Tourism News Page 28
SUMMER SIZZLE BVI CELEBRATES 16 YEARS OF FASHION, CULTURE, LUXURY, AND CARIBBEAN EXCELLENCE
Summer Sizzle BVI, the Caribbean’s premier fashion and lifestyle event, returns for its landmark 16th edition from July 15 20, 2026, bringing together world-renowned designers, celebrity guests, industry leaders, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts for an unforgettable week of luxury, culture, and island experiences in the British Virgin Islands.
The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch Named One of the World’s Best Hotel Bars
The Speakeasy at the legendary San Ysidro Ranch, a Ty Warner Property, was named one of the world’s best hotel bars in Forbes Travel Guide’s (“FTG”) 2026 list of Hotel Star Bars. As one of only five bars in the United States to earn the distinction, The Speakeasy joins an elite collection of 37 hotel bars recognized among the finest destinations for cocktail culture worldwide.
Avani Hotels & Resorts Launches Avani Book Club, A New Chapter in Destination Discovery
Avani Hotels & Resorts has launched Avani Book Club, a new global initiative that helps guests connect with each destination through books, local stories and shared reading experiences. Designed for travellers looking for slower, more meaningful ways to spend their time away, the programme brings together curated reading lists, in-hotel book corners, book swaps, author-led events and relaxed reading moments across selected Avani hotels and resorts worldwide. The launch responds to the rise of online reading communities, from BookTok to Bookstagram, as books become part of how people plan, share and remember travel.
ONE MOUNTAIN, THREE COUNTRIES, ONE EPIC ADVENTURE: THE RANDONNÉE DU MONT BLANC RETURNS
On 25 July 2026, Courmayeur will host the start and finish of the second edition of the Randonnée du Mont Blanc, the cycling event organised by EPICDAYS.CC. The route circles Mont Blanc clockwise through Italy, France and Switzerland, offering participants a choice between a 330 km course with 9,000 metres of elevation gain and a shorter Express route of 100 km with 3,000 metres of climbing. Both options are available in road and off-road versions, including gravel and mountain bike formats. With no rankings and no timing, the event is designed as a journey, encouraging riders to rediscover the spirit of sharing and adventure.
Holland America Line’s Flagship Rotterdam to Debut in Mediterranean for Fall 2027 Season
For the first time, Holland America Line’s flagship Rotterdam will sail a series of cruises in the Mediterranean, with bookings now open for fall 2027. The five itineraries span both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, offering a chance to experience the region through a relaxed, late-season lens. The 10- and 11-day voyages call at a mix of standout destinations, from Lisbon and Naples to Kotor, Rhodes and Alexandria. Select itineraries include scenic cruising through the Strait of Messina and past Stromboli, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Sailings can also be combined into longer itineraries, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the Mediterranean. The season concludes with a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale.
Sunset World Group Confirms It Is Prepared for the 2026 Hurricane Season
With the start of hurricane season in the Atlantic, Sunset World Group announced that its hotels and staff are prepared to handle any weather-related event, thanks to the ongoing implementation of its Storm and Hurricane Prevention and Response Program. The program includes specialized training for staff at all of the group’s hotels to act before, during, and after the impact of a tropical storm or hurricane, with the primary objective of safeguarding the well-being of its members, guests, and staff.
Wego and Spain Tourist Office (Turespaña) Partner to Inspire MENA Travelers to Discover Spain
Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced a strategic partnership with Turespaña, Spain’s official tourism office, to showcase the country’s diverse summer experiences and inspire travelers across the MENA region to discover Spain’s unique blend of culture, gastronomy, coastal escapes, and vibrant lifestyle offerings.
Half of UK Families Can’t Afford a Summer Holiday This Year, New Survey Reveals
As the school summer holidays approach, new research from Park Christmas Savings shows families across the UK are bracing for six weeks of financial strain — with food costs, days out and childcare all piling pressure onto already-stretched household budgets. With the school gates set to close for summer in the coming weeks, a major new survey of UK by Park Christmas Savings has laid bare the financial reality facing families this year.
Otherwander Soho selects Apaleo to power fully digital pod hotel concept
Otherwander Soho, the newly opened 566-pod hotel in central London, has selected Apaleo, the API-first property management platform, to power its fully digitised guest journey and highly streamlined operating model. Opened on 1 June 2026 at 92 Dean Street in the heart of Soho, Otherwander Soho has built its technology ecosystem around interoperability, automation and real-time data flow. Rather than placing the property management system (PMS) at the centre of operations, the hotel has adopted a middleware-led architecture in which systems connect through open APIs and data moves across the business in real time.
Barceló Roma opens its doors following a comprehensive renovation
Barceló Hotel Group announces the opening of Barceló Roma, a new city hotel in the Italian capital and the result of a €41 million investment. Following a complete refurbishment, the hotel pays tribute to 20th century Roman Rationalist architecture and will set a new benchmark for contemporary hospitality in one of Europe’s most visited destinations. Perfectly situated near Rome’s historic centre and Vatican City, Barceló Roma is a dynamic destination where business, culture and modern city life come together. Its 352 rooms blend sophisticated design, comfort and high-quality finishes, offering something for all types of guests.
Game, Set and Summer: Perfect your Tennis at Pine Cliffs Resort
As the height of the tennis season approaches, with global anticipation building ahead of Wimbledon (29 June – 12 July), Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve, invites guests to enjoy the thrill of the game first-hand at its Annabel Croft Tennis and Padel Academy. Reflecting demand for experience-led luxury holidays, the academy offers world-class coaching and exceptional facilities for all abilities, from beginners to seasoned players. Combining the timeless appeal of tennis with the rising popularity of padel, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, it is the perfect setting to refine skills, stay active and enjoy the Algarve’s stunning coastal surroundings.
Check in. Drive out - City Lodge Hotels partners with Avis and Budget to transform travel
At a time when rising costs and the demand for flexibility are reshaping how South Africans travel, City Lodge Hotels, Avis, and Budget have responded with a new partnership deal. Guests checking into easy online at www.citylodgehotels.com can now also enjoy 15% off Avis car rental and 10% off Budget car rental. From quick business trips to family getaways, travel plans just became even more affordable. Together, these brands are committed to simplifying the travel journey from end to end and delivering meaningful value to both business and leisure travellers. (Terms and conditions apply.)