Tourism News Page 366
NYC Tourism + Conventions Launches Libby: A New AI Travel Genius
Travelers visiting New York City can now rely on Libby, an AI travel genius that provides instant responses to any travel or tourism questions about the five boroughs in 60 languages. Libby is an initiative of New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, and leverages GuideGeek artificial intelligence technology from Matador Network.
Aruba Launches Its First Voluntourism Campaign
While many companies offer paid volunteer days, better known as “Volunteer Time Off” (VTO), only one in three employees actually use it, according to Double the Donation. To help change that, Aruba is introducing Aruba VTO, a new initiative that invites travelers to save their PTO and instead use their VTO days for meaningful, purpose-driven experiences on the One Happy Island. Aruba VTO is a chance to give back while getting away with curated volunteer opportunities that connect guests with Aruba’s culture, community, and natural beauty.
Get Away to Grand Cayman with New Spirit Airlines Service Set to Take Off from Fort Lauderdale
Spirit Airlines’ Guests can soon soak up the sun and sand on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean with new service launching to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The airline will begin the only nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Dec. 4, 2025, just in time for a winter trip to the tropics. Flights will operate three times per week on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
CELEBRITY CRUISES REVEALS THE FIRST OF ITS 2027-2028 ITINERARIES
From Sydney to Santorini, get ready for a vacation that Nothing Comes Close to with Celebrity Cruises’ 2027-2028 itineraries in Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, Japan, Canada and New England. Guests can enjoy more than 175 itineraries to experience more than 180 unforgettable destinations spanning culture-rich cities to natural wonders. Edge Series ships continue to bring guests closer to sought-after destinations in Europe, Alaska and Australia, while unique ports and overnight stays offer unforgettable experiences on every sailing. Celebrity’s newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, will return to Europe for a second season, once again bringing guests closer to the Mediterranean both on land and on board at The Bazaar, a one-of-a-kind immersive destination experience.
K9 Resorts to Make Michigan Debut with Local Husband-Wife Duo; Continues National Expansion
Marking another milestone, K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel is continuing its rapid growth with the addition of its first franchise agreement in Michigan. The award-winning pet boarding and daycare brand has partnered with a local husband-and-wife team as it brings an additional location to the Midwest.
Cathay Pacific Orders 14 More Boeing 777-9 Passenger Jets
Boeing and Cathay Pacific today announced the Hong Kong-based carrier is ordering 14 more 777-9 passenger jets, bringing its order book to 35 of the world’s largest twin-engine airplane. Designed to reduce fuel use and emissions on average by 20% and noise by 40% compared to the airplanes it replaces, the 777-9 will enable Cathay Pacific to efficiently meet growing air travel demand across key global markets.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL JOINS IN PURSUIT OF WELLNESS SERIES
Mandarin Oriental has worked with teams at the Global Wellness Institute and BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions for the third season of In Pursuit of Wellness, a thoughtfully curated branded series exploring global approaches to wellbeing. Officially launched in July 2025, the new season features stories from around the world, including three immersive episodes set at Mandarin Oriental’s legendary hotels, revealing how time-honoured healing traditions continue to shape modern wellness journeys.
Zannier Phum Baitang Celebrates 10 Years of Sustainable Luxury in Cambodia
Marking a decade of mindful hospitality, Zannier Phum Baitang celebrates its 10th anniversary as a benchmark of eco-luxury and cultural preservation in Siem Reap. Conceived by hotelier Arnaud Zannier, the “green paradise” has become renowned for its Khmer-inspired design, immersive village-style experience, and deep commitment to Cambodian heritage.
Viking Opens Bookings for 2027–2028 Ocean and Expedition Voyages
Viking® (www.viking.com) announced that its 2027–2028 ocean and expedition voyages are now open for booking. With destination-focused journeys on all seven continents, additional departures are now available across Viking’s award-winning ocean and expedition fleet, including the company’s most popular itineraries. The new sailing dates include voyages on Viking’s newest ocean ship, the Viking Lyra®, which is scheduled to join the fleet in 2028 and will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. As part of the announcement, Viking also unveiled a new expedition itinerary, Into the Antarctic Circle, which will offer travellers the rare opportunity to cross the 66°33′ line of latitude, which marks the Antarctic Circle, while exploring the “White Continent” – an honoured milestone among polar explorers.
Lisbon’s Official Nature Route Unveiled
With the summer holidays in full swing, Lisbon’s recently launched official Nature Route invites nature lovers to explore the region’s stunning landscapes beyond its historic streets and tiled façades. This trail connects key natural sites through a variety of terrestrial and maritime routes, offering visitors the chance to discover Lisbon’s mountains, beaches, forests and coastline on foot, by bike or by boat
Marriott International and La Tablée Des Chefs Announce 2025 Ready-To-Cook Soups Goal
Marriott International today announced the expansion of its partnership with Canadian nonprofit La Tablée des Chefs, strengthening its commitment to addressing food insecurity across Canada. Through the ready-to-cook soups initiative, the two organizations will work together to distribute 500,000 portions of soups to communities in need by the end of 2025. This initiative builds on Marriott’s long-standing efforts to support and uplift local communities and is closely aligned with the company’s global sustainability and social impact platform, Serve360. The program is featured in Marriott’s 2025 Serve360 Report, which outlines the company’s progress toward its environmental and social responsibility goals.
Sandals® Resorts and Beaches® Resorts Partner with Elvis Duran and the Morning Show
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are pleased to announce a new partnership with Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, the #1 nationally syndicated morning show and a flagship of the iHeartRadio network. Running through February 2026, the dynamic, multi-platform campaign will transport millions of loyal listeners across more than 80 key markets – from New York to Miami to Philadelphia and beyond – straight to the heart of the Caribbean, seen through the lens of the award-winning, family-owned all-inclusive brands.