Tourism News Page 358
Wellness Tourism Association Relaunches Under New Ownership & Leadership
The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), a respected voice in global wellness tourism, announces its relaunch as a for-profit entity under the ownership and leadership of Robin Ruiz, Founder & CEO of WITT (Wellness in Travel & Tourism), who now also serves as WTA’s President & CEO.
Sonesta Hotels Selects Stayntouch as a Preferred PMS Partner to Support Franchise Expansion
Stayntouch, a global leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS), has been selected as a preferred PMS provider by Sonesta International Hotels Corporation. Sonesta operates more than 1,100 properties and over 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents. The company chose Stayntouch to deliver a flexible, scalable PMS solution that supports rapid franchise growth, streamlines operations, and enhances the guest experience.
Vail Resorts Cuts Lift Ticket Prices in Half for Friends of Epic Pass Holders
Vail Resorts wants to make it easier for its most loyal guests to bring their friends to the slopes, in celebration of the social side of skiing and snowboarding. Today, the company announced “Epic Friend Tickets,” a new benefit for 2025/26 season-long Epic Pass Holders to share incredible savings with those they want to ski and ride with most. Passes are on sale now, and the lowest price of the Fall ends September 1.
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES INTRODUCES NEW JUNIOR SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS AND CONCIERGE COLLECTION AMENITIES
Atlas Ocean Voyages is enhancing the onboard experience with the introduction of Concierge Collection —a newly named and upgraded level of amenities that blends extra space, elevated in-suite touches, and exclusive amenities. Launching with expeditions beginning April 2, 2026, this enhancement reclassifies three existing stateroom categories under a new Junior Suite designation that includes Concierge Collection amenities:
Emirates makes changes to safety rules for customer usage of power banks onboard
Using any kind of power bank is prohibited onboard Emirates’ flights, effective from 1 October 2025. A power bank is a portable, rechargeable device primarily designed to provide power to other electronic devices such smart phones, tablets, laptops and cameras. Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions listed below, but the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts’ power source.
Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali Introduces Armand Thieblemont as Director of Sustainability
Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali is pleased to announce the appointment of Armand Thieblemont as the Director of Sustainability, effective June 1, 2025. In a dual capacity, Armand has also been promoted to the Regional Director of Sustainability, supporting Six Senses sustainability strategy and operations across sister properties in Asia Pacific, while anchoring his leadership from his new home base at Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali.
Lights, Camera… La Palma!
The Canary Island of La Palma is rapidly gaining international acclaim as one of the world’s most versatile and breathtaking filming locations. Known for its extraordinary scenic diversity, the island offers an impressive variety of landscapes. The striking contrasts between black-sand beaches, ancient laurel forests, and star-studded night skies make La Palma a natural film set capable of doubling for countless global locales.
Intrepid Travel Unveils New Premium Walking and Trekking Range
Intrepid Travel has unveiled a new Premium Walking and Trekking trip range for travellers seeking a higher end adventure traversing some of the world’s best hiking trails. Led by Intrepid’s most experienced local leaders, Intrepid’s Premium is the company’s most comfortable travel offering, where travellers can expect handpicked accommodation, premium service and exceptional included experiences. Spanning five continents and ranging from three to nine days, the 10 new Premium trips feature hikes through Italy, Madeira, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Peru, Jordan and the United States.
Solar Powered Houseboat launches on The Chobe River
Sustainable Design Meets Photo Safari Excellence The Pangolin Voyager features five spacious cabins accommodating up to eight guests, offering an intimate and exclusive experience on one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich waterways. What sets this vessel apart is its pioneering commitment to environmental sustainability – the entire houseboat runs on clean energy captured by high-efficiency solar panels integrated into the roof design. This innovative power system eliminates the need for conventional generators, providing a silent, emission-free experience that enhances wildlife viewing opportunities while minimising environmental impact.
TOURISE Announces Cross-Sector Advisory Board to champion bold new platform
TOURISE, the bold new global tourism platform, has announced the members of its cross-sector Advisory Board, a powerhouse of industry titans guiding TOURISE’s strategic direction and shaping the agenda of the inaugural global summit taking place in Riyadh from 11-13 November, 2025. TOURISE is where cross-sector convergence begins, a platform where leaders and visionaries debate, collaborate and take action to shape the future of tourism.
Moon Palace The Grand Is “A Partnership Made In Heaven” – Bartlett
With construction of Jamaica’s most elaborate resort development about to take off, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has hailed plans for the US$700 million, 1,200-room Moon Palace The Grand as “a partnership made in heaven.” Features of the development were given at yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the 33-storey ultra-modern hotel by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Palace Resorts, Gibran Chapur.
NARI SHAKTI BY NANDA: A Grand Celebration of Indian Artistry and Culture in the UAE
The vibrant city of Dubai witnessed a spectacular celebration of Indian art, culture, and community during a grand Indian classical dance show NARI SHAKTI (the power of women) which brought together 15 performances from over 100 artists. Culminating in the awe-inspiring thematic Bharatanatyam dance production, AGNI KANYE, the life of Draupadi, masterminded by the young & visionary Guru. Iswarya Bharadwaj, Founder of NANDA Performing Arts Centre & Gulf Indian Performing Arts & Music Society (GIPAMS), the show moved 1500+ multinational audiences emotionally with several of them in tears.