Tourism News Page 216
The FCDO advises against all travel to Venezuela
If you are a British National already living or travelling in Venezuela, you should shelter in place, but be prepared to change your plans quickly if necessary. Regularly review your departure options and make sure your travel documents are valid and accessible. You should have a ‘personal emergency plan’, including practical steps for leaving the country or staying safe during a crisis, that does not depend on support from the UK government.
Lufthansa turns 100!
In 2026, Lufthansa marks a major milestone: on January 6, 1926, 100 years ago, the first “Luft Hansa” was founded, and by April 6 of the same year, it had its maiden flight. This anniversary is not only a reflection on the history of one of aviation’s most iconic brands but also a significant step into the future. It honors the pioneering spirit, innovation, and connection of people, cultures, and economies that Lufthansa has shaped for a century.
Nearly 130,000 Ring in 2026 at Beijing’s 798 Art District
As the final hours of 2025 slipped away, Beijing’s 798 Art District became an open-air stage where art, technology and public life converged to welcome the new year.
Holland America Line and Pendleton Woolen Mills Collaborate on Exclusive Blanket
In celebration of Alaska Statehood Day and in anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary, Holland America Line announces a special collaboration with heritage Pacific Northwest lifestyle brand Pendleton Woolen Mills: a custom-designed, numbered, Alaska-themed throw blanket inspired by the spirit and landscapes of the Great Land. The throw reflects Pendleton’s legacy of craftsmanship, translating American landscapes into a timeless design.
Air New Zealand connects nearly 16 million people across Aotearoa and around the world in 2025
Over the last 12 months, the airline has carried nearly 16 million passengers across its domestic and international network – helping connect New Zealanders with each other and the world and welcoming nearly one million visitors to our shores. Air New Zealand Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says the airline’s 11,500 team members take great pride and responsibility in the role they play connecting people with one another.
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES ANNOUNCES ENHANCED EXPLORER’S CHOICE OFFER
Atlas Ocean Voyages unveils a new Enhanced Explorer’s Choice offer, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy Double the Amenities on a limited selection of 2026 voyages. Available for bookings made January 2 through March 31, this enhanced promotion allows all guests on these select itineraries, regardless of stateroom category, to choose two complimentary amenities from a curated menu of premium enhancements, elevating the expedition experience even further.
RYANAIR REVEALS TOP 5 DESTINATIONS FOR 2026
As the year closes, a new year begins – which means it’s time to start planning your 2026 getaways. To help inspire your New Year travel plans, Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (Wed, 31 Dec) revealed the top 5 destinations across its industry-leading network of over 235 destinations that passengers are flocking to in 2026:
JetBlue Set to Launch New Nonstop Service Between New York and Cleveland
JetBlue has announced plans to launch new daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), expanding travel options for customers in Northeast Ohio with access to JetBlue’s New York focus city. The new route begins March 30, 2026, with tickets on sale today.
ICYMI! Emirates’ 2025 year in review: Top 10 things to know
This year, Emirates moved 55.6 million customers, circled Earth 29,290 times on nearly 180,580 flights, and placed orders for 73 new aircraft. The airline celebrated its 40th year of operations in October, but the real story of 2025 goes beyond that anniversary milestone, as Emirates plots what the future of flying better really means. Whether you’ve been following Emirates all year or just tuning in now, here are the top 10 highlights that defined 2025 for the world’s largest international airline:
American takes Chicago expansion up a notch with 100 new daily departures this spring
American Airlines is taking its ongoing expansion in Chicago to the next level with 100 new daily departures from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) — bolstering its schedule with additional flights to more than 75 popular destinations just in time for spring break. The airline’s largest ORD spring schedule on record enhances the strongest network in the U.S. and means more for American’s customers: more flights, more choices, more popular destinations and more opportunities to see the world. Additionally, the airline is expanding its summer seasonal service from ORD to two sought-after European destinations: Paris and Dublin. It’s the latest in American’s comprehensive expansion plan that has already enhanced the customer experience, improved operational reliability and deepened its century-long roots in the Chicago community.
iQIYI LAND Yangzhou to Open on February 8, Marking New Chapter in China’s Immersive Entertainment
Today, iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, announced that iQIYI LAND – its first global offline entertainment park – will open in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province on February 8, 2026. As a highly interactive, next-generation indoor theme park, iQIYI LAND is designed to bring beloved Chinese stories to life through technology, creating an immersive entertainment space that combines innovation with iconic Chinese IP.
China Daily Launches “China Bound”—An English-Language Smart-Tourism Service Platform
Enjoy a smart journey, and discover China! On Jan 1, China Daily officially launched “China Bound,” an English-language smart-tourism service platform for international tourists. It offers one-stop services from “travel inspiration” to “personalized itineraries, enjoying intelligent Q&A, convenient ticket booking, and sharing travel stories.” With just one click, travelers can unlock the wonders of China. It’s an invitation to friends from all over the world to better “see China, feel China, and fall in love with China.”