Tourism News Page 321
Viking strengthens cultural travel offerings in Vietnam and Cambodia with launch of Viking Tonle
Viking has expanded its Southeast Asia fleet with the introduction of the Viking Tonle, a purpose-built river ship that will operate exclusively on the Mekong River. Designed for the 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary through Vietnam and Cambodia, the vessel accommodates 80 guests in 40 staterooms and reflects Viking’s signature Scandinavian design, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, open-air verandas, and light-filled interiors. Guests will also enjoy onboard amenities including a pool, spa, fitness center, and Sky Bar.
Ride in Comfort: The Benefits of Motorcycle Earplugs and Alpine Hearing Protection
Riding a motorcycle is about freedom, focus, and the open road—but it also means exposure to constant wind and engine noise. Over time, that noise can be more than just distracting—it can become damaging. That’s why many riders now consider earplugs an essential part of their gear. And when it comes to quality and comfort, Alpine Hearing Protection is a name many riders trust.
Tap, Pay, Sleep: New Payment Rules Push Front Desk Software Into Fraud-Fight Mode
If you’ve noticed check-ins moving faster, digital receipts arriving before you’ve reached the elevator, and deposit holds dropping off your card a bit sooner, you’re not imagining it. A quiet shift is happening at the lobby counter.
Dida appoints industry veteran Daryl Lee as Group CEO
Dida Holdings - an AI-first tech leader and one of the fastest-growing global traveltech companies, today announced that its founder, Rikin Wu has appointed Daryl Lee as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 5 October 2025. A pivotal leadership appointment: Lee was previously global CEO WebBeds and before that led GTA across the Middle East & Asia Pacific. He began his career in aviation and hospitality with Singapore Airlines and earned a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics. He joins Dida at a decisive moment for both the company and the wider industry as travel and hospitality are being reshaped by AI, automation, and digital connectivity and Dida is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of these transformative shifts.
World Spa Awards announces 2025 best in global spa and wellness
The global spa and wellness community has spoken and the World Spa Awards has revealed its 2025 winners. Following a year of exceptional global participation, the programme has honoured the world’s finest spa and wellness brands, recognising excellence and innovation across a wide range of experiences – from hotel and resort spas to wellness retreats and specialist brands.
eTip Concludes Housekeeping Week with Record $14,000 Tip
eTip, the pioneer in digital tipping for hospitality, announced the close of Housekeeping Week with a historic milestone: a single tip of $14,000 given through the platform. This unprecedented moment highlights both the generosity of guests and the growing importance of digital solutions that make staff recognition seamless and impactful.
Uzbekistan Airways Orders up to 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways announced today the single largest order in the airline’s history as the flag carrier plans to acquire up to 22 787 Dreamliners. Uzbekistan Airways’ purchase of 14 787-9 airplanes, with options for eight more of the ultra-efficient jets, will modernize its Boeing widebody fleet while supporting nearly 35,000 U.S. jobs.
Golden Week 2025 Powers Travel Shifts: Strategic Planning, Alternative Stays, and Top Destinations
Golden Week 2025 is set to be one of the busiest travel periods in recent years, with outbound accommodation bookings from China experiencing three-digit growth year-on-year. Coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, this year’s holiday offers an average eight-day break, and extends up to 12 days for those who take an additional three days of leave, leading to a “super holiday” fueling diverse travel plans. Trip.com Group’s data further reveals that outbound travel from mainland China remains on a strong upward trajectory, with momentum that is expected to carry through Golden Week and the wider autumn season.
Croatia in the Limelight: Anticipating Its Strongest Off-Season on Record
Croatia’s star continues to rise as one of Europe’s most sought-after film and television destinations, captivating millions of UK viewers this summer. The country recently featured in two prime-time TV hits — the BBC’s brand-new gameshow Destination X and Channel 5’s Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday — together reaching nearly 40 million viewers.
Bothnian Coastal Route to Become New Nordic Winter Destination
The Bothnian Coastal Route is an emerging gem among Nordic holiday destinations. Set on the northern coastline of the Gulf of Bothnia, this region combines traditional Nordic culture with exclusive winter experiences and a new alternative to more traditional Nordic holiday spots.
Cartology Travel Unveils Exclusive VIP Experience for Inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek
The legendary Montreux Jazz Festival is making history as it touches down in Africa for the very first time, bringing its celebrated spirit to the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands in Franschhoek from 27th-29th March 2026. This marks the first African edition of the internationally renowned festival, which has been held in Switzerland since 1967. London-based Cartology Travel, winners of Condé Nast Traveller Top Travel Specialists 2025 (five agents), 2024 (two agents) and 2023 (co-founder Justin Huxter), with deep South African roots, is uniquely positioned to offer discerning travellers an unparalleled VIP experience combining this milestone musical celebration with insider access to one of the world’s most spectacular wine regions.
White Truffle Season Arrives at AMARA With Giorgio Locatelli
From October 27th to November 2nd, Ristorante Locatelli at AMARA, a Luxury Hotel In Cyprus, will host an exclusive culinary residency by celebrated Italian Chef Giorgio Locatelli, who will present a series of special dining experiences in honour of the much-anticipated white truffle season. With 21 consecutive years of Michelin-starred acclaim, Chef Locatelli is renowned worldwide for his refined yet heartfelt approach to Italian cuisine.