Tourism News Page 378
Marcus Aurelius Statue Returns to its Homeland, Türkiye, After 65 Years
As part of its enduring commitment to the sustainability of cultural heritage, Türkiye has achieved another milestone in preservation and repatriation efforts. After 65 years, the bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, looted from the ancient city of Boubon in Burdur, has been returned to its homeland in cooperation with U.S. authorities.
Lubbock Tips Its Hat to Route 66’s Centennial
With the countdown to the Route 66 centenary well underway, the spotlight is on the classic motels, neon signs, and dusty highways of America’s most storied road. But just a short two-hour roll south from Amarillo—along a stretch of open West Texas road—Lubbock waits with cold brews, live music, and a deep sense of soul that travellers won’t want to miss. While not technically on Route 66, Lubbock’s the kind of place where the spirit of the Mother Road lives on—laid-back, full of character, and rooted in stories that go for miles.
Guatemala announces 8% surge in visitor numbers in the first half of 2025
Guatemala has reported an increase in international visitor numbers, welcoming 1,610,904 travellers between January and June 2025. This represents an 8% rise compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting Guatemala’s growing appeal as one of Central America’s most sought after and safest destinations.
Peru’s tourism sector could reach a new all-time high by 2025, contributing more than USD 23 billion
The World Travel and Tourism Council ( WTTC ) estimates that this year the tourism sector in Peru will reach a new historical high, contributing more than $23 billion to the country’s economy, equivalent to 7.8% of the national GDP. This growth marks a milestone for the country’s travel and tourism sector, which will achieve a 6.9% increase by the end of 2025 compared to the previous year.
Emirates introduces retrofitted Boeing 777 to Madrid
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced it will deploy its newly refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft to/from Madrid starting from 16 September. Customers can look forward to an enhanced travel experience with upgraded interiors and premium signature travel touches across all cabins. Madrid is Emirates’ first destination in Spain to operate with the airline’s next-generation interiors.
Italy Set to Break Tourism Records as Rome Prepares to Host WTTC’s 25th Global Summit
Travel & Tourism in Italy is poised for a record-breaking year, with international visitor spending forecast to hit an all-time high of €60.4BN in 2025, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Travel & Tourism is not just back, it’s booming. After a strong recovery from the pandemic, Italy is racing ahead, cementing its place as Europe’s fourth most popular destination and a global powerhouse of wellness, luxury, culture, culture and cuisine.
Carolyn Turnbull Appointed CEO of Nammos Hotels & Resorts
Nammos Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the appointment of Carolyn Turnbull as CEO, effective immediately. A globally respected industry leader, Turnbull brings more than two decades of international experience and brand-building expertise to the role. Her appointment signals a bold new chapter for the Nammos brand as it evolves from an iconic beach lifestyle concept into a global force in ultra-luxury hospitality.
Holafly Surpasses 10 Million eSIMs Sold, and Expands into Global Enterprise Solutions
By tackling one of the biggest pain points for international travelers—access to affordable and reliable mobile data—Holafly has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the travel-tech sector. The company has just reached a major milestone: over 10 million eSIMs sold globally.
Backroads Expands Glamping Collection with Under Canvas on Two New National Park Adventures in 2026
Backroads, the global leader in active travel, today announced two new glamping itineraries for 2026. The Arches National Park Glamping Multi-Adventure Tour stays at ULUM Moab, a luxury outdoor resort by Under Canvas, nestled in Utah’s iconic red rock desert near Moab. The Yellowstone Glamping Multi-Adventure Tour, available for families and adults, includes stays at two exceptional Under Canvas camps near Yellowstone National Park.
Holland America Line Launches Entertainment Evolution
Holland America Line is unveiling an evolution of its onboard entertainment experience, rolling out across the fleet now through next year. The enhancements include more live music, revitalized World Stage productions, immersive cultural programming and a dynamic new entertainment team structure. Guests are already seeing the transformation on six ships, with more to follow by year’s end.
THE FRIENDS™ EXPERIENCE FLAGSHIP LOCATION IN LAS VEGAS NOW OPEN AT MGM GRAND
The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in Vegas is now open at MGM Grand, inviting fans to step into the world of the legendary series—this time in the city that played host to one of the show’s most memorable storylines. The highly anticipated flagship attraction welcomes fans into the world of the beloved series with re-created sets, iconic props, and behind-the-scenes content, plus Vegas-only experiences designed specially for this location.
Ontario International posted its highest June passenger count in history
Ontario International Airport (ONT) recorded its highest June passenger total ever with more than 659,000 travelers while also setting a new single-month record for international passengers, officials announced. Last month’s total eclipsed the previous June high set in 2007 when 653,000 airline passengers flew in and out of ONT. Meanwhile, the record number of international travelers surpassed the earlier high of 45,012 set in January 2024.