Abu Dhabi celebrated a wave of major victories at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Middle East Winners Reception 2025, held recently in Dubai, affirming its position as a leading global tourism and business hub. The capital showcased its world-class attractions, luxury hospitality, and strategic appeal by securing top regional accolades.

Stephanie Peacock, recently named as the new minister in charge of tourism, will-be on-site at Excel London for the opening day of this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) London, the world’s most influential travel and tourism event.

As part of the landmark Joint Venture agreement between Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Guest and ShebaMiles have launched a frequent flyer partnership, allowing members of either carrier to earn and redeem miles across the networks in their respective loyalty programme. The partnership has launched following Etihad’s inaugural flight to Addis Ababa on 8 October. Etihad Guest members and ShebaMiles members can both now earn miles when travelling across either airline’s extensive global networks, unlocking greater travel opportunities for passengers of both airlines. Etihad Guest Miles can be redeemed on flights, worldwide hotel stays and holidays, or a huge variety of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. ShebaMiles members can redeem their earned miles across a range of ShebaMiles programme benefits.

Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces the opening of The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection. Inspired by the myth of Alcyone, the resort’s name evokes the “halcyon days” – a time of peace, golden light, and unhurried discovery. The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection invites guests to step into a modern-day retreat that honors the elegance of the past while embracing the individuality of the present.

The Great House at Rosewood Luang Prabang is embarking on a significant culinary transformation, unveiling a new menu that bridges the history of French gastronomy with the essence of Lao culture. The new vision is an homage to a chapter of history reimagined by designer Bill Bensley: the lavish Franco-Lao banquets that French diplomat August Pavie might have hosted during his 19th century tenure in Luang Prabang, the very spirit that inspired the restaurant’s decor.

Zannier Bendor, one of Europe’s most highly anticipated openings, is set to debut on the private French island of Île de Bendor in spring 2026, after five years of transformation.