Tourism News Page 382
Brussels Airport, Belgium’s biggest souvenir shop for Belgian products
On 21 July, Belgium celebrated its National Day. Serving as both ambassador and gateway to our country, Brussels Airport celebrates Belgian identity not just on 21 July, but throughout the entire year. Each day, the airport receives 70,000 to 80,000 travellers from around the globe, with many keen to take a bit of Belgium back home with them. Chocolate remains by far the best-selling product at the airport. Souvenirs featuring Belgian comic book characters such as Tintin and the Smurfs are also especially popular with international travellers at Brussels Airport.
American Airlines and Mastercard renew partnership for even more rewarding travel experiences
American Airlines and Mastercard have announced an extension of their decades-long partnership, reinforcing a shared commitment to delivering more rewarding travel experiences and value through advanced payments technology and services.
Explore One of Europe’s Oldest Winemaking Regions on a Small Ship Cruise
Experience the ancient grape varieties of the Dalmatia region of Croatia on a wine themed cruise with Sail Croatia. On this seven-night cruise, guests will explore the natural, cultural and historical sights of Croatia, indulge in local food and wine tastings and still have plenty of plenty of time to relax on board their luxury ship, accommodating just 38 guests.
Mature Travellers are Escaping the Winter Blues on Longer Long-haul Rail Holidays!
Rail tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel is reacting to a growing trend among 50+ British travellers choosing long-haul, winter rail-based holidays by introducing two new tours in its early 2026 escorted tour collection. For 2026 the company has added Thailand and Mexico escorted tours to its far-flung plane and train rail holidays - extending its winter long-haul selection that already includes India and New Zealand.
Top Tips for a Successful Summer Getaway
At the start of the school holidays, millions of travellers embark on hundreds of thousands of journeys that converge on the main UK ports and airports. With air traffic strikes, busy roads and bickering children in the back of the car to contend with, holidaymakers will be looking for ways to ease the stress of the busiest summer getaway of the year. DFDS has shared its top tips for a stress-free summer getaway.
Lisbon Progresses With Plans to Become Truly Accessible City
Thanks to continuous investment in improving its infrastructure, Lisbon has established itself not only as a cultural and tourist destination of excellence, but also as an increasingly accessible and inclusive city. The modernisation of public transport, with the introduction of adapted vehicles, lifts and ramps at strategic points, has been a decisive step in promoting universal mobility. This transformation extends to public spaces, historic areas, museums and cultural centres, which have been adapting to welcome all visitors with comfort, safety and dignity.
Bawe Island Celebrates First Anniversary with Prestigious Win at 2025 World Travel Awards
Bawe Island, Zanzibar’s exclusive private island retreat, is celebrating a double milestone this month: its first anniversary and its stunning victory as Zanzibar’s Leading Luxury Resort at the 2025 World Travel Awards. This highly coveted accolade cements Bawe Island’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class luxury, exceptional service, and unmatched natural beauty.
KLM introduces new winter destination: Kittilä, Finland
In the winter season of 2025-2026, KLM will add a new destination to its network: Kittilä, located in the northwest of Finnish Lapland. From November 23, 2025, to March 22, 2026, KLM will offer a weekly flight every Sunday between Amsterdam and Kittilä.
Amadeus Cytric collaborates with Globespan to issue first Air Canada NDC booking
Globespan Travel Management (Globespan) is now a reseller of Amadeus Cytric, meaning the travel management company can offer the online travel management tool to customers across Canada and the US. In collaboration with Amadeus Cytric, Globespan has become the first travel management company to issue a live NDC booking from Air Canada on an online booking tool via Amadeus in the Canadian market. The development brings the highly relevant Air Canada NDC content to corporate travelers’ fingertips, providing more choice and operational efficiency, as well as increasing the national flag carrier’s access to the corporate travel market.
Shorter tours, smaller groups: Travelers prioritize intimacy and convenience
The latest 2025 Tour Taker report by Arival reveals a powerful shift in how European and U.S. travelers engage with day tours – shorter durations, smaller groups, and flexible schedules . As modern travelers prioritize flexibility and exclusivity, operators are rethinking how tours are designed and delivered. According to Arival’s study, 69% of travelers took tours lasting three hours or less in 2024. This rise in demand for shorter tours reflects a growing demand for convenience: travelers are seeking experiences that fit into their travel plans and schedules.
Quito Showcased Its Attractions in the United Kingdom
Quito continues to strengthen its position as an authentic, sustainable, and high-value destination in the United Kingdom. From 11 to 20 July, Ecuador’s capital took part in two major international events within the global tourism sector. From 11 to 13 July, Quito participated in Global Birdfair 2025, the world’s leading birdwatching event, held in Rutland, UK. The fair brought together over 100 organisations specialising in ecotourism, conservation, and nature-based travel.
easyJet’s Big Seat Release has officially landed
easyJet has today launched its Big Seat Release for Summer 2026 with 29.1 million seats available across 161,000 easyJet flights between 15 June 2026 and 13 September 2026. Travellers can choose from over 87,000 flights to and from the UK and can book early to take advantage of the best fares for next summer.