Tourism News Page 373
MANDARIN ORIENTAL TO DEBUT IN XI’AN WITH AN IMMERSIVE URBAN RESORT
Mandarin Oriental is delighted to announce the opening of Mandarin Oriental, Xi’an in 2029, marking the Group’s first urban resort in Northwestern China. Developed under a management agreement, the property promises to deliver an experience of elevated tranquility, wellness and cultural immersion in one of China’s most historic destinations.
Etihad Airways Defines Luxury Again With First A321LR Flight To Phuket
Etihad Airways has launched the first commercial flight of its all-new A321LR, defining luxury travel on a narrowbody aircraft. Flight EY414 departed Zayed International Airport for Phuket today, marking the introduction of an aircraft designed to deliver Etihad’s premium cabin standards on short and medium-haul sectors.
Wyndham and Ovolo Group Partner to Expand Upscale Offerings Across Asia Pacific
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Ovolo Group have announced a strategic partnership that, in the coming months, will see five Ovolo hotels across Australia and Hong Kong join the Wyndham hotel brand. Under the deal—which marries Ovolo’s boutique appeal with Wyndham’s global reach and best in class infrastructure—Ovolo Group will continue to own and manage the Ovolo brand while exclusively working with Wyndham to unlock additional development opportunities throughout Asia Pacific.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES NEW GREAT TIDES WATERPARK AND OTHER INDUSTRY-FIRST EXPERIENCES
Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced additional details for its private island transformation on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas headlined by a nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark opening in summer 2026, and more incredible experiences to bring unforgettable adventures and endless relaxation for its guests.
MGM RESORTS UNVEILS STAR-STUDDED CHEF LINEUP AT BELLAGIO FOUNTAIN CLUB
The starting grid for the epicenter of F1®‘s most luxurious dining destination is set as Bellagio Fountain Club unveils its first round of culinary headliners for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix. New for this year’s race, TV superstars and award-winning chefs Tom Colicchio, Antonia Lofaso and Brooke Williamson will join returning favorites José Andres, David Chang, Mario Carbone, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Masaharu Morimoto, Wolfgang Puck, Olivia Tiedemann, Michael Mina and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio at the helm of the exclusive culinary program during the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2025, November 20-22.
New Standalone Beachfront Private Residences in Abu Dhabi
Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company, and ALAIN, a leading Abu Dhabi-based asset management company, announce a new standalone beachfront residential offering in the UAE, Four Seasons Private Residences Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat Beach, set to welcome homeowners in 2029.
Northern Jet Celebrates 30th Anniversary
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Northern Jet is proud to announce new, simplified fractional ownership pricing for its most in-demand aircraft: the Challenger 300 & CJ3+. This anniversary offering makes it easier than ever to access the efficiency, flexibility, and performance of private aviation—just in time for the return of 100% Bonus Depreciation in 2025.
Marriott International Elevates Caribbean Escapes Through Celestial Connections
Marriott International invites discerning travelers to align with the cosmos and indulge in retreats inspired by upcoming lunar phenomena at its Caribbean resorts. Each celestial phase offers unique symbolism—from clarity to renewal to romantic celebration—that guests can pair with bespoke property offerings for an unforgettable experience.
SEABOURN ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER “POLE TO POLE: GRAND EXPEDITION” VOYAGE FOR 2027
Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury and expedition travel, has unveiled its first-ever expedition Grand Voyage – the 94-day “Pole to Pole: Grand Expedition” on the purpose-built Seabourn Venture. Departing on August 17 and concluding November 19, 2027, the voyage will span more than 20,500 nautical miles, charting a course from the High Arctic to Antarctica and offering a once-in-a-lifetime combination of remote landings, immersive expeditions, rare wildlife sightings, and signature Seabourn luxury experiences.
Daytona Beach Filled with Music, Baseball, and Adventures this Labor Day Weekend
With 23 miles of pristine white sand beaches, Daytona Beach will be a popular destination for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend that runs Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 1. With a deliciously diverse dining scene, concerts and events, and popular attractions and activities, this beach-rich destination has plenty to offer visitors on the upcoming Labor Day Weekend.
Canada’s Travel & Tourism Sector to Reach Record Levels in 2025 But Risks Are Emerging
Canada’s Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to contribute almost $183BN to the economy in 2025, setting a new record and continuing the country’s impressive growth streak, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals that the sector is also set to support 1.8MN jobs this year. This represents a major milestone that cements tourism’s role as a pillar of the Canadian labour market and reflects a continued strength in the sector.
NexusTours earns Tripadvisor® Travelers’ Choice Award 2025 across seven top destinations
NexusTours, the leading Destination Management Company (DMC) in the Caribbean, Central and North America, and a core brand of GoNexus Group, has once again been recognized by Tripadvisor® with a Travelers’ Choice Award 2025 in the “Things to Do” category—marking another consecutive year of excellence based on real traveler reviews.