Tourism News Page 232
Air New Zealand opens the Lookout Lounge ahead of major Auckland lounge redevelopment
Located on Level 2, closer to the departure gates, The Lookout Lounge will open daily during peak travel times (5:00–10:00am and 3.30–9:15pm), giving customers more room to relax and enjoy the friendly Kiwi service Air New Zealand is known for. The Lookout Lounge will operate alongside the Koru Lounge during the summer holiday season and during the construction of the new lounges at Auckland International Airport. Customers will be welcomed at either lounge depending on availability, with both serving up the same signature Kiwi hospitality, great food and drinks, and that unmistakable Air New Zealand warmth before take-off.
Tourism in Balance: ITB Berlin Convention 2026 Leads the Way
ITB Berlin is celebrating 60 years, and under the guiding theme “Leading Tourism into Balance”, the world’s largest industry think tank will focus on the key questions shaping the future of global tourism. From 3 to 5 March 2026, around 400 leading international speakers will discuss on four stages across 17 theme tracks how sustainable business models can function while respecting the natural environment. Next year, the ITB Berlin Convention 2026 will look for answers and strategies for a tourism industry in transition. More than 400 international speakers will examine the latest trends, present research findings and scenarios, and debate strategies and options for taking action. Experts from major companies such as Nathan Blecharczyk (co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Airbnb), Mitra Sorrells (Senior Vice President, Phocuswright) and Bruce Poon Tip (founder, G Adventures) will share exclusive insights into current market developments and strategic trends. Frauke Fischer (business biodiversity expert) will explain why biodiversity is a key success factor for the future of the travel industry, while Thor Pedersen (globetrotter and bestseller author) will take the audience on an extraordinary journey around the world without flying, opening up completely new perspectives on global travel.
RIU Hotels & Resorts opens the Riu Ventura, its sixth hotel in Cancun
RIU Hotels & Resorts has just opened the doors of the Riu Ventura, its new hotel in Mexico located right next to the iconic Playa Delfines beach in Cancun’s hotel zone. This establishment represents a new commitment to quality and product diversification, designed to offer a comprehensive holiday experience with RIU’s renowned 24-hour all-inclusive concept. It features an exclusive adults-only area with a pool and a Sky Bar on the sixth floor, a first for RIU in Mexico. The Riu Ventura offers a total of 705 elegant, contemporary and bright rooms, including 36 with private swim-up pools located on the first floor that offer better views and more privacy thanks to their elevated position. The establishment is RIU’s first hotel in Mexico to offer guests this option.
Jumeirah Unveils Eco Village, an Immersive Sustainability Destination at Madinat Jumeirah
Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and member of Dubai Holding, today announced the launch of Jumeirah Eco Village – a thoughtfully curated sustainability destination at Madinat Jumeirah designed to inspire sustainable living through engaging, educational experiences. Jumeirah Eco Village offers a dedicated platform that brings to life Jumeirah’s initiatives in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, food security, and responsible production. The destination supports the brand’s mission to curate distinctive and purposeful guest experiences through a curated journey that uses immersive storytelling and interactive exhibits.
Rotana Launches Rotana DISCOVERY, Connecting Members to a World of Rewards and Recognition
We are pleased to announce the launch of Rotana DISCOVERY December 2025, its new global loyalty programme developed under the framework of its membership in the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and integrated into the award-winning GHA DISCOVERY platform. This launch marks the transition of Rotana Rewards Select into Rotana DISCOVERY, connecting members to a world of benefits. Through this partnership, Rotana’s loyalty members gain access to 950 hotels across 100 countries and join a global community of over 32 million travellers. This milestone reinforces Rotana’s long-term commitment to delivering on its brand promise of Treasured Time while expanding its international recognition and loyalty reach.
