Tourism News Page 222
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs first Holiday Inn hotel in Nepal’s Sudurpashchim Province
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Club Chaulani Ltd. to develop Holiday Inn Dhangadhi, a 115-key hotel in Dhangadhi, Nepal. Scheduled to open in Q1 2028, the signing marks IHG’s entry into the Sudurpashchim Province and reflects the company’s strategy to expand its presence in high-potential, underserved markets across South Asia.
Avelo Airlines Goes International at Wilmington International Airport with Flights to Punta Cana
Avelo Airlines celebrated its start of international service at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) with nonstop service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, ILM’s first international route. Avelo is the first and only airline offering nonstop service between ILM and Punta Cana.
Thailand welcomes 2026 with countdown celebrations anchored by Phayao and Su-ngai Kolok
Thailand is welcoming the arrival of 2026 with a nationwide programme of countdown celebrations, anchored by two flagship events organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Phayao and Su-ngai Kolok, alongside a series of TAT-supported festivities across Bangkok and major destinations nationwide.
Hundreds of Santas Take to the Slopes for Tamarack Resort’s “Santa Skis Free” Tradition
Tamarack Resort celebrated Christmas Day with its annual Santa Skis Free tradition. Over 100 Santas, elves, and one cheeky grinch filled the slopes for a festive day of skiing, snowboarding, and holiday cheer.
FITUR 2026 to boost business opportunities between the tourism sectors of the US and Spain
FITUR 2026 , to be held from 21 to 25 January at IFEMA MADRID , will demonstrate the growing importance of the US market for Spain and will boost business opportunities between the two countries. The United States is once again gaining weight at the International Tourism Trade Fair, reflecting the dynamism of bilateral tourism flows and the growing interest of its companies in consolidating alliances in the international sphere.
Abu Dhabi to Host 2026 Gran Turismo World Series Opener
For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event, scheduled for 28th of March 2026 at the Space42 Arena. The landmark event will bring together the world’s top Gran Turismo drivers to compete in an elite live championship, engaging fans in the emirate and highlighting Abu Dhabi’s esports capabilities to millions worldwide.
Crown Princess Returns from Drydock Featuring Popular O’Malley’s Irish Pub, and Fresh Enhancements
Following a drydock in Singapore, Crown Princess has set sail, unveiling exciting new guest experiences, including the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub and a redesigned Gatsby’s Casino. The 113,561-ton ship, carrying 3,080 guests, also underwent general refurbishments and the addition of a new EFFY Lounge, alongside the transformation of key venues that enhance the service Princess in known and loved for:
Falling Prices and Global Events Push New Cities Into the Spotlight, per KAYAK Data
KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, today released its highly anticipated 2026 Travel Trends Forecast, an exclusive analysis powered by millions of searches and a first look at KAYAK’s forward-looking travel insights.
THE KYLN HOTEL SUZHOU CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING, JOINING THE JDV BY HYATT BRAND
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the opening of KYLN Hotel Suzhou under the JdV by Hyatt brand. Located in the Xiangcheng District of Suzhou, China and in close proximity to world-renowned heritage sites and the scenic Yangcheng Lake, the hotel is the true reflection of the city’s lively neighborhoods—inviting guests and locals alike to connect, live in the moment and celebrate the joy of life. In Suzhou, tradition and modernity intersect, weaving together stories of ancient Imperial Kiln Brick craftsmanship, an electric urban vibe, and natural attractions into one destination.
MILLENNIUM HOTELS & RESORTS AND IHCL JOIN HANDS ON A GLOBAL LOYALTY PARTNERSHIP
As Millennium Hotels & Resorts (MHR) marks 30 years of global hospitality, the group today announced a strategic loyalty partnership with Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s leading hospitality company and custodian of the iconic Taj Hotels & Resorts brand. The collaboration brings together MHR’s MyMillennium and IHCL’s celebrated Taj InnerCircle of NeuPass programme, unlocking enhanced travel and stay benefits for members worldwide.
Wego and Korea Tourism Organization Launch Campaign to Spark MENA Wanderlust for Korea
Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has partnered with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) to ignite a new wave of travel interest among MENA explorers, spotlighting Korea’s unique spirit, scenic wonders, and cultural dynamism.
Sweet dreams above the clouds
Beginning this month, Emirates is curating the perfect restorative sleep ritual in the sky with new loungewear, indulgent bed linen, and a thoughtful turndown service for First Class customers. Further elevating the transition into relaxation, First Class customers are invited to enjoy premium drinks served in new cut crystal glassware, relish moments of calm with the latest noise cancelling headphones from Bowers and Wilkins and unwind with an Emirates A380 Shower Spa experience enhanced by a new range of VOYA products.