This festive season, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to step into an elevated journey of celebration, nostalgia, and rejuvenation with its 2025–2026 Festive Program, themed “Through the Decades.” Between December 23, 2025, and January 7, 2026, the island will transform into a vibrant canvas of shimmering gold, sparkling silver, and neon hues. The resort’s signature ethos — “time and space redefined” — sets the tone, as guests are invited to leave the ordinary behind and relax, celebrate, and reconnect in absolute luxury.

Yesterday, British TV stars Bettany Hughes and Maisie Adam took to the stage at WTM London to share their tips about marketing travel and holidays. Comedian and star of Taskmaster and A League of Their Own, Maisie Adam, spoke on the marketing summit panel ‘Comedy Sells’ whereby she told delegates: “It’s about making the ordinary, extraordinary”, as she recalled interviews with passengers about etiquette on planes. Having worked with several tourism boards, Adam went on to explain “There is a human element to travel…we have to grab [consumers] with more than just where it is. You don’t have to show off Machu Picchu; you could be at an airport talking about the mundane”. The comedian showed clips from her recent Swiss tourism film, which featured activities such as sliding down a bobsleigh run and trying a fondue. Adam said: “It’s about telling a story well and enjoying yourself. Other people see you’re having a great laugh, so they want to come and find out more”. She closed by telling the audience: “Humour is a special language…and a great tool for connection.”

The Maldives is moving to expand its tourism model with proposed amendments to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act. The changes create a new category of Sustainable Townships, designed for large-scale, integrated developments that combine hospitality, residential real estate, health, education, and renewable energy infrastructure. The government’s aim is to diversify the tourism sector and attract next-generation projects that complement the traditional resort model. Sustainable Townships are expected to generate long-term opportunities in premium real estate tourism, wellness and medical services, and education-focused travel. By integrating residential, commercial, and public service components, these projects broaden revenue streams, create employment across multiple sectors, and establish the Maldives as a destination for long-stay visitors and high-value investors.

Marriott International, Inc. today announced that it has signed an agreement with Invest İnşaat to debut Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy® in Türkiye.  Situated at Vadistanbul area, one of Istanbul’s most prominent business and lifestyle destinations, the project further expands Marriott’s growing portfolio of extended stay and premium apartment-style accommodations across the region.  Construction of Invista, Istanbul, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy has commenced, with an anticipated opening in 2026. Access Hospitality will collaborate with Marriott International and Invest İnşaat as the third-party operator for the franchised property.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its presence in North Africa with the signing of Wyndham Hotels & Residences Cairo West, marking the debut of its namesake Wyndham brand in Egypt. Located in Cairo West’s vibrant district, this 5-star property will feature 532 elegantly designed accommodations, including 150 hotel rooms and 382 branded residences, all adhering to Wyndham’s latest design and service standards.

TAP Air Portugal announces the launch of a new route that will connect Lisbon to Curitiba, capital of Paraná, Brazil, from July 2, 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights between the Portuguese capital and Curitiba - Afonso Pena International Airport, further reinforcing its leadership in connections between Europe and Brazil. The flights will be operated with the A330-200 aircraft with capacity for 269 passengers, through the route Lisbon (LIS) – Curitiba (CWB) – Rio de Janeiro (GIG) – Lisbon (LIS), on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Sales start on November 11th.