Tourism News Page 394
Google’s AI Mode to redefine travel search within next 12 months
Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed the clearest roadmap yet for the company’s shift toward AI-first search. At the heart of the announcement is AI Mode, Google’s new conversational experience, which is already live as a separate tab — a testing ground before its full integration into the main search interface. Unlike traditional search, AI Mode transforms how users interact with information, enabling them to have dynamic, multi-step conversations. Travelers searching for “family-friendly tours in Costa Rica” will no longer see just a list of links. Instead, Google’s AI can respond to follow-up queries like “What about for kids under 8?” or “Which ones include wildlife viewing?”
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa Celebrates Unhurried Luxury with Extended Stays & Unique Experiences
With the growing popularity of the “slow travel” trend, where travellers are trading packed itineraries and whistle-stop tours for an unhurried, more considered approach to their getaways, the five Red Star, two Michelin-Key Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is inviting guests to enjoy an extended stay with their Stay Four, Enjoy More offer. Visitors who stay for four nights or more will receive their final night complimentary, allowing them to immerse themselves in all the exciting experiences the hotel has to offer, from hot air ballooning to penny farthing rides, as well as explore the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath and its rich array of historic landmarks and stunning landscapes.
The Red Sea Wellness Retreat Delivers Transformative Five-Day Journey at Six Senses Southern Dunes
The Red Sea Wellness Retreat, powered by lululemon, welcomed guests from the UK, Spain, Russia, Saudi, and across the GCC for five days of movement, mindfulness, and deep inner connection at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea. Designed to give participants a transformative wellness experience rooted in local culture and internationally recognized practices, the program also highlighted The Red Sea’s growing appeal as a destination for well-being.
Five Food & Beverage Trends Getting Diners ‘Joyfully’ Back to Hotel Restaurants
Mobile ordering and delivery apps are making it too convenient for people to order meals in vs. going out to eat; To bring diners back it takes the right concepts, menus, ingredients, portion sizes, local flavors, and more
SOUTHWEST TO SERVE ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, BEGINNING IN EARLY 2026
Southwest Airlines Co. intends to grow its network in 2026 initially with new service at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, adding the U.S. Virgin Islands to the carrier’s tropical destinations in the Caribbean. Service is expected to begin in early 2026* and will be available for purchase soon.
COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS
Phygital International, promoter and rights holder of the Games of the Future (GOTF), has officially confirmed Astana as the host city for the 2026 edition, taking place from 18 July to 1 August 2026.
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece: The Hidden Jewel of Europe’s Travel Scene
If you’re dreaming of a destination that blends untouched landscapes, ancient civilizations, vibrant traditions, and cosmopolitan flair, look no further than Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Greece, this region is fast emerging as one of Europe’s most exciting new places to see—and be seen in. It’s a bucket list destination for travelers in search of authenticity, discovery, and breathtaking diversity.
Wind Spirit Island Hops Through the Canary Islands in Winter 2026/27
Camel treks across golden dunes. Volcanic toboggan rides into historic wine country. Stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth. This isn’t a typical cruise — it’s Wind Spirit’s debut to the Canary Islands for a season of warm-weather adventure and untamed island charm.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brings high-performance Australian acrobatics on board
The Australian circus company Circa is a sensation worldwide and is currently captivating audiences on the EUROPA 2. Circa stands for breathtaking artistry – an exhilarating mix of high-performance acrobatics, dance and avant-garde design. No circus ring, no illusions – just pure physical artistry. A huge hit with guests, and it’s already been decided: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will continue its collaboration with Circa in 2026: guests can look forward to an unforgettable experience on two fantastic cruises with the EUROPA 2 around Hawaii and the South Seas. Here are some impressions of the performance on board the current cruise:
Wyndham Partners with Cygnett to Introduce La Quinta and Registry Collection Hotels in India
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is accelerating its expansion across India and the surrounding region, announcing today a new strategic alliance with Cygnett Hotels & Resorts that will not only introduce its La Quinta® by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels® brands to the country but is expected to add more than 60 hotels across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal over the next 10 years.
The St. Regis Maldives Launches ‘The Vommuli Society’ Teen Club Experience
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, a private island sanctuary located in one of the Maldives’ most exclusive atolls, has unveiled The Vommuli Society, a thoughtfully curated teen club concept offering guests aged 13-17 an elevated and enriching island experience. Developed as a central pillar of the resort’s Family Traditions programme, The Vommuli Society reflects a broader commitment to redefining multigenerational travel by providing immersive, age-appropriate activities that encourage meaningful connection, discovery, and wellbeing.
Luxury Group by Marriott International Unveils Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025
As the allure for wellness-centric luxury travel continues to dominate the 2025 landscape in Asia-Pacific, the Luxury Group by Marriott International unveils the groundbreaking Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025 from August. According to the Group’s latest luxury travel trends report – The Intentional Traveler, 90% of high-net-worth travelers cite wellness offerings as a key factor in their booking decisions. Evolving into a holistic lifestyle pursuit, wellness travelers are planning to spend more, and with more than half planning their wellness getaways with their immediate family or significant other. Beyond just feeling good, there is a growing demand for immersive, holistic wellness journeys over passive pampering, and Asia is the top destination of choice for such experiences.