Tourism News Page 288
Golden Palace Hotel: Iran’s Leading Hotel 2025
At the recent Middle East Ceremony of the World Travel Awards held in Dubai, the Golden Palace Hotel in Mashhad was honored as Iran’s Leading Hotel 2025. This prestigious accolade highlights the hotel’s exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and its significant contribution to Iran’s hospitality industry.
Fujairah Adventure Park: Middle East’s Leading New Tourist Attraction 2025
In a remarkable achievement for the UAE’s adventure tourism sector, Fujairah Adventure Park has been honored as the Middle East’s Leading New Tourist Attraction 2025 at the prestigious World Travel Awards ceremony held in Dubai last weekend. This accolade underscores the park’s commitment to providing innovative and exhilarating experiences for both residents and visitors.
5-star sector leads Dubai hotel growth – Cavendish Maxwell
Dubai’s hotel inventory grew to almost 152,300 rooms across 818 hotels in the first eight months of 2025, with occupancy and average daily rates (ADR) also increasing compared with the same period last year, according to new research by leading real estate advisory group, Cavendish Maxwell. . Inventory increases, occupancy rises, ADR up as Dubai welcomes 12.5 million visitors in first 8 months of the year
Dubai’s Moment of Recognition at the World Travel Awards 2025
Dubai has long been a global travel magnet, but in 2025 the city (and its hospitality players) achieved a new level of visibility. At the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards’ Middle East ceremony, Dubai’s infrastructure, hotels, resorts and service providers secured several key awards, underscoring the city’s role not just as a destination but as a standard-setter. Perhaps most globally significant: Dubai itself was named “Middle East’s Leading Destination 2025”. That reflects not just its skyline and resorts, but the full breadth of experience — from desert adventures and cultural heritage to mega-events and luxury hospitality. For travellers, this means choosing Dubai isn’t just picking a city to stay in — it’s selecting a place that is rated the region’s best all-round travel destination for the year.
The American Colony Hotel Jerusalem Named Israel’s Leading Boutique Hotel for 2025
The American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem has once again been named Israel’s Leading Boutique Hotel for 2025 by the internationally acclaimed World Travel Awards, marking the ninth time the hotel has received this coveted recognition. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are recognized globally as the benchmark of excellence in the travel and tourism industry. Each year, more than 650,000 travel professionals and consumers worldwide vote to select the leading hotels and destinations around the world. The American Colony Hotel first received this award in 2013 and has since been honored repeatedly in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and now again in 2025.
250 Day Countdown Begins Until Queen Mary 2 Headlines America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations
Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 will take center stage in New York Harbor on July 4, 2026, as part of Sail4th 250, the official event marking 250 years since American Independence.
American Cruise Lines Announces 10 New U.S. Built Ships Through 2028
American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce 10 new ships for the U.S. market beginning with American Pioneer debuting in Florida on October 31st. American Pioneer is the 2nd new Patriot Class ship the company has launched this year. The balance of the order will be delivered over the next 3 years, underscoring the company’s commitment to the development and modernization of the U.S. market. All American’s new boats will continue to sail domestically, operating itineraries across the Line’s growing portfolio, including the Mississippi River, Alaska, and the East Coast. The new ships will also accelerate American’s expansion into new niche markets such as the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and National Parks cruises.
Windstar Cruises Opens 2027 Europe Voyages for Star Explorer
Windstar Cruises is charting new territory in 2027 with the debut of Star Explorer, the second of two new all-suite yachts being added to the fleet. Hosting just 224 guests, this sleek new ship will sail year-round in Europe. Now open for booking, her first full season of Europe cruises runs through March 2028, featuring an irresistible lineup of classic journeys and new itineraries. From Circumnavigating Ireland to discovering the Seven Gems of the Baltic, Star Explorer is all about immersive, port-intensive experiences with longer stays and overnight visits in the heart of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Step into the Home of Halloween this fall and feel Ireland’s spirit come alive
Ireland has truly become the ultimate destination to celebrate Halloween in 2025. Rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, Halloween originated in Ireland more than 2,000 years ago and, this year, the island of Ireland is expanding its celebration like never before. With events planned across the island to celebrate, Halloween in Ireland is fast becoming a bucket-list travel experience.
Alaska Airlines strengthens commitment to San Diego, Portland and Hawai’i with 13 new routes
Alaska Airlines is introducing 13 new nonstop routes beginning next spring, including a range of flights from our key hubs in San Diego and Portland. We’ve also added two new destinations to our route map, deepened our commitment to Hawai’i with additional flights and solidified our role as Santa Rosa-Sonoma’s #1 carrier in the heart of California Wine Country.
IHG’s Tom Rowntree to Discuss the Evolution of Modern Luxury at ILHA INSPIRE Prague
As the luxury hospitality industry continues to redefine what sophistication means to the modern traveler, Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, will take the stage at ILHA INSPIRE Europe, November 12–13 at the Congress Centre of the Czech National Bank in Prague.
Yas Island Abu Dhabi to Open ‘Stranger Things: The Experience’
A global entertainment phenomenon is about to descend upon Yas Island, and it’s bringing the Upside Down with it. The Island will host the debut of ‘Stranger Things: The Experience,’ bringing the immersive world of Hawkins, Indiana, to life in the Middle East for the very first time.