Kick Off 2026 with Winter Warmth, Wellness, and Romance at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, recent recipient of two Michelin keys, encourages guests to start the new year by celebrating wellness and romance in the warm tropical paradise of French Polynesia. “The beginning of a new year brings so many reasons to celebrate,” says Romain Chanet, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. “For some, this may be a complete wellness reset in January, and for others, an expression of love and romance in February. Whatever the occasion, we will make it special and memorable, guided by our experts.”
Pan Pacific Whistler debuts the ‘Purpose Trees’ program this holiday season
Pan Pacific Whistler is elevating holiday giving this season by debuting its sparkling ‘Purpose Trees’, inspiring guests and visitors to give the gift of kindness and make a donation to the hotel’s three partner charities: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Whistler Animals Galore Society and Whistler Food Bank. New for the 2025 holiday season, the hotel’s ‘Purpose Trees’ will be displayed in the lobbies of Pan Pacific Whistler’s two properties, Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside and Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, until December 31, 2025.
Hyatt Centric The Ring Chengdu Debuts as The First Hyatt Centric Hotel in Southwest China
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Centric The Ring Chengdu, marking the introduction of the Hyatt Centric brand in Southwest China. Situated in the heart of Chengdu’s revitalized Panchenggang district, where nostalgic neighborhoods intersect with modern city life, Hyatt Centric The Ring Chengdu offers a fresh approach to urban exploration that is culturally rich and immersive. Here, savvy travelers can easily explore the contrasting charms of Chengdu, famed as the home of the giant panda and the birthplace of vibrant Sichuan cuisine. Directly linked to The Ring lifestyle mall, the hotel offers seamless access to upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment, while also serving as a gateway to traditional and trendy neighborhoods, where the city’s relaxed teahouse culture, ancient temples, and thriving creative scene coexist. Located just 164 feet (50 meters) from Dongda Road Metro Station, and two metro stops from Chengdu East Railway Station, it also provides effortless connection to iconic attractions such as Taikoo Li, Tianfu Square, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
The Royal Commission for AlUla Advances the Preservation of AlUla Old Town
The Royal Commission for AlUla and the Archaeological Park of Pompeii continue to advance their joint work on the preservation of AlUla Old Town, under the cooperation agreement signed in January 2025. The partnership aims to deepen research and protection efforts at this historic site and guide its development through a comprehensive heritage-led approach. The collaboration brings together two of the world’s leading open-air heritage destinations, linking active archaeological work with visitor-facing cultural development.
What’s New in Canada’s Yukon in 2026
Situated in northwest Canada beside Alaska, the Yukon is one of North America’s last great undiscovered destinations, home to Mount Logan, the planet’s largest non polar icefields and vast untouched wilderness. New for 2026, travellers can enjoy an exciting lineup of wilderness experiences, from Up North Adventures’ private off grid island retreat and Yukon Wide Adventures’ bundled winter aurora packages to premium aurora domes, ice fishing on frozen Lake Laberge and luxury viewing at Epic North’s new Aurora Lounge. Adventure lovers can explore remote northern highways by motorcycle, join small group hiking and cultural tours, experience northern lights by snowmobile or unwind in Indigenous owned wellness retreats with glass fronted aurora capsules. With new lodges, new operators and expanded winter and summer programmes, the Yukon is offering more ways than ever to experience its wild beauty.
Making a splash: Garner by IHG arrives in South East Asia
IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts Garner by IHG in South East Asia, with the opening of Garner Hotel Pattaya Central. Guests can immerse themselves in the vibrancy of this coastal city in Thailand, all while experiencing the brand’s ethos of ‘easy going stays that get you on your way’. Garner hotels are designed to offer quality, relaxed stays at an affordable price. The brand offers the all-important things that guests value most - a central location and a great night’s sleep, as well as delicious options for breakfast to start your day right.
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs new Holiday Inn Resort in picturesque Lonavala
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Emproy Hospitality LLP, for the development of Holiday Inn Resort Lonavala. Slated to open in 2027, the deal strengthens IHG’s presence in the essentials category and underscores its continued expansion across India’s fast-growing leisure destinations.