Tourism News Page 40
MANDARIN ORIENTAL DOWNTOWN, DUBAI INVITES GUESTS TO SLOW DOWN THIS SUMMER WITH THE DOWNSHIFT RETREAT
Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai invites GCC residents to embrace a slower, more mindful rhythm this summer season. Guests are invited to unwind with The Downshift Retreat, a restorative wellbeing package designed to gently move guests from mental intensity to grounded calm through immersive spa experiences, nourishing dining and considered in-room rituals.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Greater China Launches the 2026 IHG Star Chef Gourmet Tour
As diners increasingly seek experiences that go beyond great food, hotel dining is evolving into a key gateway for discovering local culture and destinations. Responding to this shift, IHG Hotels & Resorts has continued to develop its annual Star Chef Gourmet Tour for a fourth consecutive year, bringing together hotels across Greater China to celebrate regional culinary traditions and foster deeper cultural expression and emotional connection. This year, the programme returns with a refreshed three-part journey — Origin, Authenticity and Craft — bringing together culinary teams from nearly 50 hotels across the IHG portfolio.
Revealed: The Northern Hemisphere destinations with the best summer solstice conditions
While the summer solstice is often associated with druids, hippies, and sun salutations, new research from walking holiday specialists Inghams Walking reveals it’s also one of the most rewarding times of year to travel in the Northern Hemisphere, thanks to its long daylight hours, high visibility, and stable temperatures. Also known as ‘midsummer’ in some countries, the solstice is an astronomical event marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, occurring when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt towards the sun.
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Summer Adventures in Isère, French Alps
Summer Skiing… but not as you know it Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors has signed a contract with Skwheel to become the first E-Skool in Isère. The French start-up has pioneered the world’s first all-terrain electric skis that recreate the thrill of carving down a mountain year-round. Available in two models, the Peak and Peak S, these electric skis turn all types of terrain - including sand and gravel - into ski slopes. Launching this summer, visitors to Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors can choose from one of three different Skwheel experiences: introductory sessions; guided routes that showcase the natural beauty of the Vercors; and advanced training for those who want to go further and faster. https://www.skwheel.com/
Etihad Airways lands in two of Europe’s most beloved destinations
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, proudly announced the launch of two new European routes this June: direct services to Kraków, and Palma de Mallorca. These additions mark a significant milestone in Etihad’s expanding European network and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as one of the world’s most connected destinations. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways said: “These two new routes are a proof point of Etihad’s ambitions in Europe. Kraków and Palma de Mallorca are two of the continent’s most captivating destinations, and by connecting them directly to our home in Abu Dhabi we are opening new possibilities for leisure travellers, businesses and communities.
Riyadh Air Launches First Domestic Service to Jeddah
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, yesterday officially launched its domestic operations to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah in a historic ceremony attended by His Excellency Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Raed Ismail, Riyadh Air Board Member, Eng. Raed bin Ibrahim Al-Mudayheem, Chairman of the Board of directors of Jeddah Airports Company; Eng. Mazen bin Mohammed Johar, Chief Executive Officer Of Jeddah Airport company, and senior executives from the airline and entities operating in the airport.
La Résidence Phou Vao Invites Travellers to Embrace the Art of Slow Travel in Luang Prabang
In a world increasingly defined by fast-paced itineraries and packed schedules, a different style of travel is quietly gaining momentum. Slow travel encourages travellers to linger longer, connect more deeply, and experience destinations beyond the highlights. Nestled on a peaceful hill overlooking the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, La Résidence Phou Vao offers an ideal setting for this more meaningful approach to discovery.
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort Partners with rrreefs on an Innovative 3D-Printed Clay Reef Project
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort announces a new collaboration with rrreefs to introduce an innovative 3D-printed clay reef installation within the resort’s surrounding lagoon – a meaningful step in the resort’s continued commitment to marine conservation and regenerative travel experiences in the Maldives. Supported by Edelweiss and help alliance, both part of the Lufthansa Group, the project combines advanced reef restoration technology with nature-inspired design to help foster coral regeneration, encourage marine biodiversity and support the long-term resilience of fragile reef ecosystems.
DAN AIR Carries Over 30,000 Passengers in Its First Year of Operations to Syria
On 15 June, DAN AIR marks one year since launching operations to Syria. The airline became the first carrier from the European Union to operate direct scheduled flights between Romania and Syria, reconnecting the two countries after nearly 14 years during which Syria remained absent from the European air transport network. Over the past year, DAN AIR has transported more than 30,000 passengers on the Bucharest–Damascus–Bucharest route, while achieving an average load factor of 88%. One year after making European civil aviation history by resuming direct scheduled flights between the European Union and Syria, DAN AIR is further expanding its footprint in the region, becoming the only EU airline to operate scheduled services simultaneously to two Syrian cities: Damascus and Aleppo.
QIC Expands Its Digital Ecosystem with New Travel Solutions
Qatar Insurance (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has announced the launch of new travel-related features on its QIC App, further enhancing the digital experience for travelers to and from Qatar with extra convenience and ease.
End of Summer Travel: Where Indian Travellers Are Heading Before the Season Ends
As summer gives way to the festive season, Indian travellers are making the most of the shoulder season with one final getaway. Pleasant weather, fewer crowds and attractive offers are driving demand across international and domestic destinations alike. From iconic European journeys and Asian cultural discoveries to Himalayan adventures and spiritual pilgrimages, SOTC Travel’s curated holidays offer something for every type of traveller.
Destination Marketers Bet Big on Football
Last week, the United States, Canada and Mexico kicked off the largest destination marketing programme ever built around a single sporting event: a bet that eight years of preparation and six weeks of global attention will translate into lasting visibility and long-term growth in visitors and investment. The build-up has been turbulent. Visa restrictions, border politics, travel costs and geopolitical tensions have dominated the conversation in a way no host nation would have chosen. Yet all three countries remain committed to playing until the final whistle.