Tourism News Page 408
Verra Mobility and Sixt partner to offer electronic toll payment solution to vehicle renters - Italy
Verra Mobility Corporation, a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions, announced today a partnership with global car rental company Sixt to offer an electronic toll payment solution in Italy. Electronic tolling will be offered by Sixt for vehicles rented in six major Italian cities - Milano, Roma, Firenze, Venezia, Bergamo, and Bologna. Rental car drivers can easily opt-in to the program when renting a vehicle, which allows them to automatically pay tolls electronically, without having to wait in the toll booth line or having the appropriate amount of cash available.
LaPour and Holualoa Announce Groundbreaking of Dual-Branded Marriott Hotel
LaPour Partners (“LaPour”) and Holualoa Companies (“Holualoa”) are pleased to announce the groundbreaking of AC/Element City North, a new dual-branded hotel located in the CityNorth, a premier mixed-use development adjacent to Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix. LaPour and Holualoa purchased the site from Crown, the master developer.
Bellagio and Major Food Group Set to Begin a New Chapter of Las Vegas Fine Dining
This fall, two of the most acclaimed forces in hospitality— Bellagio Resort & Casino and Major Food Group—will unveil CARBONE Riviera, an extraordinary new expression of the CARBONE brand, devoted to the art of seafood at the highest level. Set against the unrivaled backdrop of the Fountains of Bellagio, the restaurant is poised to become the culinary crown jewel of Las Vegas.
Exodus Adventure Travels Expands Portugal Portfolio with New Immersive Itineraries
Exodus Adventure Travels Expands Portugal Portfolio with New Immersive Itineraries, the leader in small-group active travel, is expanding its European portfolio with new enriching itineraries across Portugal, driven by a surge in traveler interest. In partnership with Visit Portugal, these thoughtfully crafted itineraries invite adventurers to experience the country’s stunning scenery and lesser-known treasures as curiosity for the destination continues to grow.
Emirates A350 debuts in Dammam
Emirates has officially launched regular A350 operations to Dammam, making it Emirates’ first destination in Saudi Arabia to be served by the all-new Airbus A350. The Emirates A350 will operate on flight EK 827 which takes off from Dubai at 7:30 am and arrives in Dammam at 7:50 am. The return flight, EK 828, departs Dammam at 9:20 am and lands in Dubai at 11:45 am. *
Emirates Inaugurates Japan’s First Dedicated Travel Store in Osaka
Emirates officially opened its Japan’s first dedicated travel store in Osaka yesterday, bringing its signature hospitality even closer to customers in the Kansai region. The opening ceremony was commemorated by Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President – Passenger Sales and Country Management at Emirates, in the presence of Mr. Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture and H.E. Shihab Alfaheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Japan. They were joined by Emirates’ senior management as well as distinguished guests and media partners.
FOUR NEW SPACES OFFERING ENDLESS WAYS TO ESCAPE REVEALED ON CELEBRITY XCEL
Celebrity Cruises reveals four brand new venues, creating even more ways to restore and explore while on vacation on Celebrity XcelSM. Guests can make the most of every moment on board Celebrity’s latest ship with new experiences that make the journey just as exciting as the destination, including an enhanced poolside paradise, an arcade lounge under neon lights, and new spa experiences to unwind in style. Plus, Celebrity’s first-ever Celebrity Flagship store will immerse guests in the vacation brand’s journey of innovation and offer custom mementos to cherish for years to come.
Munich Becomes Air Arabia’s Newest European Destination from Sharjah
Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, has announced the launch of its latest route connecting Sharjah with the German city of Munich. Starting December 15, 2025, the new non-stop service will connect Sharjah International Airport and Munich International Airport with daily non-stop flights, offering travelers convenient and affordable travel options between the UAE and one of Europe’s leading economic and cultural hubs.
Marella Cruises launches All Inclusive Cruise Calculator
Research by Marella Cruises, TUI UK&I’s ocean cruise line, has revealed that over 60% of the nation is planning a summer holiday abroad this year, yet the cost of living is on the nation’s mind as one in five (20%) of Brits admit it’s stopping them booking an abroad getaway. To help savvy travellers get the best bang for their buck this summer, Marella Cruises has introduced the All Inclusive Cruise Calculator showing the value of going all-inclusive and the savings that can be made. The ocean cruise line’s free tool reveals the cost of sailing with the cruise line, showcasing the savings from booking an all-inclusive offering to everything included.
WTTC Calls for Smarter Tourism Management as Destinations Face Pressure
As Travel & Tourism enters the height of the summer season, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today launched a new report calling for a more balanced approach to managing tourism in popular destinations. While overcrowding is often seen as a tourism problem, many of the real pressures come from deeper issues such as underinvestment in infrastructure, poor planning, and fragmented decision-making. These challenges affect both residents and visitors and need joined-up solutions. Travel & Tourism supports one in every 10 jobs and nearly 10% of global GDP and is set to support one in three new jobs over the next decade. When managed well, it also fosters cultural exchange, global understanding, and environmental protection. But without smart planning, the benefits it brings could be at risk.
SICILY’S EMERGING BLUE ZONE INSPIRES A NEW LONGEVITY PROGRAMME AT VERDURA RESORT
Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel, has announced a new Longevity Programme at its award-winning Irene Forte Spa, inspired by remarkable scientific research revealing a longevity hotspot in Sicily’s Sicani Mountains. The small mountain community of Caltabellotta has been identified as an emerging Blue Zone by Professor Gianni Pes, a pioneer of Blue Zone research, together with leading biogerontologist Professor Calogero Caruso.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel Launches ‘Epicurious Experiences’
New York, NY – Following its celebrated debut in autumn 2023, The Fifth Avenue Hotel now enters its next chapter with the launch of Epicurious Experiences – an imaginative new suite of culinary concepts and private event spaces designed to elevate dining, drinking, and entertaining in Manhattan. The Fifth’s latest offering – which launched in June 2025 - includes exciting culinary and celebration-driven venues and programs designed for modern tastemakers, sophisticated hosts, and those who truly appreciate design, storytelling, and world-class hospitality.