Tourism News Page 268
SAIL INTO THE SEASON: SEABOURN LAUNCHES ITS 2025 “BLACK FRIDAY SAIL” WITH EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
Seabourn, the leader in luxury cruising and expedition travel, is set to kick off the holiday and gift-giving season in style and with savings through its annual ‘Black Friday Sail.’ Available now through December 2, 2025, choose the gift of seamless travel with exceptional, value-added benefits on select 2026 and 2027 luxury ocean and expedition voyages across all seven continents, including:
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Enters a New Era of Legendary Hospitality
With the return of Waldorf Astoria New York, Hilton’s flagship luxury brand ushers in a new era defined by cultural cachet and an expanded global footprint. The legendary Park Avenue landmark has officially opened following an unprecedented restoration – a moment punctuated by a grand opening celebration that reintroduced one of the world’s most iconic ballrooms to a new generation of tastemakers.
Hilton Expands Luxury Portfolio with Signing of Signia by Hilton Tainan
Hilton has announced the signing of Signia by Hilton Tainan in partnership with Forte Hotel Group. The newest brand in Hilton’s luxury portfolio invites guests to experience the aura of distinction and sophistication with refined moments of personalized service, cosmopolitan amenities and signature spaces to celebrate special milestones or worldly events. Debuting in July 2026 in the heart of Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and a rich cultural heritage destination, the 344-room hotel will make its mark as the first Signia by Hilton in Asia-Pacific.
China MICE Summit 2026 to be launched in Saudi Arabia by China Travel Online
China Travel Online (CBISN) and Taiba Investments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during WTM London to launch the China MICE Summit (CMS) in Riyadh in 2026, marking the first dedicated China-focused MICE B2B event in the Middle East. The initiative aims to link top-tier Chinese MICE decision-makers with tourism and hospitality suppliers from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East—supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions to strengthen its global business events presence.
Star Princess to “Sail” Down Colorado Boulevard in America’s New Year Celebration®
Princess Cruises will ring in the new year with a spectacular “cruise” down Colorado Boulevard as a larger-than-life floral replica of its newest ship, Star Princess, “sets sail” in the world-famous Rose Parade® presented by Honda, on January 1, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. Designed to capture the awe and wonder of sailing through Alaska’s legendary Inside Passage, the float will celebrate the upcoming 2026 inaugural Alaska season for Star Princess, the newest star in the Princess fleet.
oneworld reveals top 10 destinations for Round the World travel in 2026
oneworld’s top 10 most-searched-for destinations for Round the World travel in 2026 on oneworld.com reveal a mix of iconic cities and global gateways. The top destinations are:
Alaska Airlines opens ticket sales for new nonstop flights between Seattle and Rome
Alaska Airlines is now selling tickets to Rome from our expanding global gateway in Seattle – another milestone as a growing global airline. We’ll offer daily, seasonal summer service between Seattle and Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport in Rome beginning on April 28, 2026.
A New Era of Coastal Grandeur: The Algonquin Resort Embarks on Landmark Transformation
Canada’s most storied coastal resort has entered a bold new chapter. InnVest Hotels proudly announces a multi-million dollar reimagination of The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection, ushering in a new era that blends historic East Coast charm with modern sophistication. This transformation marks a once-in-a-generation investment to the legacy of one of New Brunswick’s most treasured landmarks. As part of this transformation, the resort is redefining itself as a premier year-round destination, with enhanced experiences and the same exceptional service guests have come to expect.
Four Seasons Introduces New World Icons 2027 Private Jet Experience Itinerary
Celebrating 10 years in the skies, Four Seasons announces the debut of New World Icons, an all-new Private Jet Experience itinerary that invites guests to be the first to explore five first-time Private Jet destinations alongside the return of two beloved favourites, Hong Kong and Langkawi.
Saikindō to Debut at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi - A New Era of Japanese Listening Bar Culture
A groundbreaking new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s luxury nightlife is set to unfold this November as Saikindō, a meticulously crafted Hi-Fi cocktail lounge inspired by Japan’s famed listening bars, makes its highly anticipated debut at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. More than just a bar opening, Saikindō signals the arrival of an entirely new genre of experiential mixology in the Middle East—one where sound, design, craftsmanship and the philosophy of Omotenashi converge to create a sensorial journey unlike anything the region has experienced.
Etihad Delivers Record Nine-Month Profit
Etihad Airways has continued its record-setting performance, achieving its strongest nine-month results in history and sustaining growth across all core business areas. The performance highlights the airline’s growth, rising customer satisfaction, and continued efficiency improvements. Profit after tax reached AED 1.7 billion (U.S.$ 463 million) for the first nine months of 2025, up 26 per cent compared to the same period last year, lifting the airline’s profit margin to 8 per cent, compared to 7 per cent for the same period last year.
Blue Skies, Big Dreams: The Luxury Travel House Redefining Alpine Escape
In an industry where glamour and gravity coexist, only a handful of travel companies manage to leave a true imprint on the ski world. In 2025, Blue Skies Lifestyle Ltd did just that—claiming the coveted title of World’s Best Ski Travel Agent to France at the World Ski Awards for its flagship brand, Ski In Luxury.