Tourism News Page 227
Nobu Manchester breaks ground as Robert De Niro visits Manchester with Salboy
Robert De Niro visited Manchester with fellow Nobu Hospitality founders Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper, joining Salboy on site to mark the Nobu Manchester groundbreaking and the next stage of the project’s delivery.
THE SANDALS FOUNDATION LEADS ITS LARGEST TOY DRIVE TO DATE, DONATING 45,000 TOYS ACROSS CARIBBEAN
This holiday season, the simple joy of opening a new toy is reaching tens of thousands of children across the Caribbean through an annual toy drive led by the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. With the support of toy industry leaders Spin Master, Jazwares, and The Toy Foundation™, 45,000 toys will be delivered, marking the Foundation’s largest toy drive to date.
TAP LAUNCHES NEW ROUTE BETWEEN PORTO AND TERCEIRA
TAP Air Portugal will inaugurate a new route between Porto and Terceira on 29 March 2026, with four weekly flights. On the same date, it will also launch additional connections between Porto and Funchal, increasing from 14 to 18 flights per week. The new route between Porto and Terceira, operated with an A320neo aircraft with a capacity for 168 passengers, will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing from Porto at 15:20 and arriving in Terceira at 17:00. On the return, the flight leaves the Azorean island at 17:50 and arrives in Invicta at 21:15. (local times). Connections between Porto and Funchal will also be reinforced from 29 March, with four more flights per week between the two cities, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing from Porto at 12:10 and arriving in Funchal at 14:15. On the return journey, the flight departs from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport at 15:05 and arrives at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport at 17:05. TAP is therefore strengthening its fundamental role in mobility between Porto and the northern region and the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, once again highlighting its contribution to national cohesion. Tickets for the new flights are already on sale at www.flytap.com and through travel agents.
.Here Baa Atoll Maldives Opens Somewhere Island
.Here Baa Atoll Maldives has officially opened Somewhere Island, welcoming its first guests on Monday 15 December. Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the opening marks the first phase of the resort’s ultra-exclusive private island concept, with the second island, Nowhere, scheduled to launch in Q1 2026.
Guardians of Patagonian Cowboy Culture Invite Guests to Ride, Learn and Heal During the Year of the
As the only property in the Torres del Paine National Park permitted to offer equine activities, Las Torres Patagonia offers guests a taste of cowboy culture - Patagonia-style. Its gaucho baqueanos are longstanding custodians of local horsemanship and share their time-honoured skills and traditions with guests, both on the Reserve’s estancia and while exploring the National Park on horseback.
Kuoni Turns Reasons to Travel into Wow-Worthy Holidays in Peaks Sale
Worldwide travel company Kuoni is matching why we travel with wow-worthy holidays in its peaks campaign which highlights the reasons why people go on holiday, rather than where they travel to. Building on the success of this year’s – It’s not where, it’s why – creative, the campaign shows how, as ‘Experts in Travellers’, Kuoni takes time to understand each customers’ needs and match what they want from a holiday with exceptional travel experiences full of ‘wow’ moments.
Float Beneath the Brightest Northern Lights in a Decade at Geothermal Sanctuary Laugarás Lagoon
Discover Iceland’s newest winter destination at Laugarás Lagoon, a geothermal sanctuary newly opened on the iconic Golden Circle. Positioned in Laugarás village and easily reachable by car - just over an hour from Reykjavík - guests float across two levels of therapeutic warm waters connected by a dramatic waterfall, soaking beneath nature’s greatest light show. The timing of Laugarás Lagoon’s opening is exceptional: a rare ‘solar maximum’ (occurring once every 11 years) makes this winter likely to be the most spectacular Northern Lights season until 2037, with peak activity expected to last until March 2026.
FUSION EXPANDS ITS VIETNAM PORTFOLIO WITH TWO LANDMARK HOTEL OPENINGS IN EARLY 2026
Fusion Hotel Group, Southeast Asia’s leading wellness-inspired hospitality brand, has announced the upcoming debut of the stylish new LÈGACY Hanoi – a Fusion Original, as well as Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection in early 2026. Located in two of Vietnam’s most historic and internationally renowned tourist destinations, these hotel openings mark the next chapter in the Fusion Hotel Group’s ambitious expansion and reinforces its leadership role in the country’s dynamic hospitality landscape.
Moxy Hotels Debuts in Nepal’s Buzzing Heartbeat
Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced its debut in Nepal with the opening of Moxy Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a city that thrives on contrasts, blends ancient heritage with modern buzz, vibrant culture, creativity, youthful energy and deep-rooted spiritual calmness - making it the perfect playground for Moxy.
Family ski holidays made effortless this February half term with Powder Byrne
For those planning a family ski holiday this February half term, Powder Byrne’s programmes will be in full swing, with dedicated teams on hand to welcome guests to some of the best resorts in the Swiss Alps. Powder Byrne’s children’s ski programmes offer tailored, expert-led experiences for ages 3 to 19, guiding young skiers from their first steps on the snow to advanced, independent skiing, all within a safe, fun, and confidence-building environment. With the expert support of Powder Byrne, families can switch off and enjoy the mountains without the usual holiday pressure, creating a break that is relaxed and full of fun.
Marriott International and V&A Waterfront Holdings Announce Agreement to Bring EDITION to Cape Town
Marriott International, Inc. and V&A Waterfront Holdings today announced a signed agreement to open The Cape Town EDITION within the V&A Waterfront in 2026. This milestone agreement is anticipated to mark the debut of EDITION Hotels in Africa, bringing its signature taste-making design, innovation, and consistent, excellent service to Cape Town.
ORIENT EXPRESS SAILING YACHTS UNVEILS ITS NEW ITINERARIES FOR THE 2027 SEASON
Faithful to a heritage shaped by innovation and the French art of living, Orient Express continues its vision of exceptional travel and expands its horizons once more. After an initial season of sailing planned through the Mediterranean and the Caribbean in 2026, Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, will welcome her sister-yacht, Orient Express Olympian, in 2027. Together, they will unveil a new collection of itineraries. As with previous journeys, each route will follow the most favourable winds, reducing environmental impact while offering a distinctive maritime experience.