Tourism News Page 270
The Lake Como EDITION Debuts on Italy’s Most Iconic Shoreline
Lake Como, with its placid turquoise waters surrounded by towering, sharp-peaked mountains, has been one of the most dreamt-of destinations in the world for centuries. EDITION, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, Omnam Investment Group (“Omnam”), and private investment firm Bain Capital boldly reimagine this storied locale with the opening of The Lake Como EDITION – marking a radical departure from traditional Lake Como hospitality. The property introduces elegant tastemakers and global travelers to a new vision of lakeside luxury that pairs culinary excellence with a groundbreaking wellness spa offering cutting-edge longevity and rejuvenation treatments. The striking interior spaces, brought to life through a collaboration between EDITION, design firm Neri&Hu, and architects De.Tales reflect this bold new chapter in Lake Como’s legendary history
Etihad Airways Expands its Saudi Arabia Network with Launch of Flights to Medina
Etihad Airways has commenced flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina this week, further expanding the airline’s strong footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enhancing travel options for guests across religious, business and leisure segments. The resumed direct service connects Abu Dhabi with Medina, one of the most spiritually significant cities in the world and a key destination for visitors performing religious travel throughout the year. The route will support growing demand from pilgrims and travellers across the world seeking seamless connections to the Kingdom’s holy city. Medina becomes the latest addition to Etihad’s operations in the Kingdom, reinforcing the UAE’s national carrier as a major facilitator of travel to and from Saudi Arabia. With the launch of flights to Medina, Etihad will operate 93 flights per week to five cities across the Kingdom, flying four times per day to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and three services per week to Al Qassim. This expansion is part of Etihad’s ambitious growth strategy, announcing 31 new destinations in a year.
Top UK university teams win Dida’s ‘Future of Travel Innovation’ Challenge at the Shangri-La, London
Dida, a global AI-first travel technology group, has announced the winners of its inaugural Future of Travel Innovation Challenge, held at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel in The Shard, London in partnership with Headstart Global. The competition brought together the brightest student innovators from leading UK universities to reimagine the future of global travel through technology, creativity, and sustainability. The nine finalist teams pitched their groundbreaking ideas live to a panel of judges from Dida’s global executive leadership and innovation partners.
SKYDECK CHICAGO LAUNCHES 10TH ANNUAL LOVE ON THE LEDGE CONTEST
Skydeck Chicago, the iconic observation deck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, is celebrating a decade of romance in the sky with the 10th annual Love on The Ledge contest. The beloved Valentine’s Day social media contest invites deserving couples to tie the knot or renew their vows 1,353 ft. above the city in an intimate ceremony on The Ledge, creating the feeling of floating above Chicago’s skyline.
Jet Lag No More: Expert Tips for Beating Travel Fatigue
Learn how to reduce jet lag and travel fatigue with simple tips. Discover how to prepare before your flight, stay comfortable during travel, and adjust quickly after arrival.
Japan Ski Experience: Crowned the World’s Best Ski Travel Agent to Japan 2025
For those who dream of powder-perfect slopes, soothing hot springs, and a travel experience that feels both effortless and deeply personal, Japan Ski Experience has become synonymous with this type of excellence. This year, the company claimed the coveted title of World’s Best Ski Travel Agent to Japan 2025 at the World Ski Awards—an accolade that cements its position as the leading specialist for ski holidays in the Land of the Rising Sun.
15 Years. Millions of Memories. Countless Records.
Fifteen years and countless memories later, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi continues to redefine entertainment. Since opening in 2010, the park has welcomed over 13 million guests and 6.8 million thrill-seekers, earning more than 65 global awards, proving that the thrill only gets better with time. For further information, please view the attached infographic featuring 15 unmissable facts about the award-winning theme park that first landed on Yas Island.
CELEBRITY CRUISES IS OFFERING MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE THE CARIBBEAN, ASIA AND SOUTH AMERICA
Guests can discover something new in every corner of the world, as Celebrity Cruises unveils its 2027 and 2028 itineraries in the Caribbean, Asia and South America. Sailings across these three continents will take guests on spectacular voyages to 131 destinations across 42 countries, while unique ports and overnight stays offer unforgettable experiences. Celebrity’s newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, returns to the Caribbean for a third season, once again offering guests an immersive connection to the region—both ashore and aboard—through The Bazaar, a one-of-a-kind destination experience. Meanwhile, Celebrity Solstice will embark on its second season in Asia, following its modernization, delivering fresh onboard offerings and unforgettable adventures on land.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Offers Travel Alternative to Avoid Airport Delays Before the Holidays
For travelers concerned about potential airport delays during one of the busiest times of year, Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® offers an alternative travel mode to help customers get home for the holidays or plan a stay-cation along the coast. Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods for Pacific Surfliner, so it is important for passengers to plan ahead and book early. To accommodate increased demand, Pacific Surfliner will add extra train cars and extend capacity on select routes during peak travel days.
Banyan Group Debuts Flagship Banyan Tree Brand in Zhuhai with Opening of Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix
Banyan Group, an independent global hospitality company, has expanded its presence in the Greater Bay Area with the recent debut of Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix Bay in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, further reinforcing the Group’s continued growth in China.
Which Cruise Is Right for You?
When it comes to exploring Europe, how you travel is just as important as where you go. European Waterways’ luxury hotel barges glide through some of the continent’s most breathtaking regions, offering travellers of all ages and interests a truly unique way to experience Europe – intimately, indulgently, and at a slower, more meaningful pace.
New for 2026 - Top Ayrshire hotel reveals plans for new £3million sea view spa
Ayrshire’s leading hospitality group, SimpsInns, has revealed its plans to open a new £3million sea view spa in early 2026. The Waterside Hotel at West Kilbride will be the home of the new state-of-the-art spa with its commanding sea views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran.