Tourism News Page 348
“Radiant Bliss” at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary: A bespoke wellness retreat celebrating women
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, renowned for its transformative wellness offerings, proudly continues to offer its signature Radiant Bliss program – a bespoke wellness retreat designed to support women’s health, vitality, and emotional wellbeing.
Columbus Festival Returns to Porto Santo
Renowned for its golden sands and tranquil beauty, Porto Santo will step back in time this September with the 16th edition of the Columbus Festival (18-21 September 2025) in the historic town of Vila Baleira. As a flagship cultural event in the Madeira archipelago, it attracts hundreds of visitors each year with its unique blend of pageantry, performance and tradition.
Cap Maison and Ladera Resort Launch Exclusive Two-Centre Recycled Glass Sculpting Experience
Cap Maison and Ladera Resort two of Saint Lucia’s most prestigious luxury properties, are proud to announce the launch of a unique, two-centre Recycled Glass Sculpting Experience, in collaboration with Solar Sands Experiences. This special event will run from 12th- 18th October 2025, offering both in-house and non-resident guests the chance to engage with sustainable artistry while exploring the island’s natural beauty.
Marriott Bonvoy and Shinsegae Duty Free Announce a Strategic Partnership
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel platform, has launched a strategic partnership with Shinsegae Duty Free, Korea’s leading duty-free operator, designed to deliver greater points-earning opportunities and differentiated rewards to members of both loyalty programs. This first duty-free collaboration for Marriott Bonvoy seamlessly connects global hospitality with premium duty-free retail, enriching the everyday journey for members through meaningful rewards, whether they travel or shop.
Martinique Cruise Sector Surges with Record Numbers
Martinique has posted a nearly 11% jump in cruise arrivals for the 2024–2025 season, up from about 421,000 the previous year to more than 465,000 embarking and disembarking passengers across over 200 ship calls — a clear sign of the island’s rising appeal as both a homeport and transit destination. The French Caribbean island now ranks among the region’s fastest-growing cruise hubs, a momentum further boosted by MSC Cruises’ recent announcement to resume year-round operations in Martinique starting in 2027.
The RAK government has appointed Phillipa Harrison as the new CEO of RAKTDA
Harrison will lead Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s efforts to position the emirate as a “Destination of the Future”. She is expected to build on the emirate’s ambitious growth targets, including attracting over 3.5 million tourists annually by 2030.
Continuing its expansion across Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality enters Makkah
Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, has signed a hotel management agreement with Diyar Al Khalidiyah Hotel Services Company for the Diyar Al Khalidiya hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Hilton Debuts in Pakistan with DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali
Hilton announces the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali, marking the company’s first hotel in Pakistan. Nestled in the heart of the scenic Galiyat region – one of Pakistan’s most iconic hill stations and just 85 kilometers from Islamabad – the newly opened property blends DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature warm hospitality with the area’s natural alpine landscapes, offering unforgettable stays for business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel is owned and managed by The Baron Pakistan (Pvt) Limited.
Zurich Airport and SWISS report a successful summer holiday season
For SWISS and Zurich Airport, the 2025 summer holiday period was one of the busiest in history, with more travelers passing through SWISS’s Zurich hub than ever before. Both the airport and the airline recorded their busiest day of the year at the end of July. But despite the high traffic volumes, Zurich Airport and SWISS worked successfully with their further airport partners to maintain stable flight and ground operations, and even raised their punctuality for the period from its prior-year levels.
The Shannon Airport Group shortlisted for prestigious national sustainability award
The Shannon Airport Group has been shortlisted in the ‘Environment & Biodiversity’ category of the national Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards, recognising its leadership in sustainability and groundbreaking work in biodiversity and conservation. The Group’s Biodiversity Enhancement and Conservation Grazing Project at Thady’s Hill is among the finalists in this category. This initiative, launched ahead of National Biodiversity Week 2025, is one of a number of projects the Group has brought forward under its five-year Biodiversity Action Plan, and is Ireland’s first conservation grazing project on airport-owned land.
Emirates returns as Official Airline Partner at US Open for 14th consecutive year
Emirates returns as the Official Airline of the US Open Grand Slam® tournament for the 14th consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to world-class tennis and exceptional fan experiences. This year, the airline will be enhancing fan experiences on and off the court with its premium hospitality experiences, interactive activations, curated onboard menus and entertainment, and community outreach via Emirates’ ‘Force for Good’ initiative.
TUI strengthens presence in Asia
TUI Group continuous to expand in key Asian markets and announces its second hotel in Cambodia: TUI Blue Angkor Grace. The opening follows the launch of TUI Blue Sihanoukville in May 2025. In the current financial year, TUI has expanded its footprint in the region with the addition of seven hotels across China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia. This brings the group’s Asian portfolio to a total of 25 hotels in eight countries.