatic coast. From 12 February 2026 the two properties will be operated by Minor Hotels and will reopen for the 2026 season in late March. Following extensive refurbishment programmes, the resorts will relaunch under the group’s luxury Anantara and Minor Reserve Collection flags in Q1 2027. The hotels add two new countries to Minor Hotels’ global portfolio and represent the group’s debuts in both Croatia and Slovenia
Turkish Airlines Unveils Its 500th Aircraft Featuring a Special Livery of 100,000 Employees
Turkish Airlines, operating one of Europe’s youngest fleets, has reached another significant milestone in its journey that began in 1933 with a modest fleet of five aircraft. Joining the fleet at the end of 2025, the 500th aircraft named ‘TK Family’ was unveiled during a special launch event today by the Turkish flag carrier.
Is Your Hotel Management Company Leading with Heart?
Wellness isn’t a perk; it’s essential in hospitality. As a hotel management company, we intentionally promote physical, mental, nutritional, and social well-being because healthy people build healthy hotels. Our commitment is simple, but bold: to cultivate a culture of health, connection, and shared success across all of our hotels.
Etihad Reports January 2026 Traffic Statistics
Etihad Airways has released its traffic statistics for January 2026, continuing the strong momentum that defined a record-breaking 2025 and reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. The airline welcomed 2.2 million passengers in January, a 29 per cent increase compared with January 2025, when 1.7 million guests flew with Etihad. Passenger load factor reached 89.9 per cent for the month, up from 89.1 per cent a year earlier, reflecting sustained demand across the network and continued efficiency in capacity management.
Emirates expands reach in China through interline partnership with Loong Air
Emirates and Loong Air have signed an interline agreement, increasing Emirates’ footprint in China and offering the airline’s customers access to additional cities beyond its own gateways. Starting immediately, Emirates customers will have access to 22 points across China operated by Loong Air via Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The cities span several regions across East, Northeast, South, Central, and Southwest China.
Travel Compositor launches Dante: Its new AI-based patent to revolutionize contract loading
Spain-based Travel Compositor, a leading provider of booking engine solutions for online leisure travel sellers, part of Travelsoft—the global travel software-as-a-service (SaaS) player whose technologies are used by travel agents and tour operators to package and distribute travel—, announces the launch of Dante, its new AI-based patent to revolutionize content loading.
SAUDI ARABIA ANNOUNCES 2026 FUTURE AVIATION FORUM TO CONVENE GLOBAL AVIATION LEADERS
The 2026 Future Aviation Forum will return to Riyadh from 20-22 April, bringing together more than 11,000 global aviation experts and leaders, including ministers, regulators, manufacturers, airlines, and airports. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) launched the Forum whilst announcing a third consecutive year of record-breaking aviation growth for Saudi Arabia. In 2025, Saudia Arabia carried 140.9 million passengers, up 9.6%, and operated 980,000 flights, an 8.3% percent increase compared with 2024.