Tourism News Page 239
Etihad Airways and Condor announce strategic partnership and new Abu Dhabi routes
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and the German carrier Condor announced a strategic partnership alongside the launch of new daily flights connecting Frankfurt and Berlin to Abu Dhabi starting Summer 2026 and an extensive codeshare agreement. From 1 May 2026, Condor will operate daily services between Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi using its Airbus A330 aircraft, followed by the launch of daily Berlin-Abu Dhabi flights from 15 June 2026 operated by Airbus A320 aircraft. The new services will significantly broaden direct access to Abu Dhabi for German travellers, with seamless onward connections to Etihad’s extensive network across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia.
A Night at Sea — Shore to Shore: Inside the 2025 World Cruise Awards in Bahrain
Under the dazzling lights of the Arabian Gulf, the 2025 World Cruise Awards unfolded last weekend in a glittering gala at Exhibition World Bahrain — a venue transformed into a celebration of ocean-going journeys, luxury voyages, and the dream of exploration at sea. On Saturday evening, cruise-industry leaders, travel editors, seafarers, and luxury-travel enthusiasts gathered in black tie and national dress for pre-dinner cocktails, a sumptuous gala dinner, and the crowning of the world’s most outstanding cruise ships, cruise lines, and maritime experiences.
A Night of Future-Shaping Glamour: The 2025 World Travel Tech Awards in Bahrain
Under the glittering chandeliers and beneath the vaulted ceilings of Exhibition World Bahrain, global travel-tech visionaries gathered last weekend for what may become the defining moment of 2025 in travel innovation: the fifth annual World Travel Tech Awards. The evening promised more than trophies — it was a vivid showcase of where travel is going next, blending cutting-edge technology, global ambition, and the timeless allure of wanderlust.
Spotlight on the 2025 World MICE Awards — Bahrain’s Night to Remember
This past weekend, the glimmering halls of Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) were transformed into a centre stage for global achievement as the 2025 World MICE Awards took place under a grand black-tie gala. The event marked the 6th annual edition of the Awards and served not only as a celebration of excellence in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, but also as a vivid showcase of why Bahrain is fast emerging as a world-class destination for business travel and international events.
Four Seasons Announces Highly Anticipated Opening in Germany with Luxury Hotel in Berlin
Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons and prominent European hotel developer Gruppo Statuto announce plans to transform Berlin’s historic Hotel de Rome into a Four Seasons experience, opening in late 2027. This opening marks the return of Four Seasons to Berlin after 20 years.
Oceania Cruises® Reveals Two All-New Culinary Concepts Debuting Aboard Oceania Sonata™
Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, has unveiled two brand-new culinary concepts aboard Oceania Sonata, the first vessel in its next generation Sonata Class launching in August 2027, during a press conference at ILTM Cannes.
Holland America Line Sets New U.S. Bookings Mark with Record Black Friday Weekend Sales
Holland America Line broke its Black Friday weekend sales record in the United States, with 19% more bookings than its previous high watermark, set in 2023 for the same period from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. Bookings were especially strong among guests planning summer Alaska vacations in 2026, choosing cruise options as well as Alaska Cruisetours, which combine a voyage with an immersive overland journey to Denali National Park. Guests also booked cruises as close in as Caribbean for later this month and as far out as South American cruises in 2028
ARIA Resort & Casino and JKS Restaurants Unveil Gymkhana, Bringing Indian Fine Dining to Las Vegas
Gymkhana, the acclaimed Two Michelin-starred London restaurant, is now open at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas—marking its first location in the United States. Created by JKS Restaurants co-founders Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi, in partnership with MGM Resorts International, Gymkhana is the first Indian restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, further strengthening ARIA’s reputation as a premier dining destination.
SEABOURN ANNOUNCES THE “EXPLORE MORE EVENT” WITH EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS OF UP TO 15 PERCENT
Seabourn, the leader in luxury cruises and expedition travel, unveiled its exclusive annual “Explore More Event,” featuring exceptional savings and offers on most 2026 through 2028 worldwide ocean voyages and expeditions to Alaska, Antarctica, Japan, the Mediterranean, and more. Available now until February 17, 2026, Seabourn’s “Explore More Event” includes the following exclusive benefits:
The Reverie Saigon Unveils Vietnam’s Lavish Showcase of Italian Craftsmanship
Rising 39 stories above Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling heart, The Reverie Saigon announces itself as a landmark of unrivalled luxury. Positioned between Nguyen Hue Boulevard and Dong Khoi Street, the hotel not only offers world‑class accommodation but also unveils an extraordinary showcase of Italian design mastery woven into every detail of its space.
Global Tourism Economy Forum • Heilongjiang 2025 To be Held on December 15 - 17
The Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “Forum”), an international platform dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of the global tourism economy, will hold its 2025 edition from December 15 to 17 in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. Under the theme “New Quality Productive Forces: Powering the Global Tourism Economy”, the Forum will gather over 1,000 guests from five continents and more than 30 countries and regions, including the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, heads of international organizations, government officials, ministers of culture and tourism, executives from Fortune Global 500 companies, renowned entrepreneurs, and experts. Together, they will forge a new stage for open cooperation and jointly chart a future blueprint for the global tourism economy.
Switchblade Flying Car Exhibits at Sand & Fun Airshow in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Middle East’s largest general aviation event, Sand & Fun Airshow 2025, recently held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, welcomed a new exhibitor from the U.S., Oregon-based Samson Sky, makers of the Switchblade Flying Car.